“One of the big joys with collecting cricket items is chatting with other collectors and sharing stories.”
Jim Congdon’s collection is the envy of any die-hard South Australian cricket fan. His love for the game turned into an extraordinary collection after being inspired by his close friend, Lachlan McAuliffe, who shares a similar passion for collecting cricket memorabilia.
SACA and Redback cricket shirts were the first items that found their way into Jim’s collection. Both Men and Women’s playing kits plus other clothing items remain top of the list when it comes time to add to the collection. Jim said, “I have been collecting close to 20 years. Locky (Lachlan) probably close to 30 years. I collect anything I can afford.”
With over 150 items, Jim says his favourite piece in the collection is a Sheffield Shield shirt from Spencer Johnson. Asking why he chose this, Jim said, “After seeing Spencer comeback from so many injury setbacks and him being able to make his Shield debut and now go on to his international career. Just bloody ripper.”
Along with Johnson’s Shield shirt, the most valuable items are the ones gifted by Paul Nobes, Jason Gillespie, Joe Scuderi, Callum Ferguson, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Peter McIntyre. Jim says this was a humbling experience, both he and Locky have been lucky to be gifted pieces from past players - items they may have never otherwise obtained.
Known by his X (Twitter) handle ‘Redback Jim’, the platform, in addition to eBay, has been essential in growing his impressive collection. He has also acquired international playing shirts, including that of Dutch international left-arm spinner Jacob-Jan Esmeijer, who Jim has built up a close friendship over Twitter. Jim enjoys and values the stories these pieces hold, saying, “To think these shirts have travelled overseas and are now a part of Locky’s and my collection.”
Jim’s collection includes playing shirts sporting names such Gillespie, Scuderi, Nobes, McIntyre, Johnson, Ferguson and Wellington. This collection holds special meaning to Jim, who treasures the ability to collect with his daughter, Zali, and his best mate, Locky, who recently entered remission for an aggressive cancer.
When asked what a Sheffield Shield final means to Jim, he said, “I’m so happy that we have made the final. Just knowing all the rewards and sacrifices players, officials and families have made - absolutely thrilled for them. I can’t imagine what it means to past players, being able to reminisce and engage with fans again.”
You can follow Jim on X - @redbackjim