What if.....

[Frozen in Time]

I've often wondered about this and would be interested in the thoughts of others on the forum.

What if all the stuff that you have collected over the years was now gone (don't be upset - mine too) and, in addition, you could no longer collect anything related to sports (cards, autographs, equipment, programs, photos, etc).

What would you now collect? Are there other areas that have interested you in the past but, for whatever reason, have never pursued?

For me, with my love of the photographic image, I can easily see myself switching to subject matter other than baseball although what that would be is not clear at the moment. On the other hand, areas that I could research and appreciate from a historical perspective, perhaps someone like Lincoln or something like the Civil War would also be appealing.

What interests me most about this question is the fundamental nature of collecting. Can the passion for the acquisition of items in one area be easily transfered to another or are there limits? I realize the answer to my question is entirely dependent on the individual - which is why I would value others opinions.

Thanks,

Craig

[gorrister]

Stamps, coins or paper money. The collecting gene runs very strongly in my family and it's difficult to suppress.

[Leon]

I would probably collect type coins .

[BradH]

I would collect more antique toys. I have actually had a few small "finds" over the years that have been fun (and in some cases profitable, although that's not why I buy them).

With baseball cards, I've always collected sets and players that I really like and that look nice, and I think that's why I dabble a little bit in old toys and games - they're cool, they look great and they take me back to a good time in my childhood, or to something that previous generations enjoyed.

[Frozen in Time]

Thanks guys, this is interesting. Steve's collecting interests appear to have been formulated, at least in part, by his family's influences growing up. Brad's interests in toys and games take him back to his childhood - a common theme in collecting.

Although there are many reasons for collecting (probably as many as the individuals doing the collecting) at least for sports-related stuff it seems some of the most common are:

1. Relive childhood memories
2. Acquire items that one enjoyed growing up
3. Acquire items that one wanted but could not afford
4. Building a shrine to one's hero or team
5. Simply for the love of the game and to appreciate, and perhaps uncover, additional historical significance
6. The tenacity to complete a set or series

Can you think of any additional reasons for collecting sports-related items and , if you were to collect in other areas, would the same reasons apply?

[travrosty]

roman coins, kind of fun to hold coins almost 2000 years old.

[khkco4bls]

I collected antique phonographs. Outside horn oak phonos. Still love em. Had about 15. Still have 3 until I found my first old bat in my wifes grandmothers garage.

[39special]

Old drag racing stuff.Vintage speed equipment,old hot rod magazines,old drag racing programs,old signs,anything to do with pre '70's drag racing.

[David W]

Pix of dead presidents

[gorrister]

Before last years nationals I sold my coin type collection to buy type baseball cards.

[Jcfowler6]

Bottles are cool. And books.

[Jay Wolt]

comic books, advertising displays, Gettysburg memorabilia, Breweriana, coins, stamps, vintage toys, ornate stock certifs....I'd find something to fill the void

[ktwilli71]

Since I live in Madison County in Central NY , I would have to say I would
collect any and all things related to The infamous Loomis Gang.

They are very well known to have committed many dirty deeds in this
area.