Indulge me, please, while I cover two subjects in one post, and ask a "What would you do?" question at the end.
First up, my cardboard lawyer, Tony from Off Hiatus, sent a fistful of 2018 Topps Dodgers to me. He's been sending team cards to a lot of us, and I'm lucky enough to have been included in his generosity.
We'll check out my favorite cards individually, while I tell you about the collecting conundrum I found myself in at the card show yesterday.
So I was perusing a box of cards at my favorite dealer's table yesterday, while a guy flipped through a binder beside me. He slelected his cards and asked about a Cal Ripken Jr. RC that was also in the binder. My ears perked up. A Ripken rookie card was one of the holy grails when I first got into the game, and I still don't have one.
Joc Pederson hit a grand slam on Opening Day 2017, setting the pace for one of the greatest Dodgers seasons I've ever experienced. So glad they made that moment Joc's card. From the look on Joc's face, he was as surprised as any of us!
So the dealer wanted $8 for the Ripken. I didn't get a close look at condition, but it looked pretty good from my spot. They both looked at it, and commented it was in pretty good shape. Another dealer who was there took a look and said it had a small crease, but it wasn't easy to see.
I also dig this shot of my favorite Dodgers southpaw, Rich Hill. This shot really captured Hill's unique "leg sweep" finish.
The guy was hem-hawing about the price, so the dealer dropped it to $6. Now I was definitely interested. The guy kept going back and forth, agonizing over buying the card. I told myself I wanted it if he walked away, but he wasn't exactly walking away.
It took all my discipline to not butt into the conversation. I also didn't want to let on that I was interested, lest that drive the guy to buy it.
The guy put the card back into the binder. I thought about jumping in, but some kinda cardboard etiquette kept me from bulling in.
The guy took out his wallet. He counted his money and sloooowly put the money and wallet away. Again I wondered if I should jump in. I didn't.
The guy finally walked away. I thought, "Here I go." No more than three steps away, the guy turned back to the table and the binder. Should I have jumped in and said something?
Here are some horizontals...
The guy looked at the card and his money again. Finally he committed and took the card.
The dealer later told me I should have jumped in when he first put it down, and maybe I should have - but I just didn't feel right crashing in while the guy obviously wanted the card and he was there first.
For all I know, I would have inspected the card and scoffed at the price myself, which was another reason I didn't just jump and say "I'll take it!"
That said, it seemed like a good price for a card that I see from time to time and is almost always overpriced for the condition. So I kinda feel like this was the Ripken RC that got away.
What would you all have done? (Thanks for the great team cards, Tony. I needed you at my side to advise me on that situation)
Aloha!
I think you did the right thing - you wouldn't have done anything wrong had you jumped in, but I know that I would have handled the situation the same way as you did. It just feels like there's some sort of grace period, to me anyway.
ReplyDeleteYup, I felt like "grace period". Kinda like what if I was in that guys shoes?
DeleteThat Buehler is nice even though there's a sea of empty yellow seats behind him.
ReplyDeleteAs for when to jump in, I think it can be a bit tricky and awkward but at the same time it's not like the other person had any more right to the card than you did. Ultimately I think it's one of things that's justifiable if the card in question is an absolute need. Like if it was a nice Jackie Robinson in your case ;).
I like the yellow seats bc it helps him to stand out.
DeleteI probably woulda jumped on a Jackie card.
I would have done the same thing. In fact, I've had similar situations before too. Which brand was it? I might have an extra to send you.
ReplyDeleteIt was the 82 Topps. He shares that one, but it was THE iconic card back in the day. That said, any Ripken RC is a good one to have.
DeleteAlmost forgot to add. I'd be happy to take you up on your offer, and although you seem to have anything from your baseball wantlists, I'm sure I can find something to send in reurn :)
DeleteOK! Please send your mailing address. I will cross reference your want list and see what else I can send.
DeleteI can't find any contact info for you. Please email me at:
Deleteom sports 42 at gee mail blah blah
I too think that you acted appropriately. Besides, things usually happen for a reason, so I'm sure you'll get your Cal RC, it just wasn't meant to be that one on that particular day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jon. That's exactly what I said to myself afterward.
DeleteYou did the right thing. I do have a Fleer Ripken RC I would be willing to trade...email me at brettalan at gmail dot com if interested.
ReplyDeleteemail coming! :)
DeleteYou did the polite/right thing. Had he left the table I think that would have open the door for you, but it seems they were still in haggling mode.
ReplyDeleteYeh, he took three steps away, but I just wasn't that quick on the draw.
DeleteI think you did the right thing, as tough as it was.
ReplyDeleteHa! I was biting my tongue, dude!
Deleteoscar email me your address, thanks
ReplyDeleteemail sent :)
DeleteI would have waited out the conversation as well. I *probably* have an extra of Card 20 from 1982 Topps that I could send your way too, y'know....
ReplyDeleteI would *probably* accept with great humility and appreciation :)
Deletethis reminds of the one time I played slots on a cruise ship 20 years ago. I ran out of change so turned my back to wave an attendant over. I did NOT step away from the machine. Some jerk reached over and dropped in ONE quarter. It paid off. I was shy back then, afraid of everyone and everything. I stood there, mouth gaping while he collected "his" winnings - nearly $100. That was the last time I played slots. You did the right thing.
ReplyDelete