I've always collected baseball cards, and I got the drive from my father. In the mid-seventies we'd go to the local mom and pop store and buy them by the pack, chewing the bubble gum as we tried to build the set.
Writing and reading horror were also big parts of my life when I was a kid (got that from my mother), and with the story "1920 Gallery Card #4" I combined the two loves of my youth into one. At least, I hope.
The story was written a number of years ago and was actually published in 2005 in a short story collection called Beastie and Other Horrific Tales, which I put out myself for a book-signing I had going on in town. After that I put it away, but when I was culling possible stories for the Skulls collection I knew it had to see the light of day again. Besides, not many of the Beastie… chapbooks got sold that day.
The story centers around the 'What If?' a prototype baseball card or cards had been produced the year before they hit the market, back in the 1920's. The story takes on a sinister and paranormal twist decades later. I won't spoil it for you, but people who've read it have likened it to a Twilight Zone episode, and I agree.
The best part is that you need to know almost nothing of baseball cards to understand it. I think. Anyway, it's a solid story from my past - if I do say so myself.
I also like the story (which I didn't edit except for a few minor word mis-spells) because it shows the progress I've had as an author over the years, and (hopefully) shows my growth.Thanks for taking the time to read about me, my story, and hopefully you'll read further and check out my releases.
Armand Rosamilia
I totally forgot about that awful, hard stick of gum inside the baseball card pack. Of course, I always chewed it anyway...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story behind the story!