If only one affordable T204 HOFer… which would you suggest?
 

I’ve always liked the ornate look of the T204 Ramly cards. I don’t yet on one and I’m trying to decide which one I should consider adding to my Hall of Fame collection.

Budget is definitely a consideration! And I’m also looking for an image that looks great for that particular card series.

If I had $800-1200 to spend, which Ramly HOFer wound you suggest?

(At the risk of over complicating my quest, I already have Tinker, Chance, Bender, Collins and Wallace in other card issues, T206, T202, etc)

Appreciate hearing your take on the Ramly set -

Jeff

I would say that the Bobby Wallace would be the most affordable. I would rank the most expensive as: Keeler, Plank and, in a class by himself, WoJo.

There are usually a few HOFers 1-2's that will trade in that range in auctions each of the last few years, maybe even a 3 of a few or AUT, as noted Wallace will be one of the more inexpensive. I would advise buying the nicest level yo can afford to help protect the resale value and even spring for a better name if possible, maybe a 1-2 of a higher tier HOFer vs. a 3 of Wallace or Huggins for example.

While not the most affordable, Jesse Burkett is a good one to go after as well. His Ramly card is the only card he appears on outside of impossible to find cards such as the Just So and Sporting Life cabinet.

I’d second Burkett. Ridiculously tough HOFer. .

And just to add some visual interest to the thread, here is my HOF subset.

Attachment 546335
Attachment 546334
Attachment 546336
Attachment 546337

Brown should still be relatively affordable?

Great cards Alywa, thanks for posting
I would think Jimmy Collins would be a good choice for first Ramly.

He was my first one. Then Huggins.

Holy smokes, nice!!!

I would think Miller Huggins would likely be the most affordable T204 HOF'er, but I also like Jimmy Collins and Roger Bresnahan as other lower price alternatives (with the thought that you already have a representative Wallace card in your collection.

Brian

Believe it or not, Bresnahan was the second hardest for me to find. Frank Chance was my toughest.

I retract my support for Bresnahan. Long live Huggins and Collins!

Brian

Bresnahan is relatively tough compared to the other HOFers. While Chris's Burkett suggestion has merit that is a tall order to fill with the mid grade examples now well over five figures and the lower tier 5k plus.

Nice thread!
 

Thanks to all for posting. This set just keep creeping up on me, the photography and presentation is special. That Keeler photo makes him look like somebody famous! :D

Agreed, Burkett is one of the two or three most desirable HOF’ers to own from the Ramly set. In today’s world, $800-$1,200 for one of these is a pipe dream in any sort of decent condition not missing a chunk of the card, writing all over his face, etc.

As OP, I just wanted to thank you all for the great advice and ideas… based on all of this and what I already have in my collection toward my HOF player “set”, I think I’ll either chase down a Bresnahan or Wallace.

So many others are such great cards but either for affordability or the fact that I already have them in other card sets, looks like it’s either George or Roger for me as my one/only Ramly!

Thx again, all.

Jeff

Not sure if anyone is still watching this thread, but I could use more “crowd source” advice.

I’m starting to think differently about my one/only Ramly. Maybe downgrade a few cards in my collection to generate $$ to get into one of the bigger HOFers.

I’ll never get to WaJo but maybe Keeler, Burkett or Brown? The Keeler card is a really great looking issue.

If I ask, which is likely to best keep its value, would that suggest a bigger HOF name like Keeler or Brown? Or maybe Bender?

(I buy my cards like I golf… too much time up in my head, classic overthinker!)

Thx

Jeff

I don't think you can micromanage the investment angle to the point of asking which Ramly HOFer is going to better hold value. I would buy what you like the most, within what you can afford. And if you haven't done so, and this is not meant at all to sound patronizing, think about overall objectives.

I would buy Burkett ;)

Not taken as patronizing at all.. this is why I ask for opinions!

My objectives are simple - I collect for the joy of it, to stay reasonably within my own budget and hope that someday, my kids can sell easily and at least get back what I paid for it.

Nothing wrong with buying to invest - but that’s not my jam! Thx Peter

Then if you're set on a Ramly I would just buy what you like, I can't imagine anyone can tell you one is more likely to retain value than the other of the one's you've listed. Personally I have found over time I do better with concrete objectives but there of course is no right or wrong way to collect.

Ok, I’ve decided… please sell me your Brown, Pete!

In terms of player choice, I'd go with Keeler or Brown. Bresnahan should also be considered, as his card also has a nice portrait.

Whatever your choice, I'd suggest that you focus on getting a card with an image that has nice contrast, and, if possible, one without any stains or spots. This would not only help with resale value down the road, but finding a lower grade example with these qualities would also present a nice challenge to a collector (it that appeals to you).

Good luck, whatever you decide.

And, nice cards, Alywa!

Solid advice - I’m thinking the same way… Keeler, Brown or maybe Bres (love the Burkett logic but his price is from a budget galaxy far, far away from mine!

Man, those hairstyles were atrocious! Bresnahan bucks the trend, as does Johnson to an extent.

Collins has a bit of a Hershiser vibe in his portrait; Evers is going with a Kevin Bacon look!

To put a bow tie finish on this thread as the OP, I wanted to report back that I was lucky enough to find/buy this beauty from a great Net54 board member.

Thx again to all for your advice above!

Jeff

outstanding, congrats!

You collect the same way I do! In pre-war, I have several different caramels issues of HOFers, as well as several different tobacco issues, along with one bread issue and a Sporting News card as well - all different HOF cards. So I'm not the only one who has sort of a combo HOF/type collection. Cheers, Jeff!

Great choice and beautiful card!