The Baseball Card Collecting Craze

The baseball card collecting craze has a history dating back to the 1800's with " cabinet cards" being introduced. As way back as 1860 a firm called Peck and Snyder printed baseball cards and used them as advertisement for their products! In the 1880's leading tobacco firms such as Goodwin & Co. used baseball cards as pack stiffeners for their cigarette packs and some of these early cards can be found even today.

The Beautiful Tobacco/Candy Baseball Cards

In the early 1900's tobacco and candy firms began producing baseball cards which are considered to be amongst the most valuable and beautiful cards of all times. The cards that belonged to that era have become ultra expensive cards today as they may fetch even millions of dollars if auctioned now! T206 Honus Wagner card belongs to that era and is valued at $500,000 if in good condition.

In the 1930's baseball card collecting craze seems to have been a much enjoyed hobby for both adults as well as kids! Goudey cards, Batter Up die cards, Delong and the Play Ball cards were produced by various gum companies around this time. Some of these rare vintage cards may be viewed at the Library of Congress.

The modern era of baseball card collecting began in 1940's when Bowman Gum produced baseball cards and in the 1950's when Topps became involved in mass producing baseball cards.

Currently there are a few firms such as Topps, Fleers and Upper Deck etc. that have a license to manufacture major league baseball cards. The novice afflicted with baseball card collecting craze may buy a base set, a subset, Parallel, Insert, and Memorabilia baseball cards. Some collectors have a longing for commons and other a passion for collecting rookie cards. Some even fancy collecting short prints.

Hobby shops, retail stores, sports card conventions, auction houses and the internet are used by people interested in baseball card collecting. Most collectors have knowledge about the value of the cards they seek to sell/buy as they buy pricing guides. They also have an ability to judge the value of their cards and how to preserve the precious cards. Most collectors have their cards professionally graded to determine the value of their cards making it easier for them to sell and trade their cards easily.

Some enjoy baseball card collecting as they consider it as an investment too. Some others enjoy baseball card collecting as they see it as a way of expressing their admiration for a team or a baseball player. Some people have fun with baseball card collecting as it can be a hobby shared with friends or family members. Whatever the reason baseball card collecting craze is here to stay!

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