Why I would avoid Mantle and buy Jackie

[boadster]

Originally Posted by Rookiemonster

It seems like you already have your mind made up. Even in the face of your fellow collector telling you that it's not the way they see it. So pour all you got in Jackie and prove the collecting world wrong.

Maybe if you used Clemente as your "mocha" investment you would have been better off.

I really don't see the point of the whole his number is retired in all the stadiums you keep pounding.As a fan and long time collector. I could give two sharts!
I've never collected a card because the guys number was retired........ Ever !


I don't know where you are from but I had some old family members that lived in Brooklyn and attended Games when Jackie was playing.they were die hard dodger fans.my grandfather never watched baseball again when they moved. His personal favorite Duke snider second Roy Campanella. When I asked him Jackie wasn't even in the top 5. If you asked him who was the best he ever saw? Willie Mays was his response. So people who seen what he did for the game didn't really care that much.but some how in the future they won't be able to get enough?


Let's just buy all the Barry bonds Tiffany rookies we can because one day everyone will forget about the roids and the cards will sky rocket! Lol you can make statements like this all day everyday. It wishful thinking.

Rookiemonster, you are obviously much smarter than I am. How could I ever respond to such a compelling post? If you read the chain, you would see that I mostly avoid vintage at this point.
Just remember than old white guys are making the mark on these Mantles now, and while it will ALWAYS be old guys that drive the market, the old guys making the market 30-40 yrs from now will have shorter attention spans, and might be collecting different items. It might be 93 SP Jeter rookies. It could be Tom Brady rookies. It might be Steph Curry stuff, who is amazing, and who a lot of kids like. It will probably be Jordan rookies- the card I think with better potential than probably any other. It could be Star Wars stuff. It might well be superhero stuff because they are immersed in it. It might be sealed versions of their fav videogames. There are SO many more choices...Those choices WILL eat into vintage spending, plus there will be even more "vintage" to choose from.
I wonder how many of the 12 yr old currently walking around even know who Mantle is. 10% at the very most....There are ALOT of his cards out there, which is more to support, and will make keeping HIS values up MORE difficult. I don't think this is all that provocative, but apparently it is... I wonder if these kids know the responsibility they are apparently going to have to support these cards just because YOU think they should...I have 2 teen boys. Neither of them care a hoot about Mantle.
Laugh at me all you want. Really, all of your arguments are past performance, and nothing changes. If that is all the thinking you have done on the subject, God bless ya...I have only spoken about my opinion for a timeframe a generation or 2 FROM NOW. That is all...All good things MIGHT come to an end...No tree grows to the sky. You really think this stuff will just keep going up forever? OK....
The point of Robinson, for the last time, comes from 2 things; A lot less cards in the marketplace, and are lower priced. The other part is that in this increasingly PC world, Jackie stands to benefit from a changing demographic, and an increased celebration of his accomplishments. Whether you choose to believe the sincerity of MLB, to look the part they will, in my best guess, celebrate Jackie even more. He will be mentioned more in schools. Kids WILL be more familiar with him than Mantle, and as a result, he might well have a couple things going for him in terms of LONGTERM FUTURE demand- than Mantle...Please post how stupid I am, but, these were just my opinions...

[rats60]

Originally Posted by boadster

.
The point of Robinson, for the last time, comes from 2 things; A lot less cards in the marketplace, and are lower priced. The other part is that in this increasingly PC world, Jackie stands to benefit from a changing demographic, and an increased celebration of his accomplishments. Whether you choose to believe the sincerity of MLB, to look the part they will, in my best guess, celebrate Jackie even more. He will be mentioned more in schools. Kids WILL be more familiar with him than Mantle, and as a result, he might well have a couple things going for him in terms of LONGTERM FUTURE demand- than Mantle...Please post how stupid I am, but, these were just my opinions...

Except Jackie's cards aren't low priced. They are only below Mantle, Clemente and Ted Williams. They are already priced higher than Mays, Aaron and Koufax, players much more accomplished.

What more increased celebration? What changing demographic? MLB has been promoting Jackie for about 20 years, but it hasn't move the needle. What more can they do? What can they do to make baseball popular in the African American community?

The idea that people are going to forget Mantle is absurd. Have people forgotten Wagner, Cobb or Ruth? He is a Yankee. He has rings. No chance that people are ever going to forget him. I know a younger guy who isn't even a Yankee fan, but he collects Mantle. How is that ever going to change?

The issue isn't your intelligence. It is you are stating an opinion and being very vague about your reasoning. So, it is very difficult to address those issues, although we are trying.

[GC1980]

So while the OP concedes high end Mantles will reign supreme for decades to come...


One thing I question is how strong an investment Iron Man is for the long term. In this ever more PC world I just don't see Tony Stark being a good long term place to invest. We all know there is growing discontent for the 1% and the capitalist fat cats. Tony's billionaire playboy lifestyle will very likely turn off the next generation.

The more "mocha" demographic only compounds this. This is why I think someone like Black Panther, who appeals to them, has more growth potential. Even someone like Peter Parker, who is more relatable to the common man would be a better bet.

I think this same problem will arise with Bruce Wayne collectibles and autos in the near future.

[boadster]

Originally Posted by GC1980

So while the OP concedes high end Mantles will reign supreme for decades to come...


One thing I question is how strong an investment Iron Man is for the long term. In this ever more PC world I just don't see Tony Stark being a good long term place to invest. We all know there is growing discontent for the 1% and the capitalist fat cats. Tony's billionaire playboy lifestyle will very likely turn off the next generation.

The more "mocha" demographic only compounds this. This is why I think someone like Black Panther, who appeals to them, has more growth potential. Even someone like Peter Parker, who is more relatable to the common man would be a better bet.

I think this same problem will arise with Bruce Wayne collectibles and autos in the near future.

Well played sir.

[Rookiemonster]

Look I don't think your stupid for your ideas and options. We all do what your doing. I fully understand what your saying as you just keep recycling your points.

I don't think any one should buy Mantle cards just because. But if your a baseball card collector you know 100% who Mickey mantle is! Are there better investments in life YES lol. But that's not your question is it?

I'm not a old white guy in love with mantle. He is not my favorite player. I Don't have tons of cash invested in his cards. But when I was a kid flipping though that Beckett you can bet you bottom dollar that I fantasied about those manlte cards.

[KeithandDJ]

As long as the Yankees exist Mantle cards will produce annual returns and maintain value. There has been a dramatic increase in African-American collectibles but that hasn't effected Jackie prices much. I can sell my mid-grade mantle cards from the 1960s any time on eBay for more than I paid for them when I bought them during the last 5 years. Mantle is a very liquid market. If I had a dollar for every modern collector who is getting into vintage now I would do all right.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by GC1980

Mantle is horrible investment. Especially well centered Mantles!! I am paying 50% VCP average for any and all you have. They do make great kindling... Get out now before the bottom falls out!

I agree. Everyone should sell their well centered Mantles and not collect them anymore. Please PM me with any greatly centered Mantles and we can talk about how to dispose of them. This one popped a 2 yesterday from PSA.... It has a vertical crease on the right side of him which doesn't go to the back....

I think if bought right, both Mantle and Jackie are good bets.

[tke1600]

Originally Posted by Leon

I agree. Everyone should sell their well centered Mantles and not collect them anymore. Please PM me with any greatly centered Mantles and we can talk about how to dispose of them. This one popped a 2 yesterday from PSA.... It has a vertical crease on the right side of him which doesn't go to the back....

I think if bought right, both Mantle and Jackie are good bets.

Very nice. Surprised it was not atleast a 3.

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by KeithandDJ

If I had a dollar for every modern collector who is getting into vintage now I would do all right.

You can add a dollar to your wallet for me. I used to never look at vintage cards and would skip every dealer table of them at the National.

All of a sudden within the last month, I picked up PSA graded editions of the 1962 Topps Whitey Ford, 1959 Topps Yogi Berra, and 1962 Topps AL HR Leaders with Mantle and Maris. And I have about 4 other Mantle cards I am watching on E-bay. I can't explain the bug for vintage, but I caught it.

[Bibitte2]

Well guys, A couple of factors play in.....

For me,A Montrealer, no doubt that Frankie Robinson is A big deal.....per exemple...you know i got this crazy collection....
.
.
I just sold this.....
.

.
.
But i might keep this....
.

.

.
.
This is what The book sold for 2 month ago
.
Lot Detail - 1948 JACKIE ROBINSON SIGNED 1ST EDITION COPY OF HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY "MY OWN STORY"

[Psufan80]

Op just doesn't get it! It was in large part due to Mickey mantle cards that the hobby became as appealing as it is today. He is the king! No one a generation from now is suddenly going to wake up and say hey remember that guy who broke the color barrier in baseball? Let's buy his cards. If race becomes a reason people invest in cards they will choose Mays, Aaron, or Clemente.

[devo]

What is considered Jackie Robinson's best card? Would it be his 52 Topps or 48 Leaf?

[mattjc1983]

I agree with your conclusion but more because he's so popular right now that people are paying very high prices. Difficult to maintain.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[boadster]

Originally Posted by Psufan80

Op just doesn't get it! It was in large part due to Mickey Mantle cards that the hobby became as appealing as it is today. He is the king! No one a generation from now is suddenly going to wake up and say hey remember that guy who broke the color barrier in baseball? Let's buy his cards. If race becomes a reason people invest in cards they will choose Mays, Aaron, or Clemente.

Actually PSU fan, cards were prevalent for about 70 yrs before Mantle, but let's concede that Yankees fans in the 50's took collecting to another level. The next question is, so what? The hobby has morphed, changed, and moved. The hobby does not need Mantle to babysit it...
Consider, baseball is not as popular as it once was. Consider the amount of people in this country has increased since 1973, but the viewership of the World Series is down 50% since then. Proof?
World Series Television Ratings
Baseball has a big problem getting youth to like this sport. Proof?
Fixing Baseball's Old-People Problem - Bloomberg
In short, baseball is a declining sport, and card collecting is-by many accounts- a declining hobby. You would be hard pressed to say it is growing, and if it is growing, it isn't in vintage. Look at this website- this vintage section is one of the LEAST frequented on here...
Kings get dethroned all the time. Kodak used to be the "King" of photos and film. Now, they are a dying company. Teenagers today don't know, or care about Mantle. He is YOUR idol. He may be a great one to you, but he is YOURS. Teens today will be collecting Lebrons, Jordans, Currys, Andrew Luck, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Odell Beckham 30 yrs from now. Some vintage guys will hold- Gretzky- DiMaggio (if his 56 game streak holds), and high grade stuff will be GREAT- including Mick, but there is a reason you can walk a National and get sick of seeing PSA 5 Mantles in abundance at EVERY table. There are a lot, and they ain't selling like they used to...Walk a National (been to 4- the last 2 in both Baltimore and Cleveland) and count how many Micks you see vs how many Jackies you see, and then try to trade a PSA 5 Mick for a PSA 5 Jackie. I have done this. The dealers will laugh at you. They say they don't have as many Jackies, and that they know it will sell...Not as true for the Mick.... I got rid of all of my Mantles- most were 5's-7's...Got Jordan rookies, Jackies, and non-sport stuff. VERY happy where the collection is now.
Boy, this thread has legs...
Keep collecting dem Micks...

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by boadster

Actually PSU fan, cards were prevalent for about 70 yrs before Mantle, but let's concede that Yankees fans in the 50's took collecting to another level. The next question is, so what? The hobby has morphed, changed, and moved. The hobby does not need Mantle to babysit it...
Consider, baseball is not as popular as it once was. Consider the amount of people in this country has increased since 1973, but the viewership of the World Series is down 50% since then. Proof?
World Series Television Ratings
Baseball has a big problem getting youth to like this sport. Proof?
Fixing Baseball's Old-People Problem - Bloomberg
In short, baseball is a declining sport, and card collecting is-by many accounts- a declining hobby. You would be hard pressed to say it is growing, and if it is growing, it isn't in vintage. Look at this website- this vintage section is one of the LEAST frequented on here...
Kings get dethroned all the time. Kodak used to be the "King" of photos and film. Now, they are a dying company. Teenagers today don't know, or care about Mantle. He is YOUR idol. He may be a great one to you, but he is YOURS. Teens today will be collecting Lebrons, Jordans, Currys, Andrew Luck, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Odell Beckham 30 yrs from now. Some vintage guys will hold- Gretzky- DiMaggio (if his 56 game streak holds), and high grade stuff will be GREAT- including Mick, but there is a reason you can walk a National and get sick of seeing PSA 5 Mantles in abundance at EVERY table. There are a lot, and they ain't selling like they used to...Walk a national and count how many Micks you see vs how many Jackies you see, and then try to trade a Mick for a Jackie. I have done this. The dealers will laugh at you. Been to 4 of them. I got rid of all of my Mantles- most were 5's-7's...Got Jordan rookies, Jackies, and non-sport stuff. VERY happy where the collection is now.
Boy, this thread has legs...
Keep collecting dem Micks...

I just disagree with so much of this.

World Series viewership is done for multiple reasons. The first reason is because of baseballs idiotic stance on late game start times. The Super Bowl starts earlier than World Series games. Most people are used to watching regular season games start at 7:05. There is no reason to have the World Series games begin at 8:30PM. The second reason (compared to the Super Bowl) is that baseball playoffs are smack dab in the middle of when the new Fall season starts for everyone's favorite shows. People want to watch their shows they have been missing all summer long and not have to wait to catch up on that week's show via On Demand. Also, because of the late start times, people who have to work in the morning have too many days they have to make the choice of either skipping the game or going to work tired. Again, the Super Bowl doesn't have this problem as it is just one night.

I really don't see how baseball is on the decline. Attendance is up almost every year in almost all cities. TV deals are worth big money. I people weren't watching the games, TV rights wouldn't be worth so much. I see tons of kids at every game I go to, especially the minor league games. I also see tons of kids playing organized baseball now compared to organized football and soccer. The league my Son played T-ball in this year had 12 T-ball teams; a record high. The baseball teams in all years far outweighed the amount of kids playing soccer and football in the league.

Mantle was never my idol as I never got to see him play and I am buying a ton of his cards now. I used to pass by the vintage tables at the National because it wasn't my thing. Now, I can't get enough vintage. There are more cards I am watching on E-bay that are vintage than modern. I do plan on trying to pick up a Jackie card, but to me, Mantle's, seem more magical; not just because I'm a Yankees fan. Just like I am buying vintage of players I never saw, I'm sure the younger generation will follow suit.

[fulltritty]

Since this topic started, I have picked up 4 Mantle cards.

[boadster]

Originally Posted by fulltritty

Since this topic started, I have picked up 4 Mantle cards.

Hope for your sake they are high grade...

[boadster]

Originally Posted by fulltritty

I just disagree with so much of this.

World Series viewership is done for multiple reasons. The first reason is because of baseballs idiotic stance on late game start times. The Super Bowl starts earlier than World Series games. Most people are used to watching regular season games start at 7:05. There is no reason to have the World Series games begin at 8:30PM. The second reason (compared to the Super Bowl) is that baseball playoffs are smack dab in the middle of when the new Fall season starts for everyone's favorite shows. People want to watch their shows they have been missing all summer long and not have to wait to catch up on that week's show via On Demand. Also, because of the late start times, people who have to work in the morning have too many days they have to make the choice of either skipping the game or going to work tired. Again, the Super Bowl doesn't have this problem as it is just one night.

I really don't see how baseball is on the decline. Attendance is up almost every year in almost all cities. TV deals are worth big money. I people weren't watching the games, TV rights wouldn't be worth so much. I see tons of kids at every game I go to, especially the minor league games. I also see tons of kids playing organized baseball now compared to organized football and soccer. The league my Son played T-ball in this year had 12 T-ball teams; a record high. The baseball teams in all years far outweighed the amount of kids playing soccer and football in the league.

The population of the US has gone up by 47% since 1973,- by 99 million people
https://www.google.com/fusiontables/...5439#rows:id=1
Yet, 1/2 as many people watch. FACT. There is no way to spin this into a positive...
I don't see the NBA having an issue with starting games at 8:30.
NBA ratings are climbing since 2002
• NBA Finals average TV viewership U.S. 2002-2015 | Statistic
The late start time helps ensure that people from the West Coast can get out of work and to a bar. TV charges more for Primetime commercials. It's all money...While it hurts viewership on the East Coast, it helps in the West.
Technology like DVR's and On Demand make it LESS necessary to choose a sitcom vs sports. You can watch the sitcom sans commercials at your convenience, allowing you to focus on the live sporting event. If anything, it should HELP sports viewership..

Youth baseball is getting eroded. Nowhere near as many kids play. As a Marylander, you should recognize, as it has here in NY as well, the explosion of lacrosse. I see WAY more kids with lacrosse goals in their front yard. I have NEVER, in the last 20 yrs, driven down a road and seen 2 kids playing catch with a baseball, but I have seen kids shooting into lacrosse goals.
Just this AM on Will and Kate on ESPN radio, they were talking about soccer and how we cant field a competitive US Men's soccer team to at least compete with Argentina. Will cited the fact that soccer is the 2nd biggest youth participation sport, behind basketball. He then said football is 3rd, and baseball is 4th. That aint how it used to be...also, lacrosse is moving up with a bullet...
Earlier in this chain someone mentioned how adults of this generation were told about the old players and how great they were by their parents, and today's adults still love those players. The next generation isn't going to sit and talk to their kids about baseball as much, b/c less of them are into it. The market is cool......for now...

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by boadster

Hope for your sake they are high grade...

3 are PSA 6 and 1 is a PSA 7. I purchase cards to collect and not for resale value though. These grades are what I could comfortably afford for those years. I know there are earlier years of his cards that I could only afford maybe a PSA 1 or 2. A 1952 Mantle is probably only available to me in my dreams.

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by boadster

The population of the US has gone up by 47% since 1973,- by 99 million people
https://www.google.com/fusiontables/...5439#rows:id=1
Yet, 1/2 as many people watch. FACT. There is no way to spin this into a positive...
I don't see the NBA having an issue with starting games at 8:30.
NBA ratings are climbing since 2002
• NBA Finals average TV viewership U.S. 2002-2015 | Statistic
The late start time helps ensure that people from the West Coast can get out of work and to a bar. TV charges more for Primetime commercials. It's all money...While it hurts viewership on the East Coast, it helps in the West.

Youth baseball is getting crushed. Nowhere near as many kids play. As a Marylander, you should recognize, as it has here in NY as well, the explosion of lacrosse. I see WAY more kids with lacrosse goals in their front yard. I have NEVER, in the last 20 yrs, driven down a road and seen 2 kids playing catch with a baseball, but I have seen kids shooting into lacrosse goals.
Just this AM on Will and Kate on ESPN radio, they were talking about soccer and how we cant field a competitive US Men's soccer team to at least compete with Argentina. Will cited the fact that soccer is the 2nd biggest youth participation sport, behind basketball. He then said football is 3rd, and baseball is 4th. That aint how it used to be...also, lacrosse is moving up with a bullet...
Earlier in this chain someone mentioned how adults of this generation were told about the old players and how great they were, and adults still love those players. The next generation isn't going to sit and talk to their kids about baseball as much, b/c less of them are into it. The market is cool......for now...

I don't even know where lacrosse is available in Maryland as no one I know has ever played it or have their kids play it. The kids in our neighborhood play baseball and football all of the time during the summer. I used to play soccer as a kid and I know lots of kids who play soccer, but it just seems to fizzle out as a sport when we get older. Soccer is nothing here like it is in Europe where I was station in the Navy for 4 1/2 years. They are fanatical. The only time you really here much about soccer here is when the US is playing in the World Cup. I personally can't stand basketball, but it is one of the three sports with baseball and football that most people I know talk about.

You keep saying that less and less kids will be into it and I just don't see that in this area. I just went to the Bowie Baysox game Friday night and there were tons of kids there. Like I said, our little leagues are overflowing with youth baseball teams. I'm taking my 5 year old Son to his first minor league game next month. He loves when I give him extra baseball cards. He will sit for ling periods of time and ask me what the team is on each card and if a player is good or not. My only gripe is that he thinks he likes the Red Sox; a devastating blow to a die hard Yankees fan. I plan on taking him up to Cooperstown when Jeter gets inducted and introducing him to all of the greats in the Hall. As soon as he gets old enough where he won't bend cards, I'll be opening boxes with him. And yes, he may eventually be like me, who is on his third iteration of colleting after selling off twice, but I have no doubt the seeds of a baseball fan are being planted and I have a feeling he will pass those on to his kids.

I will admit that I don't watch as much baseball as I used to, but that is true for all TV. I have so many other things in life I like to do, that TV is just losing out.

[boadster]

Originally Posted by fulltritty

I don't even know where lacrosse is available in Maryland as no one I know has ever played it or have their kids play it. The kids in our neighborhood play baseball and football all of the time during the summer. I used to play soccer as a kid and I know lots of kids who play soccer, but it just seems to fizzle out as a sport when we get older. Soccer is nothing here like it is in Europe where I was station in the Navy for 4 1/2 years. They are fanatical. The only time you really here much about soccer here is when the US is playing in the World Cup. I personally can't stand basketball, but it is one of the three sports with baseball and football that most people I know talk about.

You keep saying that less and less kids will be into it and I just don't see that in this area. I just went to the Bowie Baysox game Friday night and there were tons of kids there. Like I said, our little leagues are overflowing with youth baseball teams. I'm taking my 5 year old Son to his first minor league game next month. He loves when I give him extra baseball cards. He will sit for ling periods of time and ask me what the team is on each card and if a player is good or not. My only gripe is that he thinks he likes the Red Sox; a devastating blow to a die hard Yankees fan. I plan on taking him up to Cooperstown when Jeter gets inducted and introducing him to all of the greats in the Hall. As soon as he gets old enough where he won't bend cards, I'll be opening boxes with him. And yes, he may eventually be like me, who is on his third iteration of colleting after selling off twice, but I have no doubt the seeds of a baseball fan are being planted and I have a feeling he will pass those on to his kids.

I will admit that I don't watch as much baseball as I used to, but that is true for all TV. I have so many other things in life I like to do, that TV is just losing out.

http://laxcamps.com/the-rapid-rise-o...united-states/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/johntemplon...BA#.lgo8mwqXAz

http://www.businessinsider.com/faste...america-2011-9

Between Johns Hopkins and the U of Maryland, Maryland is seen as a hotbed of lacrosse. Baseball has been cannibalized by lacrosse pretty well. Both boys and girls lacrosse are exploding in popularity...Girls field hockey, once popular up here, is pretty nonexistent. Times change...

[rats60]

Originally Posted by devo

What is considered Jackie Robinson's best card? Would it be his 52 Topps or 48 Leaf?

49 Bowman rookie and 49 Leaf rookie.

[kyaa]

I don't own hardly any vintage, so I won't call myself an expert, but aside from the 1952 Topps Mantle which is in its own category, I'd side with the OP.

A lot of Mantle's mythology has to do with the way people who saw him play felt about him. He was the boyhood idol to many. But subsequent generations will not view him that way. Mantle wasn't the best player of all time. He wasn't the first of any type of player. His historical value is limited.

Jackie, on the other hand, will always be an icon for baseball, African Americans, and the civil rights movement. His cards can appropriately be displayed in museums.

Again, I think the 1952 Topps Mantle will always have a special place in the hobby, but if I had to bet on which player's cards would hold their value more over time I'd go with Jackie.

[win1977]

I would like to start my post just to say I have both Mantle and Robinson key cards. I agree and admire Jackie Robinson's important not only to baseball but his contributions to civil rights and humanity.

I would like to differentiate the point of potential versus maintaining value. The 52 Topps #311 will be at the forefront as long as sports cards are collected. Jackie cards do have the potential to rise more than Mickey's but they are valued at a discount to the Micks.

I have never seen the Mick play, when I was very young he passed away and I only learned of his alcohol abuse problems which made me very sad. What makes Mantle special is not only the dominance he had during his era, but the potential if he had a healthy body and control of his alcoholism.

Mickey's legend will continue to grow over time, just like the Babe, Joe D and many more.

Jackie's cards will still appreciate, but so will Mantle, Mays and many vintage stars.

Have a wonderful week.

[NickM]

Originally Posted by boadster

Actually PSU fan, cards were prevalent for about 70 yrs before Mantle, but let's concede that Yankees fans in the 50's took collecting to another level. The next question is, so what? The hobby has morphed, changed, and moved. The hobby does not need Mantle to babysit it...
Consider, baseball is not as popular as it once was. Consider the amount of people in this country has increased since 1973, but the viewership of the World Series is down 50% since then. Proof?
World Series Television Ratings
Baseball has a big problem getting youth to like this sport. Proof?
Fixing Baseball's Old-People Problem - Bloomberg
In short, baseball is a declining sport, and card collecting is-by many accounts- a declining hobby. You would be hard pressed to say it is growing, and if it is growing, it isn't in vintage. Look at this website- this vintage section is one of the LEAST frequented on here...
Kings get dethroned all the time. Kodak used to be the "King" of photos and film. Now, they are a dying company. Teenagers today don't know, or care about Mantle. He is YOUR idol. He may be a great one to you, but he is YOURS. Teens today will be collecting Lebrons, Jordans, Currys, Andrew Luck, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Odell Beckham 30 yrs from now. Some vintage guys will hold- Gretzky- DiMaggio (if his 56 game streak holds), and high grade stuff will be GREAT- including Mick, but there is a reason you can walk a National and get sick of seeing PSA 5 Mantles in abundance at EVERY table. There are a lot, and they ain't selling like they used to...Walk a National (been to 4- the last 2 in both Baltimore and Cleveland) and count how many Micks you see vs how many Jackies you see, and then try to trade a PSA 5 Mick for a PSA 5 Jackie. I have done this. The dealers will laugh at you. They say they don't have as many Jackies, and that they know it will sell...Not as true for the Mick.... I got rid of all of my Mantles- most were 5's-7's...Got Jordan rookies, Jackies, and non-sport stuff. VERY happy where the collection is now.
Boy, this thread has legs...
Keep collecting dem Micks...

This thread doesn't have legs. You just refuse to accept anything that doesn't fit into your image.

You're saying baseball is declining as a sport.
That's true.
It's also of absolutely no help to your argument, but since logic isn't part of your argument, you'll never recognize that.
Football or basketball passing baseball is a reason supporting an argument to buy Namath or Wilt, or Brady or Jordan, rather than Mantle. It's not a reason supporting an argument to buy another expensive baseball player from the same era over Mantle.

Oh yeah, and as for this:
Walk a National (been to 4- the last 2 in both Baltimore and Cleveland) and count how many Micks you see vs how many Jackies you see, and then try to trade a PSA 5 Mick for a PSA 5 Jackie. I have done this. The dealers will laugh at you.


I call BS.

Name one dealer at any of those 4 Nationals who turned you down when you tried to trade him a PSA 5 Mantle for a PSA 5 Jackie Robinson from the same set.