Learning is Difficult (Steppin' back into NHL Cards)

So, ive been to two NHL games this month.  Given my addictive personality, ive begun looking at hockey cards again, because who doesnt love addiction? lol

it's been a learning process for sure.  i was a huge hockey card collector 20 years ago, and even dabbled it in a little back in 2009 when John Tavares was a rookie.  But then it kind of tapered off (again)

So, now its all new and fresh again.  lots of learning.  when starting a new focus, it gives you a fresh start, and you get to do it the way you want to.

NHL Hockey Cards are difficult.  Collectors are very very picky.  Team alliance is STRONG.  almost to the point of them HATING players on other teams.  that leads to a lot of hobby "coldness" for some players that you would think would be popular across the country.  that just doesnt seem to be the case.

There are a lot of really good young scorers in the NHL right now.  i wonder if there will ever be a day when the hobby comes to love a player that is not from North America, specifically Canada.   Sure Ovechkin is popular, but his card prices would be higher if he were not Russian.

Ive settled on two brands that id like to focus on.  Knowing me, this is bound to change.  Hell, it's changed a few times since last week even! ha.  .... Upper Deck Young Guns and SPA Future Watch.   That covers the base card, and the oncard auto card.  Naturally, then will be in BGS/PSA form, but with more desire to own them in BGS form.

Old Is Gold (Talkin' Baseball Cards)

Talking about Baseball cards this time, but i suppose it could apply to all collectables, really.

Sure i like picking up Trout & Harper RC slabs every now and again, but there's something that's just missing (#ThanksTopps).  The baseball card market is just too flooded with Rookie Cards.  What is and what isnt will always be a heated debate, no denying that.

i miss the days when players had one "Rookie Card".  Of course there are exceptions to every rule.  Take a look at Mickey Mantle for example.  His 1952 Topps issue is NOT a Rookie Card (it's his 1951 Bowman), but it will always be the one that is thought of when most people think Mantle Rookie.

What im getting at is that "Old Is Gold".

Hank Aaron's Rookie Card will always be 1954 Topps.  They arent making any more.  What they are making more of is "Relic" Cards containing pieces of jersey/patch/etc with and without autographs.  They'll be making those for the foreseeable future, thanks to sticker autographs.

Willie Mays' Rookie Card will always be 1951 Bowman.  They arent making any more.  What they are making more of is "Relic" Cards containing pieces of jersey/patch/etc with and without autographs.  They'll be making those for the foreseeable future, thanks to sticker autographs.

Frank Robinson's Rookie Card will always be 1957 Topps.  They arent making any more.  What they are making more of is "Relic" Cards containing pieces of jersey/patch/etc with and without autographs.  They'll be making those for the foreseeable future, thanks to sticker autographs.

Tom Seaver's Rookie Card will always be 1967 Topps.  They arent making any more.  What they are making more of is "Relic" Cards containing pieces of jersey/patch/etc with and without autographs.  They'll be making those for the foreseeable future, thanks to sticker autographs.

Rickey Henderson's Rookie Card will always be 1980 Topps.  They arent making any more.  What they are making more of is "Relic" Cards containing pieces of jersey/patch/etc with and without autographs.  They'll be making those for the foreseeable future, thanks to sticker autographs.

i get the "collect what you like" aspect of the hobby, i really do, but to me, Old is Gold, and i wish more people felt the way that i do.   Believe me, ive collected more then my share of the shiny new shit, hell i still do from time to time, but there is nothing like the days gone by.