Think about it

[71buc]

Wes Westrum could have been talking about collecting baseball memorabilia when he said, “Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand.” In 1970 my father took me to Fenway Park for my first game. I was seven. He bought me a Red Sox pennant and pins of Yaz, Tony C. and Reggie Smith. I was hooked that day. And I have never lost my passion for all things baseball. I recently found a picture from that day. I'm holding the pennant with the pins attached to my shirt. I too have some valuable items. However, much of my collection only has meaning/value to me. Today those pins are in my safe laying next to a pair of Hank Aaron's spikes (thanks again Dad).

My eclectic collection reflects my love of baseball and it's history in general. I'm a social worker. My pay check limits my ability to own everything I desire. In the past few months I have obtained an R311 Dizzy Dean, multiple 1950's baseball publications, a T3 Fred Clarke, a T200 of Phil Amer., a huge 1979 Pittsburgh World Series banner, a 1938 Goudey Al Lopez, a Diamond Star Paul Waner, Drysdale and Kouax Flasher pins, a 1943 news photo of the AAGSBL, and two 7-11 cups featuring Clemente and Aaron. Obviously there is nothing exotic or rare in this group of items. Especially in comparison to what I routinely see on display here. However, they are reflective of my taste, my budget, and my madness.

Perhaps if my interest in this hobby was more narrowly defined I would feel the pangs of jealousy when viewing the beautiful items others post here. Do I wish that I had similar disposable income? Absolutely, however, I think it could also serve to dampen my enthusiasm. If the desire to collect is generated only by financial consideration the joy is lost. I can honestly say that I would continue to collect even if there was no monetary value involved. Why else would I have saved that tattered pennant and dented pins for 40 years? Nonetheless, I am glad that there are others who share my passion, even if our collections reside in different tax brackets. Unfortunately there seem to be less of us each passing year.

[triwak]

Originally Posted by 71buc

Perhaps if my interest in this hobby was more narrowly defined I would feel the pangs of jealousy when viewing the beautiful items others post here.

Interesting point. It's very possible that rigidly defined collecting goals contribute mightily to one's frustration when not being able to meet (or afford) them. Options become so limited.

[Ladder7]

Opinions are like AH's, we all got one. Collect what u like.

It's a basic need, men hunt... Bagging a hidden rarity before another sees it, that's the key. Rich guys generally like blazers of commons ie, "The Card" to show off... Real valuable, real sexy... They just ain't real intriguing as a 1/1, and waaay easier to find.

BTW, Please give a shout if you ever cross paths with a 1912 W-Unc Tommy Leach strip card. S

[steve B]

I guess it all comes down to why you collect and how.

If it's a competetive thing then yes, someone else will always have cooler stuff or more stuff.

But if you collect as a connection to the history of a game you like, or just because you like the stuff then it's very possible to have a very impressive but inexpensive collection.

And some of what makes a collection a collection rather than an accumulation is that context that gives it meaning. For me it's a combination of the subjects(I don't just collect sports) combined with a bit of history of not only the game, but how the game and the people who play it professionally have been viewed over the last century+. A couple of my friends have asked about the collection, and if I have time I set out one card from each decade- 1880's - now. And explain how the portrayal of the players reflects the times the card was made. Some get it, some don't and probably never will.

Steve B

[T206Collector]

The ridiculously rich are probably bored by easy cash purchases, too, and instead strive to collect the rare in terms of TIME. They want to collect things that they may not be able to find before they die. Because if cash isn't a problem, time is surely a challenge.

My biggest sadness in not being able to bring home a signed T206 card of Ty Cobb in an auction last September was not that there aren't others our there, but rather, how much TIME would elapse before I find another one. How much of my life would pass without the enjoyment of owning it. And would I live long enough to wait out the next dry spell between sightings. Cash isn't the problem for advanced collections. TIME is.


My signed T206 Cy Young card is not for sale and is likely the only one in existence. The next owner of this card is going to have to outlast my heirs' interest in this card.

[Orioles1954]

Long ago I realized the best way to assemble a neat collection on a budget is to think outside of the box. Sure, anyone with tons of money can have T206 near sets and all the Wagner's and Cobb's one can handle. BUT, how many people have a 1964 Topps Venezuelan Orioles team set with no back damage? Make your collection interesting and it still can be world class for your budget. Honestly, I think that's much cooler than some of the complete and type sets I've seen.

[deadballera]

as many previous collectors have already stated.

enjoy what you collect. don't always bet on the future value, it might or might not be there.


I would love to own some of the high grade or super rare/scarce cards but simply can't afford it. At the same time, I do love picking up a few cards a month that my budget can afford.

[bbcard1]

In the end, unless you are curing cancer, is one life activity really any better than another? Act ethically and morally, enjoy the company people you love, be kind and do things you like so long as they don't interfere with the first three things.