Collector of the Week: Austin Balen

What I Collect: 

I collect memorabilia from various sports and events, but predominately baseball. When people ask me why I collect, and as cliche as this might sound - I collect for the stories. Even as my collection continues growing larger, someone can point out any piece and I could tell you the story of how I got it, or even if I bought it, the background story behind it. (So sorry if I ramble a little in this). I think this adds a lot to anyone's collection - yet it makes it very hard to let go of things. In my years of collecting I have only traded one thing, and am currently trying to sell another. 

When I Started Collecting: 

I have been collecting since 2002, when I moved down to Durham, North Carolina with my parents and was taken out to my first Durham Bulls game where I received a game used ball and my first set of baseball cards. The ball was a third out thrown up to the outfield stands by someone from the opposing team.  I dropped it after the player ran back to the dugout, and thought I lost the ball for good; but, lucky for me, the ball was thrown back up to me my the Bulls centerfielder. At the time I didn't think much of it, but this centerfielder turned out to be BJ Upton. After the game I got it signed, but still do not know by whom. 

From that moment I was hooked, being on a limited budget of the few dollars I had a week, I bought all the baseball cards I could. I've stopped buying cards for the most part with the exception of a complete set from the 70's or 80's every now and then, but I have more than I know what to do with. 

Interesting Autographing Encounters: 

Starting in 2007 I began going to Phillies games whenever I went to visit Philadelphia again. My first game I got Greg Luzinski, then waited in one of those Philly heatwaves that everyone loves, and came up with no one.  The next year I waited in the same heat, but turned out a little different. Standing next to a firefighter who was working on getting his helmet signed, another person around my age, and a snobby, "hotsy-totsy" family, Jimmy Rollins came to sign. He signed for me, the firefighter, the person next to me (stopping just before the pestering family). He shook our hands, said a couple things, and ran off. Though it was a quick interaction, I was hooked to collecting signatures. (Though I do regret getting him to sign a Jamie Moyer program rather than the ball that I forgot was in my pocket). 

Some other cool stories I have are below, and not as long:

  • In 2010 I was unknowingly standing next to Dan Uggla's fiance and father-in-law. Talking to them, they were calling out "Dan" over and over, thinking I was smart, I said "I don't think you'll get him over here" his fiance said "I think he'll listen to me." Next thing I knew Dan Uggla jogs over and kisses this woman. Astonished, I look back at who I found out moments later to the be father-in-law smiling and say "fiance". I got Dan Uggla's signature as well as two other Braves that day. 
  • In my collection I have various letters from Negro League players, MLB stars from various eras, GM's, and umpires. These are some of my favorite pieces, especially my letter from Pat Gillick, Carl Erskine, and Doug Harvey.

My Favorite Pieces:

  • Roy Halladay signed magazine and perfect game tickets
  • Carl Erskine "stat-ball" and letter
  • Scott Brosius 2000 World Series ball
  • Jim Thome and Placido Palanco signed 8x10
  • Pat Gillick plaque and letter

Unfortunately, due to my goals of working in the business of baseball I have to put off collecting, pack up all my things, and move to Ohio to get my bachelors, and eventually (and hopefully) Oregon or Massachusetts to pursue my MBA. Even at a young age I have connections with minor league GM's (Durham Bulls being the biggest) and some third party connections to Major League teams, as well as great stories of my experiences. Though I may have to make the sacrifice of being a nomad for a while and not being able to look around a room and see my collection for several years, I know that it will lead to more of these great experiences and even greater stories in the future. 

Thanks for taking a look at my collection and pushing through my excessive rambling. 

Check out more collections in these previous "Collector of the Week" posts

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