What player, team, or sport do you collect and why?

[thekingofclout]

Growing up in an Italian household during the sixties, DiMaggio was still King and when my Folks brought home a signed menu from Joe D's restaurant in 1966, that lit the fire for me to read as much as I could about the Yankee legends.

My love for Clemente on the other hand, stemmed from a game at Chavez Ravine, sitting it the right field bleachers with my Little League team. The Great One made some spectacular plays and ripped the cover off the ball, and that was it for me.

My focus is vintage original Baseball Photography.

baberuthCONLON.jpggehrigYEE.jpg

dimaggioheadshot.jpg1950sMickyMantleDanDeeTYPE1PhotoPSA1.jpg

1968clemente.jpg

[scmavl]

I have only recently gotten my collecting focus somewhat stabilized. I began as just a card collector that would buy a T205 Matty and a 2011 Topps pack on the same day. While I still venture outside of these things occasionally (like opening vintage packs and buying cheap modern rookie cards), these are my main focuses:

1. All things Harmon Killebrew. I have his Topps Basic set and am working on his Master Set. Also lots of photos and other items. My favorite piece is this 1960 Topps Flexichrome original featuring Harmon & Rocky Colavito for a card that was never made (thanks Bob Lemke!):


2. Vintage photos. This is more recent but I really love these. I recently got my first Charles Conlon from a Net54 member and I doubt it'll be my last. I still think this is my favorite, and one of the first that I bought. Branch Rickey:


3. 1951 Bowman. I haven't made much progress on this set in awhile, I need to get back into it. Over halfway done. My only rule is to NOT use ebay at all to help complete it.

I have a lot of other pieces that don't really fit in but hey, it's all fun!

[Solons42]

Good afternoon:
I grew up in Sacramento in the 1950s as a Solons and PCL fan. I started by collecting Solons cards, but over time expanded to collecting everything from all of Sacramento's professional baseball teams from 1886-1976. The teams were the Altas, Gilt Edge, Senators & Solons with a couple of the old nicknames the Wolves (1913-4 under Harry Wolverton) and Sacts (not my favorite!). I look for cards, photos, uniforms, bats, balls, programs, posters, etc., etc.
Best regards from Sacramento.
Alan

Alan O'Connor
Solons42

[39special]

I collect Brooklyn Dodgers stuff.I grew up in the same area as Carl Furillo.I got to meet him a few times.The more I talked to him, the more I became intrested in the Dodgers.I did an eighth grade english report on Jackie Robinson.I also did a book report, in high school, on the book The Boys of Summer.I have written to some of the Dodger players.Most have answered my questions.Carl Erskin has been the best.We have written back and forth the last couple of years.Anyway, thats not all I collect,but it is my favorite.

[Frozen in Time]

My primary interest is vintage, original Type 1 photos of Mickey Mantle. Although I have images from all phases of his career, my passion has been to focus on his early days - pre-minor, minor and rookie years.

Here is one I hope you like - a 1951 image taken by Don Wingfield and used by General Mills for the "Wheaties Test Issue"

[Frozen in Time]

Here is another from June 1951, shortly before Mickey was sent to Kansas City, and shows quite vividly the pressure he felt at this point in his rookie season.

[Runscott]

I collect small things and paper things, the reasoning being that I live in a small place and I like to be portable for quick moves. I have several binders full of interesting photographs, postcards, tickets, letters, etc., generally related to pre-WWI baseball, black baseball, but some billiards, football and track as well. Also collect Edward Curtis photos and gravures, Stetson historical items and

Back when I was a massive hoarder, I collected anything related to Honus Wagner, Nap Rucker or Ed Reulbach. Wagner because in my opinion he was the greatest baseball player ever. Rucker and Reulbach because they do not receive the credit they deserve. I still feel that Reulbach should be in the HOF, but interestingly, I recently ran across a 1910's newspaper article that actually described Rucker as a pitcher who was known to have difficulty in the big games

[steve B]

I collect most things, switching focus regularly. Not bad for following what's available, not so good for developing a great collection.

Outside of the major sports I collect bicycle racing items especially prewar, and 1979-2000 aerodynamic bikes and equipment. At least there I've retained focus and built a really good collection.

Steve B