I was on the fence down to the wire, but ultimately decided to go. I know I'm spoiled having a solid monthly card show that's a 15-minute drive from my house, meanwhile lots of collectors out there either have no shows, or have like a couple shows a year they have to drive 4 hours both ways for. So I can't complain too much about a 20 minute ride on public transportation plus a 10 minute walk.
The only hiccup was that I just missed the homeward train afterwards and had to wait around 17 minutes for the next one. But in this era of smartphones to occupy your time, it's not really a big deal.
Anyways, I made 2 purchases: $30 from the old vintage guy and $30 from Bill's bins. I also bumped into Rod and he graciously surprised me with a nice box of various cards, too.
Let's cover the vintage pickups today.
Probably my best deal of the post. Not long ago, I thought I already had a Phil Niekro rookie card since he's got a 2-player rookie in 1965 Topps, which I completed last year, but turns out he's also got one in '64. And it's a tough high-number. This one is a bit off-center, but I was through the roof (pun intended) to score it for just $4. Looking at eBay sales, this card in this condition would likely sell for over $20.
Also a few more cards for my '64 setbuild. (Accidentally grabbed a dupe of Art Fowler.)
And I found 16 needs for my '57 Topps setbuild. Not a lot of familiar names, but there were a couple from the tough 4th series plus Bob Friend who was an All-Star a few times. This lot officially pushes me past the ⅓ complete mark with the set! (Now at 33.81% complete.)
Some various fun stuff I threw on my pile. I'm getting near the end of reading Jim Bouton's Ball Four.
And here's a trio of cards I already owned, but they were in too nice of condition to pass up for a buck each (actually I think the '71 was from the 50¢ box). Upgrades headed to my Killer PC, '71 set (and I collect all 3 of those guys, so the dupe will have a home), and '73 set.
Not a bad haul! More card show pickups to feature later. Thanks for stopping by.
I've almost always taken public transit to the big local show, it's right off the train a couple stops away from my house. Well, that and the fact that it costs $15 to park in the lot there (which can be better used for buying cards!).
ReplyDeleteGreat finds, as usual! The Cowan is definitely one of my favorite cards of the '70s, and I'm quite fond of those Fleer World Series cartoons as well.
I walked to my local card show last weekend. The hockey arena that was holding it is only about a fifteen to twenty minutes of walking. I wouldn't have done it if the weather was bad because I wouldn't want to walk bringing home cards if it is raining or snowing.
ReplyDeleteNice grabs on the Niekro RC and the upgrades!
ReplyDeleteI've always taken public transport to get to my local show as well. Although that's probably because I'm in one of the biggest cities in the world :P.
ReplyDeleteNice lot of vintage.
Nice pickups!
ReplyDeleteGreat pickups and you saved the environment a bit too!
ReplyDeleteGreat haul! As far as I'm aware there are no shows within public transport distance, but I would be afraid someone would accidentally smash or purposefully steal my backpack if there was. I can get to Wrigley with a 30-40 minute bus ride & 10 min walk, though
ReplyDeleteNice vintage pickups! I'm loving the '57 set more and more...I think it's going to be the next one I set to conquer after '72, '70 and '60 are done. I got Skizas from the Topps Giveaway in 2010.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the ubiquitous dupe purchase. I do it EVERY time.
A Niekro rookie for $4? Man... I really need to plan my trip around this card show. Where's this show at? I'm gonna see how close it is to Lake Oswego (where my friend lives).
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys!
ReplyDeleteFuji, the show is at Mall 205, located around 9918 SE Washington St in Portland 97216. It's about a half-hour drive from Lake Oswego, so not too bad. Yeah, you should totally try to make it to a show if it fits with your schedule! http://www.twinoaksshows.com/
Just texted my friend and told her to add it to my tour. Now I just need to try to schedule a visit when there's a show.
DeleteI used to take MAX to the Mall 205 shows way back in my mid-teens, although the shows there were very different back then, as it was made up of primarily card shop owners selling their wares... you know, back when there were actual card shop in and around Portland. My favorite part of those old shows was that the owners would often bring the sealed boxes that weren't selling in their shops, and mark them down for the show in an attempt to move some old stock.
ReplyDeletegosh i hope you're reading Ball Four while wearing THE pants. it just seems right to do so.
ReplyDelete