the Little League World Series........hobbyist John Selsam

[oaks1912]

John was an advanced collector who I used to love to visit with at the old Willow Grove shows (Pre Fort Washington)... John loved doing things the old fashioned way, driving the back roads of Pennsylvania and the mid Atlantic, hitting antique shops along the way and talking with collectors in all fields (Not PSA or SGC or BVG either). Much of this was done during the 70's and 80's when there were fewer people doing this and an abundance of material to pick from. John shared a number of war stories, and did sell / trade a few things to me over the years, most of which I still have. His enthusiasm and integrity is sorely missed in the hobby.

[tedzan]

I'll add to Mark Macrae's post regarding John. I knew John in the early 1980's from the Willow Grove Shows. But, I first met John
at the Cooperstown Show (at the old Red Man Hall during the HOF weekend).
He was a unique person in this hobby. Always willing to share his unbelievable expertise with the collectors who were fortunate
to be at his table. One of John's favorite pastimes was to hit you with numerous BB trivia questions, while you were browsing
through his cards. His inventory ranged from Old Judges to 1970's cards.

When the doors would open to the public at Red Man Hall, there would be a rush to John's table to rummage thru his Tobacco
card "junk box". For John would always hide a HOFer (or two) in this box that was stocked with 100's of T-cards. One time, my
buddy beat me to it and found a Red Cobb in John's junk box. I will never forget John's enthusiastic smile when that occurred.

Believe me guys, John Selsam was one of the greatest in this hobby.


TED Z