Evolution of collecting habits (aka "slow Thursday")

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Posted By: runscott 

I was sitting in a very poorly decorated igloo the other day, talking with a bald-headed friend and sipping a Fresca (or was it polar bear urine?)...

Most of you already know what I collect (old baseball photos), but I thought it would be interesting to hear how various board members' collecting habits have evolved. For instance, getting bored with something and moving on, etc.

I started off collecting '50s Bowman football cards, got hooked on t206s when I picked up a Dan McGann card just to see what a t206 looked like. After that, I just enjoyed holding and looking at as many different types of cards as possible, which is the reason that I have bought (and sold) so many cards over the last few years. I don't feel compelled to "own" any particular cards - instead, I just enjoy learning about them (how they were created, etc.). Pete got me hooked on candy cards for a while, and I still love them but can't afford to collect them with their "new" prices. Also, although prices may continue to climb, most cards will always be available (at some price).

Once I discovered old baseball photos I was hooked completely. Part of my love of old photos is that I am a photographer, so I can appreciate good composition, etc., the other thing that appeals to me about them is the history. Some photos, like the 1890's Boston Beaneaters set that Lew Lipset auctioned recently, bring the players back to life so vividly. Many of the teams of the 1800's had individual albumens made of their players, and as anyone who has ever seen an old albumen knows, they can be incredible.

But my favorites are the old team photos of the amateur teams - gorgeous, inexpensive, and they are great fun to frame and hang on the wall.