I'm sure some set-collectors can relate this: I purposely avoid collecting certain sets that I like, even love.
It's mostly a means to keep myself in check -- I have only so much money, so much time and space, and an increasingly confused brain.
So it is with 1959 Topps, a set that I think is one of the greatest of the 1950s, a set I'm on record as really enjoying, but almost always avoid any time I come across a readily available '59 card.
Why is that, specifically? Let's explore (this is more a "me" exercise, sorry):
1. I know my lack of willpower. If I add a certain number of cards from a set -- not really sure how many, let's say 30 or 40 -- I'm going to automatically want to collect it. If I find it appealing, all those cards together are going to break down whatever walls I put up.
2. I need a break. I'm one card away from finishing 1969 Topps. I've been aware since I was probably 100 cards away from finishing that set that it would probably be my last concerted effort on a vintage set (more on that when I actually finish it and also more on "what the heck happened to 1967?"). Vintage set collecting is about as taxing as it gets in the hobby, you need some kind of dedication. I've proven I have it. But now that just about all the sets that I knew as a kid are complete, why would I put myself through that again?
3. Time to collect something easier. Yeah, '59 is great, but this is a hobby and there are some '80s sets that are perfectly pleasant and out there to collect. My attempts to finish 1983 Donruss, 1985 Donruss and 1987 Fleer have all stalled because of vintage quests. Those are sets that should remain unfinished.
But I threw all that out the window recently and claimed the 1959 Topps card of Sherm Lollar above on the recent Diamond Jesters' Time Travel Trade post. What the heck, right? It's still 1959 Topps, it's in wonderful shape, it's a known '50s name and one card isn't going to send me over the edge. I still have only about 12 cards from '59 that aren't Dodgers.
This was the other card I claimed. I will take any card from the 1980s Fleer boxed sets, but I do prioritize. This 1987 Baseball All-Stars design is not the most appealing -- it's a forerunner to Fleer's 1989 set and I'm not crazy about Fleer's pinstriped sets.
Here is a card from a set that I am collecting and intend to complete. Matt nicely threw this in as I mentioned on one of his posts that I could use it (he had an extra).
This goes toward the 1971 Fleer Laughlin World Series set chase. I've recently revived my pursuit after a few months away and just picked up one of the peskier cards in the set (not this one and, no, not anything from the extended series, no chance I ever get those).
I do have plenty of sets to chase without throwing '59 into the pile. As it is I feel badly when I forget to pursue something on my "to complete" list.
So nothing against you '59 Topps. It's not you, it's me.
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