To you; what is the most enjoyable part of the hobby

[Kawika]

The chicks.

[Bicem]

the hunt.

[rhettyeakley]

The hunt...for Chicks

[alanu]

the hunt... followed not so closely by the buyer's remorse

[wolterse]

Reading about the hobby in OC, reading books on the deadball era, shows and connecting with other die-hards!

[Jewish-collector]

Fantastic topic !!!

A lot of you are (and will be) making jokes, but Rich's question is exactly the same question that I asked Josh Evans (Lelands) at the Net54 dinner question & answer portion in regards to his high end clients.

Over the years, I have also asked this question to some of the most prominent collectors in the hobby. I usually ask the question this way, "There's usually nothing in the auction catalogs that you can't afford, but I'm just curious what aspects of the hobby do you really enjoy the most ?" The responses usually address that they actual enjoy collecting low end material too, but only their winning/owning expensive material in the auction catalogs gets into the hobby newspapers. They also mention the relationships that they've formed with other collectors & dealers/auction houses over the years.

Alan

[David W]

I've been collecting on a theme for the last year, the top 15 St. Louis Cardinals at each position.

I've been slowly chipping away and getting their cards.

For me it got me back into baseball history, which I used to love until I got to busy with kids and work. I never knew how good Ed Konetchy was, or who Fred Beebe was, or that Dal Maxville would make the top 5 shortstop list of anything.

Now I've got a 3 year goal to complete this.

[Robextend]

For me it is all about owning a piece of history and learning about the game I love so much.

Also if chicks do dig baseball card collectors, can you steer them into Staten Island NY? I have yet to meet one that fully tolerates my involvement in the hobby.

[Myachelydra]

The chase/hunt...whateve you want to call it. Just as important are the relationships.

[Kawika]

The most enjoyable part of the Hobby is the escapism it affords me from the godforsaken realities of the 21st Century. The old cardboard is grist for imaginings of a world that used to be (but probably never was), a cinema in my mind of characters in baggy flannels acting out a grand American fantasy. And the chicks.

[Jason Carota]

The history of the cards, players, and baseball itself. The people I have met (in person or online only) are also a large part of what make this hobby so enjoyable.

[olsport]

A friend got me started collecting by showing me his collection of 1800s to 1920s baseball memorabilia. After seing his collection I was excitingly shocked by the beauty & history of each piece. I enjoy the excitement that the knowledge I have acquired for many years can help me hunt down items that others don't have the same knowledge about, thus finding a good deal. There is something very special when I acquire, hold & look at items from the past that are from a time so very different from today.

[quinnsryche]

Originally Posted by alanu

the hunt... followed not so closely by the buyer's remorse

I agree 100%, wait maybe I don't.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Kawika

The chicks.

Yeah, chicks dig guys who collect cards.

The friendships.