Scratching a Niche: Taking a good look at an old collection

Commenter Newbie does his thing every week, and he DOES IT WELL. Newbie?

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Quick Golf hits:

Maybe Rocket already knows this, but apparently Stewart Cink is a huge Thrashers fan. Hunter Mahan? He is not.

Remember Tiger Woods? He had his blood before Charlie Sheen got it. Well, he is doing just fine. I guess the economy doesn't stink in Jupiter.

Confessions of a Recovering NASCAR Memorabilia Junkie

A few weeks ago, I professed my respect for NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt, and the Daytona 500. I also mentioned my interest has diminished in recent years.

The other night I was going through some email archives from an old computer. There were many from college when I spent most of my time and money on e-bay buying and selling (mostly buying) NASCAR memorabilia. Many trips were taken to Target or Double Play in Mankato. It was an addiction, if it had to do with a driver I liked, or collection I started, I bought it. I kept telling myself it was small stuff, I could quit at anytime. I mean I wasn't buying the big, expensive things. A die-cast here, race-used tire card there, maybe a "limited edition" race hauler. It was fun, things to display and be proud of. After all this was college, if this was the extent of my "experimenting", I felt I was ok. I would skimp on food, to be able to afford my habit. Fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to work my way out of the addiction at my own pace and didn't have to lose my friends and family in the process. I'm proud to say it has been more than 7 years since my last purchase.

With that background I will say that as far as tacky merchandise goes, NASCAR is king. I prided myself on not collecting "the crap." As I look at some of it now, it is closer to crap than not, but at least I have some cars for the little guy to play with. But with the wide range of sponsors NASCAR exploits, it is inevitable that not everything is going to reek of class. So, when I heard someone sold and someone else was attempting to sell the hearse that carried Dale Earnhardt. I can't say I was surprised.

While I don't condone someone attempting to profit from someone else's death. My hope is that Dale Earnhardt Inc. or NASCAR will work to get the vehicle and keep it within their control, hoping seriously that they would not display it in a museum.

This event did get me thinking. I am a fan of historical significance; when I go to TwinsFest to see the World Series trophies, part of the allure is knowing that trophy has passed through the hands of great ball players in their prime. If I see a driver's car on display somewhere, I look at all the nicks and scratches and imagine the stories this car could tell. Even something as trivial as a gift from my late grandfather, I can look at and remember the times we spent together. However, I can't imagine a scenario where I would need or even want to look at a car that carried the casket of a dead guy. No matter who it is. While morbid, I could envision taking a look at the car he was driving that lead to his demise, but the hearse seems inconsequential and gauche. Where is the line for what makes something an important piece of history?

Today's question: What sports event memorabilia would you appreciate seeing and what should be off-limits? Examples: The microphone and uniform used by Lou Gehrig during his famous speech would be cool. Ted Williams frozen head would not be. Please discuss.