Excited new member - intro + a few questions

[mintacular]

Not quite what you asked but this book has an image of every Topps card by set from 1951-85.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-COMPLETE...item3ccc579bb2

PSA has quite a bit of databases with some or most of what you might be looking for

[cyseymour]

Bryan,

It can get extremely pricey to collect a card of every HOFer. Some people do it. One way of narrowing it down is to just do the HOFers from one particular set. Most common choices on this board would be T206's, T205's, N172's and maybe E90-1's. I don't want to sound snobby but a lot of the folks on the board collect pre-war because the cards are older, more rare, and quite special. Nothing against Topps cards, but I would consider going the prewar route, you might ultimately find it more fulfilling.

My only advice is to take a lot of time to research and maybe don't start putting money into it until spring.

Best luck,

Jamie
N172 collector

[oldcardboard]

I make custom displays of my favorite players. A mix of different items is what I like best. Here is Walter Payton.

[tonyo]

Hi Bryan and welcome,

If you like the idea of farmers sons playing the game, I suggest you read "Glory of Their Times" and listen to the audio version. Another book I read when I started collecting pre-war is "The Celebrant" which really helps immerse you into the game and country in early 1900's.

The advice to take it slow at first is wise.

oldcardboard.com is an excellent source for viewing cards although you can't search individual players.

If you use the search function on this board, you'll find alot of threads about displays of cards.

Tony

[Bestdj777]

Welcome. I second Jamie's suggestion. I would spend a bit of time thinking about what you want before you dive in. I started with a pretty narrow focus--rookie cards from every NY (Dodgers, Mets, Yankee) player from the 40s through 60s. Eventually, I realized I could not really connect to a lot of these players, and did not want to spend the money on some of the cards as a result. Ended up just picking my favorite player and going for a complete run of his cards.

As for displays, the best place to look for examples is on the pre-war side. A guy recently posted a pretty cool Cracker Jack display. It should be within the last 20-30 days. Interesting piece, which was custom made and includes special glass to protect the cards.

For now, I only display four of my cards. They are on a small shelf with some of my sports memorabilia (autographed picture, helmet, a few balls). I thought about putting more cards out, but it looked cluttered. Eventually I will get a frame made for some of them and maybe display a select grouping of my cards that way.

[rainier2004]

Originally Posted by Bestdj777

As for displays, the best place to look for examples is on the pre-war side. A guy recently posted a pretty cool Cracker Jack display. It should be within the last 20-30 days. Interesting piece, which was custom made and includes special glass to protect the cards.

Jeff, thats an intense Payton display. Heres that CJ display again, thanks for the nice words.

[Leon]

I will just say, welcome aboard Bryan. Some of these guys are really passionate. You are in good company. Take care and happy collecting!!

[almostdone]

Here is a link to an older thread on displays board members have used. There are some great ideas that I pull from when I make mine (I custom build all of my displays). You should be able to get some great ideas about diferent displays.
My HOF type collection is partially listed in there somewhere.
Hope this helps and welcome to the boards!
Drew

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=134687

[oldcardboard]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

Jeff, thats an intense Payton display. Heres that CJ display again, thanks for the nice words.

Thank you sir. Your CJ display is just beautiful...wow!!

[CobbSpikedMe]

Welcome aboard Bryan! As has been said already, you'll find a wealth of knowledge on this board and lots of answers to any questions you can come up with.

Best regards,

AndyH

.

[dabigyankeeman]

Originally Posted by mintacular

Not quite what you asked but this book has an image of every Topps card by set from 1951-85.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-COMPLETE...item3ccc579bb2

PSA has quite a bit of databases with some or most of what you might be looking for

That book is great, and there is a companion book, identical in size, called Classic Baseball Cards The Golden Years 1886-1956 which shows most of the old non-Topps cards from the 1800's up thru the start of Topps, and it shows all the Bowmans thru 1955 also. I have both books, they are incredible.

[E93]

Welcome aboard.
JimB

[ethicsprof]

welcome aboard!
as you can already see, this is a great place to find answers---and ask questions!!
all the best,
barry

[triwak]

Welcome! One way to begin collecting Hall of Famers, is to start with the more modern guys and work your way back in time. Generally the older, the more expensive. But many of the guys from the teens and later can be nabbed for bargains, if you're not too concerned with condition. For the really pricey guys (Negro Leaguers, 19th century, etc.), you can always find modern tribute cards to display as fillers, until you decide to delve into attempting acquisition of a card made during each players' active years. Just be patient. And enjoy the journey!! ~ Ken


My HOF set:
http://s155.beta.photobucket.com/user/triwak/library/