So this event was at Dick’s Sporting Goods out in the middle of nowhere near a toll road and I got little notice. I called and a gentleman over the phone quickly volunteered that we could bring outside items, and that it wasn’t like their other events. After deciding the best course of action was to pick up my daughter and take her with me to the event, I was further pleased to find out that women from the volleyball team and basketball team would be there as well. It was an agonizingly long wait.
I waited for my friend Jeff and his kids to come out, and we waited in line together behind another guy and his family. The gatekeeper told us that we were unable to bring outside items. Both Jeff, myself and the gentleman in front of me bristled at their last second change of policy- that even the general manager refused to change. When they told us that the items had to be from the store- I just told them I bought the cards there- which I obviously didn’t.
I skipped ahead and watched other people in line. A guy further up had a Chiefs jersey signed by Jamaal. At this point, I knew it was on and there wasn’t going to be a problem. The problem was… there was a problem.
Jamaal was obviously the prize, and the guy in front of me had like 3 photo edits for him. Things moved so quickly, that I’m really unsure what happened- other than Jamaal refused to sign the photo edits at least for him. To which the guy got gruff with Jamaal and called him rude as he left the line. I swear right then right there that Jamaal seriously was thinking about how ungrateful that dude was- and was thinking about getting up and leaving. Ugh.
Anyway, I said to Jamaal, uh I hope you don’t mind signing cards for us.. And he quickly said, “Nah no problem man. I just don’t sign photo edits. Those things all end up being sold on Ebay.” He signed a card for me and a card for my kid. I sent one of them to Joe for future considerations and kept the Panini Rookies and Stars. I didn’t want to get back in line and ask for more. We counted this as a win and left.
That being said, Jamaal is right. Absolutely right. There are a few people out there who have frankly, ruined the hobby for many of us. They get in line, bring like a whole bunch of people. They get custom inscriptions… and take a bunch of time- just for them to go pawn off the player’s autograph on Ebay.
CARDS: Topps 1992, Pro Set 1990, Fleer 1990, Topps Stadium Club 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home SENT: 3/21 RECEIVED: 5/20 (60 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Ray Berry was the backbone of the Baylor defense at LB from 1983-’86.
In 1984, made game saving interception to preserve victory over second ranked USC, 20-13.
At conclusion of career had 380 total tackles, 231 solo tackles, and 149 assisted tackles.
Selected in the second round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
Cut his teeth on special teams his first two seasons as the franchise had a logger jam of talented linebackers.
That all changed with the Herschel Walker trade, which saw the Vikings trade both LBs David Howard and Jesse Solomon to the Cowboys.
Replacing essentially Howard, Berry stepped in during the 6th game of the ’89 season and racked up 108 tackles and 3 sacks.
Ray posted impressive numbers boasting 152 tackles in ’90 and 159 in ’91.
After playing in only 8 games in 1992, Ray spent a final season in Seattle in 1993, and then retired.
ACCOLADES:
Baylor Athletics Hall of Honor
2007 Legend of Baylor Football
NOTES:
Ray was part of an impressive LB pedigree to come out of Baylor that included Scott Studwell, Mike Singletary, and James Francis. He had some great cards here with the Fleer and Pro Set cards, but I wish I had appreciated the Stadium Club set more, as it really is an outstanding professional photo.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
