Hooray! I'm in!

[ScottWNJ]

My name is Scott Williams from NJ. Here is my story. I have always been a garage and estate sale junkee. My passion at the time was miniature cameras. About a dozen years ago, I came across two old baseball gloves in a basement. I'd never seen gloves that old and was amazed when I was told I could get them for $5 each. One was a catchers mitt of unknown make. The other was a Davega with the name Charles Ruffing barely visible in the pocket. I was intrigued. I began looking online for some information and came across The Glove Collector. He sent me some info on his newsletter, but for whatever reason, I never followed up with him. I bought a few more gloves here and there: a Ken Well Dazzy Vance, a Joe Gordon, Spook Jacobs, Bill Doak, and some unendorsed gloves. I never had more than a dozen. Then I got involved with Merkur automobiles and became an officer in their national club. So the gloves went into a box. Other collecting interests over the years helped push the gloves farther back into my memory. Over the years when I needed some cash, I'd throw a glove up on Ebay. I sold the catchers mitt, the Vance, Gordon, Jacobs, and the Doak and some of the unmarked ones. Fast forward to last month.
I'm at an estate sale looking for Hallmark Kiddie Cars (replica pedal car models. I have over 60 of them). In the garage, I spot a glove, not a vintage one, but a red, white and blue Rawlings. I look in the pocket for the name and there are two names: Brooks Robinson and Roberto Clemente! Price was $4.50 but the guy threw it in because I was spending $100 on the Hallmark stuff. As I did, many years ago I began to search the net looking for the tri-colored Rawlings. My search landed me at this Forum. I was blown away with the pictures, restorations and the wealth of information here. There is so much to read, I don't know where to begin. In any case, I dug out the box of gloves to see what I had left. Only 4 gloves. I took some photos last night in anticipation of being accepted to the group, and will post them in the appropriate spot shortly. As a rookie to this hobby, I hope to learn as much as I can about what to collect, how much to pay without overpaying, and how to clean and display the gloves. In closing, I will tell you that I am 60 years old, recently unemployed (or early retired, depending on how you look at it) and very excited about the prospect of starting a new hobby. It took 12 years, but the "glove bug" has finally bitten me. I look forward to chatting with all of you and perhaps meeting some of you in person at a local flea market.

Scott

[okdoak]

Glad you finally made it here, Scott. Welcome!

[AkBandit]

Welcome Scott, now that you're here, you'll never leave. Enjoy!

[awarsoca]

Welcome!

[jsalinas]

Welcome aboard.

Great group of guys and excellent information.

[candlestick]

It's OK we knew you would be here. Sooner or later everyone comes back home.

[ScottWNJ]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Since I am just starting out, do you have any suggestions for where to begin? Right now, I plan to visit flea markets, estate sales and antique shops in hopes of finding some gloves. Since I haven't zeroed in on a specific style or era in mind, I plan to buy whatever appeals to me visually and economically. I took a few shots at some Ebay stuff in the $20-$30 range this week but didn't win any of them. Are there bargains on Ebay or does it usually result in overpaying?
I think the thrill of the hunt might be more exciting out in the field, so to speak. A few questions: Are there certain gloves that would be considered uncollectible? Is the shotgun approach a good way to start? (Buy a bunch and sort them out later) I spotted a Sonnet Bill Johnson in an antique store last week for around $40, but couldn't pull the trigger. Are endorsed gloves more collectible than unendorsed? I intend to read all the posts on the forum, but was hoping to get a little advice before I venture out this weekend. Thanks.
Scott

[okdoak]

I think that Joe Phillip's "Collect what you like" philosophy is a good way to go and sounds like you're already heading in that direction. If you are thinking about trading or reselling any in the future, I'd look for the higher end adult sized models (ones with rolled leather piping, welted seams, etc.) regardless of which era they are from. Of course, the condition of the glove is very important, also. Alot of collectors pass on gloves with marker, stained or cracked leather, etc. I think that there still are a few "bargains" to be had on ebay, but seem to be few and far between. Buying what appeals to you and your wallet sounds like a good way to go. Good luck!