Collectors Party At My House Saturday Jun17th--All Are Welcome

Davalillo

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the relatively short notice, but on Saturday June 17th I will be hosting a party for collectors/dealers/graders at my home in North-Central New Jersey. All are welcome.

The festivities will start around 2pm and go into the evening. I will provide food and drink. My card room will be open the entire time. You are welcome to bring bathing suits as I have a pool.

If you would like to come, please e-mail me at jdc122@aol.com or just post on this thread and I will send you directions.

Among the luminaries who have indicated they will come are:

Mike Rakosi--The King of Vintage Basketball
The Rabbi-Top 56 Baseball Collection on the Registry
Old Man-Pre-War Collector with a focus on T-206/
Frank Evanov-"Mantlefan"-King of 57 Topps Baseball
Brian Dwyer--Played huge role last couple oy years in building my collection.

I look forward to seeing you on the 17th.

Jim Crandell

QUIK

Thanks for the invite Jim your a class act! If i was not going fishing in florida i would come from chicago in a second as i would love to meet you and view your collection. Good luck with your party and Thanks again for the offer Jeff

Davalillo

Jeff,

Sorry you cannot make it--I think Chicago would qualify as the longest distance to come for the party.

Enjoy the fishing trip.

Jim

Fletch1750

Will Tom Papa be attending?

Davalillo

Fletch,

I hope so.

As I said everyone is invited

Jim

softparade

Dav,

do all attendees get goodie bags on the way out?

kidding of course, sounds like tons of fun!

jaxxr

How nice, extremely interesting offer, I unfortunately will not be able to attend, Chicago also, but certainly would have liked to.

It would be great to ask some questions, which are usually cumbersome and incomplete via message boards, about your great collection, and to view it as well.

Many have issues with you, perhaps rightfully so, perhaps not, but regardless of any aspect of personality clashes, past or present, I think all would agree this is a very fine gesture. An informal gathering with some truly top-notch collectors has to be enlightening and entertaining, to say the least.

I would hope you and/or some of the attendees report back on the party.

Davalillo

Jaxxr,

For pictures, pay attention to the forthcoming issue of SMR where there should be an article about my collection as well as pictures.

This is the third one of these I have had. I am happy to do it as long as I receive sufficient interest

Jim

Davalillo

An update on attendance.

We have 7 collectors now confirmed. In addition to the five mentioned above, also attending is Steve(WinPitcher) who has a 1965 topps baseball set one card from completion mostly in psa 8 and a Mars Attack set almost complete in psa 7/8 and a collectior who has a set entering the Hall of Fame this year who at this time does not want his name disclosed.

Jim

BugOnTheRug

Make it 8..............

calleocho

Nice gesture!

I hope you guys have a blast and take a few pics for the folks back at the boards.

ArnyVee

I wish that I could attend. If it weren't for the fact that I reside in Florida and just can't get time off from work right now, I would be there for sure!

Thanks for the invite Jim!

tkd7

Jim,
Unfortunately my girlfriend and I are taking a long weekend for vacation in DC that weekend. I would have loved to have joined your party.

We will have to catch up at another time. Its unfortunate since we live about 5 minutes apart.

I hoping you have a great day. Its been great weather although a little chilly here these past few days.

Tom

PROMETHIUS88

Jim, great gesture once again and I would give my left..uhhh...arm to view your collection. Another midwesterner.. Springfield, IL (250 miles south of Chicago for those geographically challenged). I think what you should do next year is just pack everything up and travel cross country...you know, make it a road show. Just think how many missing cards you could pick up for your sets from those little mom and pop card shops that haven't stepped into the 90's with the internet!!! I'm sure you could use it as some kind of tax write off!
Anyway, thanks for the opportunity once again and if it weren't for the fact that my wife would probably divorce me while I was gone, I love to pack up and make the jouney. I'm sure a great time will be had by all that attend and I'll be looking forward to seeing the pics!

Tim

thesplendidsplinter

Jim thanks so much for the invite but maybe next year for me. The invite alone made me extremely happy. Hopefully many pictures will be taken of an obviously fantastic time to come! Enjoy everyone!!!

Sigh, I can only imagine what those Sport Kings look like!

Mantlefan

Among the luminaries who have indicated they will come are:

Mike Rakosi--The King of Vintage Basketball
The Rabbi-Top 56 Baseball Collection on the Registry
Old Man-Pre-War Collector with a focus on T-206/
Frank Evanov-"Mantlefan"-King of 57 Topps Baseball

Luminary??.....I think of myself as more of a lunatic.

montanafan

yeah make sure you put drool catchers around the place for when people start admiring your collection... put me down for next time!

thanks for the invite and hope everyone has a blast..

aro13

Jim - Thanks for inviting everybody. The opportunity to meet Mike Rakosi and talk basketball cards is very tempting, however, maybe another time.

fletch1750-Are you going?

FB

Jim,

The expression goes "timing is everything" and unfortunately in my case - the timing stinks. I will be enjoying myself at a young nephews birthday party that afternoon. So, while I'm playing "pin the tail on the donkey" - you guys will be drinking beer and talking cards. Rotten excuse for not making a card party like this only 12 miles away - but its what needs to be done for the sake of family harmony.

Have a great one guys!

Frank

Davalillo

Thank you all for the kind responses.

Aro13,

Missing the chance to meet Mike Rakosi may be the biggest miss of all. Out of all the characters I have met in this hobby over the past 25 years he may be the most unique person of all. Did you know that he is also a stand-up comic and performs regularly at one of the leading if not the leading comedy club in New York City?

Jim

GOODLIEU

Hi Jim,
I will be driving out with Mike next Saturday to your home. I am very much looking forward to meeting you and the other collectors that attend. By the way your 1948 Bowman Basketball set is the one that I am trying to emulate (PSA 8) because as we both know the Rakosi collection is virtually unobtainable to the average mortal LOL. Anyway thanks for graciously opening your home and hosting this party for us.
See ya next week.
Art

wolfbear

Gassing up 'ole bessie' as we speak :




Your having Barry Manilow in house for live entertainment at last year's event was a stroke of genius. ( I cried during 'Mandy').


All kidding aside, you are to be applauded for your generosity.
If I didn't live on the other side of the continent, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

softparade

I don't think I would be qualified to enter "the card room". My 1978 Topps graded set and loads of raw modern sets would render me a waiter or a piss boy

NeilDowney

Hi Jim, Is this party open to a few little fish too? My 1956 Topps set is only ranked 25 on the current finest list but it is complete with a 6.94 weighted GPA and it is my passion. I live in Bloomfield N.J. which is exit 150-152 off of the parkway. I think that I live pretty close to you but I don't really know what town you are in. I'd love to meet you and the other guys like the #1 1956 Topps set collector and see your incredible collection. Let me know if you have room for me and my 15 year old son Eric. PM me or email me at nbdowney@msn.com
Thanks, Neil (Neil B. Downey and Sons Collection)

Davalillo

Neil,

It would be wonderful to have you and your son come. I will e-mail you.

Wolf,

You mean you are not taking the private jet?

This year its Jay & the Americans and I have been practicing up for a duet of Cara Mia.

Jim

ArnyVee

So, the rumors of KC & The Sunshine Band are not true....whew...thought that I was really going to be missing somethin'!

montanafan

Let me know if you have room for me and my 15 year old son Eric

eric is one lucky kid and i'm sure seeing cards of that caliber at that age will make a huge impression on him that lasts a lifetime. it's great that you two can attend together..

Onlypsahockey

<< Let me know if you have room for me and my 15 year old son Eric >>


Now that's what it's all about! Have a great time guys!

Bob C.

EB31

I really wish I could make it. I am from central Jersey (Middlesex Co.)...now relocated in Va. I would go but my wife and I just recently found out we are expecting...and we have a TON of planning to do. Not to mention that her parents are coming down from Jersey at that time. I don't think her father would understand why I split to go to a Collectors Party lol


Next year?


But I have to say, that is one heckuva generous offer. Yet another reason why I love this forum....absolutely tremendous members.

1954

Jim,
Your offer to open your house up to collectors is really a kind gesture. I for one would love to come, however I am in a golf tournament for four days. I would really like someday to visit you and see the best collection a person could possibly put together. Are you going to the National in Anahiem?

Shane

Davalillo

Arny,

Was going to invite KC but they might be a little loud for my neighborhhod.

Shane,

Very kind of you to say that--would have been honored that you would have made the trip from Texas.

I may be at the National--trying to fix a couple of business commitments that they do not interfere.

Jim

NeilDowney

Hi Guys, Jim is very kind for letting me attend with my son Eric. In simple terms - Eric is my best friend. I have a wife of 19 years and a younger son named Brian. I love them both very much. However, Eric is my gift from god. No man has a right to ask for a better son or person to share my life with than my son Eric. Jim, I consider this little trip to be my father's day gift. Thanks again for letting me bring my son with me. I wouldn't dream of experiencing such an incredible event as seeing your collection and being with all of you guys without him. Neil

Davalillo

Neil,

Yourr comments alone make me glad I am having the party.

I felt the exact same way about my son as he was growing up.

See you Saturday.

Jim

ChicagoGlen

Someone please take pictures and post them. For a shlub like me it will be the only chance ever to see anything close to this!!!

Great gesture.

Jim,

Why not buy a summer house in Chicago. Split the collection and rotate twice a year for two parties!

Thanks,

Glen

montanafan

or if you want, just ship your collection to me and i will host a west coast party then ship them all back to you... i promise

Davalillo

Heading to the golf course.

Looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow.

For directions e-mail me at jdc122@aol.com.

Jim

GOODLIEU

Where do I begin? I along with Mike Rakosi,The Rabbi and Jeff Mullins attended Jim Crandell's open house in New Jersey to take a look at his collection. I did not quite know what to expect but I figured it would be a blast to see his collection and exchange ideas and stories with the other collectors who were attending. It took us about an hour to arrive due to the traffic and my navigational skills in directing Rakosi onto the correct roads. I think I am permanently banned from touching any maps in his car . Upon arrival at Jim's beautiful home we were greeted by him at the front door and after some introductions he directed us downstairs to see what we had come for. This is the part which regardless of how I try I cannot accurately convey or put into words the magnitude of what my eyes were seeing. A pretty decent size room with the tables,walls (Racks) and pillars filled with row after row of graded cards. Tables beautifully stacked with Baseball,Football,Basketball Hockey,non sports and ungraded oddball sets wax packs and all kinds of interesting and coveted items in immaculate condition. For the first few minutes you are there you are actually stunned and everyone is muttering (Oh my God!/I don't believe this/Unreal etc etc) You are like a kid in a candy store and as a collector of any items you are literally humbled. After awhile when your through just staggering around the room trying to absorb what you are seeing you start to zone in on looking at what ever your particular collection is comprised of and admiring and understanding what devotion, Love and dedication go into such a undertaking. The fellow collectors their were great people and we all as a group could not thank Jim enough for allowing us to enter his home to see this truly remarkable collection. Thank you again Jim

NeilDowney

Hi Guys, I must second the thought of "OH MY GOD". It was the most incredible collection that I have ever seen. All of the high grade prewar sets that I had only seen in books were right in front of me. Every stack of PSA holders were 25 cards deep and there were hundreds of piles. I had a hard time breathing at first while taking it all in. Jim is now a PSA Hall of Famer who truly has a "Hall of Fame" collection in his house that nobody could ever imagine. Thank you Jim for your kindness to my son Eric and I. I could never dream of having such a massive set but I can hope to be invited to your beautiful home again next year. Neil

Davalillo

Since I thanked Art forr his comments in another thread, let me thank Neil here. It was nice just to see the reactions of Neil and his som at the cards--I don't know who was more excited.

You are welcome back anytime.

Jim

Davalillo

For those of you here and on LTS who asked for pictures, that would have been fine but noone asked and I didn't see a camera.

My wife sent in a roll of film to Joe Orlando of pictures so maybe just maybe Joe will put some in next months SMR.

Jim