Just curious, if you collect current players, but don't collect Ohtani, tell me why?
 

Started collecting again during Covid. Bought a lot of current players in the past. Now my collecting focus is on Ohtani. He is a unicorn two way player, 3x MVP, MVP in AL and NL, first DH to win MVP, and first player with a 50/50 season. It appears the Dodgers will be a WS contender for years and Ohtani is still in his prime. Of all the current players he is the top one in the hobby right now.

So if collect current players, and don't collect Ohtani please tell me why. I am curious. I expect some of the following answers

1. I only collect players from the team I root for
2. I only buy wax/sets
3. I only buy prospects to flip/make money
4. His cards are too expensive now (I missed my buying opportunity)
5. I think his two way days will be short lived and once the novelty wears off his cards will drop in price (ie. his cards are over valued and hyped).


So let me hear it!

No. 4

Honestly, I wouldn't worry at all about why people collect or don't collect him. No one has to justify why or who they collect.

Sho's probably my favorite current player, but his card pricing is outrageous. I imagine they'll substantially drop in price after he retires or his performance starts to decline. Now's not the time to be buying, IMO.

He’s too expensive. I can’t afford any of his nice cards. I like collecting players I can afford to acquire cool cards of, cards that matter, that are worth having.

Once I get priced-out of collecting a player, I reduce my buying and/or move on to another player who is in my budget range.

To me, Ohtani is the GOAT but I only have two of his cards in my PC (2018 Topps S2 Black /76 & 2023 Topps WBC Orange Cracked Ice Auto Relic /25).

I eventually plan to add at least one on-card RC auto of his to the PC but I'm not in any rush to do so because they're: (1) overly expensive (aka "risky"), and (2) incredibly abundant.

We've all seen hobby GOAT prices fall after peak performance years so we can expect an eventual pullback for most Ohtani cards. Additionally, key cards of other baseball (as well as non-baseball) stars can be obtained for a fraction of the price of their Ohtani equivalent, and we're not talking about chumps either.

From a collecting standpoint, it only makes sense to pull the trigger on well-priced & rare Ohtani cards right now.

From an investment standpoint, there's a number of other players who offer less-risky plays (e.g., they have a better chance of increasing in value [and a higher % change too] than Ohtani at current prices).

Not everyone got in on Ohtani early. If one did, it's easy to move his non-essential cards to pick up his essential cards at current prices because it's essentially re-organizing the PC at no additional cost (play money). But if one is just joining the Ohtani party, risk is quite high.

[QUOTE=Big35Hurt;19778574]Honestly, I wouldn't worry at all about why people collect or don't collect him. No one has to justify why or who they collect.[/QUOTE]


This X100

He doesn't play for the Reds.

I only collect players in Red Sox uniforms.

I came in way too late.

I found 5-6 cards I like, 3 monsters, and I'm probably done.

When his 2024 Topps Chrome golds /50 are going for $1k+, and I'm talking wave, ray wave, every gilded, et al) ... it's just too much.

No reason not to go all-in on Ohtani.

Sincerely,

Mike Trout

[QUOTE=JimEd14;19778660]I came in way too late.

I found 5-6 cards I like, 3 monsters, and I'm probably done.

When his 2024 Topps Chrome golds /50 are going for $1k+, and I'm talking wave, ray wave, every gilded, et al) ... it's just too much.[/QUOTE]

Prices for Ohtani's 2024 Dodgers cards are certainly concerning as it reminds me of LeBron's first-year 2018-19 Lakers cards (and those cards crumbled over time). Obviously, different player and sport but I can't see such values sustaining over time.

Some people collect for joy and Ohtani doesn't do that for them. Very simple.

[QUOTE=hermanotarjeta;19778665]No reason not to go all-in on Ohtani.

Sincerely,

Mike Trout[/QUOTE]

Rarely do we ever agree but you're 100% on the money here.

He’s too expensive. But this is an odd question? You’re just curious about why people don’t collect the player you collect?


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[QUOTE=Trueblue;19778669]Some people collect for joy and Ohtani doesn't do that for them. Very simple.[/QUOTE]


He brings me yorokobi!


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[QUOTE=NYRE2PECT;19778676]He brings me yorokobi!


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hahaha baka

[QUOTE=sauceboy;19778582]Sho's probably my favorite current player, but his card pricing is outrageous. I imagine they'll substantially drop in price after he retires or his performance starts to decline. Now's not the time to be buying, IMO.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=MiamiMarlinsFan;19778594]He’s too expensive. I can’t afford any of his nice cards. I like collecting players I can afford to acquire cool cards of, cards that matter, that are worth having.

Once I get priced-out of collecting a player, I reduce my buying and/or move on to another player who is in my budget range.[/QUOTE]

I’ve been told you need to adjust to the times.

Do your research to buy cheap wax and baby formula and flip for 10x profit.

Go back to school and get a better job.

Be a box flipper boi and stop being lazy to fund your Ohtani PC.

I’m not criticizing you guys.

That’s just what I was told by the BO experts.

[QUOTE=hermanotarjeta;19778692]I’ve been told you need to adjust to the times.

Do your research to buy cheap wax and baby formula and flip for 10x profit.

Go back to school and get a better job.

Be a box flipper boi and stop being lazy to fund your Ohtani PC.

I’m not criticizing you guys.

That’s just what I was told by the BO experts.[/QUOTE]

I guess I need to watch that Hobby Hustle doc!

[QUOTE=sauceboy;19778582]Sho's probably my favorite current player, but his card pricing is outrageous. I imagine they'll substantially drop in price after he retires or his performance starts to decline. Now's not the time to be buying, IMO.[/QUOTE]

Is this how you normally collect? You buy players past their prime or after they retire?

[QUOTE=eastbayak;19778626]To me, Ohtani is the GOAT but I only have two of his cards in my PC (2018 Topps S2 Black /76 & 2023 Topps WBC Orange Cracked Ice Auto Relic /25).

I eventually plan to add at least one on-card RC auto of his to the PC but I'm not in any rush to do so because they're: (1) overly expensive (aka "risky"), and (2) incredibly abundant.

We've all seen hobby GOAT prices fall after peak performance years so we can expect an eventual pullback for most Ohtani cards. Additionally, key cards of other baseball (as well as non-baseball) stars can be obtained for a fraction of the price of their Ohtani equivalent, and we're not talking about chumps either.

From a collecting standpoint, it only makes sense to pull the trigger on well-priced & rare Ohtani cards right now.

From an investment standpoint, there's a number of other players who offer less-risky plays (e.g., they have a better chance of increasing in value [and a higher % change too] than Ohtani at current prices).

Not everyone got in on Ohtani early. If one did, it's easy to move his non-essential cards to pick up his essential cards at current prices because it's essentially re-organizing the PC at no additional cost (play money). But if one is just joining the Ohtani party, risk is quite high.[/QUOTE]

When you talk about investment...do you mean short term or long term? I have a feeling most players I collect during their playing days or worth way less after holding long term. The exception to this rule are the GOAT's. If Ohtani turns out to be a GOAT he is the only current player I am confident in will be worth more long term then today.

BTW...I did not get in on Ohtani early. Started collecting in 2021 during his first MVP year.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778728]Is this how you normally collect? You buy players past their prime or after they retire?[/QUOTE]

That's certainly when cards are at their most affordable pricepoints, no? To answer your question, though, I would rather buy cards of a great player whose career has finished than a current one who might be overhyped. I'm not saying that Ohtani is overhyped, but his card prices probably won't go any higher than where they are at now.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778732]I have a feeling most players I collect during their playing days or worth way less after holding long term. [b]The exception to this rule are the GOAT's. If Ohtani turns out to be a GOAT he is the only current player I am confident in will be worth more long term then today.[/b][/QUOTE]

I do not agree with this, FWIW. There are plenty of examples you could point to, but let's look at Mike Trout. He will go down in history as one of the best to ever play, but his cards will likely never again reach the height that they were at in 2019.

Is it just me or do the stupidest posts on this board usually begin with "I was told..."?

[QUOTE=Funkster;19778672]He’s too expensive. But this is an odd question? You’re just curious about why people don’t collect the player you collect?


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So if people only collect vintage, I understand why they would not collect Ohtani. But if you do collect current players I am trying to see the point of view of those that don't collect. I am always interested in learning more about the hobby.

When I was a kid I was a Detroit Pistons fan. So I never really collected Jordan. Also at the time I started collecting I think Jordan fleer RC were being sold at the local card shop for like $300 (1992 or 1993ish). They seemed very expensive for this kid that was middle class. But I do have stacks and stacks of David Robinson 1989 hoops RC that I bought as a kid as well as a ton of other players.

I guess my point is even though he is expensive currently is that a good reason not to collect? I can afford to collect him, so I do. If I couldn't I wouldn't. So I get it.

But if Ohtani turns out to be the modern GOAT will his cards look cheap in retrospect just like Jordan.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778732]When you talk about investment...do you mean short term or long term? I have a feeling most players I collect during their playing days or worth way less after holding long term. The exception to this rule are the GOAT's. If Ohtani turns out to be a GOAT he is the only current player I am confident in will be worth more long term then today.

BTW...I did not get in on Ohtani early. Started collecting in 2021 during his first MVP year.[/QUOTE]

Regarding the short-term/long-term question, both are applicable.

Regarding your subsequent point, agreed. For non-GOATs, the highest values often come during their playing years (and particularly around their peak years too).

I already consider Ohtani the GOAT but that doesn't mean there's still a lot of value in his cards at current prices. Unfortunately, he played during a time of overproduction so the vast majority of his stuff is readily available. His non-rare stuff will be vulnerable (his rare stuff also has potential to be vulnerable too, it all depends on price-point).

[QUOTE=OhioLawyerF5;19778735]Is it just me or do the stupidest posts on this board usually begin with "I was told..."?[/QUOTE]

Stupid usually begins with "hermano" and ends with "tarjeta".

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778745]But if Ohtani turns out to be the modern GOAT will his cards look cheap in retrospect just like Jordan.[/QUOTE]

There are a lot of factors here that I don't think you aren't considering. For one, Ohtani isn't going to have the cultural impact that Jordan did. There's also no way to know for sure where the card market will be several years from now. Investing in ultra-modern cards like Ohtani is a risk, as are all things in this hobby.

[QUOTE=sauceboy;19778733]That's certainly when cards are at their most affordable pricepoints, no? To answer your question, though, I would rather buy cards of a great player whose career has finished than a current one who might be overhyped. I'm not saying that Ohtani is overhyped, but his card prices probably won't go any higher than where they are at now.



I do not agree with this, FWIW. There are plenty of examples you could point to, but let's look at Mike Trout. He will go down in history as one of the best to ever play, but his cards will likely never again reach the height that they were at in 2019.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you completely! I doubt Trout ever gets back to previous highs. The hobby expectation was for him to be a top 5 player of all time with all the milestones. This will probably not happen.

The same thing could happen to Ohtani. Or Ohtani could exceed everyones expectations win a few more MVPs and WS rings.

[QUOTE=eastbayak;19778749]Regarding the short-term/long-term question, both are applicable.

Regarding your subsequent point, agreed. For non-GOATs, the highest values often come during their playing years (and particularly around their peak years too).

I already consider Ohtani the GOAT but that doesn't mean there's still a lot of value in his cards at current prices. Unfortunately, he played during a time of overproduction so the vast majority of his stuff is readily available. His non-rare stuff will be vulnerable (his rare stuff also has potential to be vulnerable too, it all depends on price-point).[/QUOTE]

Yep. I think you nailed this on the head.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778745]So if people only collect vintage, I understand why they would not collect Ohtani. But if you do collect current players I am trying to see the point of view of those that don't collect. I am always interested in learning more about the hobby.

When I was a kid I was a Detroit Pistons fan. So I never really collected Jordan. Also at the time I started collecting I think Jordan fleer RC were being sold at the local card shop for like $300 (1992 or 1993ish). They seemed very expensive for this kid that was middle class. But I do have stacks and stacks of David Robinson 1989 hoops RC that I bought as a kid as well as a ton of other players.

I guess my point is even though he is expensive currently is that a good reason not to collect? I can afford to collect him, so I do. If I couldn't I wouldn't. So I get it.

But if Ohtani turns out to be the modern GOAT will his cards look cheap in retrospect just like Jordan.[/QUOTE]

Card cost or value has very little to do with what cards I choose to collect.

[QUOTE=OhioLawyerF5;19778735]Is it just me or do the stupidest posts on this board usually begin with "I was told..."?[/QUOTE]

The stupidest posts begin with “Shoot, you could’ve replaced MJ……”

For example, and believe it or not, this was actually posted for reals in the basketball section:

“Shoot, you could've replaced MJ with someone like Klay Thompson and got the same exact outcome.”

[QUOTE=sauceboy;19778750]There are a lot of factors here that I don't think you aren't considering. For one, Ohtani isn't going to have the cultural impact that Jordan did. There's also no way to know for sure where the card market will be several years from now. Investing in ultra-modern cards like Ohtani is a risk, as are all things in this hobby.[/QUOTE]

I completely agree ultra modern is a huge risk. That is why I asked the question of collectors that collect ultra modern of other players, but not Ohtani. These collectors are already taking the risk.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778759]I completely agree ultra modern is a huge risk. That is why I asked the question of collectors that collect ultra modern of other players, but not Ohtani. These collectors are already taking the risk.[/QUOTE]

Not ALL ultra modern is a huge risk, however. Certain players will become transcendent and their key pieces can continue to increase in value with time.

Dig through all the rubbish that is being released and pinpoint the key issues that will rise to the top.

There is much to collect. I own fifteen or twenty Ohtani cards, but I don't feel any need to limit myself to just Ohtani.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778759]I completely agree ultra modern is a huge risk. That is why I asked the question of collectors that collect ultra modern of other players, but not Ohtani. These collectors are already taking the risk.[/QUOTE]

You seem to conflate collecting with investing. There is zero risk for me to collect players I like.

[QUOTE=OhioLawyerF5;19778735]Is it just me or do the stupidest posts on this board usually begin with "I was told..."?[/QUOTE]

It's definitely up there with any that include the words "as I've been saying."

He plays for the Dodgers.

I don't care how good you are at baseball or how nice you may be as a person, you choose to put that uniform on and you are baseball dead to me.

[QUOTE=eastbayak;19778667]Prices for Ohtani's 2024 Dodgers cards are certainly concerning as it reminds me of LeBron's first-year 2018-19 Lakers cards (and those cards crumbled over time). Obviously, different player and sport but I can't see such values sustaining over time.[/QUOTE]

Appreciate the historical perspective!

I almost bit on Soto's first year Yankees cards, man those have tanked hard with the move across town.

[QUOTE=JimEd14;19778773]Appreciate the historical perspective!

I almost bit on Soto's first year Yankees cards, man those have tanked hard with the move across town.[/QUOTE]

What will help the first dodger Ohtani cards is that he actually won the World Series.

Dodger fans will never forget about that.

[QUOTE=YouTheManNick;19778771]He plays for the Dodgers.

I don't care how good you are at baseball or how nice you may be as a person, you choose to put that uniform on and you are baseball dead to me.[/QUOTE]

Haha, I originally felt the same way (SF Giants fan) but couldn't deny the talent.

[QUOTE=JimEd14;19778773]Appreciate the historical perspective!

I almost bit on Soto's first year Yankees cards, man those have tanked hard with the move across town.[/QUOTE]

No problem at all! Glad you didn't jump on those too!

By the way, I see that you reside in the SF Bay Area. In case you're not already aware, wanted to share a couple local shows that are fun to (occasionally) check out.

San Francisco Card Show (typically in SSF)
East Bay Card Show (typically Concord)
The Card Attic Fairfield Show (typically Fairfield)

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778732]When you talk about investment...do you mean short term or long term? I have a feeling most players I collect during their playing days or worth way less after holding long term. The exception to this rule are the GOAT's. If Ohtani turns out to be a GOAT he is the only current player I am confident in will be worth more long term then today.

BTW...I did not get in on Ohtani early. Started collecting in 2021 during his first MVP year.[/QUOTE]

That's still 4 years ago, obviously things have changed dramatically since then. What would his market be like if he gets another MVP this season? Would be four out of 5 years and the first since Bonds to achieve anything past three.

He's not a Cardinal or Red, I didn't grow up watching him play. I sold off (too early) the only card of his I've bought, but I picked it up when his stuff was fairly cheap so still came out way ahead

[QUOTE=SleepyWill;19778826]That's still 4 years ago, obviously things have changed dramatically since then. What would his market be like if he gets another MVP this season? Would be four out of 5 years and the first since Bonds to achieve anything past three.[/QUOTE]

His prices during his first 2021 season especially at the all star break and later were very similar to where they are now for low end and mid end RC (the majority of my collection). So I did not get in early, but the majority of my cards are worth more today than in 2021.

I think there is a realistic scenario in the future where Ohtani win at least 1 more MVP if not two or more. I also would not be surprised if the Dodger win the WS this year (and seemed stack for at least the next 5 years). I assume if he is healthy and plays well his RC cards will continue to rise. I don't buy anything else.

Oof from a purist trading card gathering hobby on this OP topic question. A couple already hit on why the heck do we make a new thread saying I'm focusing on this guy, why don't you? Ugh.

I don't even fit into the 5 options you have came up with arbitrarily imho. Hence the warped question even if you do mean to be genuine about your survey.

Never ever pick your player because of the fervor on the forum is peak pitch. Pick your lane in this hobby. But you can also switch as you choose. The beauty of trading cards and the numerous card sets made of modern era. Yes, a whole bunch for newbies and pricing is not what it used to be to accumulate in an effective budget, but the myriad of products and set for newer player and/or vets entering their primes creates plenty of options. Just requires the homework on your part to find the lane to drive your hobby road.

Kind of like the pro tip most give on baseball prospects with new BC cards. Do your own research.

But with all great, super elite players in multiple sports, do not run out and join the crowd because it's a video game cover Lol

You do you and that's the sports card life. I wish I could convey it better but whether it's Ohtani, Judge, or Soto, it never crossed my mind to get on a card train. Not Mahomes or LeBron, or even McDavid in hockey. Please find your space. If the space doesn't feel right to you, then move on too. For your reasons. Can't help the rest. Even if they are semistars to the masses in the way media highlights move and gravitate these days.

Every sport has an anointed list for sports talk daily shows, both players and teams. If you absolutely adore Shohei or the other guys I mentioned, that's all dandy as well. But if someone tells you that if you do not collect their fav player, what's your beef, then we have hobby infringement (not a real law but a scruple imho). I was told several years ago in a group break chat while a baseball product was opening, if I didn't love Mariano Rivera, then I did not deserve to collect cards at all. That's an example.

Whether I'm overloading the OP, excuse my shakedown. But 2 other posters before me did hint at my view with way less words.

Continue.

i collect him when i can

big fan of Topps Black, but Fanatics killed that parallel

[QUOTE=chris_ac;19778999]Oof from a purist trading card gathering hobby on this OP topic question. A couple already hit on why the heck do we make a new thread saying I'm focusing on this guy, why don't you? Ugh.

I don't even fit into the 5 options you have came up with arbitrarily imho. Hence the warped question even if you do mean to be genuine about your survey.

Never ever pick your player because of the fervor on the forum is peak pitch. Pick your lane in this hobby. But you can also switch as you choose. The beauty of trading cards and the numerous card sets made of modern era. Yes, a whole bunch for newbies and pricing is not what it used to be to accumulate in an effective budget, but the myriad of products and set for newer player and/or vets entering their primes creates plenty of options. Just requires the homework on your part to find the lane to drive your hobby road.

Kind of like the pro tip most give on baseball prospects with new BC cards. Do your own research.

But with all great, super elite players in multiple sports, do not run out and join the crowd because it's a video game cover Lol

You do you and that's the sports card life. I wish I could convey it better but whether it's Ohtani, Judge, or Soto, it never crossed my mind to get on a card train. Not Mahomes or LeBron, or even McDavid in hockey. Please find your space. If the space doesn't feel right to you, then move on too. For your reasons. Can't help the rest. Even if they are semistars to the masses in the way media highlights move and gravitate these days.

Every sport has an anointed list for sports talk daily shows, both players and teams. If you absolutely adore Shohei or the other guys I mentioned, that's all dandy as well. But if someone tells you that if you do not collect their fav player, what's your beef, then we have hobby infringement (not a real law but a scruple imho). I was told several years ago in a group break chat while a baseball product was opening, if I didn't love Mariano Rivera, then I did not deserve to collect cards at all. That's an example.

Whether I'm overloading the OP, excuse my shakedown. But 2 other posters before me did hint at my view with way less words.

Continue.[/QUOTE]

I learned very early on this board to collect what you like. I am not an investor. I buy cards of players I enjoy watching (I only collect baseball) and you can see from my signature who I collect. Some of the player broke my heart (Wander and Tatis). I enjoy watching Ohtani. He is a fun player to follow. I don't collect vintage (or player I never saw play). I don't open wax for fun, and I don't collect sets. I just buy singles of players I like. I am hugely biased as I collect Ohtani. This is why I asked the question...and I have no issue with any of the responses. This is a hobby and suppose to be fun. Some on here make money on their hobby, and some do it for a living. Thats not me. I don't make any money on the hobby. I just buy singles of players I like. Right now my main focus is Ohtani (but I did buy some Judge, Mookie, Trout and Elly this off season).

Not criticizing others on how they collect. Just interested in those that collect modern/ultra modern current players and don't collect Ohtani. I am sure someone could come up with ton more reasons to not collect him. But at this point he is the #1 current player in the hobby.

You can ask the question "why don't you collect Michael Jordan?" in the basketball thread and get similar answers to what you are getting here. I'm not saying that Sho is Michael Jordan for better or worse, but some people just want to collect what they want to collect.

Here's a hot take:

Collectors like to collect different things.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19779016]I learned very early on this board to collect what you like. I am not an investor. I buy cards of players I enjoy watching (I only collect baseball) and you can see from my signature who I collect. Some of the player broke my heart (Wander and Tatis). I enjoy watching Ohtani. He is a fun player to follow. I don't collect vintage (or player I never saw play). I don't open wax for fun, and I don't collect sets. I just buy singles of players I like. I am hugely biased as I collect Ohtani. This is why I asked the question...and I have no issue with any of the responses. This is a hobby and suppose to be fun. Some on here make money on their hobby, and some do it for a living. Thats not me. I don't make any money on the hobby. I just buy singles of players I like. Right now my main focus is Ohtani (but I did buy some Judge, Mookie, Trout and Elly this off season).

Not criticizing others on how they collect. Just interested in those that collect modern/ultra modern current players and don't collect Ohtani. I am sure someone could come up with ton more reasons to not collect him. But at this point he is the #1 current player in the hobby.[/QUOTE]

You seem to be contradicting yourself. You say collect what you like, but then turn around and say "if you collect modern, why aren't you collecting the #1 player in the hobby."

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778759]I completely agree ultra modern is a huge risk. That is why I asked the question of collectors that collect ultra modern of other players, but not Ohtani. These collectors are already taking the risk.[/QUOTE]

You made this comment. To say you asked the question because of risk involved means you are mixing up investing and collecting. When you collect what you like, there's no risk. There's only risk when you are concerned about the monetary value of the cards.

I'm not critizing you, but your "personal collection" and the list you said you bought some of fits right into an investor mindset. Everyone you collect has been the "next big hobby name." It doesn't help when you make a comments like "the majority of my cards are worth more than they were in 2021" and "I assume his prices will continue to rise."

Let me ask you this, why did Tatis break your heart? He's still a very good baseball player. He's still exciting to watch.

To answer your original question. I set build and, for in baseball, the main focus of my PC is Atlanta Braves players, past and present (including non-Braves pictured cards of the guys I really loved watching play). Ohtani has never played for the Braves, so why would I collect him?

[QUOTE=whitmm;19779075]You seem to be contradicting yourself. You say collect what you like, but then turn around and say "if you collect modern, why aren't you collecting the #1 player in the hobby."

You made this comment. To say you asked the question because of risk involved means you are mixing up investing and collecting. When you collect what you like, there's no risk. There's only risk when you are concerned about the monetary value of the cards.

I'm not critizing you, but your "personal collection" and the list you said you bought some of fits right into an investor mindset. Everyone you collect has been the "next big hobby name." It doesn't help when you make a comments like "the majority of my cards are worth more than they were in 2021" and "I assume his prices will continue to rise."

Let me ask you this, why did Tatis break your heart? He's still a very good baseball player. He's still exciting to watch.
[/QUOTE]

Can't disagree with what you say. I am a purist when it comes to collecting. I buy what I like, don't care what others think, and not worried about the future value of the cards. I get excited finding cards for my PC in bargain boxes just the same as finding one in the dealer's case at a show or shop.

[QUOTE=Big35Hurt;19779082]Can't disagree with what you say. I am a purist when it comes to collecting. I buy what I like, don't care what others think, and not worried about the future value of the cards. I get excited finding cards for my PC in bargain boxes just the same as finding one in the dealer's case at a show or shop.[/QUOTE]

I love bargain boxes.

My PC is filled with guys that were lucky if they sniffed the top 100 in the hobby. I might have 10 AJ Minter Topps Chrome rookie autos. I have way too many Touki Toussaint cards. I buy almost all of the Dan Uggla cards I find. I was fortunate to pull a couple Acuna autos. My never played for Atlanta guys are Rocco Baldelli, Bobby Crosby, and Mat Gamel.

He's not a Yankee. I only collect Yankees cards other than Flagship and Update sets.

Just curious, if you collect current players, but don't collect Ohtani, tell me why?
 

[QUOTE=whitmm;19779121]I love bargain boxes.

My PC is filled with guys that were lucky if they sniffed the top 100 in the hobby. I might have 10 AJ Minter Topps Chrome rookie autos. I have way too many Touki Toussaint cards. I buy almost all of the Dan Uggla cards I find. I was fortunate to pull a couple Acuna autos. My never played for Atlanta guys are Rocco Baldelli, Bobby Crosby, and Mat Gamel.[/QUOTE]


I pulled so much Touki….if he was a star I would have been rich, rich I say!


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[QUOTE=NYRE2PECT;19779125]I pulled so much Touki….if he was a star I would have been rich, rich I say!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Same here. And his autos filled every bargain box in town. Same with the Minters. It was like "screw it, I'm buying them all." And I had a blast doing it.

I can't really say I collect him, but I do have a handful of his cards(a couple of them are jersey #'d 17/xxx)! I'm hoping to find more in the future, but the prices might be more than I am willing to spend at this point.

1. I only collect [individual] players from the team I root for (sf giants)

2. I only collect sets (I'm lucky that he was in one of the parallel sets that I used to collect, heritage image variations, so I have a few of his cards)

[QUOTE=whitmm;19779075]You seem to be contradicting yourself. You say collect what you like, but then turn around and say "if you collect modern, why aren't you collecting the #1 player in the hobby."



You made this comment. To say you asked the question because of risk involved means you are mixing up investing and collecting. When you collect what you like, there's no risk. There's only risk when you are concerned about the monetary value of the cards.

I'm not critizing you, but your "personal collection" and the list you said you bought some of fits right into an investor mindset. Everyone you collect has been the "next big hobby name." It doesn't help when you make a comments like "the majority of my cards are worth more than they were in 2021" and "I assume his prices will continue to rise."

Let me ask you this, why did Tatis break your heart? He's still a very good baseball player. He's still exciting to watch.

To answer your original question. I set build and, for in baseball, the main focus of my PC is Atlanta Braves players, past and present (including non-Braves pictured cards of the guys I really loved watching play). Ohtani has never played for the Braves, so why would I collect him?[/QUOTE]

I still love watching all the players I PC...including Tatis. I never sold any of my large Tatis collection. I just stopped adding to it. I spent a lot of money on him during Covid. I still have hope one day he can repair his reputation. But at this point it will be an uphill climb for him to achieve greatness in the sport...and a HOF bid.

And I am happy you hobby how you hobby. I didn't start this thread to tell people they should collect Ohtani. I just wanted to know if you do collect cards of current players and not Ohtani why. And I listed a few some would say. And your reason is included.

Too expensive.

I like Ohtani cards and collect a few certain ones, purposely. That includes a recent $50 pick up and some $2 cards.

But I am totally burning out on wanting to collect an insert checklist and then discovering an Ohtani card that will then cost 5x every other card on the checklist. So at this point if I discover a checklist without him (quite rare), I am more inclined to work on that one.

[QUOTE=rwperu34;19779317]Too expensive.[/QUOTE]

Last year I kept on saying I did not understand why his base and low end RC cards were falling in value so much compared to his peak in 2023. This was during the first 3rd of the season. Basically was told supply and demand. After 50/50 demand sky rocketed.

After his injury in 2023 and his cards dropped did you think his cards were too expensive? My guess is if you would have bought during that off season you would be better off then most of your guys on your list (except maybe Skubal) both short term and long term.

Some people collect a player because they like him as a person or his game. Not necessarily because of future value of their cards.

Y'all shoulda done what I did.

[url]https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?p=17285776[/url]

$185 offer was accepted. Now graded as a PSA 10. :)

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19779312]I still love watching all the players I PC...including Tatis. I never sold any of my large Tatis collection. I just stopped adding to it. I spent a lot of money on him during Covid. I still have hope one day he can repair his reputation. But at this point it will be an uphill climb for him to achieve greatness in the sport...and a HOF bid.

And I am happy you hobby how you hobby. I didn't start this thread to tell people they should collect Ohtani. I just wanted to know if you do collect cards of current players and not Ohtani why. And I listed a few some would say. And your reason is included.[/QUOTE]

I'm really not sure what you're hoping to get out of this?

You literally said the reason you asked is because of the risk that comes with modern/ultra modern. You do understand that the root of that is based on monetary value, right?

If you were really curious about why people collect what they do, the better question would have been "why do you collect what you do?" Which there have been threads about already.

If you are happy that I hobby the way I hobby, why are you wanting to know why I'm not collecting someone else?

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19779312]I still love watching all the players I PC...including Tatis. I never sold any of my large Tatis collection. I just stopped adding to it. I spent a lot of money on him during Covid. I still have hope one day he can repair his reputation. But at this point it will be an uphill climb for him to achieve greatness in the sport...and a HOF bid.

[/QUOTE]

If you still love watching him, why did you stop collecting him?

Your signature answers the question. I'm guessing you stopped "collecting" because his prices tanked.

I collect Ohtani. I think he’s already left a historical impact on the game that will be talked about for the next 50 years. I don’t think you can compare him to Trout. Trout is at the point now where his impact on the game may actually be rather minimal. Personally, I feel that if Ohtani were to have another TJ right now his cards wouldn’t even tank that much. He’s the most famous US baseball player since Griffey Jr or Bonds and he has an Asian following that those guys never had. In addition to all that, he plays in a huge market now. Ohtani honestly has to do very little moving forward to secure a spot as the best player the sport has seen in decades. Of course there’s risk in buying his cards at the current prices - they’re awfully high. But I think if you stick to the right stuff that you A) enjoy and B) are nice, then the floor feels as high as anyone else in the hobby at this point - in any sport. As income disparity grows and grows and grows across the globe than the nice stuff will have a market for quite a while.

Not on my team [anymore] - so one less guy to worry about where prices for his real good cards end up [for good reason] inflated.

He is a national guy where I will passively keep anything found or pulled.

Please don't convince anyone else to start collecting Ohtani. I don't need any more competition for his cards. They're expensive enough as it is.

#4 for me.

Question for Ohtani collectors...has the needle moved on the prices of his cards over the last two years?

I bought his Transcendent Batting RC /50 for $400 at the National in 2022 and sold it last year for $600. It's still selling for $600 a year later. Is there much movement in his RCs since his move to LA and the 50/50 season?

[QUOTE=Triple B;19779644]#4 for me.

Question for Ohtani collectors...has the needle moved on the prices of his cards over the last two years?

I bought his Transcendent Batting RC /50 for $400 at the National in 2022 and sold it last year for $600. It's still selling for $600 a year later. Is there much movement in his RCs since his move to LA and the 50/50 season?[/QUOTE]

His key, highly sought after cards are more expensive than they were last year.

One example - I bought a PSA 9 BBM 1st version 2013 for $550 last March and the most recent sale is $1,200.

For a rookie example - I bought a PSA 9 Finest rookie auto in August 2022 for $1,650 and the most recent sale is $5,400.

You just have to buy the "right" cards to see the big movement.

[QUOTE=seanrs1;19778975]His prices during his first 2021 season especially at the all star break and later were very similar to where they are now for low end and mid end RC (the majority of my collection). So I did not get in early, but the majority of my cards are worth more today than in 2021.

I think there is a realistic scenario in the future where Ohtani win at least 1 more MVP if not two or more. I also would not be surprised if the Dodger win the WS this year (and seemed stack for at least the next 5 years). I assume if he is healthy and plays well his RC cards will continue to rise. I don't buy anything else.[/QUOTE]

What do you think about the future value of the relics/relic autos from the 50/50 set? It's very possible Ohtani never goes 50/50 again (and very possible NO ONE ever goes 50/50 again), so while he may sign thousands more cards from now until he retires, based on the checklist there will forever only be ~284 cards (190 relic-only cards, 90 relic autos, 3 Dynasty black cards) that contain a patch from his 50/50 game uniform.

I don't see these cards ever going down in value assuming he ages gracefully and ends up a 1st ballot HOF'er.

[QUOTE=BoSoxFan1999;19779694]What do you think about the future value of the relics/relic autos from the 50/50 set? It's very possible Ohtani never goes 50/50 again (and very possible NO ONE ever goes 50/50 again), so while he may sign thousands more cards from now until he retires, based on the checklist there will forever only be ~284 cards (190 relic-only cards, 90 relic autos, 3 Dynasty black cards) that contain a patch from his 50/50 game uniform.

I don't see these cards ever going down in value assuming he ages gracefully and ends up a 1st ballot HOF'er.[/QUOTE]

I am not an Ohtani collecting expert. But I would never buy any of those cards or rip packs/boxes. I just stick to RC cards (and I have a few 2nd yr RC cup cards).

Sometime in 2021, maybe, I was doing a deal in B/S/T with an excellent member of this forum, and we were talking on the phone. I made a bold call. I said Vlad Jr. and Ohtani are 2 players I won't touch in this hobby.

Vlad because he (almost) ate himself out of the league already before he even had his first good season, so what's gonna happen when he gets paid?

Ohtani because his body is not gonna hold up playing 2 ways, and is the bat alone good enough to carry him?

I stuck to my guns and haven't bought any of either. Looking like a bad call on Shohei right now. But he has indeed been injured, and nobody saw 50/50 coming. We'll see how things go.

When Canseco got 40/40, he was huge in the hobby. Until he wasn't. When Bo Jackson was playing 2 ways, albiet in a different way, he was huge. Until he wasn't.

Sho is already way ahead of both of those guys, to be sure, in terms of hobby relevance. He's ahead of any player in the game right now, Trout included. I don't mean in terms of hot right now. I mean in terms of having long term hobby staying power. GOAT potential.

But to be an ATG, a GOAT, you also need some longevity to hit some milestones. Miles to go before he sleeps.

He's too expensive for me at this point. I get the appeal and I do believe his cards can go higher. But I also see it as a pretty big risk that he is pretty limited as a starting pitcher from here on, yes he will get on the mound again but he's two TJs deep and he puts a level of wear on his body that other players don't.

I'll stick with my now expensive young shortstops instead.

I've thought about buying a Shohei card or two but here is the reality: When his decline comes, like every player, his card prices will come down significantly. He will have a Mike Trout moment. Not saying that is soon, though it's always possible. Player performance of even great players past age 30 has never been a great bet. When this performance comes, keep in mind they will still be printing like mad, maybe even more so. Falling prices and sentiment with the printing press on full speed is a recipe to get your head torn off. Yes, I like collecting and this is not investing (blah blah blah) but I also like my hobby dollars to go as far as possible. For me I'd be more interested in buying when sentiment is sour. For me on ultra modern it's either buy when they are really young but somehow still not overpay/buy overvalued stuff (which is not easy) or if someone is clearly going to be a great, don't chase at the peak of their career.

[QUOTE=asymmetricalbet;19780482]I've thought about buying a Shohei card or two but here is the reality: When his decline comes, like every player, his card prices will come down significantly. He will have a Mike Trout moment. Not saying that is soon, though it's always possible. Player performance of even great players past age 30 has never been a great bet. When this performance comes, keep in mind they will still be printing like mad, maybe even more so. Falling prices and sentiment with the printing press on full speed is a recipe to get your head torn off. Yes, I like collecting and this is not investing (blah blah blah) but I also like my hobby dollars to go as far as possible. For me I'd be more interested in buying when sentiment is sour. For me on ultra modern it's either buy when they are really young but somehow still not overpay/buy overvalued stuff (which is not easy) or if someone is clearly going to be a great, don't chase at the peak of their career.[/QUOTE]

Exactly this.

His stuff is priced very high and for good reason, but what goes up will likely come down as he declines and people move on to the next big thing. I still plan to pick up a couple of his key cards but I'm waiting a few years down the road.

I do worry as more and more Japanese stars come over it's inevitable that some of them will become household names and the more that do the less special Ohtani becomes and he will eventually just be known as the 1st to be a semi successful 2 way star. I say semi successful because his hitting has by far been elite compared to his slightly above average but by no means dominating pitching. Hell in the next 5 years with Yamamoto and now Sasaki both with the Dodgers it's possible Ohtani isn't even 1 or 2 on his own team.

As usual I'll be told I'm crazy and have no clue but time will tell.