Need a little help getting a 13-year-old started w/baseball cards

TayTay

I'm into the coin thing, and have a son who wants to begin collecting baseball cards. He's been looking at some on Ebay, and I told him show me some items and I'd check them out. I did, but don't know anything at all about them. Can anyone give me an opinion about these auctions, or which direction I should steer him in- are there certain brands, etc. he should avoid?
Here's what he wanted me to look at:


First One
Second One
Third One

Any of these look okay? When I'm looking at coins, I avoid any auction where the seller has a BIN and tries to tell you that they are worth much more than that. I know these don't involve a great deal of money, but I want to get him started in the right direction...

Thanks!

calleocho

basically those 3 auctions are pretty much crap, but then again they are not worth much.

they might actually be fun to rip those packs open.

for a young kid they seem just right. I would buy it for him.

avoid all the new expensive stuff, its mostly hype and it never holds its value.

however some new stuff might be fun as well as long as its cheap. New products include cards that have a small piece of fabric or a piece of wood that comes from either jerseys, pants etc, and bats. (game used cards)

Also real autographs on cards, those actually hold their value most of the time and look pretty cool as well.

does he like baseball in general or does he have a favorite team?

TayTay

He's been playing ball (pitcher/first base) for about seven years, and loves the Braves.
I guess I may pull the trigger on some of these, at least it's not a big chunk of change.
I really appreciate you taking the time to help !

ChrisStufflestreet

My advice: I'd avoid all three of these auctions.

The first one is for a stack of 32 cards, with one supposedly a "rare" insert card. Price: $4 + s/h.

The second one is for unopened packs. The boxes shown in the picture aren't from significant sets, and the auction gives a lottery-like aura.

The third one shows the packs, and the $16 + s/h is more than I'd pay for them. I really love the way the seller is willing to toss in a "free Ty Cobb card" but doesn't show it or tell you what card it is...I'm guessing the Cobb is from one of those "All Time Greats" sets of the 1980s and not worth that much.

Your instincts from the coin hobby serve you well. Though others here might disagree (and speak up if you do), I'd avoid these types of auctions.

Before getting into the hobby, try to see if your son has anything specific he wants to collect. There's no way he can collect everything, because there's too much out there. But does he have a favorite player, or favorite team? Is he looking to collect for fun, or will there be a motive for profit down the road? Once he determines what type of cards to focus on, then he should have a good idea of what types of cards to search on eBay.

And feel free to let him post to this group. There are a bunch of collectors here from very different backgrounds and persuasions who will be happy to answer any questions he might have.

Finally, I suggest a quick read about the hobby's history (which I wrote) and a history of collectors in general. They may give you some insight as well.

TayTay

Thanks Chris, looks like sound advice to me. Thanks for the links - I'm going to get him to read them. Yes, these auctions do look like some I've seen in the coin categories which I avoid - basically a lot of hype for a bunch of junk

AkbarClone

I would also avoid those 3 auctions. If your son likes the Braves, I would suggest just buying Braves cards to start--there still likely won't be any high dollar cards, but at least your son would get nothing but his favorite team.
When I did a quick search on eBay just for "Braves cards", I got 155 hits.

Here is the first one I saw that looked like it could provide hours of fun for your son.
Braves card auction

And I only looked at the first 10 or so of the 155--there are probably better deals than this.

Good luck!

James

TMc

I would consider pushing him toward HOfer cards. Rookies are expensive, but commons are plentiful. He can go on line to do some research about who is in, what braves, potentail future HOFers ect. He will learn alot, get some history, and learn a lost respect for the older players. Finding one area to collect is a must for a beginner. Good luck.

Wisker4570

I have a ton of cards from 1988 on, and I'm sure there are lots of braves in there. I'd be willing to give him a bunch of Braves cards to get him going. Have him send me some SASE's and I'll stick a few in each every couple weeks. I may even have some Game used or signatures laying around too.

phreakydancin

PSA Library - Sports Memorabilia and Your Kids

joestalin

PM me your address and what you son likes and I will send him some, then you can see.

Kevin

bladefox

If you have any Baseball card shops in your area, I'd think you should take your son on maybe a one or two that's in your area. Some shops have dollar bins or discount bins of commons/stars. Also, if you find a good dealer, and he knows your son collects Braves, sometimes they will save some and hold some cards for your son if you visit their shop often. It also doesn't hurt to ask questions from several dealers either. I would good to shops and shows before actually buying on the internet as well.

yankeefan741939

yankeefan741939

id take him to a card shop & ask to see some of the base cards for cheaper sets, that way he can get cards he likes. also id try to place the emphasis on collecting not moneymaking at his age. also protecting the cards is a wise thing to do for common cars id suggest using baseball card boxes for game used inserts & autos id use either a toploader or a screwdown depending on value & personal choice i have a ton of braves cards id part with VERY cheap mostly commons , but i also have a few gameused brave cards. email me at yankeefan741939@yahoo.com if you need any more info

onegaucho

I'll chime in as well.

1. Make a trip with your son to the local card shop. Shops are a dying breed and I have a ton of fond memories of my dad taking me down to the store after he got home from work. Fueled my interest in baseball and in cards. 20 years later, I'm still a rabid fan of both!

2. Shoot me your address via PM or email. I'll see what Braves cards I have and I'll send them your way as well!