The People in this Hobby Amaze Me

On Sunday, Nathan @ngtcollectibles had his Sunday Twitter Giveaway thread as he usually does. This particular Sunday, I made a new friend who I hope to trade with for years to come, @jlebeck66 or Jason if you prefer. Jason had one of the two missing cards to my 1983 Topps set--the Yaz Super Veteran. 

By the time we hashed out the details, I had his needs list for 83 as well and am already working on helping, because that's what the Hobby is all about--Collectors helping each other achieve goals. In this case, it's especially close to my heart--set collecting.

But, this left one. Ripken. The 2nd year card of the HOFer. A card that ranges from $5-25 on eBay. I had a bid in on one with 30 seconds left. We were at a whopping $2.25 shipped. Money is tight. This was doable. Then I got sniped. Sadness.

Another new Twitter friend offered one for a good price, but by the end of that day, finances were even worse off. I had to hold off. He was willing to hold it for me, which I appreciated.

Then came the most epic Tweet of the day...  @gnarlycore said he likely had one. He did. When I asked what he wanted, he said "nothing"...  I know we have known each other on Twitter for a while, (Mostly under my other account.) but the generosity of the group of Hobby enthusiasts I know on twitter is unparalleled. 

This is not the first time this group, which includes more names than I mention here, has come through on a set. They have helped finish 1978 and 1984 Topps. They will likely band together when I mention I need 14 cards to finish 1979. This is just who these people are. They are giving. 

As I heal, I am trying to give back. Whether it's to them specifically or to others in their spirit, I am trying to pay it forward when I can either on Twitter or on TCDB. I have over a million cards and want to share the joy.

So, just remember, for every hateful and money grubbing waste of hobby space in our beloved Hobby, there are whole groups of fantastic people who give freely and trade willing to make people smile and because they can. No other reason.

Truly a great Christmas present to put another set to rest. Thank you to all involved and all who have helped in the past. 

Joe