Feedback from the 2015 National

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by trdcrdkid

I'm sure there are lots of kids collecting whose parents don't collect. You can't judge that by a show like the National; I wouldn't expect many/any kids (especially young kids) to come to such a show by themselves, so they're pretty much always going to be there with their parents, whether or not those parents are collectors. I saw a number of father-son combos where both were obviously collectors, but I'm sure there were many noncollector parents who were there with their collector child. My parents sometimes used to come to card shows with me back in the early 80s, though admittedly they would also sometimes drop me off at the show and go shopping somewhere else nearby, if that was feasible. But I was a teenager, 14-16 years old.

You make some valid points I didn't consider..........but we do know as a whole its not like its gaining steam with the kids so I guess im a bit biased on that issue....its not like there are baseball card stores anymore in most areas and most local shows are few and far between and not many people go too that ive seen......I not sure what kind of showing I was looking for from the younger ones to undo the bias...I guess when I say 'kids' im also meaning guys in their 20s- mid 30s......I also was there towards the back end of the show later in the day on Saturday as well so that could factor into it....

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

I am 42 and actually was thinking about the age factor while I was walking around looking. I was pleasantly surprised to see many guys (and a few ladies) who appeared to be my age and younger. Not sure exactly what they were looking for, but it was nice to see. Also, I got a charge out of watching some of the crochety dealers trying not to interact with the younger collectors. Clothed in their exuberance at just being there, these younger collectors weren't aware they were being avoided. They just went on looking and innocently trying to do business. I will say, on the whole, I did encounter many pleasant dealers who were eager and willing to talk. I had a great time. It is easy to fixate on what might be broken, but there is so much that is still wonderful and captures the imagination. We must never lose that feeling. Friday and Saturday were both awesome! My wife and I drove round trip about 1,440 miles to experience the National, and I would do it all over again.

[travrosty]

most people today looking for the chase cards and throw the rest in the trash. they want the autograph or patch cards or at least the limited chrome, etc cards. the rest go in the wastebasket. its hard to see it changing from that and people collecting the full sets, etc. kids today seem to be caught up in it too. they do a box break on the internet and they skim through all the so called 'junk' to get to the refractor/autograph/patch. to me that is how card collecting got ruined.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by travrosty

most people today looking for the chase cards and throw the rest in the trash. they want the autograph or patch cards or at least the limited chrome, etc cards. the rest go in the wastebasket. its hard to see it changing from that and people collecting the full sets, etc. kids today seem to be caught up in it too. they do a box break on the internet and they skim through all the so called 'junk' to get to the refractor/autograph/patch. to me that is how card collecting got ruined.

I agree on that....its funny that the regular cards of today are what the bubble gum was for the packs in the past....something to throw out.....

in the past the stats mattered more because there was no internet or other easily available sources to learn information on the players....we are in a different world now....but at least they are collecting.....would be funny in 40 years from now all the junk cards become valuable from those refractor packs because they were thrown out while the refractor et all lose all value cause all are saved and graded and don't disappear...

[peterose4hof]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

You make some valid points I didn't consider..........but we do know as a whole its not like its gaining steam with the kids so I guess im a bit biased on that issue....its not like there are baseball card stores anymore in most areas and most local shows are few and far between and not many people go too that ive seen......I not sure what kind of showing I was looking for from the younger ones to undo the bias...I guess when I say 'kids' im also meaning guys in their 20s- mid 30s......I also was there towards the back end of the show later in the day on Saturday as well so that could factor into it....

We have two card shops here in Orlando and anytime I visit either one of them there are a bunch of kids ages 6-16. My boys are 4 & 6 and both thoroughly enjoy collecting/trading/sorting/playing with their cards. My 6 year old is especially into it. He gets a real kick out of watching the games on TV and saying, "Hey that's Mike Trout! I have two of his cards."

I'm not saying there are as a many kids collecting today as in years past, but I believe as long as there are kids playing and watching baseball, there will be card collectors.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by peterose4hof

We have two card shops here in Orlando and anytime I visit either one of them there are a bunch of kids ages 6-16. My boys are 4 & 6 and both thoroughly enjoy collecting/trading/sorting/playing with their cards. My 6 year old is especially into it. He gets a real kick out of watching the games on TV and saying, "Hey that's Mike Trout! I have two of his cards."

I'm not saying there are as a many kids collecting today as in years past, but I believe as long as there are kids playing and watching baseball, there will be card collectors.

yes...kids of an active collector as discussed........also the numbers of those watching baseball continue to dwindle when looking at Neilson ratings..

---going for the save----