As many of you know, there was a card show in Culver City this past Saturday. Admission was free and it promised to be filled with plenty of vintage collectibles. Thankfully, it absolutely delivered. On top of that, I was finally able to meet some blogging cohorts who like to collect the Blue Crew.
Unfortunately, I failed to take any pictures, but have no fear folks. Several of the other bloggers delivered on that. First, I wanted to write that it was a pleasure to meet Greg from
Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle, Spiegel from
Nomo's Sushi Platter, Jesse from
LA Inspiration, and StealingHome from
All Trade Bait, All The Time. I hope we get a chance to hang out again.
As for some photos, check out
StealingHome's post at All Trade Bait, All The Time. He's got a bunch to look through and even got a group photo of us. I'm the fellow with the Blue Hawaiian shirt on the left. As you can see, there were about 50 tables there, and from what I hear business was brisk.
Spiegel at Nomo's Sushi Platter also has a rundown on that afternoon. Also, the always great
Net54 message board also talk about the show here.
As for what I decided to take home... Well, I think I did good. No... I was ecstatic!
First off, the very first thing that caught my attention was a little booklet that featured Dodger Hall of Famer Don Sutton on the cover. See it below. I had seen this kind of collectible before, but knew nothing about it. It was created in 1977 and was published by Follett Publishing Company. Within its pages are a group of photos that can be flipped to make a movie. As soon as I have the time, I'll video tape it for you all to see.
My very next purchase was for a couple of 1960 Nu-Card Baseball "Scoops" Hi-Lites of Johnny Podres and Gil Hodges. These cards are about the size of a postcard.
I'm really happy about the next card. It is a 1943 M.P. & Co. strip card (designated as R302-1) of Pee Wee Reese. You don't really see these very often. On top of that, they may be the ugliest Baseball cards ever made. And in my mind, they are so ugly, they are good. Ya know what I mean?
I also picked up my very first 1958 Hires Root Beer card of a Dodger. It is of Clem Labine, and even includes the advertising tab. Unfortunately, it had been detached, but still looks cool.
And now for my big catch of the afternoon.
Usually when I go to a show, I'll cruise around the tables a couple of times before making any purchases. Call it getting the lay of the land. From time to time, I'll make a purchase on that first go around, but only if I fear it might not be there when I come around again.
Anyway, I saw a small stack of 1952 Parkhurst cards graded by PSA in a case that showed Tommy Lasorda on top. I stopped and stared at it for what felt like ages. The dealer was chatting it up with another collector and I decided I needed to think about this before making any moves. So, I decided to leave and stroll around a bit more. I hadn't planned on any big purchases this past weekend, and I knew if I asked to see the Lasorda I would not be able to stop myself.
A second time around, I again stopped at the Parkhurst cards and stared. I had internal debates with myself. How bad do I really want this card? Do I want to go over budget?
I knew myself well enough to know that if I asked to see it I would be compelled to make an offer. So, I walked away again.
Then, I ran into the other Dodger bloggers at the show. We chatted for quite some time, but in the back of my mind all I could think of was the Lasorda.
Ya see, for those who don't know, the 1952 Parkhurst Lasorda card is considered by many to be his true rookie card. It is a Canadian issue made for the Dodgers farm team, the Montreal Royals. It also happens to have the very first card ever printed of future Hall of Famer Walter Alston.
So, I'm chatting it up with the boys. Then, a brief lull happens in the conversation and I decide I needed to excuse myself. The call of the Lasorda was too strong. I strolled on over, and suddenly found myself standing next to the dealer.
He ask if there was anything I wanted to see, and I sheepishly said, "yeah, the Lasorda Parkhurst." Then, under my breadth, I asked, "you wouldn't happen to have a Walter Alston under there, would ya?"
The dealer, with a big grin, says, "ya mean, Walt Alston? This guy?"
As low and behold, right underneath the Lasorda card is the Walt Alston Parkhurst card, as well.
Be still, my beating heart! I've always wanted these two beauties, and all of the sudden here they are. Both of them. In my hands! And based on the asking prices, I knew a potential affordable deal could be had. So, after a brief talk we made a deal and I walked home with them. See the cards below.
As you can see, the Lasorda isn't in the best of shape, and arguably has been over-graded by PSA. There's a crease along the middle. The Alston, on the other hand, is just fine.
Here is the reverse of the card. Check out the advertising for a toy cap gun. How very un-PC!
