Very nice article on our own Gorilla777 AKA Ben Thornhill

[jbsportstuff]

in the latest SMR. He shows off some incredible Big Red Machine bats, Jeter bats and several other unbelievable bats that we've seen on the forum.

Nice article Ben. I would scan and post it, but that would break some sort of copyright laws I'm sure.

Ben did a great job describing the passion for game used items that began his incredible collection. I enjoyed reading the article and drooling over your Bench/BRM bats.

[icollectDCsports]

Always enjoy seeing photos of Ben's Big Red Machine bats. Nice to read the story behind the collection.

http://www.psacard.com/Articles/ArticleView/8025/a-connective-collection

[Nnunnari]

Great article Ben. That Brett you're holding and the blonde Jeter are incredible pieces.

[dplettn]

You showcase our hobby and our passion very well, Ben. Great Piece.

[joelsabi]

Great article Ben!!

You and your collection are such a great ambassador of the hobby that we love. If card collector or autograph collector don't jump ship and land in the GU niche after reading this article, I don't know how else to convince people.

Joe

[xpress34]

I still cherish my Larry Parish GU BiCentennial Bat that Ben was gracious enough to sell to me a few years back when Larry was the hitting coach with Atlanta.

Larry was my 1st childhood baseball item when he was with the Rangers and I wanted something nice and GU to get signed and Ben hooked me up.

Congrats on the article Ben - very much deserved!

- Smitty

[tknorm]

great article about a great collection!

[5toolplayer]

Great collection and great guy. Well done

[gorilla777]

Thank you all for the very kind words; I really appreciate it.

I am hoping that SMR does highlight the Game Used industry more going forward and it seems like it is starting to happen. It would be a definite positive to have new collectors coming into the hobby.

Ben

[allstarsplus]

Way to go Ben! Your collection is amazing!

[yankees506]

Sorry to say Ben I was not impressed, only one cano bat pictured? Disappointed! ;) kidding I enjoyed that read, I only wondered where all the other amazing bats where!

[bdeol44]

Very cool

[tigerdale]

Awesome Ben!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[packfan84]

Great article Ben. That is one collection I would pay admission to see! Nice to see one of the really good guys in this hobby being recognized.