Anyone collect their father's favorite player?

doog71

Hi all,

My dad's all-time favorite player is Nellie Fox, a stellar fielder and singles hitter that made it into the HOF by the Veterans Committee. My father's told me the story (a few times) of how he would look around the park for empty milk bottles and cash them in to buy Topps packs in the '50s. The good old days! Anyway, he NEVER pulled a Fox card, but got multiples of Mantle, Mays, et al, which of course he cared nothing about.

A few years ago I gave him every Nellie Fox card ever produced by Topps. Cool Christmas moment. Every now and then I'll put something away of Nellie Fox, just because my dad loved him so much. I may get more in the future.

Anyone on the board collect someone just because their father loved the player?

Doug

CDsNuts

No but great father's day present idea. I'm going to look for a Koufax RC for him. When the hell is father's day anyway?

Lee

Mac53

OK, you bring it up. The old man's favorite was Sandy Koufax. I can't explain it, he just loved the guy. I've thought about collecting Koufax, and this may be the push I need. Now, here's a story: my dad was a C-47 (DC-3) pilot in WWII. He was a hellava pilot, he wanted to fly combat, but they wouldn't let him because of a heart condition. So, he signed on with the Chinese National Airways to fly over the hump. Big casualty rate, but big money, too. The point is only that the guy could fly airplanes. Later on, after I was born, he bought a Piper Tri-Pacer. My Dad and I flew all over the place in that little plane. I've got a million stories. Anyway, once, we flew up to Ludington, Michigan on a vacation (we lived in Indiana). I have this distinct memory of my Dad, sitting at a table in a motel in Ludington, reading a newspaper, saying, "Koufax is pitching tomorrow in Milwaukee." That was all that was needed. So, my Dad and I, in that little Tri-Pacer, flew over Lake Michigan, to Milwaukee. Here's my memory (I haven't been able to confirm this statistically): Koufax pitched a wonderful game. But, the old man and I then went back the next day to watch another game. I swear, in that game, Aaron hit a grand slam. It was either 1964 or 1965. We flew home the next day. My dad died in December, 1965. I treasure that memory. I have this picture in my mind of my old man and me, flying over Lake Michigan, looking at him, thinking that all was right in the world. I'm going to have a good cry now.

Mantlefan

My Dad was a big Mel Ott fan. He spent many a day at the Polo Grounds in NY watching Mel play. I got him a Goudey and a Play Ball Ott at various times and he really enjoyed them.

CDsNuts

Beats golf clubs or a tie.

Lee

lawnmowerman

No! My dad's favorite player was any other female( I lost track after about 10) except my mom. It sounds like I have some issues, huh?

Matt

CDsNuts

No, but you might want to tell your wife, girlfriend, and baby's momma about your childhood.

Lee

Knuckles

My dad liked Gordie Howe and The big M.. I'll grab the odd Gordie and they come and go (except the rc I have I'll be keeping it forever) I don't bother with Frank Mahovlich stuff.

Onlypsahockey

My dad was a stick boy for the Boston Olympics in 1940-41 there abouts. He brought out a team signed b&w photo one day while we were talking. It was 1940 I believe when the pics won the Calder Cup. He pointed to the trainer standing on the left side of the picture. Hammy Moore. He said "Hammy kept yelling at me to get over here. He wanted me to get in the photo with the guys." Turns out my dad was quite the skater back in the day and he used to skate with the guys during practice. He was friends with Fern Flaman, Alan Stanley and the rest. That was all I needed to hear and I've been collecting everything & anything related to the Boston Olympics ever since. He gets a big kick out of it when I show him something new I picked up.

My dad went with me to Toronto last week and we saw the HOF together. It was a great experience and a memory I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. We had a blast even if there was nothing in the Hall about the Olympics. My dad thought I should donate my collection to them.......nah!

Bob

duner

my dad sucks....screw his favorite players!

70chip

Mac53, great, great story, thanks for sharing, brought a tear to my eye also......Your a lucky guy to have shared moments like that with your dad.....this is coming from a guy whose parents got divoriced when I was 4......I talk to my Dad 2-3 times a year and I have no idea who his favorite player is/was or anything!!!! I envy your relationship with your dad. You are sooooooooooooo lucky. Always keep a smile when you think of those great memories. You don't know how lucky you are....

JP

1979COLLECTOR

My dad hates sports, but id collect his favs if he had a fav. Great Thread!

mealeworm

GREAT THREAD... I am going to give my two kids $200 each and tell them who my favorite player is...that way my wife gets off my back. I am not sure on Dad's favorite... maybe Andy Pafko and Stan the Man. I will find out.

WinPitcher

Ralph Kiner

Father's day is in June. The 3rd Sunday

Stone193

Unfortunately my dad is not with us...he lived in the neighborhood where Babe Ruth resided after he retired from baseball and would see him in the street once in a while. He was the working man's fan favorite - my dad included. Unfortunately, my dad was not an auto fan.

mike

zef204

Great Thread! My dad's favorite was Ernie Banks. I bought him a '56 Banks and an auto'ed ball last year actually and he absolutely loved it. The best was that we went to a Bulls game at old Chicago Stadium when I was around 7 or 8 and it just so happens that Ernie was sitting in front of us. He had a very ugly sweater and a black that had "Mr. Cub" in gold letters. He was a very nice man and we spoke with him extendedly. I only hope that other kids have a chance to see there dad meet his boyhood idol and smile from ear to ear for days. I will never forget it and it made me a die hard Cubs fan for life. Needless to say I have had a string of ulcers since.

Robeson

Hello all,
Great thread, My dad loves Warren Spahn so I bought him a PSA 7 1954 topps. He really loved it. He also loved Walter Alston, so I am working on a complete run of his cards.