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Happy little moment


I've spent the last few days driving back and forth from the hospital where my dad is. He has a host of health issues, many of which were ignored for years, that basically came to the surface once my mom had passed. The news isn't good and, really, after all that's gone on, I've accepted that.

I don't want to dwell on that here though.

Even though just about every holiday since Labor Day has come and gone with very little meaning or ritual, I did find a small amount of joy yesterday on Memorial Day (of all days, right?). After leaving the hospital, I took a trip to the main shopping drag in the Southern Tier to hit the Barnes & Noble.

I was looking for the June/July issue of Beckett Vintage Collector, which contains my article on the 1975 Topps mini set. I didn't expect to find it because I've had more success finding the magazine at the B&N's in Syracuse. But after some pained scanning of the large magazine display, I suddenly saw it, a young Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan looking back at me, as the cover story is on the 1969 Mets.

I eagerly grabbed three copies and then excitedly texted the loved ones.

It is SO COOL.

My first story in the magazine was cool as well, because it was the first and on one of my favorite sets, the '76 SSPC "Pure Card" set. But while that was "Pure Fun," as the article title said, this article is something else all together.

The '75 Topps mini set, as you know, is my all-time favorite set. To be able to write about it, get paid for it, and then see it displayed on magazine racks around the country is the greatest honor. How am I so privileged?

The story layout sums up my feelings for the set as well. It's a super colorful design, because '75 was a super colorful set. I love the treatment of the type and all the appropriate colors. It's just gorgeous. It also features my cards.

I took a personal approach to the article, just because it's the only way I could write about the set that appeared during my very first year of collecting. I didn't expect it to turn out very well. But apparently Beckett liked it as Mike Payne, the editorial director, has told me that it's also appearing in the July issue of Beckett's baseball magazine.

This is the kind of stuff I wish I could tell my mom and dad. They no doubt wouldn't be able to fully appreciate it, only that their son was so excited. But that's why you tell mom and dad.

But I'm not dwelling on that either. I want to focus instead on how pleased I was yesterday.

No matter what's going on in life, this hobby can lift you up.

Comments

Jafronius said…
Congrats on the dual postings, and continued prayers for you and your family.
sg488 said…
Congrats,can't wait to read your article.
Congratulations! Hang in there. I love the 75' mini set as well, I haven't completed it yet (or the main set for that matter but it is close). Can't wait to read the article(s).
Nick said…
'Twas a tremendous article, Greg -- I picked up my copy the other day and read it on my break. Congrats on another Beckett appearance, sir!
Congratulations on your second appearance in Beckett. I'm thinking of you and your family.
bbcardz said…
Big congratulations to you Greg! I don't think those minis were released in our neck of the woods (SoCal) back in '75. But I still want to read the article. And we're still keeping you and yours in our thoughts.
Mark Hoyle said…
Congrats Greg. First article I went to when my copy arrived. I will be sending it to you to get it signed. Continued prayers to you and your family
P-town Tom said…
Wow, what an accomplishment. Kudos to you for the article! Best wishes to you and your father.
Jon said…
At this rate you'll probably be writing for them full-time within the next year or two :)

And I'm sorry to hear about your dad, it really does seem fair that someone should have both of their parents dealing with such serious health problems so close together.
Fuji said…
Sorry to hear about your dad and his health issues. Normally I'd leave another comment about how 2019 has totally sucked for a few of us... but then you reminded me that you had your 1976 SSPC article published earlier in the year. And now a new one on the awesome 1975 Topps set. I'm looking forward to finding a copy for my collection. Congratulations Greg!
Matt said…
Congratulations on another publishing!
chirodoctx said…
You are privileged to be featured in BVC because you are an extremely talented writer. Thank you for sharing your gift.
SumoMenkoMan said…
Man, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Keep the strength!

Wow, article number 2? That is way cool and I am excited to read about it. I think article #3 will make you a regular contributor!
Baltmoss68 said…
I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and when I saw your article I was thrilled for you and for the vicarious feeling of association from your blog. It was a great read and congratulations!
Big Tone said…
Congrats and hope your pops gets well soon. I've been dealing with similar issues .I'd say we were the privileged ones,being able to chop It up with a Beckett Magazine author ;)
BaseSetCalling said…
The picture of that box and those packs makes me drool.
Community Gum said…
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Take those moments of happiness wherever you can get them. Congratulations on the second article! It's a well-deserved honor. I have the first issue you were featured in. Need to find a chance to grab this issue now.
I was psyched for you when I saw your article in Beckett. I had no idea you were interested in the '75 minis...kidding.