Who are our Hobby's Top Researchers?

[JasonL]

Certainly, many of us have heard the names of hobby pioneers, both in terms of their vast collections, or the amount of knowledge they have contributed over the years. And it seems to me that the folks who have advanced the body of knowledge are the same people who have the larger collections and exposure to large amounts of cards over time. Seems to be a fair assumption, right? only makes sense.

But, are there any people in our hobby's history that developed a reputation as a top researcher or source of knowledge, who DIDN'T have an amazing collection (or flow of cards through his or her trading business) at his or her disposal?

I have no idea why this question came to mind. Perhaps I would like to think that I don't need to have a ton of money to be able to contribute to the hobby...but I wouldn't know where to start.

Perhaps that is a better direction in which to take this post: What are the hobby's top 25 questions that need answering (and can be worked on)?


I would be interested to hear people's thoughts on my idle chatter...

[daviddbreadman]

I have no idea about his collection or history but I love when I get any chance to read anything on T206 from Ted Zandaskis (sp?). where have you been Ted!!! Edited to mention Scott Reader and his book. I just seem to have particular common interests in what Ted usually has to say.

[slidekellyslide]

I think in general collectors are the top researchers...Look at the guys who put the Old Judge book together...they all have impressive collections of OJ cards. Teddy Z has amassed an impressive T206 collection. Leon is researching all kinds of sets since he's a type collector...probably no one knows more about the Nebraska Indians postcards and photos than I do. I don't know what kind of collection Bob Lemke has, but he is one of the hobby's top researchers....he asks and gets a lot of help.

[Fred]

Dan,

You definitely hit the nail on the head - the OJ book guys (Jay, Richard, Joe) and Teddy Z-game. Teddy's always in there and the really nice thing about Ted is that he willingly and openly shares what he knows. I pass on reading a lot of threads but when Ted starts a thread about cards I'm usually curious.

[barrysloate]

I just got off the phone with Ted Zanidakis (correct spelling). He has done amazing research and should be at the top of anyone's list.

[FrankWakefield]

Ted Zanidakis and Scot Reader should be at the top of the list.

Lew Lipset would be in the top 5...

Jay Miller dug up considerable knowledge about the Old Judges.

I think additional scholars would include: Adam Warshaw, David Rudd, Frank Ward, Mark Macrea, Dan McKee.

These would be some of the living heavy hitters... I'm sure there are more, and apologies to whomever I didn't think of at the moment.