Think about it

[hangman62]

Im a long time collector, I have enjoyed it for over 30 yrs now, recently a non-collecting friend ( hell,actually none of my friends,or family collect cards or enjoy cards..its painful to them when I occasioanlly pull out an album at a party or gathering ! )....was looking at my stuff and he made a comment that - stings, but yet is very truthful... looking at all the junk on the walls and in albums,he said " was this yours as a kid" "?..of course I said no...then started in on that old tired chestnut of 'but back then I did have a lot of this stuff..but my mother....blah blah..", He made a comment that " yea ,I guess this stuff is cool and I see your passion and all,..but all you need is money and anyone can have this or better"..and thats my point.... all us guys out there with the awesome stuff like complete Turkey Red sets, "almost" complete T 206 sets,etc.., all you need is money...its really not an even playing field... hundreds and hundreds of guys have the passion and love for the stuff...but many cant afford it...that puts them at the bottom looking up at collectors that probably have the money to buy $1000. cards once a month, and by that fact alone are looked up to and admired,..and the guy who only has $50. a month to spend on cards is in a way " a lower level collector". Im being truthfiul when I say.." I often wish the whole baseball card market sank like the worst stock market crash in history"..It wouldnt bother me one bit,if every card I owed became almost worthless ( and I DO have some very valueable stuff )..I could care less..the stuff I have and enjoy ,I would still have and enjoy...and imagine how that would level the "collecting playing field" .

RalG

[Leon]

For me the key is having the best collection I can with the resources I have. Unless you are a gazillionaire (and there are a few that are collectors) you can't have everything. And even those gazillionaires can't have some cards that are super rare and not for sale. Someone will always have something better so just enjoy what you have. It's fun trying to find great deals too. That means getting a $50 card for $5 just like it is getting a $5000 card for $1000....It's just the amount of zeros at the end that is different. I know I get excited for collectors on lower valued cards, when they obtain them after a long search, just as much as I do for the higher valued ones. Happy collecting!!

[rdixon1208]

I don't believe in level playing fields.... at least not the kind you're talking about. Should we all live in the same sized house and drive the same car? I don't have a lot of valuable stuff, but I've worked hard and earned everything I've gotten.

Don't get me wrong...I get jealous of other people's cards/collections some times. It's just not the kind of jealousy that makes me wish that all of his items would become worthless so I could afford them.

[Tim Kindler]

I see your point, but that is why I collect what I want and in the condition I can afford. As long as it isn't in "dog chew toy" condition, it doesn't bother me if I collect 10s and 20s. Sure I wish I could afford the $25,000 or more cards and collections, and yes I like to dream about them, but I have never been jealous of another's collection who can afford much greater value and conditioned cards than mine. Admire them yes, but worry about it or upset, no. I treasure my collection no matter what other people think about it. I figure there are plenty of collectors in my economic range that will keep the prices of even low grade cards worthwhile as an investment, adding to just PURE ENJOYMENT as a reason for collecting what I collect. Growing up, I always remembered what my mom said when other parents questioned why I spent so much on cards. I just remember her saying, "It's better than him spending it on drugs and cigs":)
Happy Collecting!

[Northviewcats]

...golf. My brother-in-law spends as much as I do a week chasing a little white ball. At least at the end of the day I still have my collection to enjoy, he's trying to figure out why his handicap goes up two strokes every year.

Best regards,

Joe

[hangman62]

Again,
I stand by my statement - If all baseball cards dropped in value so sharply..that they became almost worthless....I would not bother me one bit..Id lose money..sure,..but it would really seperate the true collectors from the guys who collect "with investment..in the back of their mind". Lets keep in mind..all they are is cardboard photos of baseball players....and even with prewar..there are thousands of them out there

[Ejm1]

Unlimited funds would take the joy of the hunt away. Finding items in your budget and doing the best you can is part of the fun I think. Flea markets and yard sales looking for those gems.

[Tim Kindler]

I see your point and whether or not anyone agrees or disagrees really doesn't matter, but this arguement could be made with ANYTHING that is collected from Art to fossils to guitars. Some collect for fun, some collect for the monetary investment, and some-like me- collect for both. I will say that NO MATTER if you are big budget or little budget collector, you collect for one of those reasons. I may be wrong interpeting the arguement on dropping prices here, but not every big budget collector collects for the monetary value and not every little budget collector collects for just the enjoyment. Most collect for both reasons so I hope the market continues to stay the same even if I can't afford a T206 Cobb with a Cobb Back :( I second Eric with "The Hunt" being the thing I like best about our hobby. Funny Joe about your brother...I suck at golf too! (But I have fun!)

[wonkaticket]

Im a long time collector, I have enjoyed it for over 30 yrs now, recently a non-collecting friend ( hell,actually none of my friends,or family collect cards or enjoy cards..its painful to them when I occasioanlly pull out an album at a party or gathering ! )....was looking at my stuff and he made a comment that - stings, but yet is very truthful... looking at all the junk on the walls and in albums,he said " was this yours as a kid" "?..of course I said no...then started in on that old tired chestnut of 'but back then I did have a lot of this stuff..but my mother....blah blah..", He made a comment that " yea ,I guess this stuff is cool and I see your passion and all,..but all you need is money and anyone can have this or better"..and thats my point.... all us guys out there with the awesome stuff like complete Turkey Red sets, "almost" complete T 206 sets,etc.., all you need is money...its really not an even playing field... hundreds and hundreds of guys have the passion and love for the stuff...but many cant afford it...that puts them at the bottom looking up at collectors that probably have the money to buy $1000. cards once a month, and by that fact alone are looked up to and admired,..and the guy who only has $50. a month to spend on cards is in a way " a lower level collector". Im being truthfiul when I say.." I often wish the whole baseball card market sank like the worst stock market crash in history"..It wouldnt bother me one bit,if every card I owed became almost worthless ( and I DO have some very valueable stuff )..I could care less..the stuff I have and enjoy ,I would still have and enjoy...and imagine how that would level the "collecting playing field" .

RalG


Ral,

The above can be applied to anything in life. There will always be somebody with more; there will always be something out of reach its all relative in the end. One man’s 100k is another man’s $100 bucks.

The trick is finding enjoyment in what you have now, and the bigger trick is never giving up on dreams of having or getting more.

Just my take…if you take this stance you will never get married George Clooney will have better looking women to choose from so why bother looking for love. No need for a car because you can’t have a Ferrari. No need to play baseball with your buddies on the weekend nobody’s inking you a contract in the bigs anytime soon right?

Life is an unfair playing field that’s what makes it exciting, sad, unpredictable, tragic and so damn enjoyable sometimes.

If it was fair it would be boring and predictable.

Now go look at your cards, scan some, and share some. But just enjoy them.

John

[marcdelpercio]

I think that part of the appeal of any collectible item is that it is scarce and has at least the potential to hold monetary value. Would you rather have a stack of T206's or a stack of 1991 Fleer? Why? You've never watched Moose Grimshaw (or Ty Cobb, for that matter) make a diving catch in the outfield. You have no fond childhood memories of cheering on Dave Brain rounding third and charging for the plate. So why would you rather have those cards than a nice EX/MT Felix Fermin? Because they have mystique. They have a story. They are old. They are scarce. Because of these things, they have...yes...value, and they hold the potential of keeping or increasing this value in the future.

Nobody collects things that there are millions of and anybody could have for a nickel. I have seen it suggested many times that those who collect for investment potential or to resell cards for a profit are not "true collectors". For myself...and for nearly every other collector I personally know, it's not nearly so black and white. There are some cards that I intend to keep in my collection until the day I die. Some of these are cards I had when I was three years old. Some of them are cards I bought a couple weeks ago. There are some cards I will keep until I find an upgrade someday...maybe tomorrow...maybe 10 years from now. There are some cards I buy purely with the intention of reselling for a profit. So what does that make me? Probably pretty similar to the vast majority of other collectors on this board, I'm guessing. All three of these categories are aspects of the entire concept of being a "collector" of anything. Without value, there is no demand. Without demand, there are no collectors. Anyone who thinks otherwise...I've got a nice '91 Felix Fermin to trade you for some T206's.

[Tim Kindler]

Is that the Fleer Felix Fermin with the F*$% Face Error? I'll make that trade!:D Boy that would be alot of Fs if true!

[Mark]

Even if a collector has tons of money, he still needs good taste to put together an impressive collection.

[marcdelpercio]

Is that the Fleer Felix Fermin with the F*$% Face Error? I'll make that trade!:D Boy that would be alot of Fs if true!

Sadly, no. That's the Billy Ripken card. You would not believe how many packs I bought as a 14 year old trying to land one of those. Somehow very anticlimactic when I finally did. I suppose this would explain my impressive pile of these beauties still stacked in my basement.

[triwak]

The OP puts an interesting spin on it, though. I began my HOF collection simply because I thought it would be cool to have a card of each inductee. Had NO IDEA what the costs would be! And I had no intention of ever selling anything. Still don't. Because of that, the monetary value of cards (even my own) sometimes seems to detract from the original reason I collected. I worry about security issues when storing my own cards - and frustration sets in when I can't afford cards that I need to complete my set. Would collecting still be as fun if everything was inexpensive? Hmm... Doubtful. But a valid question.

[71buc]

Wes Westrum could have been talking about collecting baseball memorabilia when he said, “Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand.” In 1970 my father took me to Fenway Park for my first game. I was seven. He bought me a Red Sox pennant and pins of Yaz, Tony C. and Reggie Smith. I was hooked that day. And I have never lost my passion for all things baseball. I recently found a picture from that day. I'm holding the pennant with the pins attached to my shirt. I too have some valuable items. However, much of my collection only has meaning/value to me. Today those pins are in my safe laying next to a pair of Hank Aaron's spikes (thanks again Dad).

My eclectic collection reflects my love of baseball and it's history in general. I'm a social worker. My pay check limits my ability to own everything I desire. In the past few months I have obtained an R311 Dizzy Dean, multiple 1950's baseball publications, a T3 Fred Clarke, a T200 of Phil Amer., a huge 1979 Pittsburgh World Series banner, a 1938 Goudey Al Lopez, a Diamond Star Paul Waner, Drysdale and Kouax Flasher pins, a 1943 news photo of the AAGSBL, and two 7-11 cups featuring Clemente and Aaron. Obviously there is nothing exotic or rare in this group of items. Especially in comparison to what I routinely see on display here. However, they are reflective of my taste, my budget, and my madness.

Perhaps if my interest in this hobby was more narrowly defined I would feel the pangs of jealousy when viewing the beautiful items others post here. Do I wish that I had similar disposable income? Absolutely, however, I think it could also serve to dampen my enthusiasm. If the desire to collect is generated only by financial consideration the joy is lost. I can honestly say that I would continue to collect even if there was no monetary value involved. Why else would I have saved that tattered pennant and dented pins for 40 years? Nonetheless, I am glad that there are others who share my passion, even if our collections reside in different tax brackets. Unfortunately there seem to be less of us each passing year.

[triwak]

Perhaps if my interest in this hobby was more narrowly defined I would feel the pangs of jealousy when viewing the beautiful items others post here.

Interesting point. It's very possible that rigidly defined collecting goals contribute mightily to one's frustration when not being able to meet (or afford) them. Options become so limited.

[Ladder7]

Opinions are like AH's, we all got one. Collect what u like.

It's a basic need, men hunt... Bagging a hidden rarity before another sees it, that's the key. Rich guys generally like blazers of commons ie, "The Card" to show off... Real valuable, real sexy... They just ain't real intriguing as a 1/1, and waaay easier to find.

BTW, Please give a shout if you ever cross paths with a 1912 W-Unc Tommy Leach strip card. S

[steve B]

I guess it all comes down to why you collect and how.

If it's a competetive thing then yes, someone else will always have cooler stuff or more stuff.

But if you collect as a connection to the history of a game you like, or just because you like the stuff then it's very possible to have a very impressive but inexpensive collection.

And some of what makes a collection a collection rather than an accumulation is that context that gives it meaning. For me it's a combination of the subjects(I don't just collect sports) combined with a bit of history of not only the game, but how the game and the people who play it professionally have been viewed over the last century+. A couple of my friends have asked about the collection, and if I have time I set out one card from each decade- 1880's - now. And explain how the portrayal of the players reflects the times the card was made. Some get it, some don't and probably never will.

Steve B

[T206Collector]

The ridiculously rich are probably bored by easy cash purchases, too, and instead strive to collect the rare in terms of TIME. They want to collect things that they may not be able to find before they die. Because if cash isn't a problem, time is surely a challenge.

My biggest sadness in not being able to bring home a signed T206 card of Ty Cobb in an auction last September was not that there aren't others our there, but rather, how much TIME would elapse before I find another one. How much of my life would pass without the enjoyment of owning it. And would I live long enough to wait out the next dry spell between sightings. Cash isn't the problem for advanced collections. TIME is.


My signed T206 Cy Young card is not for sale and is likely the only one in existence. The next owner of this card is going to have to outlast my heirs' interest in this card.

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/swNQV2bixh6GcZAeoJci_jiJm_Z5QsNdec5_I7WHZRE?feat=e mbedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OhVpYz1aRys/TAAOGsOSADI/AAAAAAAAH20/uGEZ9SoRNa8/s800/image0-2.jpg" height="800" width="501" /></a>

[Orioles1954]

Long ago I realized the best way to assemble a neat collection on a budget is to think outside of the box. Sure, anyone with tons of money can have T206 near sets and all the Wagner's and Cobb's one can handle. BUT, how many people have a 1964 Topps Venezuelan Orioles team set with no back damage? :) Make your collection interesting and it still can be world class for your budget. Honestly, I think that's much cooler than some of the complete and type sets I've seen.

[deadballera]

as many previous collectors have already stated.

enjoy what you collect. don't always bet on the future value, it might or might not be there.


I would love to own some of the high grade or super rare/scarce cards but simply can't afford it. At the same time, I do love picking up a few cards a month that my budget can afford.

[bbcard1]

In the end, unless you are curing cancer, is one life activity really any better than another? Act ethically and morally, enjoy the company people you love, be kind and do things you like so long as they don't interfere with the first three things.

[atx840]

Lower end collector here.

My cards mean the same to me as I am sure any other passionate collector feels no matter what tax bracket we are in.

Still would like a T206 Plank :D

[Exhibitman]

The be-all, end-all is collect what makes you happy. If competition is your bag, go for registry sets. If not, don't worry about what others have. Enjoy the experiences you share with fellow collectors who approach things in a spirit of kindness and good will consonant with your approach to collecting and walk away from the bozos who use the hobby as another means of inflicting their debilitating social defects on others. Life is too short to let baseball cards make you unhappy.

[36GoudeyMan]

... but I collect what I love and love what I collect, even when the collecting is going slowly because nothing that "fits" is showing up for sale/bid. That's when its frustrating, waiting for one of two or three cards that you need/want. I sometimes find myself saying, "hey, that '56 Topps set might be nice to start." But then I realize that there is a difference between collecting for the sake of collecting (hoarding? amassing?), and collecting for the sake of the intrinsic enjoyment building a collection brings, and, as well, its value. The pleasure comes from the latter; the former is rarely fulfilling, even if it is successful. When I pull myself back from embarking on starting a new set for the sake of having a new set to work on (and thus something to do between acquisition of the "needed" cards), and go back to the sets I love, every step in finishing a set I'm doing out of desire rather than routine is enjoyable.

My conclusion -- if you aren't first and foremost collecting what you love, you are simply doing it wrong.

[jp1216]

For me, collecting cards keeps me 'young'. I still feel like a 10 year old when I hear the mail man coming down the street.

I see a real difference between 'collecting' cards and just 'buying' cards. If I had enough cash to buy a full set right away - I wouldn't do it. The joy in checking the boxes on a checklist (or putting X's on a excel spreadsheet), is what I enjoy. (my son too). I worked on a '59 Topps set for 10+ years and loved it. I had the money to finish it sooner, but it would not have as fun. I wanted to assemble the set - not buy it. I like enjoying each card (or a few at a time). My T206 near set is the same way. I like to pick up a few a month and 'enjoy' them.

Sure, I break the bank when a true 'must have' comes around once every few years - but that is rare.

BTW - for those that mentioned the '89 Ripken card - http://www.billripken.com is actually my website. Guilty pleasure I confess.... But I did just pick up 8 different missing ink proofs (all different)...

Happy Collecting to all.

[glchen]

I don't mean to say anyone is hypocritical or anything like this, but I really wonder sometimes when so many collectors say that they would still have the same collecting habits if the value of cards dropped to near zero. It may be true for some collectors like the OP, but I think for most, it's very, very rare. Some cards are highly valued because of supply and demand. They are rare or a lot of people want them. I would love to own a Baltimore News Ruth, and I wish the market would crash so I could afford one. However, I think that I subconsciously also wish that after I purchase that card, the market would rebound.

There is a niche for practically any collector in today's card market. Heck, a true collector who didn't care about value would collect those 80s and 90s cards that are practically worthless or most of the modern / non-chase cards. People can't give those cards away.

Also, I'm curious if anyone on the board still actively collects stamps since that is a hobby that his hit hard times. Practically no one collects stamps anymore, and I'm fairly sure the value of stamps has dived. When I was a kid, in addition to cards and coins, I also collected stamps. I would think a true stamp collector would be loving this era, since he would be able to obtain a lot of stamps at a fraction of the value as in the past. (Again, I am not a stamp collector, so I could be completely wrong here, and would love to hear from true stamp collectors on this.)

I think what most collectors really mean when they say they wish the market would drop to zero is that they wish the card market would return to the level in the 1980s or 1990s for prewar. The value of cards weren't zero, but they were a heck of a lot cheaper. I'm wishing for the early 2000s myself since when I look at a lot of the old auction archives (such as from Legendary/Mastro), I can't believe how cheap cards went back then. The level or card prices now could mean that there is a huge speculative bubble (which is definitely possible) or that there have been fundamental changes in the card market to cause these changes. The fundamental changes would basically be the internet, auction / ebay sites, and grading companies. There is a great deal more knowledge in prewar cards among the general collecting public now that used to be concentrated only in the hands of a few advanced collectors. The internet has enabled these rare cards to be much easier to try to collect, which although it seems contradictory, increases their value. And TPG's allow the general layman who collects to have more confidence in what he is buying.