Why do you collect what you do?

[ethicsprof]

I began collecting the monster in 82 when I was given a handful of cards by a good friend who had received them as part of an inheritance. I dabbled for years.
I became singleminded about the search around 2000 and tamed the monster
around 2007.
At that point, I moved from the focusing element of my academic mind to the broad brush
strokes/big picture element and moved into type collecting of vintage cards(200+
different at this point)
as well as vintage baseball photos( 1910-1949). I have greatly enjoyed picking
up a photo of each year, representing a large number of world series scenes.
I have also picked up an example of vintage baseball photos from key individual photographers and presses--around 20 different at this point. I should add that
I have picked up a vintage card for the various photos.
I have also enjoyed having all the cards and photos framed for my office walls.
all the best,
barry

[E93]

I loved baseball and read a lot about the dead ball era stars as a kid. When I learned about the hobby and card shows back in '79 I was floored by the older cards from that era. So while I collect a wide span of things, up through '70's Topps sets, my focus is pre-WWI and 19th century.

Within any era I focus on what I like. Aesthetics of sets and cards are important to me. As my knowledge of the history of cards grew, I became more interested in the historically important, and often times rarer issues.
JimB

[steve B]

What's this "specializing" you talk about?

I collect pretty much everything, but have reduced the focus as I get older and stuff gets more expensive. I do specialize in a couple other sorts of collectibles, but not as much with cards.

I'm more of an opportunist collector, I'm interested in a lot of things and eras. I also have the sort of luck that if I go to a show looking for something in particular there won't be any. But there will be some other stuff that might be more interesting. So I've bought cards at coin shows, and at a restaurant pottery show (Plus a really neat Cubs Tea/Coffee cup and saucer) As well as stamps and coins at card shows.

I guess I've always been a collector. The stuff has changed, but the hunt is just as much fun as ever.

Steve B

[slidekellyslide]

In the early 80's my dad found three Old Judge baseball cards in a scrapbook and gave them to me...told me to forget about buying the new stuff and look for the old. Took me a long time to take that advice but I'm glad I did.

edited to add: I now focus on the Nebraska Indians and Lincoln minor leagues...I collect that stuff because local history fascinates me.