Tim Wallach: Allen, Texas

Friday, May 2, 2014

Allen, Texas

It still takes me by surprise whenever a stranger sends me an envelope of cards, much less a box like this. I started this blog as a way of cataloguing my cards. A glorified spread sheet. I didn't seriously think people would send anything. But they have, which has been a nice unexpected development.

This was sent by Nick in Allen, TX (added to the map). In addition to this box of 122 cards, he also sent a large envelope of items. The envelope had a complete set of 1986 OPC Tattoos (I needed the Wallach), 5 original slides with copyrights, and an encased autograph card. There was also a lengthy typed written note.

Nick is related to Tim Wallach's wife someway or another. Enough of a relation that as a kid he was able to score tickets to Expos games when they came to San Francisco. He shared a nice antidote about how as an 8 year old at a BBQ at Tim's mother's house after a game, he watched Wallach play Nintendo golf.

So the fact Nick was willing to part with all of these is really something else. I also suspect I may have identified my long theorized anonymous Wallach collector. I've mentioned it a couple of times on this blog (here and here), that based on suspicious ebay results I suspected there may potentially be another Wallach collector lurking out there, like some sort of mysterious Big Foot or Lochness Monster. I wasn't sure though, the auctions could also just have been set collector's or any number of other things. But the auto card that Nick sent was one of the suspicious results that I specifically remember. It's a "1/1" and I didn't bid because I thought the price was too steep for an independent card. I figured I'd let it go a few times without selling and then make a low ball offer. Only it sold. Nick also mentioned he has some other serial numbered cards and printing plate(s) that he may be willing to part with down the road. I think he's the mystery ebay bidder, because I kind of doubt there's a 3rd Wallach collector out there.

Here are some pictures of all the cool stuff sent by Nick:

The small pictures are the 122 cards sent, and then the large picture is some of the more obscure cards that were included. Those are '84 Nestle's and that '92 UD is of the gold hologram variety, only my 2nd copy of that (ditto for the '93 Stadium Club Members Only). I also discovered after taking photos that there was an '87 Fleer glossy included. I literally can't spot those unless I have them in hand and tilt them up and down.

Below are the Slides, OPC Set, and Autographed Card. Each of those will be getting there own post in the near future with more detailed explanations and photos.