The Longest Journey

 I am going to try and post more. Mainly out of a need to distract myself from...well...everything.  I am heading out on Monday to attend this year's National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association's AGG1 Academy and Trade Show (My wife always laughs when I say that and, honestly, I can't blame her)  So, I am going to try and knock out a quick post and work on my next in my hotel room at night as opposed to trying to match some of my co-workers ability to consume alcoholic beverages.

I started collecting in late 2010, by starting on my Paul Blair player collection. Early in 2011, I started building sets. The first vintage set I built was 1978 Topps followed closely by 1974.  Both were completed during the year.  At some point subsequent (I don't remember exactly when) I decided to complete the 1974 master set and I managed to mostly do so.  I finished the 44 card Traded set, the Washington Nat'l League variations, The Jesus Alou No Position, and Apodaco/Apodaca.  The one I never completed was card 599, which came in three variations: Washington, San Diego large print, and San Diego small print. I never got the latter of the three.  Occasionally, over the years, I would remember that was still out there and look to see if I could complete it.  Alas, that last variation was always selling for over $30.  Now, I can certainly afford it, but I always chafed at dropping that kind of coin on a common.  

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I was talking to a friend that collects signed sets.  I am not sure how we got on 1974 Topps, but I mentioned that I was one card short of the master set.  He pulled out his duplicates and this is what he found:

Demonstrating generosity (a virtue seemingly in short supply these days) he sent it to me no strings attached. So, after 14 years, I have finally finished my 1974 master set.  And here are the three variations together.

Take care and stay safe.

What I am listening to: Slip Away by Clarence Carter