To All Fellow Board Members: Collecting with my Kids

sfmays24

Hello to all,

I have been collecting raw 1974-82 Topps & 1977 OPC Baseball sets (along with Topps SF Giants Teams set), 1973-1975 Topps Wacky Packages and occasional SF 49ers Teams set with my two Boys over the past few years. We have acquired approx 60% via trades, 20% via purchases and 20% as gifts... nearly all deals made here on these boards (some on N54, ebay, ect).

Over the past few days, some board members have questioned or made accusations that I don't even have kids and that this is all BS to acquire cards. I usually ignore such comments that come from cowards hiding behind computer screens, but I feel it's now time to respond since I care about my good name and being a member of this community.

For those who have made these accusations, this post is not for you... please feel free to continue to believe what you wish. Instead, this post is for all those folks who have helped us and those who collect with their kids (or might like to someday).

I had posted a photo of my kids for a contest last year sometime and my Wife got a bit upset... I told her I wouldn't post any others. Well, last week I brought my Baby girl to meet Danica Patrick and then posted some photos (see thread below), a board member questioned whether or not I really had two Boys (they missed out because of school).

http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=11&threadid=735721&highlight_key=y

After talking with my Wife today, we decided to ask my Boys what they thought we should do... they both agreed that we should post a message and show everyone our collection. They of course did not understand why some folks don't believe us, but I have taught them that it is always best to stand up for yourself (especially when someone is trying to bully you).

Here are some photos of my three children with our modest collection, I hope you enjoy them and understand why I'm posting this message.

Here's our Wacky Packages, thanks to Mike (smallstocks) for getting us started.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8709.jpg?t=1251578173

Some recent sets, thanks to Rob (fattymacs) for the latest Goudey starter set.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8710.jpg?t=1251578234

Our 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set (minus card #68).

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8711.jpg?t=1251578257

Comparing stats...

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8712.jpg?t=1251578288

SF Giants & SF 49ers Team Sets.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8713.jpg?t=1251577855

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8714.jpg?t=1251577924

Searching for a favorite card to show off.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8715.jpg?t=1251577983

Happy Collectors showing their 1974-82 Topps & 1977 OPC Baseball sets, thanks to Duncan Harvey for getting us started 3 years ago.

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8716.jpg?t=1251578030

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8717.jpg?t=1251578111

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo350/sfmays24/Img_8718.jpg?t=1251578137

Thanks again to all the terrific collectors for helping us out over the past several years.

Mike & Kids

PS: I sent this message to a board member who questioned my honesty, the offer is good for anyone who is interested:

I prefer to think your comments are not only genuine, but humorous as well... as with so many other post over the years. However, if it is more than that and you making some type of accusation... I must let you know that I don't think much of any accusation, or comment from people who hide behind computer screens.

I prefer to face such people in person, so I will make you this offer... you are welcome to come to my home and meet my Family and view our modest collection of raw Topps sets, raw SF Giants Team sets and a few graded cards as well. If you cannot make it, but know a fellow board member who lives in the SF Bay area (who feels the same way as you about me or my posts) they are welcome as well (as long as this will satisfy you).

Posting photos of my Boys will simply not satisfy you, or others who might question my sincerity... will I need to post Birth Certificates to prove they are my kids, or proof of residence as well?

Again, I thank you for the offer to help and I apologize if you are not making such allegations.

Mike

VitoCo1972

Oh come on, those kids are right out of central casting! This is obviously a hoax!!!!!!


Just kidding Mike. Great pictures. People really want to see bad in others these days. It's a shame.

gameusedhoop

Only have one myself, but if we are proving offspring here, why not post some pics:
Kyle with the Lowell Devils, Devil Dawg, Kyle is the short one:

On the ice at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester NH, shirt of the back night, we got #2 Andrew "Soupy" Campbell, tall guy on the far left:

On the Zamboni in Lowell:

At Fenway, for Futures at Fenway game:

mccardguy1

Seriously..has it come to this??? Not believing members have kids? I swear.........this crap is going way to far. I have had 1 chance to interact with Mike and never for once thought he was anything but what he said. Sadly the cards I sent him never made it but I totally trust him. I cant believe anyone would even go this faras to infer he is not who and what he says.

TheThrill22

Kyle should be getting his Chicago Wolves stuff pretty soon.

MBMiller25

Mike, Your kids are cute, I hope I am so lucky that my two boys and daughter will get into collecting with their old man as they get older. I am little disturbed that board members are questioning whether your sincere in your collecting with your boys. I am sorry that you have to create a thread to prove everyone wrong, but I am glad you did. Great pictures! Keep Collecting!

heritage

Mike you have a great looking family there.

TZAHL

I don't have kids but try to act like one.

It is sad that there are people out there who would try to use 'fake kids' for honest people's trust and giving nature.

It is equally as sad that people are so skeptical that they think everyone is trying to 'pull the fleece' over everyon'es eyes.

It is pretty depressing that a thread like this even has to be posted because of shady people.

BTW those are some awesome pictures posted! Those guys (and 1 gal) look like the come from a loving family. Best of luck on your collections! It isawesome to be able to share the hobby and passion with someone. Some of the best times I had were trading with good buddies or ripping packs with g/f's! (maybe that's why I don't have one? lol)

yankeeno7

I have had great dealings with Mike and his Boys...they are even happy to get fillers many of the times! I happily send to them if I have stuff they need! Great pics, Mike! Booooo to those members who question Mike's integrity.

Goodsport40

Mike, great photos. We need more people like you on this board.

Sharing with the kids is what it is all about! Well done, sir.



Robert

ddfamf

Hang in there Mike!

D

Stone193

Hi Mike

You didn't have to do all that.

IMO - it's up to the accuser to come up with the proof.

I hope no one else has to defend themselves in this manner.

mike

edit: PS - I did enjoy the photos! Sweet children.

moonlightgraham

Mike - You have nothing to prove. It's a shame you were put in a position were you felt compelled to have to respond to someone's mindless accusations. I wish you continued success and fun collecting with your sons.

Barfvader

TJMAC

It's a shame that is the reason for you to post all those great pictures. Thanks for sharing. That is what collecting is all about and why I am optimistic about the future of this hobby. Take care!

CDsNuts

Before this gets out of hand (as if it hasn't already), I was the person Mike had words with. In another thread where Mike had requested cards, I said I'd buy them and have them sent his way as long as we could get a picture of him and the boys with them. It was meant as a harmless joke and nothing else. A while back another board member asked if I thought it was funny that Mike gets all these free cards for him and "the boys" but we have never seen pictures of the boys. While I didn't necessarily think that this was true, the notion of somebody pretending to have kids in order to get free cards was funny to me and this CU member and I have had this running inside joke since. As I explained to Mike, what I posted in his thread was more directed at this CU member and our little inside joke and no offense was meant at all and I would be happy to buy the cards he needs if he wanted me to.

I can certainly see why Mike would take offense to this, and for that I apologize. As I told him in a PM, I was just having a little fun with another board member and never really meant anything by it. I apologize if his family was caused any stress by this situation.

Lee

ChrisStufflestreet

For this year's National, I brought my daughter Melissa (she's 11 now but the show was before her birthday). She had a blast.

Here's one of the things I found neat about the show. We stopped by the Legendary booth and Melissa (who did a Jackie Robinson report in the 3rd grade and has picked up several modern cards of him since) spotted his '49 Bowman SGC98 card. The man who overheard us talking about the card opened the case, pulled it out and let her hold it. She turned over the card, saw the $47,000 tag on it and very carefully handed it back. Then she got a picture taken while holding a T206 Wagner (not me...but my daughter). To top it all off, a passing gentleman asked if it was okay if he gave her some free autograph tickets (he was a VIP pass holder but didn't need them). Saying it was nice to see a father sharing his hobby with a daughter, she should have the chance to get autographs too.

I quickly found a baseball for $5 and we spent the next few hours meeting Joe Charbonneau, Lee May, Sonny Siebert and Rick Reuschel. The next day Don Schwall added his sig to the ball and Bob Feller signed it when he came in on Sunday.

To top it all off, dealers Wayne Johnson and J.D. Heckathorn worked out a deal with Melissa: almost 100 pieces from the 1971 Topps coin set in exchange for Melissa's smile. Now she wants to work on the complete set...she even had me make a wantlist for her.

New blood in our hobby...it's something that should be the rule, not the exception.

leadoff4

Mike, the only thing better than one kid collecting... is three of them! Hey Steve(Gameusedhoop), my heart just dropped when I saw that picture of Fenway. I'm not a die hard Sox fan but love the looks of that stadium. Have only been to 3 MLB stadiums but hope to make it there someday.

WarHoundR69

I have two daughters & both are avid NonSports cards collectors. The BION cards are Nina's (15) while Marianka (13) is working on Tootsie Circus, R78 Jungle Gum plus N & T Dog card sets such as T79. I have a lot of fun collecting with them.

TheHun

Great family photos - none of my kids collect cards.

They like sports, but I support whatever they like too.

Love the Zamboni driver ! (Bruins hat is a good touch)

The Bay area has lots of sports to choose from ... I hope you get to go to a S.J. EarthQuakes game too.

cheers

rbdjr1

Cute kids!

Pleeeeeeze say hi to your kids for me!

@

Happy collecting with your kids!


rd

ymarea

Mike,

I envy you. My sons (whom I love dearly) are grown now and have never displayed any interest in card collecting, so I've had to go it alone all these years. It's cool that you can all share in the fun together. At the risk of sounding too syrupy, be sure to hold and hug your kids as much as you can. They'll grow up so fast and soon won't let you smooch 'em!

Great looking family.

Brett

sfmays24

Thanks for all the support guys, I really appreciate it!

Lee, this post was not because of what you wrote... I accepted your explanation and considered the matter closed.

After reading comments from two other members, I just thought it was time to do something. More so for all the good folks on these boards, as I value the relationships I have built over the years with them... their opinions do matter to me.

thanks again,

Mike & Kids

ymarea

Steve,

Your Kyle was born to be a hockey player. He looks like a real bruiser! (Meant as a sincere compliment.)

baseballfan

beautiful kids but who's are they????



just kidding you blessed with a beautiful family, enjoy them

SoonerCowboy

Some people didn't believe you had kids? Didn't you have a post with pictures of your daughter with Danica? I guess they thought the cute little girl was borrowed. I wouldn't worry about those who throw out such moronic statements. I think whichever idiots wrote such things should look at themselves in the mirror because I think it speaks more of their character and want they are capable of doing. Simply blow them off and try not to let it bother you. They'aint worth it.

lsutigers1973

Didn't read a word of the thread because I knew where it was going.

The part that pizzes most people off is the fact that you actually try to make us believe that your oldest child at the age of 8 or 9 actually wanted to collect early 1970's OPC cards. Really? Do you really think we are that dumb.

How many meaningful or helpful posts have come from you? All of your posts are similar to former members like "Cool thread" and "Sorry this happened to you".

ALL of your posts on the BST board are begging for free cards to complete sets that you and "the boys" are working on. Once again, I am sure a few 8 or 9 year old boys care about finishining off a 1972 OPC or 1975 Topps set.

ChrisStufflestreet

<< <i>ALL of your posts on the BST board are begging for free cards to complete sets that you and "the boys" are working on. Once again, I am sure a few 8 or 9 year old boys care about finishining off a 1972 OPC or 1975 Topps set. >>



Funny you mention '75 Topps. My own daughter started picking up 1975 Topps cards when she was 6 because she liked the colors. She took a few from my dupes box to get started and still has a handful. She's also picking up 1971 Topps coins and 1956 Topps Presidents and those are two sets she wants to complete.

WinPitcher

I really don't think it matters what Mike's intentions are, no one is forced to send him or trade with
him.

Steve

itzagoner

this thread is funny.....i chuckle at the thought of a grown man using his children to schiester free mid-grade stuff from innocent collectors.....i'm sure the cummulative value of all this "free stuff" will someday earn one of those kids a free night in a college dorm room, eh Mike? LOL......i wish my kid was still young enough to have an interest in collecting like he did ten years ago, but he's a sophomore pitcher in college and we hope to someday see HIS face on a baseball card.....in the meantime, i now have the privilege of holding his collection of shiny stuff, some of which is quite valuable.

THANKS KID!

bman90278

Mike, It's very sad that some people would question you and put you in a postion of defending yourself. I've followed your collections & posts and I don't feel you owed anyone this thread.

However, your family is beautiful and thanks very much for sharing the photos.

-Brian

CDsNuts

In all seriousness, I think it's great that Mike got his kids into collecting. I have a one month old and I'll be thrilled if he takes any interest at all in my collection. Obviously a nice looking family, and once again I feel bad that something I did sparked this whole thing.

lsutigers1973

Unlike Lee, I don't feel bad at all for my comments.

I would love to post all the PM's I have received since I posted my comments. It seems every PM from Mike and "the boys" is basically begging for free cards. Mike and "the boys" never seem to want to give up any cards in a trade unless the trade is strongly in his....or ummm....their favor.

Again, if forum users think his sons started collecting cards at the age of 2 or 3, then the lack of common sense here astonishes me.

I would post the many PM's I have received since my original post, but they are called private messages for a reason.

lsutigers1973

Excuse my previous statements about the age of "the boys". Just checked my PM's from sfmays. The boys are 5 and 6 and apperantly started collecting a year ago. Yep, at the age of 4 I was all about some 1972 OPC cards.

ymarea

Bill,
Requests for free cards aside, you are missing the boat on this one. It's not a matter of Mike's young boys wanting to specifically collect early '70's OPC cards or any others for that matter. It's about father and sons spending time together doing an activity they all enjoy. Clearly, Mike sets the agenda, but shares the hobby (and his time) with his sons.

How do kid's spell love? T-i-m-e. It's all about spending time with your kids. That's how they know they're loved.

lsutigers1973

<< <i>It's about father and sons spending time together doing an activity they all enjoy. Clearly, Mike sets the agenda, but shares the hobby (and his time) with his sons. >>



Or he is exploiting the fact that he has 2 young boys and using that as his excuse to get people to send him free cards which is obviously what he is doing.

ahkmedbinladen

First off this thread is stupid other then the fact Sfmays has three wonderful healthy children. I did comment on the original post but I never questioned him having kids BUT I did and still DO believe that the bottom line is that he wants cards for free. Now before I go further, please let me state that Sfmays can do whatever he wants. Heck, I want free cards too and I also would want to win the lottery and have Meagan Fox as a girlfriend and..oh yeah back to my post. But over the years he continuously posts for cards he and the boys need to finish sets.According to my math the boys might be the youngest to ever complete a 75 set at the age of 2. Over the years it seems like he and the boys build some sets multiple times(maybe each kid wants the same set????) These cards are almost never hard to acquire rather cheaply via all the avenues available but yet when pointed in that direction the threads still remain because somebody will eventually give them for free.Same with the live rips. If you guys could see some of the PMs for handouts. Like flies on..... Kinda reminds me of the dude on the bottom of the freeway offramp with the sign "need work" "will work for food" and you pull up and tell them you have some work for them and they tell you no thanks,"just give me some money". He has been after a George Brett Rc for some time now for his 75 set. How difficult would it be to find a Ex Brett Rc online or at a show for a decent price??? Thats what I do when Im winding down a set. That card has to be up for sale every day on ebay. Just put a cheap bid in and eventually you and the boys will steal it.
Congrats to Bill (lsutigers) for sacking up and not jumping on the bandwagon and writing how he feels about it. Congrats to Mike for having a wonderful family that he shares his passion with. But enough with the begging.
Alright Im ready for the wolves to come tear me up.Or should i say sheep? Happy Sunday to all.

ymarea

ahkmedbinladen,

No one should be tearing you up for your opinion. You aren't being nasty or antagonistic.

It's no secret that Mike often seeks free cards. My opinion on that is so what? If he is willing to ask and there are those willing to oblige, then more power to him. We all pursue cards in our own way. Like Steve posted earlier, no one has to send Mike any cards if they don't want to.


Edited for spelling.

justmichael

I removed my post due to a few PM's stating how when money is involved something bad always happens.I will leave it to those members to tell their story.
Mike

bbcemporium

Bill gave my two boys a complete '89 Donruss set and possibly ruined them forever. They now have '89 Donruss commons in toploaders and insist on showing them off to every person that comes to our house. I need Burgundy to send over some minty '58s (free of course) to put my kids back on the proper path

itzagoner

yeah IIRC, Mike offered to trade me something, but i didn't find it necessary to make it like that, just trying to help, and i'm sure many have reacted this way.....but, i don't believe he's blatantly prospecting for handouts.....would even a small percentage of the cards sent to him have perhaps created a small fortune as sellable merchandise? doubtful.

now, somebody send my kid Megan Fox.

and i'm offering nothing in return.

TheHun

Not to hi-jack this family friendly thread ...

but the leaves are falling and I think hockey season is a round the corner ...

I need a 1971-72 topps # 15 - Yvan Cournoyer (Canadians) to finish my hockey set.

It may not be an expensive card (to many), but I cannot afford to spend right now ...

I have lots of baseball, football and basket ball to trade (mostly 1980s)

I don't expect it for free ... let me know what it takes.

cheers

(admin - move this if it needs be)

SoFLPhillyFan

<< <i>After talking with my Wife today, we decided to ask my Boys what they thought we should do... they both agreed that we should post a message and show everyone our collection. They of course did not understand why some folks don't believe us, but I have taught them that it is always best to stand up for yourself (especially when someone is trying to bully you). >>



While I have no dog in this hunt, I agree with others that anyone is free to trade, contribute, or not do so based on their own evaluation.

What I find disconcerting about the situation is that adults have made the decision to bring children into the mix. Leave the kids out of it. Did they really need to know about these accusations?

Let them be kids and enjoy the cards.

Stone193

Well guys - this can get out of hand - and I do respect the opinions of all here.

So, what have we learned?

1. Some think Mike is taking advantage.

2. Some think he's asking for free cards but it's not relevant to the more important point that he's spending good time with his children.

3. His offer of trades may be lopsided?

4. His family was challenged and he produced pics.

I say we're at a stalemate - those who believe in Mike still do - those who don't still don't.

If Mike has made a few - potentially selfish trades or deals - only he can re-evaluate it and perhaps rethink his position.

This board is very forgiving and very generous and thoughtful.

I will say - like Bill - I got a PM outlining the fact that Mike was a bit one-sided - in fact - may not have truly acknowledged the generosity of the person he had a deal with. If so?
Then Mike can think about that - he probably can deduce this situation?

I say - at this point - we give Mike the benefit of the doubt - see him for who he is - a very nice guy who has a truly beautiful family and is spending time with them in a very valuable way. If he's strayed? It's very little IMO and easily rectified.

Sorry for the length - I'm sure some don't want to wade thru this.

So my take? Let's all give Mike credit for his desire to be a good dad. (PM him and tell him your grievance and make friends - I'm sure that's what he wants)

mike

mrmint23

I had ONE dealing with Mike. He offered me a current SMR and some 78's (molitor and murray rookie vg-ex) for $25.00. I sent him the money back on 1/05/09 and still havent received the cards(he didnt insure them). Filed a paypal claim and won but he closed his paypal account. I got NOTHING.

Kirk

storm888

<< <i>I had ONE dealing with Mike. He offered me a current SMR and some 78's (molitor and murray rookie vg-ex) for $25.00. I sent him the money back on 1/05/09 and still havent received the cards(he didnt insure them). Filed a paypal claim and won but he closed his paypal account. I got NOTHING.

Kirk >>



///////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The seller should have made good on that transaction.

lsutigers1973

<< <i>I had ONE dealing with Mike. He offered me a current SMR and some 78's (molitor and murray rookie vg-ex) for $25.00. I sent him the money back on 1/05/09 and still havent received the cards(he didnt insure them). Filed a paypal claim and won but he closed his paypal account. I got NOTHING. >>



Based on some of the PM's I have received lately and in the past, you are not the only one. There were also at least 2 forum users that sold him cards and have him claim later that he never received them even though the seller had proof of delivery.

storm888

"Based on some of the PM's I have received lately and in the past, you are not the only one. There were also at least 2 forum users that sold him cards and have him claim later that he never received them even though the seller had proof of delivery."

///////////////////////////////////////

Forum users who have "problems" with buyers/sellers should
prolly consider letting folks here know about it, before too much
time passes.

sfmays24

To those who claimed I never sent items promised, or that I received any and claimed that I did not... this is totally untrue.

All items that I was suppose to send, were sent.

There has only been 1 time that I paid for a group of cards and never received them... the seller sent them (I never question that) and they were either mis-delivered or lost? ...the tracking number indicated that the package was delivered at 10am that morning, but that was not the case since I was mowing my lawn and my mail arrived at 2pm (as always) without the package in my box.

If anyone would like to know more, or have a gripe with me for any reason... feel free to send me a message.

thank you,

Mike

Stone193

<< <i>To those who claimed I never sent items promised, or that I received any and claimed that I did not... this is totally untrue.

All items that I was suppose to send, were sent.

There has only been 1 time that I paid for a group of cards and never received them... the seller sent them (I never question that) and they were either mis-delivered or lost? ...the tracking number indicated that the package was delivered at 10am that morning, but that was not the case since I was mowing my lawn and my mail arrived at 2pm (as always) without the package in my box.

If anyone would like to know more, or have a gripe with me for any reason... feel free to send me a message.

thank you,

Mike >>

I think that's a good idea Mike.

And if I can be of any help to those who didn't receive their stuff - and I have similar items - I'll be glad to send it their way.

mike

artimus

I love sending cards to Mike and his kids when I have cards they need......someday his kids will be the rich guys buying our collections so we can retire..............all kidding aside......if more folks don't help the next generation become interested in things like cards......this hobby will die a slow and painful death.......and as far as i can tell.....none of the cards they are looking for are high dollar cards.......so why not help a Dad spend some quality time with his kids?......