Baseball card stories from Kevin Sweeney

Kevin Sweeney was one of the original members of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, playing in their minor league system between 1996 and 1998. He is now a Financial Advisor at Smith Barney's Biltmore Group in Phoenix. He sent me some great answers to my questions about baseball cards.

- Do you have any stories about cards of yourself or of other players?

The photo of my 1997 Topps card, shared with Nick Bierbrodt, was taken in front of the outside wall of a motel in Idaho Falls, ID.

- Do you have a favorite card of yourself or of another player?

My favorite of myself is the 1997 Bowman international, with the US Flag background.

- Do you collect baseball cards?

Yes. One of my best friend's dad opened a shop in 1983 in western NY (Bases Loaded Sports Collectibles). He was my little league coach. His son is still one of my best friends. They have expanded to the largest in western NY. I used to help out there growing up and was paid in baseball cards. I still visit them when I am in town.
In 1989 I bought a Nolan Ryan rookie card for $150. A year later I sold it for $750. Though I loved Nolan Ryan, I could not pass up that profit!

Growing up, my favorite player was Steve Carlton. I have all his cards, including his 1965 rookie year...in perfect condition. I will never sell them.

I have been working on a 1964 Topps set since I was in high school. I started buying all the stars, one card at a time. I have all the majors...Mantle, Rose, Niekro rookie, Clemente, Koufax, Mays, Aaron etc. I am slowly working on the "common cards, high number commons and checklists." In fact, I visited Bases Loaded in WNY last month to review my checklist. They just got a big collection in, so my friend Jeff is going through my list as we speak.

Thanks! Readers in the Buffalo area may want to check that store out.