Should I Buy Baseball Cards? The Pros and Cons of Collecting Baseball Cards
Collecting baseball cards is a hobby enjoyed by many people of all ages. Like any hobby or investment, buying baseball cards does come with certain pros and cons. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at whether or not you should consider buying and collecting baseball cards.
The Pros of Collecting Baseball Cards
Nostalgia and Fun – Many people enjoy collecting baseball cards simply because it brings back memories of collecting as a kid. Going through old cards and remembering players can provide a nostalgic and fun experience.
Potential for Profit – While very rare, some baseball cards can become extremely valuable over time if they feature a star player who becomes iconic. Rookie cards or cards of legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and more have sold for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auction. Even common cards from the 1950s/1960s in good condition can fetch hundreds on eBay. So there is a chance your collection could appreciate in value, especially if you acquire cards of up-and-coming young stars.
Low Barrier to Entry – Buying packs of modern baseball cards is quite affordable, usually $4-6 per pack. You can start a collection for just a few dollars. Individual cards for popular current players may run $1-5 each depending on the player and year. So it’s not a major financial commitment to get involved.
Community of Collectors – Whether online or at local card shops, there is a large community of people who enjoy talking baseball cards, completing sets, looking for specific needs, and more. The social aspect can make it engaging.
Learn Baseball History – Going through old sets and doing research on players can teach you a lot about the history of baseball leagues, teams, records, eras and more. It’s an educational hobby.
Promotes an Interest in the Game – Collecting cards of today’s MLB players may get you more interested and invested in following leagues, teams and individual player careers as the years go on.
The Cons of Collecting Baseball Cards
Expense Adds Up – Although packs are affordable, prices increase for inserts, autographs, memorabilia cards, and individual higher-value singles. Going after complete sets can get pricey as well due to the most valuable and rare cards holding up completion. Over time, the cost of the hobby adds up.
Risk of Loss of Value – Unlike expensive artwork or precious metals, the value of baseball cards is based more on speculator demand than intrinsic worth. Markets can dry up or become flooded, lowering values across the board. Entire collections have lost 90%+ of presale estimates at auction. So treating it purely as an investment is risky without doing research.
Risk of Damage or Loss – Cards must be properly stored and protected, otherwise damage from moisture, heat, bending or other factors can severely hurt value. Lost, stolen or damaged cards equal lost money. Proper protection and organization is needed.
Storage Space Required – Amassing several years worth of cards, as well as storage supplies like boxes and pages, can consume significant closet or garage space over time. This is an important consideration if space is limited.
Counterfeit Risk – With valuable cards, there is always a possibility of unknowingly purchasing forgeries. Close inspection and purchase from reputable sellers mitigates this risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Buyer beware is important.
Scalping/Shortages – During the boom years of the late 80s-90s, scalpers/resellers artificially inflated prices by hoarding products and hype. Shortages made completing sets difficult and costly. This boom/bust cycle repeats and supply shortfalls happen again.
Speculator-Driven Market – Values are heavily dependent on the size and activity level of the collector market. Downturns, like the 1990s crash, can decimate values if demand falls off. It’s volatile compared to securely investment vehicles.
Time Consuming Hobby – Between acquiring new cards, organizing, researching, interacting in the community and more, it can become a time-heavy hobby, especially if trying to complete sets. Consider your available free time before diving in.
Making a Decision
For many, the nostalgia, fun, and sense of achievement that comes with building a baseball card collection over time outweighs the potential financial risks and cons. But it is important for potential collectors to go into it with realistic expectations – that appreciation isn’t guaranteed and markets are volatile. Treat it primarily as an enjoyable way to connect to baseball’s history, not a get-rich scheme. Only invest amounts you can afford to lose without putting family finances at risk. With discipline and care taken in protection, collection, and sales/purchases whenever cashing out, most collectors through the decades have broken even or made profits from their collections in the long run. But it requires passion, patience and doing research to mitigate risks as much as possible. If the fun and community aspects appeal to you more than financial concerns deter you, then baseball card collecting may be a worthwhile hobby to pursue.
