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#1
06-09-2024, 03:21 AM
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My philosophy is, I will collect as long as it brings me happiness. Collecting autographs still brings me as much joy today as it did in 1987 when I started, although my expectations have been lowered quite a bit by adjusting to the new hobby landscape. When I started, players in Double-A and lower were super appreciative anyone had even heard of them, let alone want their autograph. Nowadays, with private signings being held with every borderline prospect who happens to get a Bowman card, many low-level players are tougher to get than some MLB players. So while I don't bring as many cards to games and am far happier with just getting 1 or 2 of any given player than I would have been say, 10 years ago, I still strive for the "as many different cards as possible" goal. When people ask what I plan to do with everything, I just say "I have no plans at all. I'm a collector. Collectors amass things. That's what we do." That's a bit tongue-in-cheek but not all that far from the truth. You have a spectacular collection from what I've seen you post on here. As good as the 1980's were, I can only imagine the memories you have from the 20 years before I began. I've always felt this hobby is most rewarding when treated as a pastime, and not as a business. Since you aren't destitute and appear to have no pressing need to downsize, my advice is stay the course, for as long as the hobby is still enjoyable to you.
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#2
06-09-2024, 06:04 AM
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Although I am not necessarily an autograph collector and my focus are the Cubs, I agree wholeheartedly with Derek's advice. My collecting has tapered off in the past few years as the prices are starting to get beyond my means but I do it for the fun and enjoyment. My son was visiting this past week and we talked a little about this and he understands as does my wife that I get enjoyment out of my "hunts". As we were talking, many memories came back into play, including the two of us going to a couple Nationals. I am getting on in years and the memories and the enjoyment I get when I am able to find something I need are some of the things that keep me going. Stay the course as long as you are finding enjoyment. When the enjoyment leaves and it becomes a yoke because you need this autograph or that autograph, then leave and hold on to the memories.
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#3
06-09-2024, 06:37 AM
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I think that sometimes, people tend to lose sight of what should be one of the greatest joys of collecting: you make the rules! It should never be the other way around. People like uniformity, so that is often the cause of this happening. Do you really want 5 unsightly Greg Maddux scribbles, or are you letting the parameters of your collection (which you came up with, by the way) control what you do? To me, that's no fun at all, and "fun" is what brought a lot of us here to begin with! Change the rules! It's in your power.
I can relate. We all can. When I collected, I was a completist. I wanted at least one of every MLB player. Unlike many, I wasn't as picky as to medium. 3x5s or cuts that would fit onto said were preferred, but I'd take anything, especially when it came to the very rare. And I was never concerned with pen/marker type/color. But the rules changed. I became stuck in your same rut, albeit for different reasons. By the 1990s, the new players' autographs were becoming increasingly hideous to look at each year. I didn't even have any interest in the modern game, so what was I doing collecting this junk?! I was bound to a silly, self-imposed rule. I decided then and there to put a cap on this nonsense at the year 2000 debuts and call it a day with material that only made me cringe. Easy as that.
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Hybrid Mode
