This is one of my All-Time Favorite images of Big Frank!!!
May 4, 2008 - 1968 Throwback Day
Photo AP/Ben Margot

Site Updates/Explanation

I wanted to let you know that for the upcoming year (and all future years) I won't be doing as many updates as in the past. It's a long story and it comes in three parts.

Here is Part 1:

Recently I was corresponding with one of the hobby's best known player collectors and during our conversation this master collector made a funny remark, which looking back in retrospect, wasn't as funny as I first thought. He said, "...I'm running out of things to collect." Which we both thought was quite humorous. Until I really thought about it. In fact, after giving it some time to percolate into my subconscious, I was genuinely disturbed by this insight. I mean, what happens when Big Frank retires in one or two years? Seriously. What happens then?

I think we should look to recent stars who have moved beyond their active playing days to get a sense of things to come. A good example: Tony Gwynn. A HOFer of mostly regional star power with a dash of national attention during certain discussions in the hobby & sports world.

And if you check out recent hobby card issues you'll find that - while Gwynn is not forgotten - he's definitely "off the radar"; mostly regulated to the (and I hope the many of you who fall into our age group will forgive me) regulated to the Old Timer Sets. You know, the 'Legends' and 'Heroes' issues. A sprinkling of autographs and cut jerseys here and there to attract guys who will begin hobby discussions with, "Well you never saw Da Big Hurt in his prime! Let me tell you about..."

C'mon, admit it. If you've honestly been collecting Big Frank since he was a rookie - then you're getting to 'that' age. <laughing> ;-D And it's the lack of hobby love, if you will, that's a warning for guys like me. What do I do for "updates" when there nothing to update?

Do you know the story of 'The Grasshopper And The Ant'? A powerful lesson that, despite it's universal non-political truth, I unhappily discovered from my young nieces and nephew that the schools no longer teach. If you don't know it - I heartily suggest reading it now. It's a timeless parable despite its 'kid message' origin. And it's one I've never forgotten, sometimes choosing to ignore - but always to my regret.

Which leads into Part 2:

From now on I won't be displaying each and every new item I obtain. I'm going to hold back/saving a small portion of everything I collect and putting them away for the lean years to come - the time inbetween Frank's retirement and the 5 years that has to pass before the HOF Selection can officially begin sometime in 2014 or 2015.

A good example of what I'm talking about: I've recently been building a 'shadow collection'. Out of the limelight of eBay and other notable auction sites, I've been quietly dealing for Big Hurt collectibles that won't be seen for at least five or six years. Seriously. No joke. We, myself included, need to prepare for when the current abundance of product becomes a trickle. When all we're left with is commemorative issues from the 'legends' sets and old farts like myself start mumbling about "...back in the day...".

I just wanted to explain why you won't be seeing any major updates on a more frequent basis. Of course I'll be periodically update small items here and there because they're time sensitive. Issues like fake patch card alerts and hobby goings-on. Additionally, items that are important to me - like solving another mystery like I did the other night will still be updated as needed. :-D

But full 'big' updates - that's going to become like many super premium inserts - rare.

And finally Part 3:

I've gotten to a point in my life where I really want to move out of apartment living. I'm really REALLY tired dealing with the way my life spirals totally out of control at the slightest whim or want of other people; people I neither respect or like. I'm seriously going to refocus my budget to try to see what it will take to get into a home. Mind you, this is Hawaii, the consistent & infamous Top 3 Finisher in lists of "The Most Expensive Places To Live".

Which brings me to the updates. I won't be doing as many from now on. I've settled on once a year. That's it. When that is depends entirely on my company's project schedule; whenever possible I'll be working on the next update, but I won't announce a fixed publication date. It just too hard to meet that deadline and letting down some of our fellow fans when I miss it.

I just wanted you to understand and prepare yourselves. I hope you will continue to support this site when you can.

Thank you,
Lance :-)
January 31, 2008