Is this one of the coolest hobbies in the world or what?

[NaylorVahjeinke]

I just realized, with the exception of a few common/lower dollar sets, and a few sub $100 cards, I have pretty much just about completed my collection, or hit the low 90% range.

There are still some cards I would love to own and will try to, but they're not must haves either because they are way too expensive, or just not as necessary to have for the price.

This made me very happy, like a lifelong completion that will only grow now.

Cards are one of the best hobbies. Think about it.

For starters, there is little upkeep once you own cards. You can cram obscene amounts in a bedroom and access them night and day, rain or shine. You can trade them on a whim, sell them, preserve/grade them, build a set, etc...

If you're nostalgic you can relive memories with the players you relate to the most, or in a different era of the sport. And rarely, even if you overspend from time to time, does the collection ever seem to decrease in value.

Anyone with kids, grandkids, or nieces and nephews will likely also have a time they can share with family and maybe even leave to, making a collection either a legacy and a way for someone else to use towards a house or car.

The variety between refractors, parallels, autos, patch cards, unique inserts, RC's, and other endless variations from special designs to settings or themes combined with teams, players, eras, etc... gives endless variety to what you can collect and enjoy. And who doesn't love having a mix of vintage to modern.

This is literally one of the coolest hobbies I can think of. It requires no upkeep, is there whenever you want it, and is only growing in popularity, making it fun to share with others. I really want to go to my first show once, see if it's as cool as I always thought it would be.

I love how so many current and former athletes collect as well, making it feel like it's not just a fan thing. Everyone appreciates cards, even my niece and she doesn't watch sports. She likes the refractors because the rainbows.

Cards are awesome.

How do you build your collection? Is it complete or just getting started?

[NaylorVahjeinke]

Oh **** I thought I was in a different forum.

My bad, dudes.

Goodnight.

[Budler]

I'm a player collector so You have forgot to add that one. Now days a lot of guys that I know that are into the hobby is for the value or you can say the money. Hodge Podge could work for them.

[NaylorVahjeinke]

Originally Posted by Budler

I'm a player collector so You have forgot to add that one. Now days a lot of guys that I know that are into the hobby is for the value or you can say the money. Hodge Podge could work for them.

You're right, my bad.

Who do you collect individually?

My biggest individual collections are Jordan, Mike Alstott, Randy Moss, and Griffey.

[Budler]

Originally Posted by NaylorVahjeinke

You're right, my bad.

Who do you collect individually?

My biggest individual collections are Jordan, Mike Alstott, Randy Moss, and Griffey.

Any/all player from Nebraska. Ahman Green, Roger Criag, Irving Fryar, Neil Smith and about 1,000 more. Most just have a few cards and from Husker sets.

[YayNJ]

Is there any other hobby on earth that is so jam packed full of degenerate gamblers, fraudsters, thieves, conmen, grifters and counterfeiters?

Other than that, it’s great!

[frenchquarter]

Originally Posted by YayNJ

Is there any other hobby on earth that is so jam packed full of degenerate gamblers, fraudsters, thieves, conmen, grifters and counterfeiters?

Other than that, it’s great!

Yes, many hobbies are like this. There are always shady people trying to make a buck off of you.

[Bosoxfan5990]

Originally Posted by frenchquarter

Yes, many hobbies are like this. There are always shady people trying to make a buck off of you.

Grandma Sally trying to sell you a low quality crocheted blanket at a craft fair is up there.

[frenchquarter]

Originally Posted by NaylorVahjeinke

Oh **** I thought I was in a different forum.

My bad, dudes.

Goodnight.

Thank you for your post. It is refreshing and wonderful that you pass along your excitement and passion for card collecting. My card passion/obsession is for cards that were made in Louisiana during the 1910 thru 1921 time period. Tobacco cards, baking cards, baseball cards, boxing cards, even cards that were included when you purchased a carton of eggs. I am from Wisconsin, but my wife and I love Louisiana, so, around 25 years ago, I decided that I would focus my collection on the Louisiana cards.

Rick

[NaylorVahjeinke]

Originally Posted by Budler

Any/all player from Nebraska. Ahman Green, Roger Criag, Irving Fryar, Neil Smith and about 1,000 more. Most just have a few cards and from Husker sets.

I suppose I could have just checked your signature lol. Very cool though. I was born in 84 so I was growing up right around peak Husker time. Growing up in a Midwest state without a D1 team made many of us Nebraska/Notre Dame/Michigan fans when they were on. Everyone in school had gear from those schools, if not all 3.

Originally Posted by YayNJ

Is there any other hobby on earth that is so jam packed full of degenerate gamblers, fraudsters, thieves, conmen, grifters and counterfeiters?

Other than that, it’s great!

Definitely get where you're coming from. I try to avoid anything surrounding that aspect of it, focusing just on collecting for my PC and rarely, if ever, selling since I am card hoarder. I don't want to get any deeper into it but there are certain practices that hinder my enjoyment of the hobby even off in my little corner of the world. Have to expect it though. With cards bringing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) it is only fitting there will be, and have always been, people from that crowd looking to stick one to us. Makes me appreciate my approach to the hobby even more.

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

Grandma Sally trying to sell you a low quality crocheted blanket at a craft fair is up there.

Exactly. Intent may vary, but I feel like trying to hustle someone/make money off someone is a story as old as time. Doesn't make it right, but it's part of life.

Originally Posted by frenchquarter

Thank you for your post. It is refreshing and wonderful that you pass along your excitement and passion for card collecting. My card passion/obsession is for cards that were made in Louisiana during the 1910 thru 1921 time period. Tobacco cards, baking cards, baseball cards, boxing cards, even cards that were included when you purchased a carton of eggs. I am from Wisconsin, but my wife and I love Louisiana, so, around 25 years ago, I decided that I would focus my collection on the Louisiana cards.

Rick

Absolutely, man. I truly do find peace and solace in cards for numerous reasons, but I won't bore you/offend you with why. Sometimes I get so excited/overwhelmed wit joy in (like completing a rare set, landing a certain card, etc...) that I just want to share it with people.

That being said, as a History major, I absolutely love and respect the approach you're taking. I haven't done it yet, but there are some cards with mem. from President's and other historical figures I would love to have, especially something from Thomas Jefferson. Not sure about the market for Historical and Political cards, but I don't think I would believe someone if they told me the value and demand will decrease over time.

Either way, value is always cool, but it's the value you can't put on paper that matters to me. It sounds like those cards have special meaning to you and your wife, making them something you can share. Now that I have nieces and nephews, I have found just how much fun that can be.

What's different with your collection now is that someday a museum may come calling for them, or some other prestigious place. It's bigger than cardboard when it becomes history.