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

[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