Getting Back into the hobby, any advice?

eavdr10 · 04-03-2024, 06:33 PM

So I used to buy a boatload of 80’s cards in PSA 10, back when 80’s cards were still cheap and considered mass produced. Even in a PSA 10.

Then the boom hit and every card I owned went ballistic value wise. And I sold off. Mostly at their peaks. Renovated my kitchen with the proceeds.

I am slowly getting back into it. This time modern. I’m not a huge fan of the bowman 1st autographed stuff, thankfully as they’re very expensive, but what are the cards to chase for my players of interest? It seems just simply being a numbered rookie card, doesn’t really set the world on fire like it used to. And base? Forget it.

So is it the SP’s, the Gold Parallels, the Real One autos? I always enjoyed Topps, and it seems the Gold parallels are the way to go? Am I off base here, or is there something I’m missing?

Yes. I know. But what you like, but I do want to take an investment like approach as well. Feel a little lost, as the hobby has changed a bit since I was last in. When base Topps rookies were going at a premium.

Anyhow, sorry for the rambling. Would love to chat and learn a little.

-Erik

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atk825 · 04-03-2024, 06:39 PM

Collect what you like and it usually guides you to a good place. If you're looking for something that's profitable, good luck, there's definitely a squeeze at the margins.

boxbuster7 · 04-03-2024, 06:40 PM

don't rip any wax

eavdr10 · 04-03-2024, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

don't rip any wax

Yeah. I may do a few blasters or hangers here and there for fun with my son, but wax was something I never really saw value in.

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TheFrenzy · 04-03-2024, 07:00 PM

Read this thread and take it seriously.

discodanman45 · 04-03-2024, 07:03 PM

HOF Autos from current products is what I am mainly collecting. Some absolute gorgeous on-card autos from many products.

cbeauch87 · 04-03-2024, 07:05 PM

Do a loooooooooooot of research before buying stuff. Obviously, collect what you like and want, but make sure you're not getting taken to the cleaners. Check comps. Ebay sold listings, 130point.com, card ladder, all of it.

base set · 04-03-2024, 07:13 PM

Don’t listen to any advice.

Hollywood42 · 04-03-2024, 07:13 PM

Find what you like, not what other people like or what you think you should like, what you actually like. Collect that and you're golden

NYRE2PECT · 04-03-2024, 07:18 PM

Collect as though it holds zero value (because it might very well be worthless - arrests, suspensions, roids) and then you might actually have fun!

eavdr10 · 04-03-2024, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by base set

Don’t listen to any advice.

Ha

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eavdr10 · 04-03-2024, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

Read this thread and take it seriously.

Wild. I was hoping the OP was just having some fun with the message boards, but then I realized it was serious.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

eavdr10 · 04-03-2024, 07:30 PM

Anyhow, these were the first couple of purchases I made over the last 6 weeks or so. Just three players I enjoy, and will most likely buy more of. I absolutely love the SP Variation 2022 Bobby Witt Topps Heritage High Number #520, but appears it’s very hard to gem. Centering issues. But big fan of Bobby. Julio is a beast and Rutschman will win an MVP very soon.

Curious on your thoughts about Gold Foils. They aren’t numbered, but are a little more attractive, I think than the standard gold, and don’t draw the premium that the standard gold does either. I’ve read they are actually more rare than the traditional gold.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ThoseBackPages · 04-03-2024, 07:53 PM

welcome back.

everyone that does this collecting think long enough leaves and then finds their way back.

its in our blood, there is no escaping it.

i would recommend trying to choose as tight of a focus as you can handle. stick with it, even though it may suck at times that you cannot add anything. you will be happy at the end of your journey

eavdr10 · 04-03-2024, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

welcome back.

everyone that does this collecting think long enough leaves and then finds their way back.

its in our blood, there is no escaping it.

i would recommend trying to choose as tight of a focus as you can handle. stick with it, even though it may suck at times that you cannot add anything. you will be happy at the end of your journey

Yes we sure do.

And I believe I remember your handle from years back having some nice conversations about some nostalgic 80’s cards.

Nice to chat again, and yes, agreed, a focused, discipline collector, is a rewarded collector.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TheFrenzy · 04-03-2024, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eavdr10

Wild. I was hoping the OP was just having some fun with the message boards, but then I realized it was serious.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When I first got back into the hobby as an adult (back in 2011), the LCS owner refused to sell me my first hobby box until he gave me a serious talk about the addiction potential of the hobby.

In hindsight I'm really grateful he did.

bblair_2002 · 04-03-2024, 11:34 PM

I have a favorite team and I collect them. It's hard for me to go for every single Mets card in existence so I streamline it to RCs,autographs and cards I find visually pleasing of players and staff from their World Series teams and fan favorites over the years.

I have a favorite player and I collect him. Started collecting Albert Pujols back in 2003 and I love collecting cheap base and inserts as much as I do the higher end stuff.

I find a set that I like and I build the sets year after year. Stadium Club Chrome is my set of choice,plus I also go after the Topps Chrome Pink Refractor set every year. It's much easier on the wallet to buy singles in lots over opening box after box after box.

To me,this is literally a hobby for me and it's still fun after all these years. There will come a day when I'm old and have to give this all up but I'm sure as hell gonna enjoy it while it lasts.

Brett

Lonewolf · 04-03-2024, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

don't rip any wax

^^^This. The new stuff is grossly overpriced, watered down, and lacking in quality.

ThoseBackPages · 04-04-2024, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eavdr10

Yes we sure do.

And I believe I remember your handle from years back having some nice conversations about some nostalgic 80’s cards.

Nice to chat again, and yes, agreed, a focused, discipline collector, is a rewarded collector.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

im sure we did! love me some 80s!

ThoseBackPages · 04-04-2024, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

When I first got back into the hobby as an adult (back in 2011), the LCS owner refused to sell me my first hobby box until he gave me a serious talk about the addiction potential of the hobby.

In hindsight I'm really grateful he did.

sounds like a wise man. is he (and his shop) still around?

TheFrenzy · 04-04-2024, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

sounds like a wise man. is he (and his shop) still around?

Duane’s Sports Cards in Arlington, TX. There were two other older gentlemen (both named Bill) who had tables and were great to talk to. The shop “closed” a few years back, but I was in the area last year and saw that another group had purchased the location and expanded it. I think the new group is “Play Ball Sports Cards” or something.

hermanotarjeta · 04-04-2024, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

Read this thread and take it seriously.

Thanks for posting this link.

Everyone should read this.

ThoseBackPages · 04-04-2024, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

Duane’s Sports Cards in Arlington, TX. There were two other older gentlemen (both named Bill) who had tables and were great to talk to. The shop “closed” a few years back, but I was in the area last year and saw that another group had purchased the location and expanded it. I think the new group is “Play Ball Sports Cards” or something.

ahh man, have to hate when that happens. glad you had it while you did though!

cardsin47 · 04-04-2024, 04:05 AM

Since you mentioned taking an investment approach in addition to buying what you like ~ get the nicest cards made of the players you buy ( chrome / Sapphire etc. ) and stay away from base cards ( paper )

FT35 · 04-04-2024, 05:21 AM

Sounds like 80’s and PSA 10 80’s was something you enjoyed and it worked for you! Is getting back into that same lane in play?
Personally, I’m burning out on ultra modern stuff. Parallel overload, numbered card desensitizing, hoards of new products—many of them just awful, terrible inserts, cheap looking card builds, wax pricing…list goes on. Luckily this doesn’t chase me out, it just moves me into something else. I’ve found that 80’s-90’s era to be my groove these days…going back to my collecting roots!

04-03-2024, 06:33 PM	#1
eavdr10 Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: NYC Posts: 243 eame9291	Getting Back into the hobby, any advice? So I used to buy a boatload of 80’s cards in PSA 10, back when 80’s cards were still cheap and considered mass produced. Even in a PSA 10. Then the boom hit and every card I owned went ballistic value wise. And I sold off. Mostly at their peaks. Renovated my kitchen with the proceeds. I am slowly getting back into it. This time modern. I’m not a huge fan of the bowman 1st autographed stuff, thankfully as they’re very expensive, but what are the cards to chase for my players of interest? It seems just simply being a numbered rookie card, doesn’t really set the world on fire like it used to. And base? Forget it. So is it the SP’s, the Gold Parallels, the Real One autos? I always enjoyed Topps, and it seems the Gold parallels are the way to go? Am I off base here, or is there something I’m missing? Yes. I know. But what you like, but I do want to take an investment like approach as well. Feel a little lost, as the hobby has changed a bit since I was last in. When base Topps rookies were going at a premium. Anyhow, sorry for the rambling. Would love to chat and learn a little. -Erik Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-03-2024, 06:40 PM	#3
boxbuster7 Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 12,865 boxbuster777	don't rip any wax __________________ Psa 9 > psa 10

04-03-2024, 07:03 PM	#6
discodanman45 Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: CA Posts: 9,864 danch27	HOF Autos from current products is what I am mainly collecting. Some absolute gorgeous on-card autos from many products. __________________ Always looking for rarer Rik Smits cards and cards from the 2014-15 Spectra Global Icons set. Send me a message!

04-03-2024, 07:13 PM	#9
Hollywood42 Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 39,510 Hollywood42	Find what you like, not what other people like or what you think you should like, what you actually like. Collect that and you're golden __________________ Collecting the Twins All my PC wants/haves available at hollywood42cards.com

04-03-2024, 07:18 PM	#10
NYRE2PECT Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: San Antonio Posts: 8,160	Collect as though it holds zero value (because it might very well be worthless - arrests, suspensions, roids) and then you might actually have fun! __________________ Primarily retired from collecting, but doing a Greatest Sho-man binder thing. I do love California Angels baseball.

04-03-2024, 06:39 PM	#2
atk825 Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 3,132	Collect what you like and it usually guides you to a good place. If you're looking for something that's profitable, good luck, there's definitely a squeeze at the margins.

04-03-2024, 07:00 PM	#5
TheFrenzy Banned Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Texan in AZ Posts: 44,115	Read this thread and take it seriously.

04-03-2024, 07:05 PM	#7
cbeauch87 Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Washington Posts: 1,112	Do a loooooooooooot of research before buying stuff. Obviously, collect what you like and want, but make sure you're not getting taken to the cleaners. Check comps. Ebay sold listings, 130point.com, card ladder, all of it.

04-03-2024, 07:13 PM	#8
base set Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: NW Michigan Posts: 9,536	Don’t listen to any advice.

04-03-2024, 07:30 PM	#13
eavdr10 Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: NYC Posts: 243 eame9291	Anyhow, these were the first couple of purchases I made over the last 6 weeks or so. Just three players I enjoy, and will most likely buy more of. I absolutely love the SP Variation 2022 Bobby Witt Topps Heritage High Number #520, but appears it’s very hard to gem. Centering issues. But big fan of Bobby. Julio is a beast and Rutschman will win an MVP very soon. Curious on your thoughts about Gold Foils. They aren’t numbered, but are a little more attractive, I think than the standard gold, and don’t draw the premium that the standard gold does either. I’ve read they are actually more rare than the traditional gold. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04-03-2024, 07:53 PM	#14
ThoseBackPages Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 90,410 ThoseBackPages	welcome back. everyone that does this collecting think long enough leaves and then finds their way back. its in our blood, there is no escaping it. i would recommend trying to choose as tight of a focus as you can handle. stick with it, even though it may suck at times that you cannot add anything. you will be happy at the end of your journey __________________ Pumpers Paradise #YouCryIBuy Four things that we cannot change each others minds about: Politics, Religion, Third Party Grading, and 2021 Bowman's Best Rookie Cards

04-03-2024, 11:34 PM	#17
bblair_2002 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fort Plain,NY Posts: 2,953 hitman73	I have a favorite team and I collect them. It's hard for me to go for every single Mets card in existence so I streamline it to RCs,autographs and cards I find visually pleasing of players and staff from their World Series teams and fan favorites over the years. I have a favorite player and I collect him. Started collecting Albert Pujols back in 2003 and I love collecting cheap base and inserts as much as I do the higher end stuff. I find a set that I like and I build the sets year after year. Stadium Club Chrome is my set of choice,plus I also go after the Topps Chrome Pink Refractor set every year. It's much easier on the wallet to buy singles in lots over opening box after box after box. To me,this is literally a hobby for me and it's still fun after all these years. There will come a day when I'm old and have to give this all up but I'm sure as hell gonna enjoy it while it lasts. Brett __________________ 20 year collector of Albert Pujols and I build parallel sets. RIP Topps Chrome Baseball Pink Refractors.

04-04-2024, 04:05 AM	#24
cardsin47 Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Westminster, MD Posts: 8,761 cardsin47	Since you mentioned taking an investment approach in addition to buying what you like ~ get the nicest cards made of the players you buy ( chrome / Sapphire etc. ) and stay away from base cards ( paper ) __________________ @cardsin47 is Steve Meyer ~ #WaxReturns! PC Gem Mint Factory Sealed 5-Sport Active Player RC & Prospect SCARCE Hobby/ HTA Jumbo/ Retail/ Blaster/ Mega Boxes! ~Trout! Soto! JROD! Wemby! Luka! Mahomes! McDavid! Bedard! Erling!~

04-04-2024, 05:21 AM	#25
FT35 Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 2,237	Sounds like 80’s and PSA 10 80’s was something you enjoyed and it worked for you! Is getting back into that same lane in play? Personally, I’m burning out on ultra modern stuff. Parallel overload, numbered card desensitizing, hoards of new products—many of them just awful, terrible inserts, cheap looking card builds, wax pricing…list goes on. Luckily this doesn’t chase me out, it just moves me into something else. I’ve found that 80’s-90’s era to be my groove these days…going back to my collecting roots!