Bob, bob, bobbing along

Sporting News, The, August 11, 1997 by Ken Amos

But what of Tom's $2.50 investments? Well, today, many command at least $150 apiece, with some being worth more than $2,000. He no longer complains about the five dolls he purchased at Comiskey Park, where the vendor told him they would cost him $3 apiece. Tom finally agreed and said he would come back for them after the game, at which time he was informed the cost of having quintuplets had just surged to $20.

Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente all take the field again in his collection. Depending on its condition, the rare Clemente commands between $1,500 and $3,000. Naturally, Tom has four.

Perhaps the most surreal moment of his collecting odyssey came a couple of months ago when a roofer dropped a load of shingles above the room in which he displays his collection. The tremendous thud gave Pinocchio-like life to hundreds of spring-loaded necks.

"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," he said in mock horror.

While his passion and foresight have turned into satisfaction and prosperity, my helmets have no new-found value and are collecting mildew in my garage.