Collected as a kid, had a box and a couple of binders of nice cards when I got back in the game. Even as a kid I had centering OCD and a good eye so my base collection was good. Included some biggies, a few CJ's, 51 Mays, 52 Jackie, 53 Mantle, a few others but not much.
Sat down and decided what I want my collection to look like and built a list of 300 cards covering 100 years 1880-1980. I'm a type and image collector so things are pretty straightforward for me, I'm good with 12-15 cards of the year I'm collecting. Each year is different for me. 51 Bowman has to include Mantle and Mays along with Williams, Spahn, Campy, etc but not much else. 53 Topps, Mantle, Robby, Paige, Berra, and about 8 others but not Mays cuz it's an ugly image imo. The 53 set is so beautiful I don't even bother with 52's.
I found selling was a cathartic experience and made me focus on my original list. Sold my 52T PSA 5 Jackie so I could buy a CJ14 Cobb for example. I couldn't have both so I had to decide what I wanted.
Found this place and got hooked on pre-war, decided to chase a E98 master set and an E94 set. God help me. I'll be done someday, my list will be about 500 cards covering 100 years and I'll stop.
I would only say, collect what appeals to you, be passionate about it and challenge yourself in what you collect. Stay focused and have fun. The best thing about this hobby is the people you meet. Good luck and happy collecting!
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