Disillusioned

ManOfLeisure

I collected baseball & football cards as a kid in the 70s. I collected as a college student in the 90s. I have collected as an adult for the past 20 years. But lately am not feeling the love anymore. The hobby seems to have moved from collecting to gambling. I hate the idea that base cards are worthless and that only "hits" matter. You've heard this before, I'm sure. Anyone have a good argument in favor of the state of the hobby today?

I love baseball and won't stop collecting because of the current cards, but am thinking of either switching to pre-war cards or just to memoribilia. Curious as to everyone's thoughts.

Thanks,

MOL

mattinglymint23

I've dabbled in the modern stuff. The case breaks. The high priced boxes. I love ripping. But I quickly come back to my love for vintage. 70's 60's 50's. PC players like mattingly and Munson and mantle. Been dealing with a few guys here and picked up some beautiful mid grade rookies. Working on my 75 set.
I still dip in to the prospects for fun and nice to track some new players. And some unopened here and there.
Don't let the modern get you down. Heritage is a nice product to look at while you hunt your next vintage find. Hang in there. Lulls come now and then as you know.

sideordertodd

I cannot favor the hobby at this point yet. But am getting back in the saddle slowly!
I was in a similar boat as yours last year. I was upset something fierce that there was no explanation at all about the famous T206 Wagner that was trimmed and then slabbed a PSA 8. I have had a few insignificant cards some back with evidence of trimming that looked near perfect but the most valuable card in existence slipped by the graders. All the hype behind that card when they first graded it peeked peoples interest in the hobby and then this happened got me thinking.
Also, when at the National a few years back i took my 10 year old son and his friend to hopefully spike an interest with them in collecting cards. They both commented that they only knew a couple of they guys who were signing autos and the rest were fossils to them. It seems like the majority of people in the hobby have targeted adults with money and has forgotten about the kids and card collectings future. What kid can fork out $300 for a signed auto from M Rivera and then he spends about 30 seconds with them. What I am doing is collect what and who i enjoy. For me, it is hockey and one player in particular i collect. I can not control what other people do only what I do so i just don't care enough anymore to worry about that stuff. It is still enjoyable for me but i guess in any hobby, job, sport etc there is always controversy.

WhiteTornado

One twist I like is getting modern cards of vintage players. There are GU/jersey cards, serial-numbered, and other inserts done of classic players, esp HOF-ers. You might try some of those to get a modern flavor of your favorite players from the bygone eras.

You can always find a sympathetic ear -- or even a trading partner -- right here on these forums . Hang in there.