Life is so busy right now. Coaching, kids, grandkids...It never seems to stop. This busy life makes it difficult to work on my collection or write this blog. Especially, write this blog. It's probably pretty obvious by the lack of posts that I've made this year. It's not what I envisioned, but its reality. I really wanted to grow this blog, but I realize that blogging is not a growing thing anymore. I think about doing a vlog, but to be honest, I think that would entail even more time that I don't have.
Growing the blog is not really about me having a space to share my opinions, but more about building relationships with fellow collectors. It's worked a little. I just wish there was more.
On the ramblings!
* I really thought I'd put this in my next 5 questions post (Yes, there will be another one!), but don't want to wait. I keep seeing posts, comments and honestly, actions that say set collecting is waning or coming to an end. For those of us that are in the blogging world set collectors were the norm. Now, it sounds like people are bailing on it. I still love it. What am I missing? Why is set building becoming such a drain to collectors?
* I finally finished all of the '24 Topps sets. Now comes the fun of putting them in binders and getting the sets to my grandsons.
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I still like the design, but not as much as I did when it first came out.
* As a head baseball coach, I've seen a lot of baseball this year already. We've been going strong since mid-January, but I'm really enjoying the MLB right now. Looking forward to going to a few Ranger games this year.
* The ABS is in full swing and I'm still not sure where I stand with it. There are times I really like it and of course, there are times that I don't. I am a big fan of the human element. There's already so much technology in our lives that just the human interaction is a positive. I do think overall it will end up being a good thing. I still don't like the 2 pick-off attempts rule.
* I had pretty much decided that I was done with Heritage. The SPs are just too much of a pain, the cost on top of collecting the set and the time. Plus, I haven't finished the other two sets that I started. The thing is I started seeing some of the cards and I really like them. I think I'm about to dive in again. I must be crazy!
* Speaking of sets, I've made the decision to stay out of Stadium Club. I did '23 and '24 because I was bored, but I still haven't finished them either. I really like the cards. I think the pics on them are some of the best. I'll still pick up the individual players I collect, but no set building or opening packs for me. For now. I'm too wishy-washy say I'll stay away forever.
* I sell on buysportscards.com and have done pretty well over there. Most of what I'm selling are .25 to $1.00 cards. Most of the cards I list there are inserts that I don't want or need. I will throw it out there if you happen to shop there and run across something that I've listed, reach out and maybe we can trade or work some other deal.
I think that's a wrap!
Peace,
Michael
Isaiah 40:31
Re: Set collecting. For modern sets it's a drain because all the SPs, parallels and inserts interfere with the experience. For old sets it can be an issue due to rising costs. As a set-collector myself, I'm relieved I have all the '70s sets finished, wouldn't want to do it now.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to look into that buysportscards site.
Nailed it. The vintage prices have gone nuts. It's frustrating.
DeleteBut also, I think set collecting has also lost momentum in part due to the general hobby emphasis on chasing graded, numbered, auto cards etc.
I'm with Greg, the set building is becoming impossible with the SP's. It wouldn't be so bad if there were only 10, but 100 is NUTS! especially in a 400 card set. That's Heritage this year. I'm also with Greg on checking out that site, as I need a new go to place for Braves.
ReplyDelete👍
ReplyDeleteI'm on BSC. I have done well as far as my strategy goes. I figure if I sell one card that is good. If I sell more than one card, better yet. I'm working one set that I started a few years ago. I'm down to 17 SP cards and a few inserts. I may eventually finish it. Thanks for sharing your insights. Enjoy the hobby all!
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a set collector, but it's mainly because I prefer to collect cool cards and players I like.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the 2024 Topps set! Good luck with your coaching and other busy endeavors!
a. As long as I'm active in our hobby, I'll always be a set collector. Set building might be another story. I'm currently building over 30 sets, but shipping costs and rising cost of commons (on sites like sportlots and COMC) have definitely slowed down my progress. In fact most of the progress I've made the past few years has come from the generosity of fellow bloggers.
ReplyDeleteb. Congratulations on completing the 2024 sets. That was the last year I built all three flagship series. Sadly with the rising cost of blasters (and for reason mentioned in comment "a"), it might be the last.
c. I was suppose to go to Monday's Rangers game versus the A's with my brother and his family. Ended up bailing, because it meant taking an extra day off and I still need to prep for Back to School Night on Wednesday.
d. I'll check out buysportscards.com after catching up on reading/commenting on blog posts.