How does one come back to collecting cards?

Burks

Hi everyone.

My dad used to bring home a box of cards every couple weeks for him and I to pick through. We'd save our favorite players (him - anything Oakland A's, me - anything Ripken, Ryan, or Griffey) and throw the rest in the box. We probably have a couple hundred boxes full of cards sitting in the basement. All were from the 1990's, mainly 93-97 or so. We never saved a card because it was perfectly centered, great corners, or anything like that because we just didn't know about grading and such. Probably ruined a lot of cards that way.

Fast forward to today and I'm sorting getting the itch to get back into cards. Nothing new because they are just overpriced as hell now. They blew it, IMO, when card packs starting getting to $5 for a few cards. It wasn't fun and it was meant for kids.

My basic question is this: How do I get back into the game? Most players today I'm not a fan of, I prefer the late 80's to late 90's players. That's when I grew up and actually cared (sort of hard to care as an Indians or even Browns fan now!). Just looking for any kind of advice I can get here. Don't have a lot of money to play with, and I'm certainly not against trying to even break even with submitting and reselling cards either. Maybe start with a birth year set, which would be 1985?

Any help is appreciated. I've really been enjoying reading topics here over the past two months as my interest has grown. The coin game is just getting too pricey for me now as most of what I need are key dates, but I still keep an eye out for a bargain!

edmundfitzgerald

Many of us stick with the things we collected as a kid, because it brings back the best memories of our childhood.
Not only do we collect cards, but we also collect other things associated with our youth.
It's all about the memories.

Burks

<< <i>Many of us stick with the things we collected as a kid, because it brings back the best memories of our childhood.
Not only do we collect cards, but we also collect other things associated with our youth.
It's all about the memories. >>



Sadly my favorite players were mainly stars like Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken, so that is $$$$$. Also like some.....not quite HOF but still popular like Jose Canseco (who can forget his defensive homerun assist?) and Manny Ramirez (pre Red Sox). That's when I really enjoyed baseball and had fun watching/collecting.

Dpeck100

The collecting field is a big one. I think you need to ask yourself a few questions first.

Do you care about condition? Some do and some don't.

What is a realistic budget for you? This in reality will dictate what cards you can collect.

Are there are any cards that have personal meaning to you? Maybe a card you popped out of a pack when you were younger and traded away and wish you hadn't or one that was out of your price range as a kid.

Do you want quantity over quality? Some would rather have fewer cards that are nice then a large number of cards with little value.

I got back into collecting by chance in 2009. I never envisioned I would get so serious about it at the time. Once I discovered 1980's wrestling cards I was hooked. It was something new to me, it fit my budget and I thought they had potential. I have liked wrestling since I was a kid and I got enjoyment out of seeing the wrestlers I grew up watching and those that came before that on a trading card.

If you can answer the questions above and be honest with yourself it will lead you in a direction that will work for you. Collecting is about doing something you find enjoyment out of and I believe that is best reason to do it. Naturally if you are pumping money into something you would rather not flush it down the drain so keep that in mind too. You will buy things at good prices and bad prices and that is just part of the game if you are prospecting for gold like many do.

Let me hear your thoughts on the questions I posed and perhaps some board members can give you more specific suggestions or ideas.

handyman

Start collecting the cards that you remember collecting with your dad. I think that will spark the urge.

Sheamaster

Start a player registry set for one of your favorite players. As an example, do the Cal Ripken Jr. Basic Topps set. Decide on what grade you want to get and start buying! I would recommend the Ripken set in PSA 9. Most Ripkens are fairly plentiful - son most 9s can probably be bought for under $10. He has a great run of cards from '82 to '01.

belz

Buy unopened from a reputable source and get 2 of each...one to rip and one to display/put away. Glad to see the interest...good luck and have fun.

Dodgerfanjohn

1. Unopened from the era you are talking about, with only a few exceptions, is very inexpensive. You go go factory set, or wax(or rack or vending). Factory sets or complete sets from reputable dealers will be the least expensive. But for a lot of years, wax is very cheap. In particular wax boxes from late 80's runs under $10. Even the iconic 1989 upper deck factory set goes for under $50 shipped. I'd guess that binders and plastic sheets will cost more than the cards.

2. Graded cards of major rookies are often not expensive. 10's can run a bit of money. PSA 9's rookies of big name HOF's or soon to be HOF's such as Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, etc can be had for around $10(more like $3-4 in Martinez's case). If you really want the iconic 80's rookies in expensively, go down to psa 8's for guys like Gwynn, Boggs, Ripken, McGwire, etc. those cards still look nice and generall sell for a price much less than they would have sold raw 20-25 years ago. At this momentum eBay , there's 9's of 1987 Donruss Maddux and 1989 Upper Deck Randy Johnson for $10-12 shipped. There's auctions that will probably go cheaper. There's PSA 8's of 1985 Topps McGwire and 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn for under $15 shipped BIN.

itzagoner

if you live close to Cleveland, which i'm assuming you do, then you must attend the National Card Collectors Convention there this summer. no better way to reconnect than a visit to some folks who can help you locate items which might interest you. PSA will be there as well as plenty of other industry leaders who regularly draw attention in this forum.

BostonAmericans

Seeing as I am only a couple years back in the collecting saddle, here is what I have learned (and I will be echoing what others have said):

1. Start with what you collected as a kid. Great way to stir up memories and get the collecting juices flowing.2. Figure out what you want to collect and realize it will be a very liquid decision for a while. When I first got back in (2012) I figured I would do graded sets of the Red Sox, and that year's AL and NL champions from 1966 (year I was born) forward. Then I remembered an old goal I once had (when I put the cards in the attic 20 years ago) of collecting a complete base set for each year. So I changed it to that. But graded sets for that many cards is very pricy so I figured I would just grade Red Sox and HOF players. Then I remembered how much I enjoyed hockey cards, so now I am collecting Topps and OPC hockey as well. And now I am collecting unopened packs. And I have accumulated a small autograph collection.3. To go with #2, take the time to figure out what you want to collect. In 1985, you had 3 choices - Topps, Donruss and Fleer. Now it's like Baskin-Robbins. I'm old school - Topps base set only, no inserts. But that's just me. You said you like Griffey. He'd be a good one to get all the variations on if you wanted to concentrate on a player.4. Be careful of the profit incentive. Yes you can make some money flipping. However, if it is not your top priority as a collector, you could get frustrated. I learned early on that 98% of what was in my attic was semi-worthless and not the 'cardboard gold' we all wish it was. And flipping is hard. You never know if you will have the next Mike Trout or end up with Roger Lafrancois. There are some real experts on here who can help you with that angle, but just be careful you don't get frustrated and/or burned. I now look at selling as a way of subsidizing my collection - selling inserts I get from rips, and disposing of those cards that don't fit my personal collection.5. Oh yeah - have FUN. This is a fantastic hobby and one that has really given me a lot of joy. Ripping packs, searching boxes at shows to fill out cards for my PC, meeting some of the guys I watched play when I was a kid - awesome. Plus I have had the pleasure of introducing two of my nephews to the hobby.

I am sure that with time and experience, you will find a niche for you to hang your collecting hat on. I guess that is one of the good things about the B-R aspect today - there is always something for everyone.

Welcome back!!

ThoseBackPages

a LOT of great advice so far!

i will chip in with a word that is easy to say, hard to choose, and even harder to stick to …..

FOCUS

FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!

that is key.

pick something that you like, that you find enjoyable.

Remember that there will always be someone with "more" than you, but there will always be someone with "less"

pick that focus, own it, and you will be a happy collector.

DanBessette

<< <i>Start a player registry set for one of your favorite players. As an example, do the Cal Ripken Jr. Basic Topps set. Decide on what grade you want to get and start buying! I would recommend the Ripken set in PSA 9. Most Ripkens are fairly plentiful - son most 9s can probably be bought for under $10. He has a great run of cards from '82 to '01. >>



I second this about player collections. I was out of collecting for a number of years, then returned but was unfocused. Reading this board has inspired me to focus on a couple of projects more recently, and the most enjoyable of those have been my player collections of Yaz, Andre Tippett, and Gino Cappelletti (in that order), all childhood favorites of mine. Your player collection can be graded, "raw" (ungraded), or a combination of the 2, like mine. Collecting a favorite player or team really heightens the enjoyment of hunting and obtaining items, and a hobby should definitely be that: enjoyable.

bigdcards

Go buy 3 unopened boxes from 88 - 92 for under $20 total. I bought 3 for $10 at a show 2 weeks ago. Open all three boxes and see what you feel like when you do it. I suspect you'll find what you want to do.

Everyone has given great advice, but thosebackpages really nailed something important. There are lots of us that wish we had focused from the start. After you figure out what you want, stick to it. Otherwise you'll end up with 10 different directions, with none complete.

Audy

Burke... I agree with most that have said "collect what you like or what interests you". Don't put too much thought in how much it will cost; your collection will grow over time. Also, really listen to the one's who said to "focus". I know when I first started collecting I purchased about everything that interested me and now I look back an I have a lot of worthless junk that really doesn't interest me anymore. Personally I like collecting the player that I grew up admiring, so I like the player collecting. You may like the set collecting, player collecting, team collecting, or whatever; just have fun!

Let us know what you end up deciding to do; would like to hear your collecting focus and goals.

mesapsa

All I can say is you better have some SERIOUSLY deep pockets since the easy days of a $0.25 cent pack of cards is a long ago era!

DanBessette

<< <i>All I can say is you better have some SERIOUSLY deep pockets >>



Not true at all. Depending on the player or set you're collecting, some cards can be had very cheaply, especially if you're not concerned with condition. You'd be shocked what I've acquired on $25 per month. And it's stuff that makes me happy.

3BoyzTrading

<< <i>

<< <i>Many of us stick with the things we collected as a kid, because it brings back the best memories of our childhood.
Not only do we collect cards, but we also collect other things associated with our youth.
It's all about the memories. >>



Sadly my favorite players were mainly stars like Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken, so that is $$$$$. Also like some.....not quite HOF but still popular like Jose Canseco (who can forget his defensive homerun assist?) and Manny Ramirez (pre Red Sox). That's when I really enjoyed baseball and had fun watching/collecting. >>




To assist with your checkbook, starting with Jose Canseco would be a wise idea. His rookie year cards are a great value and BBCE is having a signing session with him soon. Maybe sending them a favorite card of Jose would be a great start.

Burks

Wow! Some amazing responses. I'd like to respond to each one individually but that'd be way too time consuming and boring for you. So a general THANK YOU! to all.

I've made my decision on what to collect:
- Cal Ripken Jr, Jose Canseco, Manny Ramirez, Nolan Ryan, and Albert Belle. Those five will be part of my main focus (and Cleveland in general).
- I will buy what I can afford, perferably graded PSA but will settle for raw if needed ($). I'll skip the Ryan rookie as my dad has one. He's only 54 so I'll have to wait a few decades to get that card. It's maybe a 6, tops, but it'll never be sold. Might send it to PSA just to keep it safe.
- Cheap boxes, I'll buy them all day. Like the person who mentioned 3 for $10.....you can't go wrong.

- My MAIN focus will be a relatively unknown player, I doubt many will know him right away.

Eric Plunk. I met him numerous times in my childhood when he played for Cleveland. Mainly met him at fund raisers which my dad and I attended quite often when he worked for GM (pulled 6 figures yearly and we lived well within our means, so we had a lot of extra money). He was my favorite non-retired player for many years. I've got a good dozen photos of him and I, one of him even having me on his shoulders (which is buried someplace in my parents basement). He'll never get in the HOF and outside of die hard Cleveland fans and his family, will probably go unknown in a few decades.

So I think I'm going to focus very heavily on him. The nicest "celeb" I've ever met and probably will ever meet.

Edit: Is there a site that you can search all cards a player has appeared on? I haven't found one yet. Would like to start checking stuff off as I go.

BostonAmericans

I use the Trading Card database a lot for getting checklists for the sets I am collecting. Here is a link to their page of Mr. Plunk Link. BTW - I do remember him, but as a member of the A's and not the Indians.

Good luck with your collecting!!

LarkinCollector

<< <i>Edit: Is there a site that you can search all cards a player has appeared on? I haven't found one yet. Would like to start checking stuff off as I go. >>


Beckett is free to seach, you just don't get pricing info: All Plunk
Or you can try here to see what's already been graded: PSA Pop

I guess the 86F Canseco/Plunk would have to be the holy grail and it looks like there are a couple Plunk minor league cards that should be fun to track down.

Burks

Can't believe I missed those. Thanks for the links you two.

Should be an inexpensive, but challenging, set to complete. Aiming for PSA/SCG 9 minimum on all.

DanBessette

That's great! Collect your favorite player, and inexpensive cards to boot! That's what inspired me to collect Andre Tippett when I need a break from the Yaz challenge. Well done, please keep us posted as you acquire items.

DanBessette

My guess is that as you collect the player, you'll stumble into collecting sets. I collect Yaz, but along the way as I bought lots, I decided to complete Red Sox team sets from 74T, 75T, 82D, as well as 1989 Kahn's weiners and 1990 Collect a Books. You'll probably end up with some Indians team sets, maybe even some minor league sets.

Burks

<< <i>That's great! Collect your favorite player, and inexpensive cards to boot! That's what inspired me to collect Andre Tippett when I need a break from the Yaz challenge. Well done, please keep us posted as you acquire items. >>



Picked up a lot of 8 - 1996 Leaf Signature Eric Plunk cards for $11 on eBay today. Buying one would have cost almost half that with shipping, 5+ and I got free shipping. Deal! I'm going to get one of those cards framed with the picture of myself and Mr. Plunk that he autographed together. Neat little item for just myself.

WhiteTornado

<< <i>

<< <i>That's great! Collect your favorite player, and inexpensive cards to boot! That's what inspired me to collect Andre Tippett when I need a break from the Yaz challenge. Well done, please keep us posted as you acquire items. >>



Picked up a lot of 8 - 1996 Leaf Signature Eric Plunk cards for $11 on eBay today. Buying one would have cost almost half that with shipping, 5+ and I got free shipping. Deal! I'm going to get one of those cards framed with the picture of myself and Mr. Plunk that he autographed together. Neat little item for just myself. >>



Sounds like your'e off to a great start! I would also encourage you to put a post on the B/S/T with your want list or at least a basic idea. A lot of collectors might not advertise or list items for sale if they are lower-value, but they might respond to your want list. If you have anything you can trade, that often works as well.

Best of luck and happy collecting!

skrezyna23

I've collected my favorite player for years and my cards were sitting in top loaders, untouched and unloved. Recently, I got into grading with PSA for that favorite player. He retired in 1996, has coached but became the Dodgers manager a few years ago. I also JUST started collecting my favorite active player, Mark Buehrle, (I'm a die hard White Sox fan) whose cards are many, but like Plunk's, will be easily accessible and I will not be as picky with grading, though would prefer no less than 8's.

Good luck with the journey!

Burks

I've picked up about 15 cards so far. Spent less than I would have on a common date BU Morgan silver dollar. Can't complain. A couple PSA 10's included.

ashabby

I started back again in 2012 after a long period. I think it will come to what you like once you start looking at all the options. I found my likes a few months into it. The period I collected as a kid the 70's baseball. I don't really enjoy now. Have fun

Burks

Grabbed a box of 89 and 90 Donruss for $8 total today. Boxes were rough but the packs were unopened and clean.

DanBessette

<< <i>Grabbed a box of 89 and 90 Donruss for $8 total today. >>



Did you hit an 89 Griffey?

Burks

Not yet. Mainly been hitting the 90. Dad got me a box of 91 Donruss to open too!

From the 90, 20% done.
Sandberg x 2
Ripken
Canseco
Bonds x 3
Griffey Jr. X 2
Clemens
Maddox
Smoltz

No Sosa rookies. For the outside of the box being so beat up, these cards are nice. Very few corners are jacked up. Anything I should look for in the 90-91 to be graded? Obviously Sosa rookie.

DanBessette

I don't think Sosa RCs are worth anything anymore.

Burks

Little update:

eBay has been amazing for me lately. Emailed multiple sellers that had a couple Plunk cards listed and had great deals with them. One guy had 6 listed, emailed him, and he listed another 30+ at half off for one shipping costs. I'm easily way over paying for these cards but I'm paying $1-$2 for a $0.10 card, but I don't have to search through endless junk boxes! So the time saved is worth it.

Won an Aqueous Plunk today on eBay. <$4!

Not a card but a neat piece from the Topps Vault. It was Eric Plunks contract for Topps to produce cards of him. Signed, with COA from Topps, by Eric. Grand total: <$20!

All in all I've purchased maybe 40-50 cards recently. Still trying to track down even more of those Buybacks. I've got 5 of the 20, 2 of the 5, and still wanting that 1/1 (if it has even been pulled!).

bigdcards

Great updates!

MULLINS5

My main focus for a couple years now has been books. My favorite is "The Great Gatsby" and I've built a collection of first editions.

I've been selling books online and started with about 100 in my inventory. When I'd sell, I'd re-invest more inventory, picking up a few that I plan to keep in my personal collection. Today I have close to 6,000 books and only about 50 are in my personal collection.

I want to get back into collecting cards as I have a son who will be 11 months on the 24th. It seems like a week ago we brought him home for the first time. How time flies! But, back to collecting, I hope to pickup some of the items I wanted as a child that I never could get because of money/rarity. The Gretzky PSA that I posted about earlier. A Frank Thomas NNOF. Mantle 1951 and 52. A few key comic books. Hockey rookies that I grew up watching in the 80s and 90s (Messier, Gretzky, Yzerman, etc). Nothing major, no 9s or 10s. Just nice, clean and affordable examples. Maybe these will spark an interest in collecting with my son

I moved from the city (Richmond) to the country (Elkton) a couple years ago. It's nice here (other than the rooster next door on central time) and FULL of vintage finds, auctions, thrift shops. American Pickers was just here a few weeks ago and picked up some motorcycles. Really a fun place to live and collect. With the little guy, the future looks great