Ryan Barone (@ballcardgenius, Card Expert) is a lifelong member of the hobby. He has been quoted in PSA Magazine, and his content has regularly been mentioned in “Quick Rips” (the Topps RIPPED Newsletter) and across other hobby publications. hello@ballcardgenius.com; Last Time Ago LLC dba Ballcard Genius.
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To put things in perspective before I dive into things, you’re reading my answer to this question on my sports card blog—a platform I built from scratch and pour hours into each and every day. Cards are my life. So, I think you probably know my answer, but here goes…
Yes, collecting cards is worth it because it connects you to your favorite teams and players in a personal way. Collecting cards is worth it because it brings joy, excitement, and a sense of achievement, whether through completing a set or finding a rare card. Lastly, it’s worth it because it fosters a community of like-minded individuals, creating friendships and shared experiences around a common passion.
So, there it is..
From someone who lives and breathes this hobby, collecting cards is an absolute game-changer. Here are the details.
1. Card Collecting is Therapeutic
Nothing beats the feeling of waking up, grabbing some coffee, and chilling with your sports card collection. It’s my zen moment.
Each card, especially my A’s heroes like Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, and Jose Canseco provides a mini escape back to the good ol’ days. (Long before all of this Las Vegas talk.)
The cards don’t even have to be my favorites to provide such therapy. Meaning, the activity can even be something as mindless as organizing commons, digging through stacks that haven’t been touched in a while, or simply putting cards in penny sleeves, top loaders, and one-touches.
@ballcardgenius What or where is your card happy place? Can’t beat cards at the marble top.
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All of it provides a pick-me-up like I can’t describe.
2. It’s About the Connection
It’s no coincidence that cards start selling faster when the season is around the corner or when a player or team starts doing well. We can watch games and cheer, but we can also buy cards and feel like we own a moment or a particular memory.
@ballcardgenius Each of these gets me right in the feels #80s #90s #nostalgia #millennial #retro #throwbackthursday #sportscards
♬ Romanticize your life sound – CONTENT CREATION TIPS
These days, when I snag a shiny insert card from the ’90s, it’s like I’m right back as a kid watching Ken Griffey Jr., demolishing baseballs at the Oakland Coliseum. (Something I can admit now that I’m older, but something that would have really infuriated me as a kid who just wanted his team to win every single game).
3. There is Something for Everyone
What’s cool about card collecting is that there’s no one-size-fits-all. I personally love the green and yellow vibes of the A’s, and that plays into my collecting. You on the other hand might like cards with crazy backgrounds. And if so, there’s a card for that. Or how about the shiny bling of insert cards? Plenty to go around. Some like high-end masterpieces, other like low-end parallels.
@ballcardgenius Similar riser display stands now in my TikTok shop (I’ll receive commission if purchased). If we are going to spend so much on cards, we might as well spend a little to enjoy looking at them. #onthisday
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It’s all about what tickles your fancy, and trust me, there’s a lot of fancy to be tickled in this hobby.
4. It’s a Social Hobby
From card shows and conventions, to simple Twitter corners, Discords, and more, this hobby offers plenty of opportunity to connect with others. As a slice of that, I can honestly say that trading is one of the best things about collecting.
Ever heard of an RAK? It stands for “random acts of kindness” and is something us collectors do to show our appreciation for other collectors. For example, if I find a cool Mets card, I know which of my collector friends would appreciate it more than I would, so I’ll set it aside.
All in all, it’s about sharing stories, trading cards, and making friends who don’t just tolerate your hobby—they celebrate it with you.
5. The Thrill of the Chase is Real
Ever feel the rush of opening a pack of cards, not knowing what gem you’ll find inside? The excitement is hard to replicate when you consider all that is needed to make it happen. That is, a trip to Target and boom, you’re right into it. Not to mention that you can also jump on to an online platform and find live breaks, etc.
Cards are everywhere.
@ballcardgenius Here we go! First box of 2024 Topps Series 1! Auto, 2 relics, all the rookie cards, and more! #toppsbaseball #topps #toppsseries1
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Of course, not every pack is a jackpot, but when you do hit the collector’s gold, or even just something cool, it’s an adrenaline rush. And even when it’s not a rare find, it’s still a win because, hey, new cards!
Another chase, though, is when you can’t find that last card to complete a set, or that super rare SSP that keeps eleduing you, only to finally get your hands on it.
6. About More Than Just Money
Okay, let’s get real for a sec. Not every card is going to make you rich. But that’s not the point, is it? Especially when talking about collecting, It’s about the joy, the nostalgia, the community.
And yeah, once in a blue moon, you might hit a card that’s worth a pretty penny. But either way, we are talking collecting here. Card buying and selling, and flipping is a much different ballgame. I enjoy those aspects as well, but card collecting doesn’t need to be about profits and high-end cards.
Wrapping It Up
So, is collecting sports cards worth it? Heck yes, it is. It’s not just about the cards themselves—it’s about what they represent. The joy, the nostalgia, the community—it’s all part of the package. Whether you’re into the A’s, shiny ’90s inserts, or just the thrill of the hunt, sports card collecting is a hobby that delivers on all fronts. So go ahead, dive in, and let the good times roll.
