Sports Illustrated Article on Cards and Pandemic

blurryface

Interesting read. Besides, what else you got to do?

https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/05/04/breaking-the-fall-sports-cards-and-the-pandemic

DBesse27

Cool article, thanks for sharing. It was nice to see Ryan Holland and Real Breaks get a plug. Back when I was buying into breaks, they’re the only ones I’d use. Great guys.

blurryface

Never even crossed my mind about the sports gambling crowd needing to get their fix. Makes perfect sense.

Recently joined IG and it has literally opened my eyes to all the other sports card markets, breaks, happenings, activities and what have you. Also can see why various forum boards lack the activity they used to maintain.

I have never done a break, thinking about it though. And you can pretty much find multiple options 24/7 to jump into there with IG “live”. A definite gambling aspect to it, it seems but also fun.

Dpeck100

I read through the article earlier and very interesting. A lot of collectors I think are kind of stuck in their own world and don't examine the bigger picture. I didn't realize how big breaking had gotten.

For me I can't imagine paying someone to rip packs for me but on the flip side of the coin some of the best packs that can get ripped are going this route so you must change with the times if you want to keep playing in the game.

The card market is very strong right now and I enjoy reading stories like this where there has been a lot of growth in the hobby.

BLUEJAYWAY

Good read. Breaks replacing, for now a trip to the local bar. Instead of ordering a shot or a beer, rip open a pack at the card bar.

blurryface

@BLUEJAYWAY said:
Good read. Breaks replacing, for now a trip to the local bar. Instead of ordering a shot or a beer, rip open a pack at the card bar.

That's exactly what's going on. You can get into a single blaster break for as little as $1 or go all in on a 10 case break for $1000s. Sports-wise, it's basically right now's only live entertainment complete w/ the anticipation factor, the build, heighten moments of bliss and/or the swing and miss. All from the convenience of your own couch complete with a discounted bar tab. Crap out on one break, find another one in seconds, fill in that last spot and go grab another beer to see what happens in that one.

The razz thing is pretty interesting too. Same as above, but basically just a raffle and a spin of the wheel/luck of the draw type thing. However, the guys actually running the things are killing it. They are basically getting $15k for what "could" auction off for $10k on a good day because where else do you have the chance to win a '52 Mantle psa 1 for only $100? Your odds are obviously 1:150 which isn't too bad if you think about it. Buy 5 spots and move the odds up. Again, appealing to the gambling aspect mentioned in the article.

It's all pretty fascinating really. The hobby has certainly evolved from the days of cutting lawns and doing chores to go grab packs from the gas station. And when you sit back and watch all of this go down plus seeing massive pick ups being posted every minute all tailored to what interests you, it clear to see that there is a TON of money being thrown around. I don't think we'll be seeing chicken little for a little while at least. And I must admit, when this covid crap first started to go down, I woulda put my money on the bottoming out side of the fence.