I travelled back and forth to Fort Bliss today taking boxes to the recycling center. One trip, I took Will to the PX for Star Wars Cards to add to his collection. Of course, when I get him some…I feel compelled to buy a pack of baseball cards for myself. It’s funny how that works, isn’t it?
When we returned home and was looking through my new acquisition, I was motivated to begin a project that I’ve been waiting to start for several weeks.
On December 9, 2012, I bought 7,000 baseball cards for $50 off of a craigslist ad. I had been wanting to get a collection started and this was the perfect buy to start. Since we were moving, I didn’t spend much time with the cards. So I’ve been anxious to see what my suddenly expanded collection looks like. A little overwhelmed by the amount, as well as inexperience, I sat down today and decided what I am going to do with the cards.
Step one is to organize my cards by team to see what I have. I have already started collecting full yearly sets of Topps base sets by buying the boxes at the end of the year. They have their separate binders. Those binders are also organized by teams.
Step two is to pick out my favorite cards—players and teams, like the Cincinnati Reds and the 1988 Mets. I had to make a decision about what to do with my existing, albeit small, collection. I think I want to hold a small section of my brother Darryl’s cards separate as a set. He had given them to me and they have always been a sentimental section, but now even more. Then, the others that I had bought along the way—I’ve got to accept that this new collection is part of my whole collection and integrate them all together.
Step three is to build the binders. From my selections of favorites, I’m going place these all in binders to be able to enjoy and to share with others. I want to organize by team and then by player. Yes, I will have to adjust as I add new cards to my collection, but this seems to be the best system I have found.
I think I have a decent plan in place. Do you collect baseball cards? Do you have any advice as I start organizing what I’ve got? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section!
Chaplain Andrews says
Thank you Jim! I picked up several packages at the PX–I probably could get them cheaper online. I’ll have to check. It is a fun way to pass the time!
Jim Gavin says
I have been collecting old postcards for about 35 years now, and have them in binders mush the way you want to do your baseball cards. I think you are on the right track, Chaplain. I think the “Ultra-Pro” brand of pages are the best on the market, and you can order them from Amazon.com.
Good luck with your collection, and your new home.
Jim