An Introduction from Canada - Cracker Jack Anyone?

[yanksfan09]

I collect them as well, I made a lot of progress over the last year. Down to needing about 30 more total for all the 1915's. Some people collect a set with a mix of 1914's and 1915's and some people collect just one or the other. I am trying to do all 1915's. The 1915's have more players in the set 176 compared to 144 but other than that they're almost identical. There were a couple different cards in the 14 set but almost all the same.

The 14's are cool to hold as Leon mentioned. I've had some raw ones and they are very thin, kind of see through when held up to light. If you're going for a set you may want to decide which year you'll go for first or if you'll do a mix. All are great ways to collect. However, if only doing 1914's are you want them in decent condition, you'll need deep pockets. Good luck. I may have a double or two but have to check the pile.

[VoodooChild]

Welcome Herb. I just recently picked up my first CJ too. It's part of my Pittsburgh type collection. I also picked up another type recently and the player has ties to your neck of the woods I think. George Gibson - born in London, Ontario:

[baseball tourist]

Welcome Herb!

I don't really collect (to keep) cards but am active on the memorabilia side and love to soak up the educational opportunities throughout the board. I mostly wanted to let you know that as another log suffering Jays fan, you are not alone Sir! Chris

[RichR]

Welcome I had the same experience you had with the Cracker Jack set about 10 years ago. If you ever have any questions about the set just PM me, I'd be glad to help if possible.

[rainier2004]

Welcome Herb.

Nice choice, I just finished my mixed set of 180 cards a couple months ago and continue to be obsessed with them. I even wrote about it, here's a link if possibly interested:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=179326

Tough call on 1914 vs 1915, just do a master 200-card set! There are some REALLY tough 1914s and its hard to be a stickler on condition of those as some very rarely come up at auction, and that does not include the Pratt or Matty along with Joe make the big 3 in that set. Good luck!

[HerbK]

Hi guys,

Thanks very much for the warm welcome from everyone who responded and for the photos and stories that were shared. Some great looking cards here, for sure.

I'm still not sure which direction I'm going to go here (whether to just seek out the cards that appeal to me or to complete the 1915 set), but I'll enjoy these as they come along. I'd prefer to stick to cards in nicer condition, so that may factor in when I get around to the hof cards.

Bill, I just picked up that book and it is fantastic - thanks.

Jason, you're quite right. London is only about an hour from where I live and to this day still remains a hotbed for minor league baseball. Both of my boys played rep ball and rarely did we ever drive away from the London area without getting our asses kicked ... Lol.

One more general question (it could probably warrant it's own thread but this is related) ..... Since attending many of the big U.S. shows is not always possible (although I do get to the big Toronto show twice a year which is usually well attended by U.S. collectors who bring up some nice baseball stuff), my question is this; are the CJ cards generally listed on eBay overpriced? Can one expect to pay less - or considerably less at the big U.S. shows (National)? Are there eBay sellers who regularly list CJ cards, I should avoid? Not looking to step on any toes here - perhaps a PM might serve if there is anything I should be aware of.

Thanks again guys,

Herb.

[RichR]

My experience has been that the BIN prices for Cjs on feeBay are usually overpriced. There are some cards on there that I've seen sitting there for years lol. I don't attend shows so can't comment on the prices there.

I'd watch out for that Rainer2004 guy