Old sports collectors' magazines.

[oaks1912]

I checked my archive and found 37 issues, ranging from September 1964 (Vol 1, #1) to June 15,1971 (Vol 7, #3). My run is not complete. I'm not sure how long THE SPORTS TRADER continued, but was an important part of the hobby's foundation. In the first issue I checked for recognizable names in the hobby and found one who is still around but not as active in the modern hobby; Andy Strasberg. Andy would go on to become a VP for the San Diego Padres . Thanks Richard for your contributions.

[TheSportsTrader1964]

Originally Posted by oaks1912

I checked my archive and found 37 issues, ranging from September 1964 (Vol 1, #1) to June 15,1971 (Vol 7, #3). My run is not complete. I'm not sure how long THE SPORTS TRADER continued, but was an important part of the hobby's foundation. In the first issue I checked for recognizable names in the hobby and found one who is still around but not as active in the modern hobby; Andy Strasberg. Andy would go on to become a VP for the San Diego Padres . Thanks Richard for your contributions.

Thanks for the nice words, Mark. And a BIG thank you for your cooperation with writer George Vrececk who is working on an article about my Sports Trader (and other hobby magazines from WAY back) for the giant Sports Collectors Digest. In the latest issue of SCD I received there are about three or four names I recognize from "back then" -- Harvey Meiselman, Kit Young and "Larry Fritsch Cards". Larry passed away a few years ago but his son is carrying on the business. Larry was one of the first full-time baseball card dealers.

[Zach Wheat]

Richard,k

Welcome. Love reading all of the old publications. I completely understand why the prices for these vintage mags have increased. Good stuff.

[oaks1912]

Richard,
I had fun browsing through the pages of The Sports Trader yesterday following George Vrechek's inquiry. It was great to see a lot of names from the past that we no longer think about on a daily basis. As bad as the increase in price for your original copies of TST may seem (From 25 cents to $50-ish), the opportunity to buy a Mello Mint Wagner for $2.50 (In the late 60's) was one that most modern collectors would not pass up today, regardless of the pose.

When you sold TST in 1970, I'd forgotten who the buyer was. Reading through the pages of the 'transition' issue, it reminded me that Len Shapiro purchased it. Len is still involved in sports history as well as the Radio Hall of Fame. Although we still communicate through email and have countless friends, we haven't had an in-person meetup in a few years. Always a pleasure.


As you mention Larry Fritsch passed away almost twenty years ago and his son Jeff passed away about 8 or 9 years ago. It's now Larry's grandson that runs the business. Thanks again for helping to lay the foundation.