Is it possible to run out of vintage baseball cards to collect????

[Johnny T]

In early 2024 I slayed the Monster (518), the rest of the year I worked on T205 and have 13 to go to complete that beauty. I completed T201 long ago. Have all of the Topps sets from '53 to '60 plus '62 and '67. Have 33,35 and 38 Goudey done as well as Diamond stars. Have all of the Play Ball sets. I have the first series of 52 Topps done and a bunch of HOF'ers and not really interested in completing that. Apologies, I'm not trying to put my chest out with what I already have (besides what I have pales in comparison to what some of you guys own), I just wanted to eliminate suggestions of sets I already completed.

What's next? The Kracken is too big an undertaking for me and while I love CJ's, I don't know if I want to go down that road. I don't want anything newer than what I have.

Is it possible to run out of vintage baseball cards to collect???

Open to suggestions to some of your favorites! Look forward to some interesting responses.

Kindest regards,

JT

[Johnny T]

I have all of the Bowman sets too...

[jayshum]

T3s are a beautiful set you might want to consider. Also T202s.

[Peter_Spaeth]

There are some great regional 50s sets -- Red Man, Red Heart, Wilson Franks.

[LEHR]

Two of my favorite early baseball sets are T204's and T222's. Maybe those?

If you ever run out of new baseball to collect you could always pick a project in another sport, work on upgrading what you have, or focus on companion pieces (boxes, wrappers, packs, advertisement, etc.).

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by jayshum

T3s are a beautiful set you might want to consider. Also T202s.

These are my 2 favorite pre-war sets. I am, or have, seriously collected both.

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by jayshum

T3s are a beautiful set you might want to consider. Also T202s.

+1. Gorgeous set and still relatively affordable. If you want impossible challenge, try W600, 1908 Rose Co, or e107. Another option is to work on back runs of players from sets you have completed - terrible investment, but a good challenge and often fun

[brianp-beme]

Looks like you might have a gap in your (baseball cards by the decade) collecting coverage. Perhaps either the E120 or E121 American Caramel sets could be pursued to fulfill the 1920's slot. E120 being the neat, orderly and straightforward option, while the E121 offering many Series of 80 and Series of 120 tangents to explore.

Brian

[Musashi]

T3's

[bnorth]

The T210s with their beautiful red border and the T212s also have some extremely cool looking cards.

[Johnny T]

There is a definite gap in my collection as I literally have just 1 card from the Roaring 20's...and I have thought about going there, so thank you for the suggestion on which to go after.

Love the Red Man (need only a couple to finish the 52 set)...Red Heart and Wilson Franks (have the Campy) are also great sets and will consider both.

Upgrading is always an option, but not as fun as going after something new...

As for the T-3's, I always just assumed they were all very expensive...I will have to take a closer look at that set as well.

Keep the suggestions coming, especially which of the 20's sets to focus on, I appreciate all of the responses.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Johnny T

Is it possible to run out of vintage baseball cards to collect???

Open to suggestions to some of your favorites! Look forward to some interesting responses.

Try the 1961, 1962 and 1963 Post Baseball cards and 1962 Salada-Junket Baseball Coins. You'll be fully engaged with those sets for years if not decades.

[pawpawdiv9]

How bout strip cards?

[Keith H. Thompson]

No, their number is finite.

[tiger8mush]

OJs and lots of E-sets

[jingram058]

My stuff is modest. I have several complete sets. While not in perfect condition, frankly, they are how I like them. I have a lot of other years, OJs, Gold Coins, t cards, Goudeys, Play Balls, etc., and while not complete sets, they are the cards I want out of those sets. I just recently added 2 really nice baseballs to my collection of those; 1928 Yankees team signed and 1949 Yankees team signed, Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio and all the others, both official American League balls. Both in the safe deposit box. And while I prefer raw cards, these have both been evaluated as authentic. I now have 2 Ruth signed balls and 2 DiMaggio signed balls. I wouldn't trade or sell these for anything. Likewise my cards and other stuff. I got them because I wanted them and like them, not to sell. I actually prefer beater cards, as my sellers and traders here at net54 will verify.

I don't know where to go next. I thought about 1954 Topps as another complete set, as I have both Williams, Mays, Aaron, Banks, Kaline, and all the other big cards, but I just don't care enough for the other cards to build that set.

I guess I will just continue to plod along with whatever comes along that I like and can get, given the high cost.

[sb1]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

+1. Gorgeous set and still relatively affordable. If you want impossible challenge, try W600, 1908 Rose Co, or e107. Another option is to work on back runs of players from sets you have completed - terrible investment, but a good challenge and often fun

Why am I always attracted to the "impossible"...

[Casey2296]

-
For me, as a type/image collector it is entirely possible to run out of cards to buy.

I have a list of 500 cards +/- that I would like for my PC, and could/would stop there. There is also a financial limit to some of the higher end cards that would preclude me from completing my list Wolverine Cobb, etc. but you never know.

And a card.
-

[familytoad]

Look into the OBAK sets (T212) and don’t forget E95 or E96, both small sets loaded with big names and stars of the era .

If you want to try late 20’s you have the ice cream/caramels sets like Tharp’s , York/ Yuengling or Harrington’s.

I suppose it’s “possible” to run out of cards to collect, but if so… it would take awhile!

Originally Posted by Johnny T

In early 2024 I slayed the Monster (518), the rest of the year I worked on T205 and have 13 to go to complete that beauty. I completed T201 long ago. Have all of the Topps sets from '53 to '60 plus '62 and '67. Have 33,35 and 38 Goudey done as well as Diamond stars. Have all of the Play Ball sets. I have the first series of 52 Topps done and a bunch of HOF'ers and not really interested in completing that. Apologies, I'm not trying to put my chest out with what I already have (besides what I have pales in comparison to what some of you guys own), I just wanted to eliminate suggestions of sets I already completed.

What's next? The Kracken is too big an undertaking for me and while I love CJ's, I don't know if I want to go down that road. I don't want anything newer than what I have.

Is it possible to run out of vintage baseball cards to collect???

Open to suggestions to some of your favorites! Look forward to some interesting responses.

Kindest regards,

JT

[Kevlo17]

If you run out of sets that are interesting to you, maybe try venturing into other kinds of memorabilia. For instance, vintage photography is incredibly rewarding to learn about and collect, especially if you’re interested in researching more about a photo’s history. It lacks the checklist mentality, which may be a turnoff since you are clearly a set collector - but a lot of fun in a different way.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jcmtiger]

No, short answer

[ALBB]

I get the question, but sometimes there's a " disclaimer in there -

Sets that I really enjoy,

that are realistic,

that are not proven to be " impossible",

that I could finish in " my lifetime"

etc..

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by sb1

Why am I always attracted to the "impossible"...

Because you have very good taste. Life is short, shoot for the stars. The problem with these impossible sets and back runs is that some needed examples are so rare that one often way overpays to acquire one/it. I learned that the hard way putting together my t206 Tinker, Evers, and Chance runs and my brown old mill and brown Lenox subsets. I will end up doing ok when it’s all said and done, but only because of the items I acquired 6+ years ago.

[GoCubsGo32]

Originally Posted by Kevlo17

If you run out of sets that are interesting to you, maybe try venturing into other kinds of memorabilia. For instance, vintage photography is incredibly rewarding to learn about and collect, especially if you’re interested in researching more about a photo’s history. It lacks the checklist mentality, which may be a turnoff since you are clearly a set collector - but a lot of fun in a different way.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

+1 I love collecting vintage baseball snapshot photos, because of the fun challenges it has. Not to mention the thrill of discovering new photos from specific milestones, events debuts etc...are truly exciting!

OJs would be fun set to try completing!

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Johnny T

I have all of the Bowman sets too...

Well you say this but Bowman was also the Producer of 1948 Swell Sport Thrills. A fun set to chase down, and some would argue, the real Jackie Rookie.

[RayBShotz]

1921 Exhibits.
Nicest set of the 1920's and chock full of HOF'ers.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

No, their number is finite.

You've got it backward. It's logically possible to run out of things that are finite.

[brianp-beme]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

You've got it backward. It's logically possible to run out of things that are finite.

But only if you are running backwards.


Brian (turning logic into a physical activity since...right now)

[raulus]

Sounds less like you ran out of stuff to collect, and more like you ran out of stuff that you WANT to collect.

My experience is that usually I run out of money before I run out of stuff to collect.

[Orioles1954]

If I were to return to collecting I would do the T212 Obaks or some under appreciated 1930s sets like Butter Cream, Delong, Tattoo Orbit, Batter-Ups.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by raulus

my experience is that usually i run out of money before i run out of stuff to collect.

+1

[darwinbulldog]

Originally Posted by Keith H. Thompson

No, their number is finite.

So, by no you mean yes?

[Yoda]

While many consider the set the hobby's stepchild, T207 collectors are a passionate bunch. The set has its' rarities, RCs and tough backs (try finding a T207 with a Red Cross back) but is doable. Shame about the fecal-colored background.

[frohme]

Knew I could count on you for the T207 plug, John! I'll second that.

--
Mike

[ValKehl]

JT, despite all the sets you have completed, for which I congratulate you, I sense that you aren't truly familiar with most of the very many pre-War sets. Hence, my suggestion is that you obtain a copy of the Standard Catalog of Vintage Baseball Cards and give it many hours of your time, going through it pretty much page by page.

[Johnny T]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

Well you say this but Bowman was also the Producer of 1948 Swell Sport Thrills. A fun set to chase down, and some would argue, the real Jackie Rookie.

Hi Scott,

I agree with the Swell Sports...have all of them except the Ruth/Gehrig...great set!!!

See you in March at the Philly Show!

JT

[Johnny T]

Originally Posted by ValKehl

JT, despite all the sets you have completed, for which I congratulate you, I sense that you aren't truly familiar with most of the very many pre-War sets. Hence, my suggestion is that you obtain a copy of the Standard Catalog of Vintage Baseball Cards and give it many hours of your time, going through it pretty much page by page.

Hi Val,

I have been doing just that...got the Catalog a couple of months ago and I have been bookmarking potential sets to go after...great book...almost dangerous!!!

Thank you all for the suggestions...a ton of very good ones...I knew the Net54 group would provide excellent feedback. Appreciate you all...

Happy New Year!

JT

[Leon]

If you become a type card collector you will never run out of cards to collect!

[

[puckpaul]

There are many sets left. First 34 Goudey. T3’s. T207s. N28, N29, N162.

The T200’s are still reasonable and really cool and tough in great condition.

[samosa4u]

Start collecting Type 1 photographs

[Brian Van Horn]

Is it possible to run out of vintage baseball cards to collect????

Nah. Of course this group is not an exhaustive response.

[Brian Van Horn]

Oops. Senility. Forgot one, but considering there are many over the years (not in this set beyond Roush and Schalk).

[Kidnapped18]

My vote is for the 1914 Cracker Jacks
Best set hands down
The CJs will be fun once you get started!

[Prince Hal]

I've started collecting the 1934-36 Batter Up cards. With the multiple color combinations and two distinct series there is lots to compile including many HOFers. They are also readily available and affordable.

[rhettyeakley]

1911 to 1938 Zeenut Series

You will never finish that so problem solved! 🤣

[Keith H. Thompson]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

You've got it backward. It's logically possible to run out of things that are finite.

I knew the correct interpretation and have been worried about it since I saw it in print. I was going to edit my post just this morning when I came across your perceptive post.