Future of the Hobby, Opinion & Satire

[RelicSports]

I concur with all future posters...big names/high value items will retain their value/increase over time. I personally am of the belief/hope that as the world continues to become more interconnected and foreign countries continue to grow (China, India, etc.), there may be a new collector that enters the market...less for the "reminiscing of the glory days" that many of us collect, but more for investment purposes. I would love to hear other board members thoughts on if this is wishful thinking or is a possibility/already occuring.

[shelly]

Andrew, not a chance. Soccor, Cricket, Ruggy Badmiton Basketball. Baseball is as american as Japan.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by Bearfan4

I personally am of the belief/hope that as the world continues to become more interconnected and foreign countries continue to grow (China, India, etc.), there may be a new collector that enters the market...less for the "reminiscing of the glory days" that many of us collect, but more for investment purposes. I would love to hear other board members thoughts on if this is wishful thinking or is a possibility/already occuring.

For a few years now I have speculated what the effect will be on collectibles as China develops a middle class. You could be potentially adding millions of new and enthusiastic collectors into the hobby.

While I doubt it will have much of an effect on baseball, I could see huge impact on items that have wide global appeal -- historical, astronauts, explorers, etc.

Imagine if China sends a mission to the moon? It could spur an interest in tens of thousands of new collectors in astronaut autographs. Items that are relatively common now, would suddenly dry up as the new demand is added.

Just speculation, but it's fun to think about.

[shelly]

Steve, how are you going to authinticate there handwriteing? You will have to go to the tpa's and get there Chinese experts.

[RelicSports]

I just threw out the global/international aspect out there because while I visited the national a couple weeks ago, I noticed two asian men (unsure of nationality) walking up to an auction house and showing pamphlets of their business (I am assuming an auction house overseas)...