Cards to pennants and other memorabilia

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

I started out with cards, and a card shop I patronized some years back sometimes offered non-card memorabilia such as vintage scorecards, programs, pinback buttons, pennants, ticket stubs, etc. Before long, I started to like that stuff more than cards, mostly because those items were more varied in type and appearance and many were part of the game itself because they were part of the fan experience at stadiums. I find a lot of that conveys more of the feel of the experience and history of the game. If you want to branch out beyond cards, I would suggest you start with items connected with a particular player or team and get a sampling of the types of items that strike you as the most interesting and appealing. Go with your gut and what makes you smile. To start with, you don't have to sink a lot of cash into finding some neat items that will be new to you but common to more advanced collectors. Some of the coolest items can be very affordable just because they're not very rare.

Thanks to those of you who have replied thus far. This post actually sums up what I have been thinking. I have pretty much always been a baseball guy. I will always continue to buy and keep baseball items. However, what I didn't mention in my OP was that branching out in memorabilia isn't the only change I find myself considering going through. I have become really interested in the American Football League (AFL) from the '60s. In addition to reading books about the AFL, I recently purchased a complete set of '65 Topps football and a partial set of '66 Topps football (22 commons shy of completion). These sets are 100% AFL focused, which turns off some collectors.

For better or for worse (usually worse ) I have been a Chargers fan since I was 8 years old. Lately I have been seeing some really nice '60s AFL Chargers (as well as other teams) programs and pennants for sale. The colors and artwork, especially logos are beautiful to me. I have been thinking that these items and maybe even some '60s bobbleheads might be a really cool and different way to go. I do have some game worn/autographed Chargers items from the '90s that could kinda sorta fit in with this.

Cardswin53 mentioned collecting Cardinals stuff. Well, I am a Cardinals baseball fan, too. Programs, pennants, bobbleheads, photos, etc. might be a fun way to go there as well. I also find myself drawn towards Cleveland Indians and Boston/Milwaukee Braves pennants from the 1950s and back. I think the visual appeal of the big Braves and Indians headdresses are absolutely awesome!

I really enjoy seeing the items you all come up with...they are inspiring! You guys are so passionate and knowledgeable! It will take a while for me to swallow the price of the '65 and '66 football sets in all honesty, but after that I hope to be a meaningful contributor to this board sharing my own memorabilia purchases. Thanks again!

Robert