To you; what is the most enjoyable part of 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.

[barrysloate]

David- I think that world from the past really did exist, I just don't think it was as idyllic as we might imagine. It would have been wonderful to spend some time strolling through 19th century America...unless you had some strange disease they hadn't even named yet. Then maybe it would be better to be alive today.

[hank_jp]

That's an easy one.
The relationship that it has cemented between me and my son.
It's probably close to 25 years since Scott got me back into collecting due to his early interest in baseball cards and the bond has only grown stronger over time.
Whether it is that magic connection between father, son, and baseball or father, son, and collecting - I loved having that with my dad and love having it with my son.
Everything else is just a bonus.

Hank

[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.

[Rich Klein]

And that was a great game!

Rich

[uffda51]

Seeing a card or photo you've never seen before. Spending time with other collectors of pictures of dead men. Standing on concrete floors for five days straight at the National. Finding the last card you need for a set or goal.

And the chicks.

[PolarBear]

I was on the old forum last year but just recently joined this one.

I love the technical research. I'm particularly fascinated by Ted's T206 series and back research. I love reading those threads.

I also like the historical context that the players were part of, cf Ken Burns.

The best sports book by far I've read in the last couple of years was Crazy 08by Cait Murphy. I love her sharp wit and writing style. "Quoth the Turkey" makes me laugh every time.

[Anthony S.]

That first moment when you notice that a difficult card you need (not want --- NEED) for a particular set you are building is up for auction.

[teetwoohsix]

I,like everyone else,love the thrill of the hunt.And waiting for the next card in the mail(and getting it!).And learning details about all the different cards I don't know alot about(and a good amount of that is from this board).I have a great wife who is also a huge Dodger fan,and also supports my T206 addiction-but if you guys are getting chicks from collecting cards-more power to you
I also love owning a part of history,one of the reasons my interest in cards is about 96% vintage pre war,4% post war and current.
And,last but not least-finding Net54.I have learned so much from this board and everyone on it-thanks Leon,and the moderators,and the participants(and even the lurkers)for running this wonderful project,I've seen the most amazing cards on here,alot of which I will probably never own,but LOVE to look at them!!!Also-thanks Trae for turning me onto this site!!
Thanks,Clayton

[Leon]

Part of the fun of the hobby is finding new stuff. I was just looking for some dupe cigs, from vintage packs for my good friend Jon C., and when I opened one of my Mecca packs this was inside. I don't know how long I have had the pack but it's not every day you can pull a 100 yr old card from a pack.....

[ethicsprof]

As Leon said to me elsewhere, it's all in the
QUEST.

best,

barry

[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.