Sam is the only known practicing Muslim in Major League history. Born in California, he spent many of his youth years in Egypt and Libya while his father worked in government. Sam quit baseball after the murder of his father in Arizona in 1990 by Muslim extremists opposed to his father’s teachings. Sam Khalifa turns 62 today.

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Happy 80s Birthday 

Welcome to the Baseball Card Collecting Mantel Group!This is a community built for collectors who live and breathe baseball cards—from vintage legends to today’s hottest rookies. Whether you’re flipping through ‘50s cardboard, chasing 1/1s, or just cracked open your first blaster box, you’re in the right place. Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming space where collectors at every level can connect, share, and grow. Post your latest pickups, show off your PC, trade tips on grading and storage, or just talk shop about the players and sets you love. You’ll find hobby news, release day hype, market trends, and plenty of chatter around what’s heating up (or cooling off) in the baseball card world. We’ll also keep an eye out for big pulls, unique finds, and maybe drop a giveaway or two along the way. No matter what team you root for or era you collect, this group is for anyone who loves the stories and history these cards capture. Let’s keep it friendly, helpful, and passionate—just like the hobby should be. Thanks for being here—and let’s trade, talk, and collect some cardboard!

Happy 80s Birthday

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