Life sometimes has everything to do with opportunity. That ability to be in the right place at the right time, or know those who can be! This parallels the collectors experience to a tee, as many times the ability to land that cornerstone piece of a collection hinges on chance opportunities that we just cannot buy. Do these situations not make for the best stories as well? I mean it’s one thing to simply pay for something, but when the stars align and drop a prized possession into your lap from the unlikeliest of sources, you’ll have a story and experience that can rival the actual item you’re showing off!
Take my friend Mike Lizzi for instance. Here’s a guy living in the New York area in the midst of an Islanders dynasty, when, due to an unlikely link to the team, he became the proud owner of a beautiful mess of autographs…
“My uncle Frank was a milk man (yup, he delivered milk!!!) on Long Island to Billy Joel and someone on the Islanders training staff.Frank asked me if I had anything I wanted autographed, so I gave him the team yearbook. He said I would probably get it back with a couple autographs. I didn’t expect the whole team and staff to sign it!!!!! This is my most prized possession!…
A fully autographed yearbook from the midst of the last four straight year dynasty in the NHL, covered with stars of the era and eventual Hall of Famers, with the “in… being a result of who happened to be on your uncle’s milk delivery route? Fantastic! Mike certainly milked his connection for all it was worth, and Uncle Frank delivered on multiple counts!
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Do you have a piece of treasured memorabilia that has a great story behind it? Let me know and you can be featured in an article. Doesn't matter how big or small the piece is, how valuable it may be, or whether it's a common item or more oddball. If you think it has a story, contact me via the information below and we'll chat. In the meantime, check out some previous "Display Case" articles via the links below to see what others have submitted in the past... ______________________________________________________________________
Shawn Gates
shawn.gates@hockeybuzz.com
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Previous …The Display Case… Posts #1: The “Frankenstick!… #2: Your desk has the right to remain collectable! #3: Have Pads, Will Travel #4: Pick a Pekka (Rinne) Autographed Mask #5: Ted Lindsay Gets Kronwalled? #6: The Only Thing We Have To Fehr Is Fehr Himself #7: “Hungary… For Team Canada Swag #8: The Soldiers Kid and “The Kid… #9: Fan Appreciation & Player Humility Via The '72 Series #10: Bobby Orr and....Birth Control?!?!?! #11: Johnny Bower The “Portrait… Of Health At 88!!! #12: Scotty Bowman – Stick Detective!!! #13: Touch 'Em All Joe!!! #14: Joey and Sergei's European (Lockout) Adventure!!! #15: I’d Give The Jersey Off My Back For You… #16: The Case Of The 1940’s Era Leafs #17: Scrapping The History Of The Isles... #18: Gretzky “Re-Signs… in Edmonton #19: Gilmour Is Such A Caricature!!! #20: Toys In The Attic #21: The Right King Place At The Right King Time #22: Momma Bear Takes On A “Killer…!!! #23: Leafs Lunch Stool #24: The 50 Goal Stub
Previous “Top Shelf Cards… Articles
Previous “Who Am I?… Articles
#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21 , #22 , #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48
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Concussion Stress, Motivation & Performance State Dependent Learning Arousal and Performance Depression
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Previous "Devil's In The Details" Articles
#1: Beware the "Factory Sealed Box"! #2: The Price Guide" #3: What IS A Rookie Card? #4: Beware the Money Order! #5: The Counterfeit Gretzky RC #6: Marner Game Worn Jersey Authenticity Fallout
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#1: Gordie Howe #2: The Zamboni #3: Maurice “The Rocket… Richard #4: Ron Hextall #5: Stanley Cup Abuse, Neglect and Versatility #6: The Puck #7: Don Cherry #8: Cam Neely #9: The Early Years of Les Canadiens #10: Hockey Superstitions! #11: Olympic Hockey Pt1 #12: Jarome Iginla #13: Mark Messier #14: Johnny Bower
Previous Product Previews & Reviews 2010-11 Donruss Hockey 2010-11 Panini Score Hockey 2010-11 Panini Certified Hockey 2010-11 ITG Ultimate Memorabilia, 10th Edition 2010-11 ITG Heroes & Prospects 2010-11 Panini Pinnacle Hockey 2011 UD National Hockey Card Day 2011 UD All Star Weekend Redemptions 2010-11 ITG Between The Pipes
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