The time for tricks and treats is upon us this Halloween night. Some believe in ghosts and
apparitions. Others fear the undead walk
in our midst. Are these possibilities? The only ghosts I’m familiar with are those
of chance. The Tigers
have a ghost of a chance to win a World Series in 2018. 2019. 2020. 2021. Their
blown opportunities over the last few years will haunt this team many more to
come.
Another recent departure is featured here tonight. Perhaps Mr. Cub is playing two a day every day,
now that he’s passed from mortal existence. It’s said heaven is what we make of it. This post isn’t meant to suggest Ernie is
still with us in any form other than spirit.
The title above is somewhat misleading, or isn’t it?
A couple of weeks ago, I received this gorgeous card in the
mail. I do collect Mr. Banks. Who could possibly have sent this? A 2017
A&G Ernie Banks RIP card, numbered
to 60 that had yet to be ripped? What
might be inside this gem? Only one way
to know - agreed?
I'm sure there are a few buyers who would say Tough luck, Seller. They would keep and rip a card knowing it didn’t
belong to them. The thought never
crossed my mind. After admiring the card for a few minutes, I
emailed the seller. I’m not sure how long
it'd have taken him to notice the error because he’d never listed the Banks
card. This was intended for his
collection. Mr. Cub was not meant for the
market. The seller replied to say he was
obviously out of his mind when he shipped it to me. I’ve
been out of mine a time or two and understood his possible concerns. Would he get his card back? What kind of feedback could he expect? The seller was
grateful for my message and willingness to work this out without ebay
assistance. He sent Altuve along with a
few dollars to cover Ernie’s safe return.
Altuve arrived Friday just as I was going out of town for the weekend.
We shared a most pleasant exchange regarding the hobby and
collecting in general. I added him to
my favorite seller’s list, just in case he wanted to send another fancy card my
way some day. As for the seller’s
intention with the Banks card, he said it would remain unripped.
After an all too brief visit, Mr. Banks passes to his next destination. How long he remains there, only the seller knows. RIP
Ernie Banks!