Im bored, wife mad at me..good bball card read to follow

lsutigers1973 · December 20, 2007 1:00PM

For those that do not know me from any of the other boards, please let me tell you my unfortunate baseball card collecting story. It is more of a vent session for me, interesting read.

No my Mom didn't throw away my collection when I moved out. I was an avid collector for all of the '80s because my Dad bought numerous 1980 Topps packs trying to pull a Dale Murphy card for me to autographed at a game. He was my childhood idol. I got hooked opening those packs. By '87 I was an avid collector and had a friend that lived close by whose grandfather had passed away and had collected cards from 1948 to 1986. I went to help him clean out the garage so they could sell the house. In the garage were about 30 large cardboard boxes loaded with cards. My friend said I could have them if I wanted them. Called my Dad. He brought his truck and loaded it up. Took two trips to get them all. Spent months separating them by years and putting them all in order. Most of the HOF'ers and superstars were missing, but I didn't care. Spent my weekly allowance buying storage boxes. By '92 I needed money for a car and my own apartment. So, I sold my entire collection to a local dealer. Commons weren't much of a commodity at the time and PSA did not exist yet. I basically gave him all the vintage commons, most in NRMT+ condition, from '48-'86. I distinctly remember that I had a full 5000 count box of 1952 Topps commons with many NRMT/MT high #'s. Just the vintage commons took up 40+ 5000 count boxes. Anyway, moved out, got a new car and was happy with the money I got.

Then came eBay and PSA and BGS and SGC. eBay got me back into collecting. Then I started seeing what all the high grade commons for the '50s were selling for. I remember having a strong nauseating feeling. How much money did I "give" away? How many PSA 8's, 9's or maybe even 10's did I give him? Not only the '52s, but the '48 and '55 Bowmans. The complete set of 1960 Fleer in MINT condition. The '63 Fleer set in mint condition missing the stars but including the unmarked checklist. If I had not sold them then, I might not have to work now. OMG!!! I'm getting ill again.

Anyway, my story may be interesting to only me, but just thought I would share. Maybe ease the pain a little for anyone else who had a similar story. Maybe your Mom through them out with the trash, or your parents started the fire in the fireplace with them, or you put them in your bike spokes or traded two 1983 Topps Tony Gwynns for one Frank Viola rookie (me again). Whatever the story is, collector seems to have one.

The moral of this story is : "I AM A MORON"!!!

rube26105 · December 20, 2007 1:07PM

5000 boxes of 50-60s commons -that would have been sweet-as long as ya made $ ya cant beat it, unfortunately hindsight is too late,great story, i sold all my negro league autographs of letter stuff from 1986, all the good dead ones now for next to nothing, same deal, stuff be wotha fortune now!!!!oh well

lsutigers1973 · December 20, 2007 1:08PM

It was over (40) of the 5000 count boxes

OnlyThe10s · December 20, 2007 1:17PM

I have a similar (but not NEARLY as tragic) a story...

I bought a BOAT LOAD of magic: The Gathering cards from a guy in 1993. They were the "Alpha" series. This was the first edition. There was EASILY 10 500ct boxes of cards and I got them for $100. At the time, I was about 15 or 16 and I was working at McDonalds for $4.00 an hour, so $100.00 was a FORTUNE to me. Anyways...

I played the game for a while with friends until the "Unlimited" edition (4th edition, I think?) came out, then I became bored with the game and I decided to sell my collection to get money towards my first car.

If anyone's into Magic: The Gathering, you'll CRINGE when you hear this...

I had AT LEAST doubles of what are now called the "Power Nine" cards and I specifically remember that I had three of a card called "Black Lotus" and at least two of each Mox. Basically, for all you guys who are not familliar with MTG... I had probably 10k in cards (today's market).

How much did I sell them for?...... $200.00. I thought it was the deal of the century since I was doubling my money...

Bottom line... I'm a tool... I should've held onto them all. I'd have a nice savings account right about now...

Thanks for sharing your story lsutigers1973! I hope you enjoyed mine!

Guru · December 20, 2007 1:26PM

The only story that I have that comes close to that has to do with a kid a grew up with. His name was Chris and he lived down the street from me growing up. That were filthy rich. Big pool, big japanese garden, the best entertainment stuff. They had an arcade in their basement, it was awesome. His dad had a frame shop in town and own 3 gas stations and some real estate. So, they were loaded needless to say.
Of course, I was their charity case, but I didn't know it at the time. His dad would give me boat loads of wax boxes that I would help open. If he got any doubles he'd just give them to me. Wasn't hard in the 80's and 90's.
Then I remember one day we came home from school and I went to his house with him off the bus. He must have done something really stupid or said something really stupid the night before because his dad took all his cards that morning and sold them to the local dealer. He didn't save one for the kid. I think I cried too that day.

digicat · December 20, 2007 2:21PM

<< I bought a BOAT LOAD of magic: The Gathering cards from a guy in 1993 >>

Heh, I did one of these, but came out ahead...

I traded off a few 80s rookies for a boatload of early MTG cards in the mid 90s. I was an avid tournament player and ruthless trade shark through the 90s, but eventually got out of the game and sold the money cards off on Ebay for some seriously good money... to pay my post-college bills.

What's nuts is that since 2001, the ebay hammer price on these key cards has more than doubled!

Guru · December 20, 2007 2:23PM

Oh yea, the wifes made at me tonight too. So, don't feel alone. It appears I'm going to have to become the chef in the family now.

RipublicaninMass · December 20, 2007 2:56PM

I sold a ton of vintage commons back in the day, and the buyre made out very wel lafter sending them to PSA. He still wont tell me how much he raked in.

Ahmanfan · December 20, 2007 4:09PM

seems like I hear stories like this, but I never hear the other end of it. Where is the guy who made $100k grading the 52 high numbers?
John

lsutigers1973 · December 20, 2007 10:56PM

Oh I still see the dealer who bought all my cards. He owns a construction company and his office is in the same complex as mine. I am not mad at him, he and his wife are real good people. They used to run an awesome card shop called Double Play Sports. They were always very fair and friendly. When I was set building in the '80s he would always give me the commons I needed for free. I sure miss the days of riding my bike to his shop almost everyday just to hang out and look at his massive collection and make a few minor deals. He knew I was a huge Dale Murphy fan and gave me a 1978 Topps "rookie" that I still have to this day. It isn't mint but has more sentimental value than monetary value. People like him are what I miss most about the hobby.

Rogermnj · December 20, 2007 11:05PM

I had a pretty good find back in 1993. Guy that worked at the local subway had a basement full of cards. I went in their everyday for lunch my freshman year of high school. He was 23 at the time. He knew they were worth something but didnt really have the time or desire to go through them. I went to his house- he had a vending case of 80-81 basketball- TONS of unopened wax 84 football,85+86 hockey, a 5000ct box of 86 traded bonds. a 82 traded case with the ripken. We set up at a few shows here in NJ, i helped him sell most of the stuff. He gave me a commission and were both very happy. Today I am 28, he is 38 and he is one of my closest friends.

dude · December 20, 2007 11:20PM

I wouldn't be so hard on yourself. You got all that stuff for free.

RipublicaninMass · December 21, 2007 12:01AM

<< seems like I hear stories like this, but I never hear the other end of it. Where is the guy who made $100k grading the 52 high numbers?
John >>

One dealer I worked worth sold the Mantle and Robinson which graded PSA 10, they were from Rosen's find (in Peabody MA)

CDsNuts · December 21, 2007 12:55AM

In 1992, 1952 Topps High numbers were still worth quite a bit even in mid grade. 1963 Fleer cards were also worth a decent penny- even the commons. If this story is true, you got ripped off.

lsutigers1973 · December 21, 2007 1:55AM

Didnt get ripped off. I offered everything to him for $7500 and he accepted. Dont forget the moral of the story "I AM A MORON". Before grading and the internet there was very little demand for vintage commons.

bman90278 · December 30, 2009 9:06AM

<< "I AM A MORON"!!! >>

Quote from Bill.

brian

lawnmowerman · December 30, 2009 9:08AM

daddymc · December 30, 2009 9:12AM

<< 

<< "I AM A MORON"!!! >>

Quote from Bill.

brian >>

I think we have a winner for his new title.

thedutymon · December 30, 2009 9:26AM

<< 

<< 

<< "I AM A MORON"!!! >>

Quote from Bill.

brian >>

I think we have a winner for his new title.

>>

I think I am going to have to throw my Vote for this as well...So I second the motion, can we get a vote!!!

YeeHah

Neil

perkdog · December 30, 2009 9:33AM

I third!

itzagoner · December 30, 2009 10:16AM

somebody 4th so i can drink a 5th.

EchoCanyon · December 30, 2009 10:54AM

This thread started in 2007.
How did it re-surface?

DES1984 · December 30, 2009 10:54AM

I concur......

nightcrawler · December 30, 2009 12:14PM

I bought a 73 Baracuda from a friend in 1982 around my 15th birthday. Sold it to my brother after a few years. Then when he was done with it he told me I could have it back and I said naw, but thanks anyway. So it sat in a vacant lot for 3 years until the son of the friend I bought it from asked if he could have it. I told him to ask my brother and my bro gave him the signed registration and that was the end of it.

I wish I had that car back sooo bad. But the friend that I bought it from died in 90, and his son still has the car so I'm happy about that.

But I really belong in the "I'm a moron" club.

lsutigers1973 · December 30, 2009 12:17PM

I had a poster of a 73 Baracuda on the wall above my bad when I was a teen. Always wanted one.

To finish the story of the thread that got bumped 2 years later, I still see the guy that bought my collection. Actually saw him yesterday driving down the street. Wanted to follow him home and bamboozle him. Couldn't because the sun was still out and I was still sober.

daddymc · December 30, 2009 12:21PM

<< I bought a 73 Baracuda from a friend in 1982 around my 15th birthday. Sold it to my brother after a few years. Then when he was done with it he told me I could have it back and I said naw, but thanks anyway. So it sat in a vacant lot for 3 years until the son of the friend I bought it from asked if he could have it. I told him to ask my brother and my bro gave him the signed registration and that was the end of it.

I wish I had that car back sooo bad. But the friend that I bought it from died in 90, and his son still has the car so I'm happy about that.

But I really belong in the "I'm a moron" club.

>>

Ouch. That story hurts too.

PSASAP · December 30, 2009 1:48PM

I feel worse for the guy who gave them to you for free.

WinPitcher · December 30, 2009 2:02PM

Bill

If you got market at the time that is what really matters.

Steve

lsutigers1973 · December 30, 2009 2:05PM

<< I feel worse for the guy who gave them to you for free. >>

Grandpaw passed away. He didn't care. My frined that let me have them is an attorney. Screw him

Dboneesq · December 30, 2009 2:08PM

<< 

<< I feel worse for the guy who gave them to you for free. >>

Grandpaw passed away. He didn't care. My frined that let me have them is an attorney. Screw him >>

UH-OH, oh Billy boy is starting to suck em down! lol

WinPitcher · December 30, 2009 2:30PM

I spilled milk once and cried about it.

Steve

lsutigers1973 · December 30, 2009 2:36PM

I have no work to do tomorrow. So, yes I started celebrating early.

Live life to the fullest.

Rather be a good liver than have one.

hookem · December 31, 2009 1:28AM

Good story.

I was given cards from the mid 70's from an Uncle of mine up in Kansas that I would visit in the Summers. The first time was when my mom (his sister) and I had no money while my dad was in jail for a bit during the Summer of 1990. We drove into the big city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Got $300 cash plus $100 in trade moeny which I am sure was a huge rip job, but hey needed to give my mom some money so we could keep the light on. I was 65 at the time. Still remember the 73 cards vividly. Used the trade money for an 89UD Griffey, 90 Topps Ruben Sierra, etc.

The second time was my freshman year at UT. Dirt poor college student and just said f*** it one day. Would have been 1992. Went to the pawn shop and pawned my golf clubs and cards. Back then they would loan based on the price guides. Bought me a very used 1984 Cutlass Supreme.

nightcrawler · January 4, 2010 6:45PM

<< I spilled milk once and cried about it.

Steve >>

Ya milk sop.

rexvos · January 5, 2010 7:33AM

My story abridged version:

Cards or booze is usually the reasons my wife is mad at me.

Lack or cards or booze is usually the reason(s) I am bored.

HoofHearted · January 5, 2010 1:23PM

About 20 years ago I ran into a local wheeler-dealer in my small hometown in southern Minnesota. He told me he could fill in the holes of my '62 Topps set if I were to offer him some of the old cards I didn't want any more. At the time I didn't appreciate football cards as much as I would now and ended up giving him a nearly complete set of '68 Topps football. It was in great shape and I remember there were doubles of quite a few cards, including the Bob Griese card.

He ended up bringing me a bunch of garbage he rounded up who-knows-where in trade. Here's a scan of the Mantle he traded me, major scratches included:

After I realized how badly I'd been taken, I went in and took an IQ Test. It came back negative.

I'M A MORON!!

dodgersin9 · January 5, 2010 10:41PM

I was 8 YO in 1967 living in a suburb outside of Chicago. One day I was riding my bike about 2 streets from my house- it was trash day and people had their trash set out on the curb. I came across a pile of baseball cards sitting next to a trash can- the pile was as tall as me- probably 5 feet high and 3 or 4 feet across, of cards in cardboard boxes that someone was throwing out. I had started collecting cards the year before and had a very modest collection, but baseball and cards were my youthful passion. I took a quick look through the cards and I can still remember seeing 1955 Bowmans- cards that i did not recognize at the time but later determined that they were '55 Bowmans. There were also several other years- probably from '55 to '67; not sure of everything that was there but I distinctly remember the '55 Bowmans because of the unique design that was strange to me then. I also remember that some of the cards were bigger than the ones I was familiar with; in hindsight I believe I had been looking at '56 or '55 Topps. The pile of cards was way too much for me to carry while riding my bike, but I definitely wanted those cards. I rode my bike home as fast as I could and told my Mom about the cards, and "could she please drive the car over there and load the cards in the car for me?" She yelled at me that she was not about to go picking through someone's trash and to forget about it. I didn't forget about it but I never got any of the cards either. To this day I wonder what all was in those boxes.

Nathaniel1960 · January 6, 2010 1:31AM

I distinctly remember that I had a full 5000 count box of 1952 Topps commons with many NRMT/MT high #'s.

In 92, these were coservatively going for $10-15 each, what kind of car were you trying to buy?

Im bored, wife mad at me..good bball card read to follow

Comments