Rotary International District 5170

Where else would you have an opportunity to see/hold the last bat Ted Williams used in his final at bat? Or the baseball Nolan Ryan used in his 7th and final No Hitter? There is more: Mike owns oldest baseballs cards in existence.(from 1887). His collection contains items associated with Babe Ruth, Satchel Page, Jackie Robinson, Dizzy Dean, Joe Montana and from the most universally famous sports figures in the world: Michael Jordan and Mohammed Ali. Mike emphasized that his primary interest is in collecting game-used and unique items.

Mike owned a shop called Collectors Corner II on Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos, which he operated on a non-profit basis, donating more than $150,000 over ten years to more than 100 organizations benefiting children. His civic mindedness also includes being the immediate Past Mayor of the Township of Los Gatos, a current Council Member, and voted Best Civic Minded Citizen!

The stories, the histories and the tales connected with many of the pieces of sports memorabilia from his unique collection fascinated the members of Los Gatos Rotary, who gave it a big Thumbs Up! They particularly liked his telling how he lets kids wear famous items, such as M.Js jersey, for a photo opportunity.

Mike enjoys telling the background of items in his collection and sharing some fascinating tales associated with acquiring them. He has offered to come to your club, bring selected items, and share some of their histories as well as how one authenticates. By the way, if you have a piece of sports memorabilia, why not make this a mini Show & Tell, too?

March 06