When each person enters into collecting, they have a list. Their list consists of all the cards they want before they move on or whatever the case is. For me I have a list of autos, ones that I want to have in my possession before I stop collecting/die/sell everything. Aside from the guys on the twins curtain HOF, or many of the Vikings, there are a few other non-related things I want to get. I usually wont buy before I know its display-able, and as a memorabilia collecting sports card guy, I have some standards that must be met. Whether its on a card, on a ball, or on a jersey, it has to be real beyond a shadow of a doubt. It needs to fit on my wall, my shelf, or my desk, no exceptions. It also needs to be with the team they were mostly known for, so no Unitas on the chargers. Other than that, it just has to be cool. Here is my list:

Michael Jordan

Why he is on the list is a no brainer. I have an obsession with obtaining autos of all the greatest players from the modern era of sports, and he is obviously at or near the top of the list. He has tons out there, but everything remains ridiculous – a testament to how great he actually was. I would love to get a great photo or a nice card, but the counterfeits are tough to avoid.

Wayne Gretzky

Hockey was never one of my favorite sports, but I had an admiration for Gretzky as a player. He dominated much like Jordan dominated, and his autos are quite similar in price to Jordans at points, only because there are less Hockey cards than Basketball cards. When it comes to memorabilia, his stuff is much lower, but it is an auto that the casual fan can appreciate.

Hank Aaron (obtained)

Hammerin’ Hank is one of the best baseball players ever. Add in the fact that he did it in a time of racial predjudice and adversity makes it more impressive. I read his biography in second grade, and became enamored with his accomplishments. I was very sad when a juiced douche broke his records, because Hank was a good guy, Bonds was not. I was lucky enough to get an auto’ed baseball which I had authenticated, so that one is checked.

Walter Payton (obtained)

Payton is the best running back I have seen, ever. Barry Sanders was on a similar level, and so was Emmitt Smith, but even at the pinnacles of their careers, they were still compared to Payton. His autos are still relatively cheap, as football history will never rival baseball history, but his cards are ridiculous. I opted for a signed notecard with a dark and wonderful sig. It came with a JSA letter, so im good on that.

Tiger Woods

I already posted on Tiger, so you know what I am about when it comes to him. I think that I would love a nice action shot to frame and hang, but a ball would do just fine. Ill never be able to afford a card, so that’s out, and my dream of owning a signed Masters pin flag from him will cost me thousands. I have no idea how I will get this one checked. I would also like a Nicklaus sig, but that is way down the list.

Joe Montana

I have had a Montana auto in my possession, but I sold it for the money to pay bills. Montana is considered one of the best football players ever, and I was a fan of the Niners while I was growing up. I think of all the people on the list, his auto is cheapest, but for my collection it would be great.

Tom Brady

Brady is still playing but his autograph is still pretty valuable. The reason is that he doesn’t sign much for the companies from what I have seen, although Topps must have a few stickers on demand for Triple Suck every year, and he hasn’t had a UD auto for ages. Brady has already won 3 superbowls, set a single season TD record, and done a whole lot of hot ass babes. This is one I want.

Mickey Mantle

I want a Mantle auto, and I am not sure why, considering my hate for the Yankees and for less than class act players. Mantle was both, but he still has an incredible value to the hobby. The problem is that he has to be one of the most counterfitted autos in the history of collecting, so even with PSA or JSA, there is no telling if it is real or fake without some expensive provenance. Ill probably not get this one out of all the list for that reason.

So far, that is my list, and I have a long, long way to go and a lot of money to spend. Hopefully I can get somewhere close to completion. My shelves are already pretty impressive, if I do say so myself, but this would make it that much better. I know you all have your list, who is on yours?