Player Collectors: How do you roll?

[DaClyde]

Mostly standard stuff, but I don't intentionally go after things like photos cut from magazines or newspaper clipping or advertisements. I don't really bother looking for any autographs that aren't issued in packs, because I never really had any interest in autos I didn't get in person. And I long since stopped getting autos at ballparks. Can't afford actual GU items like jerseys or hats, so I skip those. So mostly I just collect stuff that is either cataloged by SCD or Beckett, or is something that I fell SHOULD be cataloged. I mean, why do they only catalog CERTAIN photo balls (why only the 1983 Major League Photo Balls, but none of those from the 1990s?) or 8x10 photos (just one year of TV Sports Mailbags but not other years, or the photos from T&M Sports or CMC?) or souvenir cups (why only the 1982 7-11 Slurpee cups but not the three different 1978 cups or the 1985 Turkey Hill cups?) or soda cans (why only the RC Cola cans from the 1970s, but not several of the later regional issues?), but not all of them?

 

[Hendersonfan]

I started as a 10 year old wanting everything ever created. As I grew older and a little more wise, I realized this was not a realistic goal. I didn't give up, but knew that it just wasn't possible. As you mentioned there are tons of cards released every year and all the 1/1's and auto's get pricey. I decided to focus on cards I found attractive and authentic jerseys (not game used) but the same as what was worn on the field, manufacturer and all.

 

[ch2423]

I try for everything of Cruz on my custom checklist. I know I won't get them all, but I'd be happy with a high 80's to low 90's percentage. My main quest now is late 90's inserts numbered to 250 or less and the last game used card and last few certified autographs I need to have every one produced of Cruz.

 

[theplasticman]

Well... just cards and some memorabilia (game used bats, helmets, jerseys etc)

 

[ffgameman]

What I can get. But, then again, I'm not a "player collector" to the level of many guys here.

When I heavily collected Sosa, it was a mix of everything except autographs (I have one). Rookies, inserts, and game-used were my focus.

 

[ASTROBURN]

Any card I can afford. I know I wont ever get them all. No player collector can get them all now with the abundance of 1/1s... I'm happy just getting cards I dont have already, and on the cheap. I would much rather get ten cards I dont have at a dollar each than one card for ten dollars.

I used to go for other items, Starting Lineups, posters, bats, balls, etc. But now that I dont have my Astros room anymore, I need my collection to fit into binders.

 

[cbrandtw]

My player collection of Alex Rodriguez is limited to 1993 through 1999.

 

[olerud363]

I collect anything John Olerud. The only things I'm not too fussy about are printing plates. Given the choice between a plate and a card for the same price, I'd always choose the card.

 

[FLOUR]

For Griffey, mainly 90s food issued oddball cards and Fleer brand inserts. The oddball cards sell for real cheap and the Fleer brand inserts (especially Ultra and Metal) tend to be my favorite from the 90s. Great designs.

 

[ljw29]

I go for Everything but will admit have gone back and sold some doubles and triples etc

 

[wolfmanalfredo]

Everything from their playing days, and select auto and gu.

 

[ukbrian2011]

Pretty much anything as well. It has to be of him in a Braves uniform though. I collect mostly cards, but have a have started obtaining game used as well.

 

[Canocollector#1]

Everything