Choosing To Be More Active

Collecting baseball cards is a fun and addicting activity that gives you the chance to pay tribute to some amazing athletes, past and present. If you're looking to build up a collection, be it small or large, you'll want to consider these tips along the way. 

Choose a Theme

Since there are so many baseball cards on the market today, which ones do you go after? It varies from collector to collector, so you'll want to pick a theme that best suits your needs and preferences. For example, you may go after cards that were printed in a certain decade, like Mickey Mantle rookie cards, or choose cards based on your favorite players. Or, you may go after cards that feature a specific position like catchers and pitchers. 

Once you have some direction, you'll be able to stay focused and enhance your collecting experiences.  You can also save money because you won't be tempted to buy just every card on a whim. 

Select a Storage Option

Once you've built up a collection, you need a safe place to keep it. This is particularly true for rare cards. If your collection is relatively small, plastic sleeves will suffice. They are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Their individual slots provide maximum protection for every card you own.

For moderate sized collections, consider using a baseball card album. It's often held together by three rings and contains multiple plastic sleeves. You can then organize your cards however you like to make them easy to search through. Massive card collections can be neatly stored in corrugated storage boxes. They hold thousands of cards and keep your collection protected from dirt and debris. 

Don't Go Bargain-Hunting

When buying anything, you want to get a good deal. This can get you in trouble in this industry, though, as you may buy inauthentic or damaged cards just because of a bargain. There might be a Mickey Mantle rookie card, for example, with a price that seems too good to be true. Chances are, it is. 

You essentially get what you pay for when it comes to baseball cards. If you're still worried about getting a good deal, use buyer's guides and sales history websites. These resources ensure you don't overpay for a particular card or collection.

Amassing a large baseball card collection can be a never-ending activity that you possibly share with your children. Make sure it goes smoothly by buying the right cards and ensuring they are adequately protected.