Future of the Hobby/ Responses needed

[barrysloate]

From what I hear, Topps and Bowman sets from the late 40's to the 1960's are soft, and I find that very upsetting. I know the baby boomers who first collected them have gotten older, but those are some of the most beautiful and classic sets ever made. Why isn't the next generation interested in them?

[William Todd]

The next generation is buying housing and food, etc.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by William Todd

The next generation is buying housing and food, etc.

True, but while T206's are collected by everybody and his uncle, I can't figure out why 1949 Bowman, or 1953 Bowman, or 1957 Topps are no longer garnering much attention. With T206 so overpriced, why aren't collectors looking elsewhere?

[the 'stache]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

True, but while T206's are collected by everybody and his uncle, I can't figure out why 1949 Bowman, or 1953 Bowman, or 1957 Topps are no longer garnering much attention. With T206 so overpriced, why aren't collectors looking elsewhere?

It's funny you mention those sets, as the '53 Bowman Color and 1957 Topps are two of the sets I will be collecting most.

When I see a '53 Bowman Color Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle or Pee wee Reese, or a 1957 Topps Hank Aaron, or Willie Mays, my heart skips a beat.

[deucetwins]

Great summary Bob. I would like to add a thought previously danced around by Barry. Look at all of the HOFers that Baby Boomers had to collect during their youth. Names that are uttered in reverence and awe. Now look at the HOFers or future HOFers of the modern era. Not very many with the same type of or better stats than those of yesteryear. Except for the hobby darlings (Ripken, Ryan, and Jeter) no other recent or future HOFer has the same luster. Who would you rather collect? Koufax or Blyleven? Aside from the business part of the hobby (shops, shows, card manufacturers, investors, etc.), I agree that baseball has faded somewhat as the national pastime and has been overtaken by football (thanks Pete Rozelle for the TV contract). I just don't believe that football cards or any other sport will ever be as popular as baseball cards simply because the foundation isn't strong enough. I'm 40, sober, and collect cards.

By the way, Daryl that is the best 88 Donruss card I've ever seen. I hope you have it in your set registry.

[OFF CENTER TRADING]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

From what I hear, Topps and Bowman sets from the late 40's to the 1960's are soft, and I find that very upsetting. I know the baby boomers who first collected them have gotten older, but those are some of the most beautiful and classic sets ever made. Why isn't the next generation interested in them?

The next generation IS interested in them. You just don't know it or have failed to recognize it. You may not necessarily see us at card shows, but that doesn't mean that we're not out there buying vintage cards and lurking on the message boards.

RLR

[ullmandds]

Ok...thats 2!

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by OFF CENTER TRADING

The next generation IS interested in them. You just don't know it or have failed to recognize it. You may not necessarily see us at card shows, but that doesn't mean that we're not out there buying vintage cards and lurking on the message boards.

RLR

Glad to hear there may still be hope for the sets from the 50's. I think they are some of the best baseball collectibles out there.

[larrie804]

Yes, I am an old man (collector/dealer)! I am positive about the hobby's future...however, it is, IMO changing! First, I disagree with the broad statement that it is just a group of old men! A study on the board shows the average age of Net54 members to be in their early 40s...I do not consider 40 to be old! Secondly, as a dealer who does medium size regional shows (Chantilly, Raleigh, Greensboro, etc. I see more young folks now than 10 years ago!

I do see collecting interests changing! The biggest changes are two....those willing to pay stupid money for autos acquired in person at shows (Chantilly and the National) is increasing and the second (I like to think positive movement) is the increase in the past 5 years in vintage cards. My definition of vintage here is pre-1970!