Japanese baseball card collecting really took off in the 1980s and 1990s as professional baseball in Japan gained worldwide popularity and the country’s economy was booming. During this time, dozens of companies issued sets featuring players from the Nippon Professional Baseball leagues. With so many cards being produced, it was very common for collectors to want to build their collections by purchasing lots full of random assorted cards from auctions and hobby shops.
Purchasing large Japanese baseball card lots could offer collectors several advantages over buying singles. For one, it allowed them to rapidly expand their collections and exposure to different sets and players in a cost effective manner. Lots often contained a mix of common and rarer cards so there was potential to discover valuable finds. They also satisfied the enjoyment many collectors got from the randomness and surprise of not knowing exactly what cards they were getting. Buying lots did carry some risks that buyers needed to be aware of to avoid potential disappointment or waste of money.
One of the main risks with lots was the possibility of receiving a high percentage of common duplicated cards that served little purpose for most collectors. Since Japanese card production numbers could be quite large for popular sets and players, lots risked containing dozens of the same routine cards. It was important for buyers to get a full understanding of the composition and focus of any lot before purchasing to make sure most of the cards would be useful additions rather than box filler. Reputable sellers generally provided thorough condition assessments and set lists to help buyers gauge a lot’s true potential value and interest level.
Another downside was the potential presence of damaged or poor condition cards in the lot. Since cards were usually thrown randomly into boxes or bundles by sellers, there was always a chance of unintentional mixing in of cards with creases, fading, edge wear or other cosmetic flaws that lessened their appeal to collectors focused on mint copies. Before buying, buyers needed to inquire about the seller’s return policy in case the lot ended up containing an unacceptable percentage of damaged cards. It was also wise to inspect sample pictures thoroughly for hints of potential condition issues.
The vagueness surrounding exactly which specific cards a lot contained also meant risks in terms of the presence of very common recent cards with little value alongside hard to find older gems from scarce sets. Unless the seller provided a detailed accounting or a searchable list, buyers went in somewhat blind as to what portions of their collection the lot might strengthen. As such, careful research into set distributions, player levels and estimated production numbers was needed to guide reasonable expectations for any unidentified assorted lot. Overpaying due to lack of set knowledge was a real hazard buyers needed caution against.
Properly examining and paying only fair market value for the overall estimated contents of a Japanese baseball card lot went a long way towards avoiding post-purchase regret or disappointment. With due diligence, purchasing entire lots could offer fun adventures and real bargains for collectors willing to do the legwork. Some of the most valuable cardboard treasures in Japanese baseball history have been unearthed from non-descript lots over the decades. Buying in moderation from reputable sources helped stack the odds in favor of each lot purchase paying dividends far exceeding its cost through enjoyable new additions, needed trade bait and the occasional pricey surprise find.
For those new to collecting Japanese baseball cards or looking to expand their holdings quickly on a limited budget, lots provided practical opportunities compared to hunting down individual hard-to-find premium singles. Experienced sellers understood buyers’ motivations and tried their best to present an accurate and balanced picture of each lot’s potential. But ultimately, a degree of uncertainty always remained inherit to the nature of unidentified assorted cards. The careful balancing of potential risks and rewards required due diligence from informed buyers navigating the Japanese baseball card lot market. This collecting avenue satisfied many fans over the years when utilized prudently through conscientious assessment and reasonable purchasing expectations.
