New Member - Card Collecting for Years, New to Vintage

[Rangers09]

Thanks Howard! This is super helpful. I'm definitely eager to get started, and will dig a bit more into some of your points (especially #3). I'm actually named after Dusty Baker, so will be picking up some of his stuff as well.

[slantycouch]

Welcome Dusty!

You're smart to ask questions and educate yourself before making any big investments. This forum is an incredible wealth of knowledge. I've found answers to many of my questions by using the search to find old threads and discussions, and I've spend many nights going down those rabbit holes, coming out feeling much more education on whatever the topic.

Howard's advice to 'enjoy what you collect' is spot on!

[swarmee]

To #3, Brent Huigens at PWCC basically said he knew the 5-10 people shilling up the 1950s Hall of Fame rookies that you saw bubble in 2016. I wonder if the FBI asked him about these friends of his while they were investigating all the fraud he's otherwise involved in?

[toledo_mudhen]

I think you would probably need to assess where you are going to concentrate your efforts. In vintage there are basically 2 camps - Pre War (1941 and prior) & Post War (1945 ish thru 70s?).

Find something that grabs your eye, imagination, whatever. PSA SMR will have examples of each card set from each year and also contains some blurbage on each set (era).

https://www.psacard.com/smrpriceguid...card-values/13

Trust me- something will grab ya and then you will officially have the "disease"

For me - I'm stuck in the 50s and personally think it doesn't get any better than this :



Enjoy!

[Koufax32fan]

Dusty - welcome aboard. I concur with all that was written before. I would add that, in addition to posting questions on the board for general input (and ignore anyone who snipes at you), you should feel free to reach out directly to collectors who you find have similar collecting interests. I did that with respect to Koufax game used tickets and several people were very helpful in my education, giving me ideas for storage, pointing out potential purchases, selling me tickets, etc. Even when we invariably "competed" in auctions, it was done with good humor and good will.

And, try to find a dealer or 2 at shows or through the web that you can connect with on a personal level. I shared interests with several dealers over the years, and they kept me in mind with inventory as they received it. One ticket seller emails me on a regular basis with Koufax tickets he gets into his inventory. Even though I haven't bought from him in awhile (as I have the "easy" ones - from LA, Chicago, STL), he keeps asking and I always thank him for thinking of me. Maybe I am just naive, but I also think that when you are nice to dealers that you get better service (and even prices). And, when it comes time to dispose of some or all of your collection, those connections will prove to be invaluable.

Most importantly - have fun! I think you will have more fun if you don't think of your cards budget as part of your investment portfolio, but as part of your entertainment budget.