Today I’m headed to a baseball card luncheon, where I hope to add a couple of items to the Sherm Lollar collection. My friend Joe is doing a presentation on identifying reproductions and fakes, that can be the scourge of any collector. I have two items in my office that are reproductions, including a glass sign for Comiskey Park tickets and the front page of the Chicago Daily News from September 28, 1920. The headline reads, “EIGHT OF WHITE SOX INDICTED.” It is clearly identified as a re-print on the back, but framed it appears to be original. Both of these where given to me by Joe, who spends his free time at garage sales, antique shows, and estate sales looking for hidden treasure. Being able to identify non-originals is a skill, much like in the art world. When you make a big investment in a collectible, you want to be sure it’s authentic, so Joe is a valuable resource to our baseball card group. Is it real or fake? “Joe will Know.” 

Yesterday’s “Leadership Luncheon” was at Buffalo Wild Wings, as usual. However, the place was abnormally packed for the World Cup match between Belgium and Brazil, and the crowd was lively. I was also watching the Cubs lose their fifth straight game to the Reds, a team that has improved dramatically since overcoming a bad start and some management changes earlier this season. The Cubs are currently two games behind the Brewers as the All-Star break approaches, and hold a similar position as to last year in the Central Division standings. (See Post #196). On the positive side, the Cubs infield has performed much better than last year with several All-Star candidates on the slate, including Javier Baez who recently stole home for the second time this season. Kris Bryant continues to be on the disabled list but is still a top vote-getter. Outfielders Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, and Ben Zobrist have each shown improvement over last year’s “hangover” to start the season. Willson Contreras continues to be a rising star in proving himself to be a world-class catcher. 

This morning, television sports are all about the world stage, as the Tour de France gets into gear, and England beat Switzerland to be the first World Cup finalist. I enjoy watching both of these events, but baseball still tends to be my favorite this time of year. Basketball has recently gotten a lot more attention than normal with Lebron James, DeMarcus Cousins, and Carmelo Anthony dominating the headlines. I’m also looking forward to the start of Indiana University basketball this fall. In the meantime, the first sprint to the Stage 1 finish has just begun.

I have not been to a World Cup, Tour de France, NBA All-Star game or even a Super Bowl, but I’ve crossed-off most of the baseball goals off my bucket list these past couple years. Honestly, none of these are a majority priority since they all involve big crowds, ugly fans, and overpriced tickets (that could be fake). “Joe will Know.”