There are a lot of reasons that collectors give for why they got out of the hobby. The cards became too expensive. There were too many sets or too many variations.
I don't know the exact reasons why I stopped collecting cards for good in the mid-1990s. It was kind of a gradual process. I bought a bunch in 1991, even more in 1992, then a bit less in 1993, a lot less in 1994, and next to nothing in 1995. In 1996, I didn't buy one, single card.
The process was gradual, I think, because there wasn't one major issue I had with cards then. Just a whole bunch of minor issues that added up to the major issue of me not shelling out any cash on cardboard anymore.
One of the minor issues is one we all know and love: the senior picture disguised as a baseball card:
1992 Topps, how I hate you. I cannot stand the fact that I have these four cards in my collection. I'm embarrassed. I almost weep from the sight of them. I wish they would just vanish forever. I will never collect the entire 1992 set, because I don't want any more of these things. And it doesn't help that none of the four amounted to much in the major leagues.
What in the name of Kirby Puckett was anyone thinking when they produced these cards? If I were to sacrifice any cards in my collection, these four would be the first ones I would pick. Here! Take them! I don't ever want to see them again!
So how did I know the end was near in my first collecting phase?
Sign #1: Senior photos disguised as baseball cards.
More signs to come.
I don't know the exact reasons why I stopped collecting cards for good in the mid-1990s. It was kind of a gradual process. I bought a bunch in 1991, even more in 1992, then a bit less in 1993, a lot less in 1994, and next to nothing in 1995. In 1996, I didn't buy one, single card.
The process was gradual, I think, because there wasn't one major issue I had with cards then. Just a whole bunch of minor issues that added up to the major issue of me not shelling out any cash on cardboard anymore.
One of the minor issues is one we all know and love: the senior picture disguised as a baseball card:
1992 Topps, how I hate you. I cannot stand the fact that I have these four cards in my collection. I'm embarrassed. I almost weep from the sight of them. I wish they would just vanish forever. I will never collect the entire 1992 set, because I don't want any more of these things. And it doesn't help that none of the four amounted to much in the major leagues.What in the name of Kirby Puckett was anyone thinking when they produced these cards? If I were to sacrifice any cards in my collection, these four would be the first ones I would pick. Here! Take them! I don't ever want to see them again!
So how did I know the end was near in my first collecting phase?
Sign #1: Senior photos disguised as baseball cards.
More signs to come.
Comments
Topps: "Yeah, we'd like permission to use your professional photo on our baseball cards"
Photog: "Fine, that'll be $10 per image per card produced."
Topps: "Done." After the hang up, "Boys, we are going to make a killing with these!"
Now, I'm thinking about dropping the whole collecting and blogging thing again. If no one ever hears from me again it will be all your fault Night Owl.
PS. David, that's funny.