To you; what is the most enjoyable part of the hobby

[alanu]

the hunt... followed not so closely by the buyer's remorse

[wolterse]

Reading about the hobby in OC, reading books on the deadball era, shows and connecting with other die-hards!

[Jewish-collector]

Fantastic topic !!!

A lot of you are (and will be) making jokes, but Rich's question is exactly the same question that I asked Josh Evans (Lelands) at the Net54 dinner question & answer portion in regards to his high end clients.

Over the years, I have also asked this question to some of the most prominent collectors in the hobby. I usually ask the question this way, "There's usually nothing in the auction catalogs that you can't afford, but I'm just curious what aspects of the hobby do you really enjoy the most ?" The responses usually address that they actual enjoy collecting low end material too, but only their winning/owning expensive material in the auction catalogs gets into the hobby newspapers. They also mention the relationships that they've formed with other collectors & dealers/auction houses over the years.

Alan

[David W]

I've been collecting on a theme for the last year, the top 15 St. Louis Cardinals at each position.

I've been slowly chipping away and getting their cards.

For me it got me back into baseball history, which I used to love until I got to busy with kids and work. I never knew how good Ed Konetchy was, or who Fred Beebe was, or that Dal Maxville would make the top 5 shortstop list of anything.

Now I've got a 3 year goal to complete this.

[Robextend]

For me it is all about owning a piece of history and learning about the game I love so much.

Also if chicks do dig baseball card collectors, can you steer them into Staten Island NY? I have yet to meet one that fully tolerates my involvement in the hobby.

[Myachelydra]

The chase/hunt...whateve you want to call it. Just as important are the relationships.

[Kawika]

The most enjoyable part of the Hobby is the escapism it affords me from the godforsaken realities of the 21st Century. The old cardboard is grist for imaginings of a world that used to be (but probably never was), a cinema in my mind of characters in baggy flannels acting out a grand American fantasy. And the chicks.

[barrysloate]

David- I think that world from the past really did exist, I just don't think it was as idyllic as we might imagine. It would have been wonderful to spend some time strolling through 19th century America...unless you had some strange disease they hadn't even named yet. Then maybe it would be better to be alive today.

[hank_jp]

That's an easy one.
The relationship that it has cemented between me and my son.
It's probably close to 25 years since Scott got me back into collecting due to his early interest in baseball cards and the bond has only grown stronger over time.
Whether it is that magic connection between father, son, and baseball or father, son, and collecting - I loved having that with my dad and love having it with my son.
Everything else is just a bonus.

Hank

[Jason Carota]

The history of the cards, players, and baseball itself. The people I have met (in person or online only) are also a large part of what make this hobby so enjoyable.

[Rich Klein]

And that was a great game!

Rich

[uffda51]

Seeing a card or photo you've never seen before. Spending time with other collectors of pictures of dead men. Standing on concrete floors for five days straight at the National. Finding the last card you need for a set or goal.

And the chicks.

[PolarBear]

I was on the old forum last year but just recently joined this one.

I love the technical research. I'm particularly fascinated by Ted's T206 series and back research. I love reading those threads.

I also like the historical context that the players were part of, cf Ken Burns.

The best sports book by far I've read in the last couple of years was Crazy 08by Cait Murphy. I love her sharp wit and writing style. "Quoth the Turkey" makes me laugh every time.

[Anthony S.]

That first moment when you notice that a difficult card you need (not want --- NEED) for a particular set you are building is up for auction.

[olsport]

A friend got me started collecting by showing me his collection of 1800s to 1920s baseball memorabilia. After seing his collection I was excitingly shocked by the beauty & history of each piece. I enjoy the excitement that the knowledge I have acquired for many years can help me hunt down items that others don't have the same knowledge about, thus finding a good deal. There is something very special when I acquire, hold & look at items from the past that are from a time so very different from today.

[quinnsryche]

Originally Posted by alanu

the hunt... followed not so closely by the buyer's remorse

I agree 100%, wait maybe I don't.