PreWar cards books or catalogs

[ErikV]

Pre-War? Perhaps I'm alone on this but I don't know how a
kid whose never been exposed to baseball cards is going to
develope an interest in vintage cards without some exposure to
the hobby for awhile. Here's an example. I have a 9 year old
son who loves playing and watching baseball. It's a thrill for him
to go to a Major League game and see a game in person. He's even
an all-star on his Wii video game too! On a few occassions, I've
brought out some of my pre-war cards to show him. He's only
casually interested in them. He's a typical 9 year old. I've bought
him a few newer card which sparks his interest much more. I think
the reason is twofold. First, he better relates to Albert Pujols
to Joe DiMaggio. Second, the newer cards are flashier, more
colorful and have more eye appeal. (Again, remember, we're talking
about a 9 year old.) The same would hold true for a teenager whose
buying his first car. I'm pretty sure he'd want to buy a newer Acura,
Honda or Toyota versus a beat up 1968 Ford Galaxie (which was
my first car.) The bottom line is I personally believe true vintage card
collecting (as opposed to investors who buy high grade material as a
"hobby") is something that's obtained over a period of time.

ErikV

[Bridwell]

For kids, I'd recommend "My Greatest Day in Baseball", "Strange but True Baseball Stories", "They Played the Game", "Baseball's Unforgetable Games", and "The Glory of their Times".

Developing an interest in the players helps develop the interest in collecting the cards.

Ron R

[deadballera]

the first words that come out my 10-year old is "what is it worth ?"

doesn't care who the player is.