When I was 15 I made layaway payments on the Mike Schmidt Rookie. The payment plan was $5 a week for 5 weeks. I missed a payment and the card owner called my house. My mom freaked out "$25 for a piece of cardboard!!!". Still have it today.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's an AMAZING story. Stories like that are one of my favorite parts of the hobby.

Your enthusiasm came thru load and clear. I think your budget is realistic and similar to most of us! We all have to struggle with what we can afford. I have a family, Im not throwing anything but disposable income at cards, as much as i love them!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Well said and I totally agree with your perspective. Priorities matter.

Got the Yount rookie in poor condition for ten cents in 1982. Still have it and never bought an upgraded version. Great video, Graig!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's amazing. That story is so awesome. And THAT is what I love about card collecting. The memories along the way mean more than the card.

I thought I'd answer your question by giving my history. I collected as a kid in the late 70's and early 80's. In the summer 91 I got back into collecting big time. I decided to get all the sets in my lifetime. I finished all the sets back to 1968. I then started getting older cards starting in 1957 because that's the start of standard size football cards. Now I'd like to get as old as I can find. I'm lucky football cards are cheaper. I say if you can afford a $500 card at a show, buy it first. If you can only find $20 cards at a show that meet your standards buy them. Whatever you can afford, try to get the expensive ones first. Hope that helps

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Great story and appreciate you sharing. And, I think your strategy makes a lot of sense.

I completely understand. I was focused on 1950-1954. Bowman . Then I discovered Perez Steele autographs? They are addictive 😀

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I'm afraid to start on Perez Steele because I like them so much. I'm afraid that I'll go all the way down the rabbit hole.

I collect by decade. Currently my focus is the 60s. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in an era of baseball, learn more and more about the cards and the players. When you’ve had enough for a while. Move on to next decade. Although you’ll always go back. Good luck!!!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's great. Really get expertise and focus on one decade at a time. Maybe that's what I should do...only break it down to 2-4 years or so.

@mcarp2271

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards exactly. Spending some time on focusing on each decade you’ll be amazed at how much you learn and how your appreciation for certain sets really grows.

You’ve got to have a roadmap to start your travel but when you see an interesting turnoff you take it. As my friend and I like to call them,”you might find a TRUFFLE” enjoy the find as part of the journey and get back on the road to your original goal. Enjoy the ride because very few of us have that magic wand to wave to get everything. Great video again

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good point on a road map. I'm currently working on doing exactly that.

Today I pulled the trigger on a 1985 Topps Traded Rickey Henderson..it’s his first card in a Yankees jersey..the 1980’s Topps Traded sets have some gems as far as modern cards go..that 1953 Bowman Color Warren Spahn is a thing of beauty

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Rickey looked great in pinstripes. And....yes...that 53 Spahn is something I could write poems about. It's incredible.

I had/have the same problem. I’m just starting to purge and sell off stuff that I’ve accumulated that I thought had significant sentiment in my PC but in reality they really don’t. I’m doing a “Marie kondo” with my collection and really trying to focus on cards/collectibles that truly “spark joy”. Otherwise it never ends - we’ll always find stuff we just WANT and think is kinda cool. I’m really trying to refocus and prioritize my collection just for my own sanity…. You’re not alone Graig! 😂

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Not being alone and being in good company makes me feel a little bit better.

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

Good perspective. I know many of us collect cards as an escape, but it's still, a hobby. And hobbies should be fun. Not stressful or exhausting. I have a fair amount of cards around me. However, I don't like the feeling of ''clutter.'' Figuratively and literally.

Yeah im no help. I just started collecting cards again this year and im 54. I have everything from 1906 to 2023. I got in a lot of trouble on what not and defintely overspent my budget but i do have some great vintage to modern and no real set pattern. I do collect all players cardinals, since i live in St. Louis. I am working toward the 69 deckle edge set. Mainly because its small and i need a sense of accomplishment. I have quite a few of the cards on your list. I would be willling to send you the Greg Maddux one if you would like. I have extras. No charge. Thanks for your channel i do enjoy it.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I'd love to take one of the Maddux cards off your hands. Shoot me an email at midlifecards@gmail.com Thanks!

Well, I have been watching many card collecting channels. Most of us are not those channels that go to card shows and drop like $5k-50k and look to flip them for profits. Many are "investors" looking to make a quick buck. I am collecting because I like to collect. Everything I buy is for my PC collection. I have spent a pretty penny lately buying cards that are expensive to me. $50+ each. The underlying thing I have to realize is that this hobby is a marathon not a race. I would love to buy every card that I desire, but that is not possible given my limited resources. So, you just have to prioritize what would work for you and satisfy what would make you happy given the resources that you have whether it is time, money, or family. I fell into the Mickey Mantle trap. I decided to collect a player that is not exactly cheap to collect. But maybe I have to focus on buying lower grade cards that would be deemed authentic or poor. That is fine with me. I can brag to myself that I have a Mantle card. More like 65 or so, but the only one counting is me.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good feedback and point. Appreciate it.

“I’m late to the party, but I’m ready to party!” 😂 dude SAME!

@MidLifeCards

6 ай бұрын

LOL.

That Huggins T206 you showed has a Broad Leaf back. Very VERY EXPENSIVE!!! Regular back is doable. Great vid again 😊

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Backs don't matter to me. I just showed that one because I was using it as an example. I mostly have Sweet Cap and Piedmonts because of the lower price point.

There are so much cards I would still want. Fortunately for me its all baseball, nothing older than 50s, and I've got many of the cards I've been pursuing. I had a thought the other day. Why not spend time enjoying the ones I already have. They cost me nothing at this point. This winter, I want to flip though binders and enjoy what's already in my collection. sure I will add one hear and there, that's what we collectors do. Great video Graig. I always enjoy.

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

Good point.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's so true and such a terrific point. Maybe I (we) am spending so much time hunting for the next one, that I don't do enough enjoying what I have. Appreciate that really good suggestion.

Perfectly said: “I’m late to the party…but I’m ready to party”

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

LOL. I love your KZread handle by the way. The rated rookie was the coolest thing ever in the 80s.

Graig, I'm also on a tight monthly budget (because I want to retire some day soon). My approach has been to build a short list and prioritize it. My monthly budget is less than what almost all the cards I want cost. This is good, in a way. It prevents impulse buys. When I make a purchase I have thought about that card for quite a long time before buying it. I've found sometimes by the time I have the cash for a card I no longer want it as much as I thought I did and I rearrange the list. This is a responsible way to collect I think.

@stevesousa1475

10 ай бұрын

Aaaaaaa

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Appreciate that input. Great points and a great strategy.

It's not important that you collect it all. Take any old route. Buy what you feel like buying at the moment. When you're buying something, there is always something else you could have bought. And if you bought that other card, then you wouldn't have bought the one you did! There are consequences for every decision, lol. But there are also results! It's great that you have broad interests! Just take your time. I'm basically in the same boat you are. I have to discipline myself a little to get a couple of higher dollar cards.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Great points. So well said. Kind of describes my current situation thought. :-)

I can't help you as my collecting was not usually planned except when putting together sets. When I went to the national each year I had ideas of what I wanted but saw something that just grabbed me and I would buy.. One convention it went from cards to game used bats. Because in my brain I didn't want to go over my budget, I missed a lot of opportunities for grail cards I could afford at the time that are now way beyond a comfortable price. If we could only have a time machine to tell us the future.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

What are some of the game used bats that you've got? I've always wanted to get a Nettles gamer.

@larrygitlin6017

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards You should be able to find a Nettles bat sometime. There is a learning curve or just buy from John Taube Game Used Bats . He is the one who grades all bats for PSA and the greatest authority plus a wonderful person. Check the big auctions too. My first bat was a Jack Clark you being in the Bay area would get a kick. I have many Cardinal bats, Ken Boyer, Bill White, Orlando Cepeda. Vada Pinson, my best a Lou Brock and Ozzie Smith both also autographed. Many Rockies since I lived in Denver Metro for 47 years including Gallaraga, Helton, L Walker, Vinnie Castilla, and Dante Bichette. Matt Holiday, Giambi, Carlos Gonzales and, Other stars Ricky Henderson, and David Ortiz. One of my favorites is a1950 Sam Jethro game used signed by his whole Boston Braves team (including Warren Spahn) when he was rookie of the year. Good luck finding a Nettles bat.

These are some awesome targets, but yes, just enjoy the ride my friend!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good advice. It's a marathon and not a race. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

I would like the Yogi rookie,whitey Ford Bowman rookie,mickey 1952 Topps,the Jackie Robinson rookie,And ty Cobb t206.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Can't blame you. All are awesome cards.

Swap out a couple cards and this video could have been custom-made for me. Loved this. Great stuff.

@MidLifeCards

9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!! Lots of cards I want, and those are just the tip of the iceberg.

I'm glad you brought up the 1922 American Caramel e120's. They have such a classic vintage look with the old time photo and the art work around the oval photo, just awesome. I've got a few dozen in nice grades mostly commons right now, but I've got my eye on some HOFers to acquire. I will be at the Sacramento Card Show in January and I will bring them, if nothing else but to just show them. It is a card show after all. Hope to see you then. I'm a little behind on watching your videos, but I'll gradually get caught up. Keep up with the great content.

@MidLifeCards

9 ай бұрын

Thanks Mitch!! Super excited to hear you'll be at the show in January. The only way I wouldn't make it is if my daughter has an away Soccer game. But, I'm 99% sure I'll be there. I always look forward to seeing you and your awesome cards!!

I have a list that is sorted by year, brand and card #. Every month I look for a vintage card that costs at least 50% of my budget. I spend whatever money that’s left of my cheaper cards. I find that I get better deals when I don’t target a specific card. I also save any of my budget that is not spent in a special account just in case I find one important high dollar cards on my list.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's super helpful. Thanks for sharing.

I buy with a purpose. My purpose is building vintage football sets, so I am busy buying “commons” and stars that I need to finish my sets. Here is my advice: Figure out a weekly budget and stick to it. Let’s choose $50 a week. Let’s say the first week you spend $40 on cards, and you “bank” $10 (like old wheel of fortune where you could put the leftover money on a gift certificate). Then the following week you have up to $60 to spend (budgeted $ plus what you banked). If you spend $40, you can bank another $10. Repeat this pattern for a few weeks and then all of a sudden you have $200 to spend on a higher dollar card. That’s how I build my sets.

@cute-e-degen-kf8rf

10 ай бұрын

good advice

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Great advice. Makes a lot of sense.

I think it's great that you have so many cards on your want list. That way you can be an opportunistic buyer and pick up one of your want list when the price is right. My grail card is the 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams rookie. I'm a Sox fan and really love the look of the card. Otherwise, I'm looking for needs for my John Valentin collection (which are mostly obscure at this point) and memorabilia cards from the 2001 Fleer Tradition Stitches in Time set that celebrate players who played in MLB after playing in the Negro Leagues.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's such a great way to look at my situation. Such a positive perspective.

Graig I completely get it. I think we are close in age, class of 88, and our lists are dam near the same. I don't have an answer for you. I try and focus on my list and usually manage pretty good. I get the whole squirrel moment. Went to the Dallas card show last week and was there Thursday thru Saturday. That was way to much to look at. I don't think there is a good answer to this question. Did manage to cross a grail off the list, 68 Ryan.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Congrats on the Ryan!! You're a little older than me, but my grey hair fools people. I was class of 97. :-)

I feel like we're living parallel collecting lives friend. Limited budget ($100 + ebay money), way more vintage on my list than I can ever hope to get, and always distracted by "new" things jumping on my list (new vintage cards I want) -- I've been looking at that 55 Spahn for a couple weeks now. I first saw it at the end of Aug, and you're right the colors on it are just amazing. I don't have any answers about how to go about tackling your wantlist, though, as I am trying to figure out the exact same thing. I think starting with a list is good though. I also keep a google sheet of my wantlist, and every time I sell a card, I allocate that money to one particular card I want. It takes time but when I eventually make enough to buy that card, I pull the trigger.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Well... the good news is it seems like we're both in good company in our parallel lives. :-)

I love all of those pre-Mets Warren Spahn cards too, but the 1965 Topps is his best!! (Lol)

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

LOL. I appreciate your passion for your team.

Top 5: 50 Bowman J Robinson, 54 Topps H Aaron, 61 Fleer W Chamberlain, 77 Topps L Skywalker, SI for Kids Tiger Woods

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's a terrific list. REALLY like it a lot...and the diversity of it.

@jasonconte2674

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards I too like/want too many cards. Lol.

I have the same problem. There are so many cards I want (baseball, football, non sports) that even when I make a list (which is a really long one), I don't always stick to it. I set sidetracked and find something else I also want (and sometimes end up buying something I already had). Main run I'm working on is my Topps Yastrzemski run. At this point I need from 1961-1967 and 1969-1971 (recently got the 1975 base). Others at the very top of my list are the 1972 Fisk (only card of his from his Red Sox days I don't have), 1980 Rickey Henderson (had it at one time and traded it for something and wish I hadn't), 1976 Steve Grogan rookie and 1974 John Hannah rookie.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff. Those are some cool cards. Yaz is a great player to collect for Sox fans especially.

Welcome to my headspace Graig! I am right where you are and I don’t collect pre war! I tend to focus on 50s through 80s but I also like vintage football and basketball in addition to baseball. I tend to go to a see something I like and grab it but all of those smaller purchases could add up to a big one with some discipline. I have started to make a list and like you it has some big cards, some middle cards and some less expensive cards. What I don’t have is a strategy to buy them. I am actually trying to take a break from buying to try and figure out what to do next. The other issue I have is I have about 100 ungraded cards like some on your list that I want to grade which takes away from my overall budget. I am thinking I need to identify 1 to 2 big cards, 5 to 10 medium and 15+ less expensive and go after them. This makes sense but I am not sure it will be as much fun. I have come to the conclusion I will never own all the cards I want but over time I can get a lot of them which to me is part of the fun of the hobby. Sorry I was not more help, hoping some of your other responses can help us both.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

You've gotta get into prewar. I'm already obsessed and it just started. Come into the new world with me. It's amazing.

You just have to realize the hunt will never end

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That might be the best response I've gotten yet.

Graig, your want list and my want list are very similar. Lol. What i do is pick an era and focus on that for a few months. When I start listing every era, I feel overwhelmed and lose direction on my collection. Right now my goal over the next few months and into 2024 is the Topps 1970’s rookies. I recently bought s ‘78 Murray and ‘76 Eckersly. I’m looking at ‘73 Schmidt, ‘74 Winfield, ‘75 Brett, ‘75 Yount, ‘78 Molitor and ‘79 Ozzie Smith. Whenever I’m done with this list, I will focus on 60’s Topps rookies next. That way I can monitor prices from the 60’s to see if any macro trends are going on in the market too.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's awesome. I think the 70s are such a great deal right now, I think it's smart to get them while they're still cheap. I do need to find more focus, for sure.

I have a similar huge list, but I’ve been able to knock a few off of it this year. Basically, I just watch prices and whenever I see a great price on a card I want and I can afford it, that’s the card I buy.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good strategy. Maybe, I should just buy the bargains that pop up!!

I am fortunate that I am not afflicted with wanting to collect the history of baseball, just the Cardinals part of it. (And Chief Petty Officer Feller) Here are my recommendations: Create a checklist(s), I prefer excel. Determine priorities and assign each card a priority. Based on all of that set S.M.A.R.T. goals that will allow you to make progress. For the “currently” unobtainable you can simply highlight them in red and when/if your circumstances change or completion of your goals allow they can be un highlighted. Additionally I would challenge you to not make any purchases for let’s say 6 months so that you can build funds. The added bonus is you can take that time to appreciate the cards you have. Good luck with your extensive want list.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I love the fact that you're focused on your team. To me, that's totally awesome.

Graig like you I guess I am a fan of arguably the best left handed pitcher in baseball history but sphan 1958 is also out of this world similar to his 53 bowman but the green color just make that card pop.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Spahn is one of my favorites. And he has so many really awesome cards.

Top 5 I don't have--1951 Mays, 1958 Jim Brown, (have the entire set except for this card), 1935 Chicles (many), 1957 Starr and Unitas, and 2000 Brady BM Chrome.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Those are 5 OUTSTANDING choices. Such classic cards of the all time greats.

My father encouraged and fed my collecting addiction when I was 8. When I was 11, I was given a camera for Christmas and the first thing I did was take photos of my cards. I found those photos a few years ago after my father passed. I had an amazing collection for a ln 11 year old (complete Yaz, Stargell, Perry, McCovey, Brock runs) and you could see in the sticker that I bought a 1961 Mantle for 15 dollars. While 70% of those cards I no longer own, I made a list of 100 cards I want and additional collecting list and it is easy to stray on a budget, made simple with wealth. I lost on two prewar cards I wanted last night. What did I do? Today I bought a "cool card" from WhatNot for 28 dollars that doesn't fit in my collection. So many cards I want are similar to those so many want (never owned and want a 1955 Clemente, so many Goudeys and T206's), but I could have put that 28 dollars toward an attainable goal from my list, like a strong 1962 Robin Roberts but didn't. I want it all and realize I will never own it all, so I don't put much pressure on myself and I am just doing the best I can on this collecting journey.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I love photography as well and that's a great story. Sounds like you and I have a lot of similarities.

Great video Graig. So much out there that I want, just like yourself. I try to stick to certain runs I'm working on, but it seems lately, I see something I like, buy it, and bingo, I'm starting another run. I'm like a kid in a candy store, I want it all, so i'm probably not the best one to give any advice. I have been better the past two weeks, as I'm saving my money because I'm heading the Philadelphia show next weekend. Maybe that's the trick, plan out a show, and save you money for the show. Anyways thanks for sharing, talk soon.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

LOL. You just described my life. Appreciate you sharing. I love this comment so much on so many levels.

First, there is no wrong way to collect. Second, if your list / thinking is too rigid, you might miss a bargain on a card that you aren’t focusing on. I know that you have a budget, but do you have a certain date that your hobby account get the deposit of your monthly budget (figuratively)? You could set aside 10% of your monthly budget to save for larger priced purchases and spend the remaining 90% of your budget on more affordable cards that you want. That way you are doing both at the same time. You’re acquiring cards that you want while saving for more expensive cards.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

My list is just the tip of the iceberg. :-)

Roberto Clemente rookie is my grail card that I would love to own.

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

Very nice. I would like to have Clemente and the Koufax. Both in the same year too.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

It's a beauty. I hope to own one someday.

Showing lots of great cards! You just have to realize you'll never get everything you want, but its fun to dream and look at what's all out there, so just go with the opportunistic cards that come up. 5 Pre-Wars that I don't have that would be so cool to own (but probably never will): 1923-24 Billiken Cigarettes Pop Lloyd, '23-24 Tomas Guitierrez Oscar Charleston, 1921 E121 Babe Ruth, 1887 Old Judge Pud Galvin, 1887 Old Judge Deacon White

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Those old judge cards are so amazing. Great choices in your list.

Graig, As you may know, I'm looking to move more of my collection to make room for future purchases. There are some cards on your list that I am selling. Happy to share them with you if that's something that interests you.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Thanks Sammy. I've got a big card show in 2 weeks that I'm trying to save up for. If I don't buy a ton at that show, and have some extra funds, I may reach out and see what you've got. For me, for vintage stuff, centering is my #1 qualification, as I don't really need high end stuff, just stuff with good eye appeal.

@SammyThunder

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCardskeep me posted.

Btw my top card is satchell paige

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Terrific choice.

Start by knowing you'll probably never get every card you want, and then just start plugging away at the ones on the list. You're right, and I have the same problem of buying new stuff on my list instead of stuff that's been on there forever. Can't tell you why, but I do end up going back and trying to pick off some of the old stuff a few months in a row before chasing the newest butterfly.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

But, I feel like I'm surrounded by butterflies. LOL.

@mikethesportshistorycollec1947

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards You and me both. LOL

Great stuff, thanks for sharing your wants. I also have list, rare cards that I can afford, see it buy it. Not rare cards, when I see the right one for me, eye appeal, affordable. Patience is important, you want cards you’ll enjoy forever.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's really really good advice. Thanks, Orlando.

Since you didn't mention wanting any Mantles from the 60's decade, I guess I'll have to get you something else for Christmas.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

LOL. That's hilarious. For me, Mantle does have some cool cards in the 60s. I like the 1960, but like the 68 and 69 and 65 a lot too. Who am I kidding? I want all of them.

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards I really like the 1964 Topps Mantle. Serious look of determination while holding his bat in position to hit a home run. Mantle means business there. There's some similarity in the '65 photo that might have taken inspiration from the '64. Funny enough, the 1964 Topps Giants, has a much different image of a smiling and happy, Mick, I also really like this one, and doesn't cost an arm and leg, like most of his stuff tends to do

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards SGC 7 Topps Giants Mickey Mantle, recent sold for, $160 dollars. Not bad. And a respectable grade. In comparison, Mantle, this time the, base card 1964 Topps PSA 7...sold for, $1,500. I get that, the Topps Giants, is ''just a photo.'' But, a 10X difference...eh.

That 1990 leaf card was my absolute favorite as a kid. I saved my money and bought one as a kid but was in poor condition. I stopped by a card shop in Boise on a road trip this spring and bought two leaf packs and hit a perfectly centered FT RC. I admit I was like a kid and was extremely happy. I think it is good to have a list and focus on a vintage card one month and the switch to a childhood favorite to remind you why you got into the hobby. I have not looked too much at the pre-war cards but can see why you have a list. A good piece of history

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's an awesome story about the leaf packs. That had to have been super exciting.

I want a t205 Mathewson in a 4. I've also been looking for a 49 leaf spahn in a 3

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Two outstanding choices. Two of the best looking cards of all time in my opinion.

I have this same problem ALOT. You have to set a priority on what you want and work your way down the list buying targeted cards. That's what I did, and I still get sidetracked because there are so many holes in my collection. I had to break it down by year to give myself a starting point, starting with 60 and working my way toward the 90s. Because my collection has so many holes right now, the only prewar card I'm targeting is the 33 Goudey Rogers Hornsby. The other ones are Musial's Bowman rookie, Bob Gibson's rookie, Nolan Ryan rookie, and probably Johnny Bench. It'll more than likely be a long time before I add them, though. I have to get finished with this 60 set first.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

You've got some awesome players and cards on your list. Lots of similar interests.

@billyballgamesportscards

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards that's what I'm trying to tell you! 🤣 I'm just being obnoxious lol sorry.

Hey G- Money. I just stumbled across your KZread channel. You do a great job. Thinking about getting involved in card collecting a little. I just realized that I have some decent 70's cards and I got excited. I may be picking your brain soon. Keep up the good work. Andy Grima

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff Andy!! Thanks for commenting. I've been having a lot of fun with cards. I've gotten my Dad back involved too, so we have a lot of fun doing this together. Text me anytime, I'm happy to help however I can.

@andrewgrima2631

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards the video with your Dad was the first one I saw. Tell Mike I said hi. Yes, we will be in touch. Andy

Just getting started with my vintage collecting. Could not afford the Hank Aaron RC card but got a nice 1955 and agree the color and image is great! Now you got me wanting the 1958. I love your videos and insight!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Great pickup with the 55 Aaron. I love that card and the 56 so much. Can't go wrong buying vintage Aaron cards. He's one of the all time greats.

I deal with the same issue at every card show, I go in with an idea of what I’m looking for and get distracted. While I don’t regret other purchases, they keep me from saving for the big items on my list…if only I had an unlimited budget lol. You seem to have a knack for finding good deals, keep trudging on that marathon!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Appreciate that input/comment/feedback. It's tough when I like just about everything.

I just got my last bucket list card--Duke Snider 1951 Bowman. It was the 1910 Tip Top Bread set that got me back into collecting 10 years ago after leaving in 1988. What do you do? Sell!🤣My "I want that card" was the 1981 Dick Ruthven. I had a bear trying to find that back in 1981. Pretty card.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff.

I was/am in a similar circumstance. I ended up categorizing them (HOF RCs, HOF Jerseys, Home Team HOF RC, Home Team HOF Jerseys, Favorite Player ect.) Then I put the categories in order of which I would like most - this determines the % of players from that category to go on my search list. So at anytime I'll be searching for 60% home team players, 40% others (for example). It works the other way too (you mentioned if you buy a $10 card you'll have less money), go through your current stuff and find which you want least and maybe try to make some profit off it. I always say "all of my stuff is for sale as long as someone wants it more than me and want is measured in dollars".

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Great suggestions. Appreciate that insight and perspective. Thanks.

Love the pre-war. I’m looking at a Hornsby Diamond Stars, Cubs ‘35 Goudey 4-1 and a ‘69 Basketball Ruler Wilt

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Diamond Stars cards are pretty affordable and very cool.

@jasonalper4065

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards I really enjoy the art deco backgrounds. Then the ‘39 Playballs, such honest photos of those guys for pretty much the first time

My suggestion: Would be to have a more focused strategy where, like each card show for example, you pick just one sport or non-sport, as well as specific years. You could change your mind, and switch your focus at the next card show. I don't know. Just food for thought. If it's too restricting for you, fair enough, but worth working on imo. Me and my brother are both pretty big movie buffs. Went down this rabbit hole similar to what you talked about in the video. Bought classics such as, Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Hitchcock, Kubrick, then went to classic sport films, horror, and then towards modern classics, Pulp Fiction and Shawshank Redemption, among others too. I mean they're fine movies, but do I really need to have them in my collection, probably not.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good example and good advice. Most of the shows I attend have lots of vintage, but now high volume. So, if I get too narrow in my plan, I may not see much, and then I'm back to where I started. Went to a show today and got a couple of nice looking cards, which I'll share soon.

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards The childhood favorites might not be a bad place, to start. The reason why I say this, is due to already having a connection with the players you grew up with, and the memories you're fond of; the nostalgia is a big reason why many of us are collecting cards...as adults. The Rickey Henderson rookie card is, a good example. Even if it's not, in a PSA 9 or 10, it's still a realistic target, unlike the Honus Wagner, Mantle, Mays, etc. I think many us have, a FOMO. For not having certain cards in our collection. Thinking that we should, or must have them. We're all in different parts of our lives, and as well, our collecting journey. Might be worth making a list of reasons why you want to have certain cards, and also having a list of reasons, why not. You probably already do this to a certain extent, but basically knowing your why. It then pushes some cards further up...but, and this is an equally important part of the equation removing from the list too. Sometimes less is more. Or, so as the saying goes...looking forward to seeing what cards you bought from the show...

Hi Graig, Thank you for the wonderful video today. Almost all of us are on a restricted budget. I thought and thought about what I would collect and I decided about three years ago that I would collect vintage baseball cards only. Then I fixed on three sets to concentrate on, 1957 Topps baseball, 1969 Topps baseball and 1953 Bowman baseball. These restrictions have really helped me consolidate my collection. I still have way too much to choose from but it’s ‘handleable’ now. Good luck with your pursuits collecting. Have a great evening, Peter

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good stuff Peter. Those are some really great sets. Great choices.

@s.macintosh-jc9rf

10 ай бұрын

BTW, I love the 1952 Topps Look and See cards. Every once in awhile I see a ‘lot’ available at $5.00 a card and I go berserk with joy! I remember you said that you really appreciate this set. Have a wonderful weekend, Peter

I too collect pretty much every decade up to 90s. I tend to just bounce back and forth and buy whatever im feeling at the moment. None of the cards on your list are going to cease to exist anytime soon. Im sure you'll have added pretty much every card in your list in the next 5-10 yrs.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good point. Appreciate that advice/reminder.

I would concentrate on the T206 cards you mention,, start with the lease expensive card of the 3 and work on the way up to the T206 Walter Johnson.. on a budget ...then again I'm bias because T206 Set is what i love to collect...

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good advice. The t206 cards are so awesome. I love picking them up.

56 Roy Campenella

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Great choice. That's a really great cards of one of the best catchers of all time.

I can only watch & wish, learn more about the players from the days.... must settle w/ cards that were rubber banded up from the 70s...Mom kept them. Found a little card shop later in life, 20 plus years ago..still there, cards everywhere, bought boxes up to 2002.... have the canseco, he a creep, caused problems in Miami when residing here.... ex-wife owned a strip club... anyways, must settle for various re-prints from past Topps box purchases., managed to pull Mantle redemption. So all I have are lots of cards from the 70s , to 2002.. you don't have the leaf Frank?... let me look.... I like Frank...my 93 finest base, and refractor head up his lot, along with many others... I hunt the 93 finest, base, refractors... nothing graded.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

A Mantle redemption is an amazing pull. Congrats.

I have a '51 Warren Spahn has same picture as '50

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I have the 51 as well. But, I still want both. LOL.

You missed the best decade, the 90's. I get reprints on cards I want but can't afford. For example, I have the Oscar Robertson base run except the rookie card, which I have in a reprint. Or, you could focus on one player such as Warren Spahn. Good luck.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good points. The 90s are nostalgic, and there are some cards from it that I still want.

I'm down to about 3-5 cards per month, and I'm strictly a vintage/pre-war baseball collector. My pickups last month (all raw): 1940 Play Ball Jimmie Foxx #133 1936 Wheaties Series 3 Jimmie Foxx 1909-11 Colgan's Chips Wid Conroy 1973 Topps Mike Schmidt RC #615 Total w/S&H + Tax: $261.54 Was I looking for those specific cards? No, but I let the deals come to me

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Wow. Those are some terrific cards. Congrats.

Up your budget. $100 a month won’t cut it.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Agreed. Maybe I should start by working on that.

Love your videos! I am a longtime collector, and I also ran into a similar issue of what to get on a limited budget. I find that it is helpful to focus on no more than a single set (including inserts and parallels) per brand per decade. It still provides access to all the star players, but makes a lot of the decisions easier and stretches the budget further. I collect the HOF cards for these sets until completed, at which point I decide if I want to continue on to make the full set or move to a different set. As an example, I'm currently working on the following baseball sets: 1913 Baseball Magazine Premiums, 1951 Bowman, 1960 Fleer, 1971 Topps, 1986 Donruss (hand signed), 1993 Stadium Club w/1st Day Prod, 2005 Upper Deck Hall Of Fame w/parallels, 2014 Panini Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary w/parallels. I'd recommend using your regular card budget for this type of plan and use any profit made from selling cards for purchasing any cards outside your current plan (ideally for a future sets).

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Those are some great sets that you chose. I do think finding some focus is good, and I wish I could do it. I'm going to start working on doing a better job of it.

Graig, its my perception that ebay dealers as a generalization are asking for some pretty high prices right now on vintage cards. Im wondering if dealers overpaid during the pandemic to build inventory and so are now unable to ask more reasonable market prices of today because they would lose money? What do u think of this perception ?

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Interesting observation. You may be right. But, if dealers believe cards will continue dropping, they should be more inclined to sell, I would think...knowing they may dip more. So, maybe they're expecting a quick recovery?

Hey Graig, I totally agree, Warren Spahn is Awesome! Monte Irvin as well. Two of my favorite players of all time.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Same for me. Awesome players and likable guys, too!!

Awesome video Graig! Your "My Main Areas of Collecting Interest" slide had me cracking up. I feel the same way, I enjoy collecting any sports cards prior to 1990... All of your picks are awesome! I agree with a comment you made on one of my videos, we have very very similar tastes in our collecting. The E121 Ruth is incredible, but I agree, the older Ruth stuff is so expensive, even in terrible shape. The E91 set is awesome. Your 40's/50's cards are all great ones. Some of those sets are like artwork. My process for buying cards is to make a list of all of the cards that I am interested in picking up (my list has a few hundred cards). I then make a smaller sub-list of the 10-15 cards that I want to pick up sooner than later. As I acquire those, I refresh the list "sooner than later list" with cards from the bigger list. That keeps me focused on a handful of cards, versus being stressed about buying cards from the much larger list. I found that it creates focus. I also take my smaller list and break it out by price/grade. Basically a spreadsheet with the cards across the top row and the grades across the first column. I then put recent prices for the different cards in the grades I'm interested in (I'll skip 7/8/9/10 in prewar). That way I have a single reference point for tracking what to buy next. My top 5 cards on my list now are 51 Bowman Mantle, 1909 E92 Wagner, 1938 Goudey DiMaggio (with scribbles), 1909 E95 Eddie Plank, and 1954 Topps Banks. Thanks for sharing!!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

LOL. Glad you enjoyed that. I got a kick out of myself with that one. I think that's some REALLY REALLY good advice. I may follow through and do that. And your top 5 card list is incredible. I can't wait until you pick some of them up so I can check them out on your channel.

Hey Greg. I thought I would have some decent advice but after watching this I’m even more overwhelmed lol. I feel your pain . I know me, and I think I would take that tip of the iceberg list, and really break down based upon your eBay experiences, card show experiences and auction sites, and see what cards are really really really hard to find. I know the rarity of the pre-war stuff is clearly the leader in this department. But making a list on what you see is out there and what you see that’s harder to obtain….and I’d make a list within my list of THOSE cards, then I would start to look at prices and try to create a path from that point on. It’s definitely frustrating but it’s a good problem to have. Enjoy your weekend buddy.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good feedback, thanks. I hope you enjoy your weekend, too.

@stevezeppieri

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards I apologize for misspelling your name

Craig, I put together All the 1960’s Topps Complete & Inserts for Baseball, Football, & Basketball over a 10 year or so period. Start buying the least expensive or lesser condition cards to start with. Then I slowly upgraded the more expensive major star and small print high numbers. In between I would purchase 1960’s lots of non- sports cards on EBay and would pick up singles at shows or on what. Some periods, I over spent my budget but I wrote down all of my purchases and then try to go 1-3 months with not spending time on the hobby. Now, I am 65 and thinking about selling the complete sets all at once & continue my PC of raw & graded. I will have 2 kids in College and they would rather have the funds for school instead of the cards. I have set aside some of my kid’s daughter, son, & nephew favs for their collecting. If you have any questions/comments regarding my hobby habits when I started back in the hobby (1989) to present, let me know. I had a mentor, who had a store and told me some cards & auto’s to get while I was single & had spending money.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Awesome stuff and I appreciate your comment a lot. A lot of thought and wisdom in there. Thanks!!

I do have a list, but it has a cut off when it comes to price. I have the same problem I go in looking for certain cards, then see something else that I want that may cost lest then the ones I was looking for and I buy it instead.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

LOL. At least I'm in good company!!

I only buy cards with a personal resonance to me, mostly 1950-1980, or stretching it to 1990. The picture and design usually coalesce to make it one to have. I have rookie cards, but only those -like the ‘54 Banks - that resonate this way. I notice that though you have said you don’t focus too much on rookie cards that so many on your want list seem to be rookie cards of that player regardless of whether they have your expressed liking for the look of those like the ‘54 Banks. Perhaps then get out of that rookie card trap - which also as you say ramps up the price exponentially- and just focus on cards of a player that you like the look of. For example, to me the ‘76 to ‘78 Winfield cards are much nicer looking than his rookie card. I think you have similarly mentioned liking the ‘61 Yaz over his ‘60 rookie card - why not just want that ‘61 card then - or at least relatively more? Get out of the related trap that just because the rookie card was ogled as a kid that you must still want it now just as much. No you don’t - use your perspective now to change your perception of what is a card really worth wanting for your collection.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good comment. Appreciate the feedback!!

You’re so good at finding trends in pricing. I would find the arrow for each one of these cards. Make a green arrow list (pointed up) and a red arrow list (pointed down). The greens should be priorities now because they’re gonna cost you more later, the red arrows you can wait on (don’t catch a falling knife!)

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's really good advice. I may look into doing something like that.

I sold my entire childhood card collection for $1,400. Saved up $2,600, and bought a t206 Ty Cobb green portrait. Then, sold that Cobb card for 2x and purchased a '33 Goudey Ruth #53 and '48 Bowman Mikan #69 cards with the proceeds. I still have both those cards. That's just how I got two of my personal grail cards.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Wow. That's an awesome story. Thanks for sharing!!

I hate to complicate your life Graig but what about all the great FOOTBALL cards you want too? 😉😆

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I know. I meant to mention that in the intro...that I was only talking about BASEBALL cards in this video, which didn't even include all the other sports I want.

My top five (at the moment) 5. 1962 Topps Fran Tarkenton RC 4. 1969 Topps Larry Csonka RC 3. 1965 Topps Joe Namath RC 2. 1962 Topps Mike Ditka RC 1. 1957 Topps Bart Starr RC

@evanfraser64

10 ай бұрын

I want that Tarkenton card too. How bout dem Dawgs?!

@evanfraser64

10 ай бұрын

I have about 300 cards on my list at any given time. I track the prices from eBay for each one, and buy any that I can get for X% under market. I determine X based on my budget and the value of the cards on my list.

@alanzimmerman3289

10 ай бұрын

@@evanfraser64 Go Irish :)

@evanfraser64

10 ай бұрын

Guess you have the Paul hornung and the four horsemen cards already!

@ACD1994

10 ай бұрын

No Johnny Unitas or Jim Brown, is interesting. Or you already have those in your collection?

Don't make the mistake l made, I bought cards and then when I got home I found out I had them. But having two 61 banks and 59 Berra, isn't a bad thing. I have the same problem, but keeping a list of cards I want isn't possible because I see cards I didn't know we're out there. If I kept a list of every card I have I would be looking at a list of thousands every time I bought a card. Unfortunately I can't remember every card I have.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Appreciate your comment and story. Thanks.

I so much feel your pain, I'm in the same boat but I have to be responsible with $ as I have a family too. I've been reading about the T206 players and I like the back stories about these players. I'm mainly in the T206 and '33 Goudey cards. Right now I'm concentrating on two things in T206, an interesting backstory and HOF. From there I will spread out. I do remember what you said about getting a 2, 3 or 4 graded card was long as it looks good to me! I am a collector, not a seller. Question: there is one card that has a few pen marks on the back, bot the front of the card looks great. Marks aren't overwhelming but you do see them. Opinions/thoughts?....

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

That's a great question. Pen marks used to bother me, but they bother me less than they used to. If its a REALLY old vintage card, sometimes initials or something can add to the story of the card. Ideally, I prefer cards without writing, but on pre war stuff, I'm open minded to it.

The 1940 Play Ball set has a substantial number of retired players, e.g. Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, et al., as well as contemporary players. Point is, they don’t cost as much. Being Black & White, it is not as beautiful as other sets. Still it’s a good way to get into pre-war without exhausting your financial resources.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good point. I do like that set as well.

I have advice for you which you will obviously disregard: develop a much stronger focus. You are like the proverbial kid in the candy shop. Your collecting has no apparent focus you are just all over the map. Personally I only focus on the years of my boyhood collecting 1968-1972. While this seems limiting it is actually very liberating! While I enjoy looking at all vintage I can just ignore purchase of the ones not in my focus. I can look at these great cards outside my lane any time online. I don't feel the need to OWN them. Anyone with a lot of money can buy cards but as you age the cards that mean will mean the most to you . are not the ones you purchase online or at a show -- they will be the cards you found hunting. Those are the cards that will resonate. You are making yourself unhappy by having no clear collecting focus. Don't be a card accumulator -- be a collector! Sorry for being so much of an OG philosopher but you need to hear stuff like this if you're truly in it for the long haul. I'm still collecting after 55 years.

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

Good feedback. Appreciate you taking the time to share. I think you make some great points.

geez what cards do u have

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I'm actually showing a bunch of my vintage basketball cards on a video this Friday!

Here is the real ? If you were a billionaire and could afford every card created, what card would be next?

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I answered that in last week's Q and A. The Shoeless Joe Jackson Cracker Jack card.

@Hogfan6494

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards Such a beautiful card!

i have to be honest if minoso was a white player he would not get the attention that he gets

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I agree.

This was such an awesome topic for a video Graig. I think for the majority of collectors we have to evaluate what we have, what we would like to add and what our budget is all the time because most of us don't have huge amounts of money to spend on non-essential items. I was in the same spot you were recently and decided I am going to consolidate 95% of my collection to raise the funds to chase down one HUGE card. My thought process behind this is that if I could only own one card this is the one I'd like to have. Then I could always add the smaller (less expensive) cards later if so desired but owning 3 or 4 cornerstone cards before they are totally out of reach is my current plan. If I were in your shoes I'd save up and sell a few cards you can always get later and knock out one of your favorites like the 54' Banks RC! That's a classic! Really enjoyed this one... thank you sir!

@MidLifeCards

10 ай бұрын

I really appreciate your comment and kind words. Truly means a lot. You make great points and big cards are fun, but smaller cards are great to pickup as well. :-)

@ImpactPlayerCollection

10 ай бұрын

@@MidLifeCards Absolutely! Cards are just fun to collect! There's no wrong way to do it... love following your journey as you curate your collection 😎