What drives the hobby love for certain players? Ozzie Smith as an example...

[bk400]

Originally Posted by mrmopar

First thing I thought of was the Family Fun Center Ozzie cards. Those sell very well, as does his RC, but guessing all the rest outside of the newer, scarce stuff doesn't do as well.

How about Satchel Paige? Especially in recent years, everything vintage at least is pure molten fire.

Yes, I noticed the same thing about Satchel Paige. Would love to understand what is catalyzing the recent interest. The Ozzie Family Fun Center card is weirdly awesome. One of my all time favorites.

[todeen]

Originally Posted by mrmopar

First thing I thought of was the Family Fun Center Ozzie cards. Those sell very well, as does his RC, but guessing all the rest outside of the newer, scarce stuff doesn't do as well.

How about Satchel Paige? Especially in recent years, everything vintage at least is pure molten fire.

Originally Posted by bk400

Yes, I noticed the same thing about Satchel Paige. Would love to understand what is catalyzing the recent interest. The Ozzie Family Fun Center card is weirdly awesome. One of my all time favorites.

Satchel Paige fame is that he is a tall tale, a Chuck Norris. No story sounds unrealistic. And then, well past his prime, he is signed and helps the 48 Indians win a championship. All the public schools teach about Jackie Robinson, and have taught about him for decades. He became more famous with his movie. Kids who like baseball who do any research about Robinson and the Negro leagues are going to discover Paige. And then they discovered that his cards and photos were super cheap, much cheaper than Jackie.

Monte Irvin, Larry Doby, and a few others don't carry the legendary weight that Paige carries.

Bo Jackson carries that legendary status too.

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[bk400]

One of the things that I love about collecting baseball cards in particular is the link to events in American history. Jackie Robinson is one obvious, emblematic one, but there are others. Sandy Koufax. Roberto Clemente. Hank Aaron.

George W. Bush's first pitch in October 2001. Randy Johnson. Mariano Rivera. David Ortiz and his f**king city. I somewhat wistfully hope that baseball can remain a part of Americana.

[mrmopar]

I understand the appeal of Satch, but it seems there is an almost unexplainable (except that many collectors are buying what everyone else buys because its popular/worth more) surge in his popularity. Maybe it's the facebook groups, that seem loaded with newer or recently re-indoctrinated collectors who have been out of the game a while, jumping back in to buy things they could never afford as younger collectors. His limited card selection certianly helps drive the prices. Glad to have nabbed a 53 and his auto years ago, but I missed out on his Leaf/Bowman and his Tulsa Goofs card, all of which I really wanted, but could never quite afford.

Paige was mostly affordable for his Topps and autographs in general though, now it seems he has skyrocketed to the top tier.
There is some momentum for a number of other negro League favorites too. although nothing close to Paige.

I agree with Bo too. His stuff sells for way more than his career would otherwise dictate. I think it is another case of everyone wanting the same thing and the demand just overwhelming the supply, especially in the case of Jackson autos (certified). They are not scarce, but they all sell for $100+ it seems.

Originally Posted by todeen

Satchel Paige fame is that he is a tall tale, a Chuck Norris. No story sounds unrealistic. And then, well past his prime, he is signed and helps the 48 Indians win a championship. All the public schools teach about Jackie Robinson, and have taught about him for decades. He became more famous with his movie. Kids who like baseball who do any research about Robinson and the Negro leagues are going to discover Paige. And then they discovered that his cards and photos were super cheap, much cheaper than Jackie.

Monte Irvin, Larry Doby, and a few others don't carry the legendary weight that Paige carries.

Bo Jackson carries that legendary status too.

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