CBS Baseball card collecting story "It's gonna die... "

[71buc]

I was at a Royals Dodgers game yesterday. A pair of six and seven year old fans who sat behind me were pretty knowledgeable about the team. I was impressed. A few innings into the game I walked around the ball park. I stopped and watched the Rangers take BP in the cages and watched Michael Young talk to a group of fans between his rounds in the cage. He actually came out of the cage and signed for the kids and posed for pictures for a good 20 minutes before returning to his routine. He is a very classy guy. We need more like him. I asked a couple kids who received his autograph if they collected cards. They said no. I asked why and they both shrugged their shoulders and said they just like to watch baseball. I went to the team store and bought the two young Royal fans team sets. When I returned to my seat I handed them the cards and they were thrilled. They were happy to have cards of Butler and Gordon. Both boys played with the cards for a few innings and then stuffed them in their back pockets. It did my heart good.

I think the hobby can survive if collectors and the card companies find creative and affordable ways to engage the next generation of fans. I find it telling that baseball appears to be at the height of it's popularity and card companies have not found a way to draw in new collectors. Perhaps the card companies could contract with the players association and provide the players with a gross of cards that could be signed and handed to young autograph seekers at games?

I personally don't worry about the hobby. I have been buying baseball cards and memorabilia for 40 years. My father got me into the hobby when I was 8. I have very eclectic tastes and have collected only what I like without an investors mentality. Due to this the value of my collection has never been a huge concern to me. If the bottom falls out I may finally be able to own things that are not currently in my price range. Unfortunately I have been unable to engage my own son's interest in the hobby. He thinks it's odd that I drive a Kia and could sell my collection to buy a nicer car and refuse to. He's 21 now and I'm certain he will sell it all when he inherits my collection. I see a very nice car in his future. If the Mayans are correct none of it will matter anyway

[CharleyBrown]

Originally Posted by 71buc

I think the hobby can survive if collectors and the card companies find creative and affordable ways to engage the next generation of fans. I find it telling that baseball appears to be at the height of it's popularity and card companies have not found a way to draw in new collectors.

+1

Originally Posted by 71buc

I see a very nice car in his future. If the Mayans are correct none of it will matter anyway

The nice car, though, will depreciate in value as soon as it goes off the lot, and will certainly cost more than its worth in maintenance over the years. :-D

[wonkaticket]

Well let's just hope this happens in the next few weeks with all the upcoming auctions.

[Northviewcats]

I actually believe that the interest in the vintage baseball card market will grow. 1. As long as people love baseball there will be interest in its history. 2. The economy in the United States will improve sooner or later. 3. Collecting old things is fun and with Internet shopping it is easy.

If there is a bigger demand and a limited supply, prices in vintage cards should rise.

Best regards,

Joe

[Texxxx]

Baseball card collecting will never die until the game dies off. I dont see that happening. The amount of people involved and the prices will fluctuate. That is just the nature of collecting anything.

[drc]

My question is does the CBS Sunday Morning Show offer keen insight into any subject?

[novakjr]

CBS is good for a few sit-coms and that's about it...

[deebro041]

Mike(71buc) its people like you with your generosity that will spur kids excitement in card collecting. Great job!!!