An Under-Appreciated Segment Of The Sports Card Hobby & More!! MidLife's Midweek Q&A!!

[@briankane759]

Graig, another excellent video. You could be a motivational speaker. Your great stories and experiences about the hobby, as well as opening up yourself to your viewers make you so great at this. Guessing that your videos might be the best thing in a lot of people's day. Keep doing what you're doing Graig. You do it well and a lot of people appreciate it, including me!

[@ACD1994]

We need to get Graig, a spot in Mangini's Presidential cabinet.

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. That's one of the nicest comments I've ever had. Thanks for making MY day with writing this.

[@briankane759]

@@MidLifeCards Meant every word Graig. You're great at what you do on here and most importantly, it's clear to everyone that watches your videos that you're a genuine, good person. Hope to meet you at the National.

[@mauricehopkins5972]

Graig , you area real good man. Thank you for your openness and honesty as someone who also suffers from some anxiety/depression. I appreciate it.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you for watching and your kind words.

[@StevenSportsMD]

This could have definitely aired on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Having major flashbacks. Great advice!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks....I think!! :-)

[@richboyce8025]

Great video Graig! Thanks for doing your show and allowing us to briefly take our minds away from daily problems and negative events. I greatly appreciate it… For all those going through difficulties I still remember a poster up in one of my Junior High classes that still sticks with me to this day at age 57. It said, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do”. Take care everyone and stay strong!

[@MidLifeCards]

I love that!!

[@leftfieldsports8703]

Great content and insight as always. This community may very well be the most wholesome place on social media today and I appreciate what you do immensely. I find collecting to be such a calming (albeit often exciting) influence in what is a very full and fast paced life that I live. With that said, in just this week, I picked up 2 cards in auctions that I’ve been looking for and hoping would fit the bill for the past year; a 48 bowman feller and a 59 Clemente! Both nicely centered and relatively clean! For about $300 combined!

[@MidLifeCards]

This comment means more than you know. Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@ACD1994]

Graig, while I love the community building aspect of your channel, and the collabs you have done with so many different content creators, it really is your ability or willingness, I think of answering a variety of different questions. Light hearted and fun hobby questions but, also some tough questions, too. Honestly, it's not even the type of question I would normally ask of you or anyone else really in this community, so I appreciate you take the time to share your perspective. 🙏

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.

[@ACD1994]

@@MidLifeCards Graig, you're welcome. Nice Mussina autograph, was not expecting to see that. He's one of my favorite Orioles, when I was a kid.

[@DonOlszewski-th1ir]

Graig, it’s always interesting to see the questions other collectors have. I think you are doing a great job with your answers. You do a really good job of bringing balance to your answers. Nice job. I like the idea of having 2 accounts. I’ve always done that myself. That is a very good point that collectors should practice.

[@MidLifeCards]

It's a good idea. Keeps things separate. Especially when you're buying and selling.

[@douglasvandermolen359]

I love your opinions about sending and getting card's back from Player's

[@markstein1916]

Hey Graig! Sure wish the XL size of T3s would negatively impact the prices. Especially the Cobb, Johnson, Young and LaJoie! Also, be sure to check out Lot 82286 in the current Heritage auction. It's a 2-piece lot and might be your "dream companion piece". Just wanted to be sure you didn't miss it!

[@MidLifeCards]

I’m not sure I’m gonna be able to afford that photo without selling a kidney.

[@5714Collector]

Hi Graig. Great Q & A on this episode. I think oversized cards are a great bargain. Thanks for showing some of your auto's.

[@MidLifeCards]

Totally agree.

[@Athanasius81]

Great thoughts as usual! Earlier this year I bought the Sanella Ruth card, just so I could have a Ruth card from his playing days. Since there was no way I would ever be able to afford his other cards like the Goudeys, it was nice to have that one available at a lower price. Granted, I realize there's a reason it is much cheaper, but still.....it's a nice card, and I especially love the image on the card. Since I bought it as a collector (not an investor), I'm very satisfied with it.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Your answer for question 3 is fairly similar to me. Preparing for the worst is also a manifestation of anxiety.

[@MidLifeCards]

100%

[@mrmjmiller]

Sage words today, son. Great job!

[@AFRAKER1]

I bought a Sanella Ruth a few years ago when I started my HOF collection. I do agree that the size has something to do with the price discrepancy. There’s also the fact that Goudey is considered the “major” set of the era, whereas other issues are analogous to what we called “oddball” sets back in the junk wax days. There was never anywhere near as much demand for those as Topps/Fleer/Donruss. But I think the biggest factor is just that desirability gets reified in the card market, to use a grad school word ;). Demand begets demand - people want the most valuable cards simply *because* they’re the most valuable. Prestige is a massive factor in the card market.

[@MidLifeCards]

Fair points.

[@stevegallo8483]

One thought on the Sanella margarine card of Babe Ruth being so much less expensive than the Goudey Ruth cards could be that the Sanella card might not be as well-known or as widely known as the Goudeys.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Great TTM cards! I feel the same way about these cards and the stories.

[@MidLifeCards]

I love TTM cards! They are special.

[@RL3sports]

Thanks for giving your thoughts on my question. I like Darren's suggestion. I think I'm just winging it most of the time. Not buying everything but not good at saving.

[@MidLifeCards]

That's a great answer! I completely agree, sometimes I just go with the flow!

[@BoxersDugout]

Was happy to see the props for the Red Man sets. I have a couple on deck for my first SGC submission. For the players featured in multiple sets, the portraits are all the same, so my plan is to collect one each for the players that have detailed stadium/ballfield backgrounds where they exist. Alas some, like the Ted Williams, only appears in one set and with a plain color background. All with tabs attached.

[@MidLifeCards]

The Red Man set is fantastic!!

[@shoeboxlegends]

Midlife TTMs! Love it! 😃

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. Thanks Buddy.

[@timothylittle8876]

Heres a fun thought provoking scenario/question...MidLife dad and Graig have decided to set up at the local card show. theyve worked for weeks going through their collections,picking out cards they're willing to sell. hours comping and pricing, then setting up at the card show. The first customer walks up to the table, looks over your cards, thumbs through your 5 dollar box, your dollar box. Then says I'll give you 80% of your prices if you'll sell the whole table right now. So what does the MidLife Duo decide to do? sell immediately for a guaranteed price or decline ? Thanks Graig always enjoy your videos.

[@MidLifeCards]

Super interesting question. I think my Dad and I may have different answers for this one. But, I'll share my thoughts on it soon.

[@cryptonite8495]

I think you're right about oversized cards. I am prejudiced against tall-boys, etc. Some 25 years ago, I didn't know Sanellas were oversized when I bought a lot of hundreds of them, including three Babe Ruths, for less than $100. Also, the card stock is almost paper-thin and difficult to keep in top condition. They were intended to be pasted in books, and many of them were. Sanellas may be handicapped by being produced in Germany with German text. But it's a playing-days card of Babe Ruth, and a small fraction of the cost of other playing-days cards. Best to buy it already graded, so you know what you're getting.

[@MidLifeCards]

I think you're right that foreign issues have a bigger hold to climb out of.

[@bobwhite4671]

Agree with you on the oversized cards and being undervalued. I put together the topps 64 giant set with all the hofers. Mantle in a SGC5 cost me $135, you cannot get Mantle in a 5 for that cheap.

[@MidLifeCards]

That 64 set is crazy affordable.

[@562_slabs]

I initially avoided jumbo sized cards for all the reasons you mentioned but after buying the Babe Ruth Sanella and Michael Jordan 5x7 Star RC a couple of years ago, they don't feel as intimidating and I've grown to love them just as much as "regular" sized cards. I guess what I'm trying to say is after the first purchase, the rest gets easier.

[@MidLifeCards]

They've been growing on me as well.

[@ACollectorsDream]

Another great video, agree completely on oversized cards.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for listening Orlando.

[@VintageCardboard87]

Great video as always! I had the opportunity to buy a few HOF Exhibit cards at my LCS but decided against it due to the size difference. I think I'll ultimately grab them bc of overall appeal. I struggle with the balance between buying cards I want and long-term gains.

[@MidLifeCards]

I totally get it and fight that same internal battle myself.

[@ChristianHQ-ve6jf]

I have a 1986 baseball best signed Wally Joyner that was mailed back to me back in 86-87- still is one of my top 5 favorites cause it’s the only one ever signed and mailed back to me

[@MidLifeCards]

That's awesome!!

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. Always enjoy these, thanks for sharing.

[@MidLifeCards]

Appreciate that.

[@Jimmycardcollector]

Re: Ruth card. I say if you like the oversized card you should go for it. Why pay more for the Goudey if you don’t like it as much? Don’t buy the Goudey just cause a lot of people do. A decent DiMaggio playing days card costs a little out of my comfort zone. But at the National this year I picked up his 1939-44 exhibit card in a 4 for $200. I like the image better than the little crude drawings on say 1941 play ball. So to the person that asked this question I say, if you like the oversized card, buy it! And add a player to your collection that may have otherwise been out of reach.

[@MidLifeCards]

I agree with your point. It's about buying stuff that you like and not what others are into.

[@josephsoper9036]

I've manage to pick up a couple of the Sanella Ruths, one on its own from ebay about 20 years ago for under a hundred bucks and the other came in the collectors book with the entire set that i picked up while in England many years ago, again for not a lot of money. The problem with the Sanella cards is not that they are larger, but that they are not much more than thin paper. Seriously they are thinner than a standard sheet of computer paper and extremely fragile and most will have some sort of damage from being either pasted, taped or bradded into the collector's album. You do make a fair point in regards to the size of cards for storage and display, I'm probably in the minority but I do enjoy the some of the secondary sets like the Redman, exhibits and others. I do think that they are a bit under appreciated, but I'll take advantage for my own collection. One of the questions about passing on something because you are looking for something bigger, I'll pass on some additional advice courtesy of a 90's iconic flik.. Harley Davidson and Marlboro Man... " My old man, before he left this s****y world....told me.. never pass a pocket" Question for next week.. since you have been posting regularly on youtube, how often have you been approached to purchase cards or collections because of your videos and have you made some great pickups that way? Again thanks for the videos, always enjoy them...

[@MidLifeCards]

Appreciate that insight.

[@Cb489]

If you were going to and able to buy a 1933 Ruth card from the Goudey set would you be more likely to buy it from eBay seller or in person at a show for example?

[@MidLifeCards]

Good question. I'll use this question for next week's episode.

[@d1138vader]

Is it possible for you to do a TTM tutorial? Or do you know where I can find one? Thanks

[@MidLifeCards]

I can definitely look into that.

[@brentrichardsbaseballcards]

Andrew bringing the heat this week! I’m not good at it, but this is what I have to keep telling myself - Matthew 6:34

[@MidLifeCards]

Love it!!

[@ACD1994]

Could use some heat, here in Maryland. Starting to feel the drop in temperatures. 🥶

[@brentrichardsbaseballcards]

@ haha right! Bring some cold to Texas!

[@jude999]

Better than the Sanella is the 1929 Churchman Ruth. Its a true tobacco card too. The Sanella card is a post card.

[@MidLifeCards]

I can't place that one in my head but I'm sure I've seen it.

[@brianbussard2060]

yes i have recieved my captain midlife card .over joyed . i put it on my shelf with a light centsor alarm system with the penny saver card . thank you i have already been offered a trade for a 56 mantle ,for the cards .and i turned down the offer .

[@MidLifeCards]

Glad it arrived!!

[@3D80sKid]

Regarding the Sanella Ruth, I think you only got half of the answer. The oversized premiums and cards are cheaper but not as cheap as the Sanella. The other factor that makes the Sanella cheaper is that it is a foreign issue. A prime example of a cheaper foreign issue would be the 1929 Churchman, which can be had for sub 1k even though it does fit in a standard slab. With the combo of both in play, you've got the cheapest solo card of Ruth with the Sanella.

[@MidLifeCards]

I appreciate the perspective, John.

[@returntocollecting]

Interesting point. I'd disagree on the foreign cards = cheap prices. The Toleteros cards, Venezuelan Topps cards, Hemmets Journal, Italian Panini cards all have significant value. It likely has more to do with when the Sanella Ruth came out... the year before the Nazi's took over Germany. Plus its more common (supply and demand stuff). Upside, its one of Ruth's best looking cards. I'd rather have that one than quite a few of his other, uglier, cards.

[@Cardivore20]

I’m definitely an enjoy today, worry about tomorrow type guy. I think if I had kids, I’d be different but yolo

[@MidLifeCards]

I like that!!

[@MedozK23]

Another great video. Not sure if you’re active on the PSA registry or not, but I’ve got a question for you. I am currently a big fan of the registry as it adds a little to my collecting, but I am beginning to wonder about these top collectors collections. I am currently working through the Hall of Famer set, I personally focus on playing day cards, however when I look at these top collectors sets, they for example would have a modern Ty Cobb in a PSA 10, boosting their average. Does that not seem a little “fake” to you, or is it just me. I am more than happy with my PSA 1 or 2, but then I look at someone’s set and they have a Cobb in a 10, and I’m like “wow”, until I take a look at it and it’s a 2024. Would love your thought.

[@MidLifeCards]

I hear that perspective for sure.

[@ACD1994]

Hey Graig. Pull out your ''crystal ball,'' Tarot Cards, and your Boogie Shoes. What are some of your Hobby Predictions for 2025? Do you see, SGC, continuing to narrow the gap, from PSA? Does Beckett grading services get bought out by Fanatics? Will TAG, have a seat at the table. Make your case for a bull market, and the hobby having a tremendous year. Even better than 2024. Make me believe, Graig. Make me believe.

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. Tough question but a good one!!

[@Tim.K.1976]

Hey there Graig I some questions about a topic you talked about recently, TTM auto's. I would love to get into this, it sounds like a lot of fun. What is the best resource to get the players addresses a book or is there a website for this? I'm sure they prefer cash but do they accept checks due to the fact that mailing cash can be kind of sketchy? Any info or advice you can give my about this subject would be great. Thanks!

[@MidLifeCards]

I use a website called Sports Card Forum.

[@Tim.K.1976]

@@MidLifeCards Great thanks for the info Graig. I can't wait to dive into this side of collecting .

[@brianbussard2060]

wait there is a type o centsir