Beginnings
In the beginning there was Topps baseball… for me, anyhow.
At that time, 1979, that’s pretty much all there was to choose from in terms of baseball cards.
There was no Panini cards, no Upper Deck, Fleer or whoever else printed picture of athletes on cardboard over the past forty-plus years.
It was pretty much just Topps baseball.
So when my mom came home from the 7-11 with that pack, that first pack, and, yes, I do remember that first pack, it’s been the a relationship that has endured.
Now, could I have predicted the journey?
Absolutely not.
Could I have ever imagined the level of commitment and intensity and passion and love I would have, and still have, for the hobby?
Nope.
Could I have ever dreamt of starting my own business, putting myself through school buying, selling and trading cards?
Nope.
And more than that, could I have ever seen same business still being around, nearly 40 years since that first local card show?
I was hopeful, honestly.
But, it all started with 1979 Topps baseball.
Now, I’ve ridden many waves in the hobby over the years, some very low and very dark, others cresting high and providing an amazing view of the world.
I’ve focused my efforts on basketball for good while, on hockey more recently, yet I find myself always coming back to baseball.
And this most recent return has hit me the hardest and made the most impact on me, undoubtedly.
It the game that holds the most sacred spots for me in my heart, and the one I am most passionate about.
So rediscovering Bowman Chrome has ignited in me something I really didn’t expect.
I find myself scouring scouting reports and prospect rankings, studying up on players who have yet to see the dugout of a big league stadium — and I love every second of it.
I’ve got a watchlist on Ebay hundreds of cards long.
The PO Box is routinely crammed with bubble mailers from folks all over the world.
I’m finding my place in the baseball community on platforms such as Whatnot and Loupe, messaging back-and-forth with new friends daily on Instagram and other social media, and conversing with folks in chats and discord groups.
This recommitment to baseball, and the baseball hobby, has brought me back to my roots, and at my age, this is a warm and welcoming feeling.
I’m home again in the hobby.
I’d like to spend some more time on this column today, dive even deeper into baseball, but, truthfully, there’s a show on Whatnot starting in like two minutes that I don’t want to miss.
I know each of you know how that is….