Love Was In the Cards For Don West

For those of you who have ever come home at 2 in the morning, half in the bag, switched on the TV and considered buying that Jeff Garcia autographed helmet from the Shop At Home Network — and you know who you are — Pat Imig at Joe SportsFan.com has written a loving tribute to everyone's favorite late-night sports memorabilia huckster.

We're talking of course about Don West — the gravel-voiced, caffeine-infused salesman who implored you to "Get on the phones now! If you do not make the call, you will never live it down for the rest of your life!" West, who left HSN in 2001 (there were rumors that he sold fake autographs), is pretty much a living legend among guys who haunted late-night TV from 1991-2001 —Will Ferrell even portrayed him in a Saturday Night Live sketch. (West is now a pro wrestling announcer). Writes Imig:

In one particular installment of Sports Collectibles, Don accidentally knocked over the display of his 6400 CARD BLOWOUT deal and thousands of cards went everywhere. He then proceeded to mention how when he was a kid, he used to swim in a pool of cards. Seriously, I'm not freaking joking. And if you happened to be watching at that time, Don was sure to demonstrate some of those Card Swimming skills that he obviously picked up from his days as an Indiana athlete.

So drop in and relive the glory. Folks, not only is this the most killer Don West item we've ever done, but we've got stretch-pay! You have got to dial in now!

"Are You Ready For Thissss?" [ Joe Sports Fan]