Hobby Mayhem: Semi-rigid top loaders ruining our cards? Post National Rut, and Aaron, Yastrzemski

[@markstein1916]

Ain’t it the truth! The older you get, the more time flies. Wish there was a pause button, or better yet a rewind!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@markstein1916 Truer words have never been spoken!

[@Rocketrickj18]

Bill, I love your enthusiasm and passion for Collecting Baseball Cards! FWIW, your channel is very positive and informative, PLUS you really do like to TALK about baseball!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@Rocketrickj18 Thanks, Rick! I really do like to talk about baseball cards! I love the hobby and the youtube community. Thanks, my friend!

[@blixcards]

Thank you, Billy, I am honored my friend! What a fantastic analysis, you really got me thinking about all angles. I totally forgot BGS even made semi's, I need to try those out soon. I bought some BCW #1s and I already like them better than the Card Saver I's. The BCW's seem to be right in between the Ultra-Pro and Card Saver vintage semi's so I like that. Curious how they measure up to the BGS! Much appreciated and sorry for the delayed response! I'll be in touch sometime tomorrow, I need to email you about a couple off the radar things you may be interested in...

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@blixcards Sounds good, Ben! Thank you. I hope all is well, my friend!

[@blixcards]

@@billyballgamesportscards I'm hanging in there, the Good Lord has my back! Thanks, Billy!

[@TheDadsAreHere]

Great video, I appreciate the honest approach to collecting.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@TheDadsAreHere Thanks very much for the kind words. Thanks for watching and commenting as well.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@TheDadsAreHere I also didn't realize you had a channel. I think I just became your first subscriber! I'll check your videos out.

[@TheDadsAreHere]

@@billyballgamesportscards Thanks! I just started about two weeks ago. Like you, I’m also a BBQ junkie and will be doing some smoking content. I was originally going to name my channel Cards and Q but had been talking about this channel with my buddy for a little bit.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@TheDadsAreHere I just watched all your videos, liked and commented on them. Your QR code idea is awesome. I'm going to shout out your channel on my next video! I'm super pumped about your channel.

[@Bostnfn]

Great video! I've never understood the allure to the semi-rigids, and have never trusted them. My cards have always gone into top loaders.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@Bostnfn Thanks for watching and commenting. I think part of the allure is that cards are not supposed to move in them. I definitely prefer toploaders! To be clear, I am not certain I have ever had an issue because of card savers. But I'm going to err on the side of caution. Thanks again for watching.

[@LouRokTV]

The Mat looks great! Never really thought about the card savers and the corners of thick cards…I need to go check that out

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@LouRokTV I checked all mine, and they were OK but not going to risk it. Thanks, Lou!

[@EverydayCardCollector-Jason]

Show whatever you want my friend. Pic a set or a player or a sport, even if it’s just a couple of cards. Cards are great and people just want to see cool stuff. Shoot I have shown 90’s basketball on my channel. The video didn’t get a ton of views because I believe my audience is primarily vintage. My collection is much like yours I have a little bit of everything and whatever strikes me at the moment, I just make a video.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Thanks, Jason! I have done some of those types of videos. Like you said, most of my viewers are into vintage. This video was a slump buster for me because now I have ideas for like 3 or 4 videos I want to do. Thanks for watching and commenting, my friend.

[@Tim.K.1976]

Thanks Billy another great video. I agree with you about semi rigid card destroyers not a fan of them at all. There are plenty of videos out there about cards have been creased by grading companies taking them out. I didn’t know SGC would accept cards in top loaders thanks for that tip. My whole childhood collection was stored in top loaders for almost 40 years and they look exactly the same as the day I put them in there condition wise. Don’t get me started on those stupid screw downs unfortunately I had some of my best cards in those things for nearly 40 years. I sent my 76 Topps Walter Payton rookie to PSA and they would not grade it. I got the dreaded min size not met ouch! I am going to resubmit it to SGC and hopefully get a number grade from them at the very least an Authentic. An Authentic would be a huge bummer because this card came from my 76 complete set that most of the cards have graded 7’s & 8’s. I shouldn’t be complaining though I bought the complete set in 1989 for $25.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@Tim.K.1976 Hey Tim, I answered this comment earlier, but it's not showing up now. I didn't want you to think I wasn't answering your comment. You got a great deal on that set for sure. The equipment they used to cut cards back in the day lent them to being different lengths. I think SGC does a better job of taking that into account. People worry about cards slipping out of toploaders, but there are ways to prevent that. Shipping is really when I worry about them the most. If a grader mishandles a card, it's going to cause damage, obviously. That is going to happen with as many cards as they handle. I definitely don't want them to get damaged ever, but especially not when they are hanging out boxes in my collection or during shipping. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Redneckclector]

Great video. Looking forward to the next one. When you’re ready for a guest I can come on and we can wax philosophical about the beauty of 1987 Topps or do a poor man’s showcase showdown.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@Redneckclector That sounds awesome! I need to do more videos on Stramyard so I can start doing some of those without screwing it up and looking like an idiot! Thanks for watching and commenting. It's much appreciated, my friend.

[@doug_sports_collector]

Love the Musial autograph, very nice piece Bill. I can't make the Como show; funeral and a sports trivia night; otherwise I'd run up there and hang out with you guys.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@doug_sports_collector Many thanks Doug! Much appreciated my friend.

[@vintageonvintage817]

Baller on a budget, love it Bill! Some fantastic Aaron and Yaz cards!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

🤣 Thanks, Steve! Much appreciated, my friend!

[@Greg-x1g8t]

If you were to put your thumb over the grade of the Aaron RC, you would never know it’s a 2. It has such great centering and corners. Enjoy! Greg from Ohio

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@user-id8vv4lw2l Thanks Greg, I agree! That's why I jumped on it as soon as I saw it! Thanks for watching and commenting, my friend.

[@Tim.K.1976]

I had the same thoughts growing up about the 75 set. I use to despise the 72 set but it has started to grow on me this past year. I guess I am coming around on the retro look, both years look great in SGC slabs.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

They look awesome in SGC slabs! I think when I was younger, those two years just really reminded me of the disco era even though it really wasn't!

[@gocrazycardcollecting]

Love the cards man! Yaz is one of my favorites too. Also, now I have to get all my stuff out of card savers. 😂

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Thanks, Justin! Don't rush to do that! What I talked about is very anecdotal. Some have stated in the comments that they have had cards in card savers for many years with no issues. So who knows! 🤣

[@gocrazycardcollecting]

@@billyballgamesportscards you can find anything if you search hard enough. Love the Musial Auto as well. Looks great on your wall!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@gocrazycardcollecting Thanks again, Justin! I'm a big fan of that one as well.

[@CraigsCards62]

Great 👍 video. Enjoyed seeing the Yaz runs. When I am not actively buying, I'm usually planning, looking at price points on cards I'm targeting. I plan or target based on short - medium - long term & group cards accordingly and figure out a budget to accommodate my plans. Maybe some videos on cards targeted etc. Take care 🙂

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@CraigsCards62 Thanks, Craig! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on planning. Much appreciated, my friend!

[@danielbernier6095]

Thanks Billy for showing such great cards. Your Yaz collection has many high grades. I look forward to your finishing his run. Yes do show the Hank Aaron rookie again. I agree it is one of the most iconic rookie cards that exists.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@danielbernier6095 Thanks Dan! We both share in our mutual love of Yastrzemski for sure! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@truthhurtswilky7785]

I started collecting in 1964 and I had over 5,000 cards. I moved to a different city and went back home a few years later and brought them back with me, I made the mistake of moving in with a friend who went through a divorce. What, I didn't know that he stole all my good cards until like after two years when I moved. He had a bad gambling habit and denied ever taking them. He died almost two years ago and still never confessed to taking them. I had cards from 1957 to 1985 and after that, I pretty much gave up on collecting baseball cards as the cards got way too expensive and lost interest. Never tell someone what you got because there is always someone who will try to take it from you.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Wow, that's crazy! I'm sorry to hear that. I appreciate you watching and commenting. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@truthhurtswilky7785]

@@billyballgamesportscards Just never let anyone know where you live when you do these videos. You are welcome.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@truthhurtswilky7785 I have often thought about that. I appreciate the concern.

[@MrJmangini]

I’ve been storing my cards in semi rigids for over 20 years and they keep them perfect. The only holders I’ve had damage cards are penny sleeves because they can damage corners and they can also stick to the more modern shiny cards.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@MrJmangini I have definitely boogered up some corners with penny sleeves over the years. You may be right, and they won't damage cards, but as long as these cards will be in semi-rigids before I can get them graded, I'm not taking a chance. For me personally, better safe than sorry. Thanks for watching John.

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. Enjoyed the share as always. Never gets old seeing that Henry Aaron rookie!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@Hodges1455 Thanks, Brian. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm sure you'll see it again.

[@TheCardDeal]

Heat, cold, humidity and stacking binders is what caused those issues. I still use binders today, on the shelf upright and you won't have any issues. Also, go with larger ring size 3 to 4 to avoid too many pages per binder. Supplies are one of those things you have to try out for yourself till you get a type that you like. My advice is always send in clean sleeves/card savers with orders. Don't ask me why, I just always do it. Nice addition to the basement!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I worry about cards getting dinged during shipping or handling by the grader. I had a 1994 Upper Deck Jordan come back as an 8.5 with a corner bent down that I know wasn't that way before I sent it to be graded. It either happened during shipping or at SGC. Since then, I've always shipped them in top loaders and haven't had another issue. Thanks again for watching and commenting.

[@TheCardDeal]

@@billyballgamesportscards No worries, I also photo everything out of a sleeve under good light. Set up a phone stand, and photo front and back on a white or black background. Once they come back, I delete the photos. I toss em into a folder, label the order #. A small extra step but worth it. Also, the reason semi rigid is used is for the room to get the card out over a top loader where you have to pinch finger to get the card out of a smaller opening. Some like different brands of semi rigid because some are thinner and have more flex to them. Good luck on the orders, will be looking forward to the reveal video ✌🏽⚾️

[@studfieldmouse1369]

Love it !!!!! I don’t like those crap holder things at all. Try to center a card without a jackhammer AND without mangling the top is near impossible. I have about 100 of them I’ll send you for 10 mags. Also, other than the ex-solder which I’m not, we’ve got a lot in common. Mostly I’m just a dude that forgot how much I loved baseball cards and am so glad I’m back (let’s not forget BBQ). Totally bummed I don’t have my original collection. Keep cranking out the vids!!!! 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@studfieldmouse1369 Thanks a lot! I'm glad you're back as well! Depending on how old you are, and maybe you've already discovered this. You can probably replace your childhood collection for cheaper now than it was back in the day, and all of the nostalgia will still be there for you. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@studfieldmouse1369]

@@billyballgamesportscards probably not replace since I started in 1972. But I see them and say “hey, I had that one @. $7 million dollars for a psa 6. Oh well

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@studfieldmouse1369 Yes, I'm sure some of them are definitely not cheap!

[@tomwerdenhause3922]

Another great video. Love those 64's!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@tomwerdenhause3922 Thanks, Tom! You should I got them from you! If you are busy I'll call you.

[@jchcollins]

What specifically about a Card Saver I or II is “destroying” cards after they are put in them? If people don’t know how to use them / insert the cards properly, that may be one thing. But once in the CS, the cards don’t move. In toploaders, they still can. Also would seem to me that using penny sleeves with toploaders is riskier if done consistently due to how careful you have to be with the corners. I’m talking mostly about vintage; I would agree that thicker and glossier cards might be better suited to the proper sized toploaders. But not sure I follow the premise that Card Savers just are somehow inherently more dangerous over time than toploaders…

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@jchcollins I'm not saying they are for certain. I have had concerns about them myself mostly because they are flimsy, and I worry about them getting damaged in shipping. The video I watched talked about the same concerns I already had. So I decided to pull mine out of card savers and put them back into toploaders for grading. My thought was that if cards are pushed down too far into the card saver, the bottom corners might get compressed, as I explained in my video. The video I'm referencing shows compressed corners on cards that he had stored in card savers and got lower grades than expected. For me, that was enough to make me pull my cards out of them. I inspected all mine and didn't find any damage. I also said I had anecdotal evidence and that some products we use to protect our cards "may" damage/destroy them. I know people who have used them for many, many years and have never had an issue. I explained my thoughts and concerns, and explained what I'm doing with my cards. You are absolutely correct that cards can slip out of toploaders, and I've had my cards do it. But I've never been off by more than 1 full grade on any card I've submitted in a toploader. It did get a card back graded as an 8.5 that I found a corner that was bent down that I could see in the slab. I know it wasn't bent when I sent it in, and it was sent in a card saver. Knowing that and seeing the other video was enough for me. I wrote a book in this comment, so I hope I was able to articulate my thoughts clearly. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jchcollins]

@@billyballgamesportscards If CS's are flimsy - then don't bend them. Good job it sounds like on TL submissions, but again - there is a reason that the graders (all of them) don't want you to sub in TL's. None of the cards that I would be submitting would have to worry about getting 8.5's, so sounds like we are interested in these products likely for different reasons. Thanks for the dialogue...

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@jchcollins No problem, I enjoy the conversation. I don't bend card savers. They could very easily get bend damaging the cards in shipping or during handling by the grader. I don't usually submit cards that could get 8.5s either most of the stuff I submit is from the junkwax era. That's why I was shocked when I saw that card in an 8.5. The corner wasn't bent when I shipped it, so it got bent somewhere between me shipping it and it getting slabbed. When I shipped them, that card was on top of the stack. I cut cardboard down to the size of the card saver, put a piece on the top and the bottom of the stack, and put rubber bands around them. I wrapped them in bubble wrap and shipped them. That is the only time anything strange happened, but for me and my collection, I'm going to send the rest of my cards in toploaders. Graders don't want them in toploaders because the cards can slip out, but there are ways to prevent that. I'm just more confident with toploaders personally.

[@jchcollins]

@@billyballgamesportscards The "don't bend" comment was kind of tongue in cheek - point being, any type of protection can be not enough if you mishandle and mistreat the cards. Similarly, you wouldn't want to drop a slab out of a 10th floor window in a building. I think that for those that know what they are doing, both CS and TL provide equally good protection. I also think that the risk of using TL with grading is at worst probably minimal. Put them in a team bag and seal everything up tightly at the top and the cards won't slip out.

[@RipFan8]

Hi Bill. That Musial auto looks great in that frame. I’ll never complain seeing that Aaron rookie in every video my friend. That’s a beauty Yaz rookie, my friend. Those other Yaz and Aaron cards are also nice. Talk soon my friend.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Thanks, Stephan! I love them all! I appreciate you, my friend.

[@danielmcclorey6606]

I like card savers. There a lot lighter and thinner than top loaders. I really doubt they will damage the cards.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

I like them too. I'm just going to err on the side of caution for my collection when I submit for grading. Toploaders and penny sleeves have issues, too. I just feel more comfortable with them. Thanks for watching and commenting, Daniel.

[@godisgreat8462]

Keep the great videos coming

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@godisgreat8462 Thanks, my friend!

[@vintagecardssteve8582]

Billy. Sometime I just go to the Omaha card show and chit chat with other collectors and a few YT guys and drop $10 on 80' and 90's cards. But it's fun going and just chatting with collectors and friends. I think the next Omaha show I will barely spend any money. Been saving a ton for a Hoyt Wilhelm RC. Nice cards and thanks for sharing.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@vintagecardssteve8582 Thanks, Steve. That's kind of the idea I have for this weekend's show. Still fun to hang out and look at cards.

[@oilersrule07]

That’s a small semi rigid the one you put the lidstrom in , I have lots of my cards in ultra pro card saver 1’s I don’t use the smaller semi rigid because they are smaller and tighter and I could see those card possibly getting wrecked

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@oilersrule07 Interesting. These are the only size I have found. Now you have me intrigued. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@theathletearchives]

You don't have to buy cards to create content, how about a detailed tour of your room there? Looks like you've got a ton of stuff on the walls that you could tell stories about. Or tell us a little more about you. Im always curious to learn more about the guys I i watch.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@theathletearchives I appreciate the thoughts. I talk about not needing to buy cards to do videos later on in this video. I did do a mancave/cardroom tour about a year ago and have done a couple of updates on the mancave/cardroom. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@LonelyBasementBaseballCards]

Just be you Billy doesn’t matter what you show our how “big” it is.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@LonelyBasementBaseballCards Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated. I want my hobby to drive my youtube, not my youtube to drive my hobby.

[@Tim.K.1976]

Thanks Billy another great video. I agree with you about semi rigid card destroyers not a fan of them at all. There are plenty of videos out there about cards have been creased by grading companies taking them out. I didn’t know SGC would accept cards in top loaders thanks for that tip. My whole childhood collection was stored in top loaders for almost 40 years and they look exactly the same as the day I put them in there condition wise. Don’t get me started on those stupid screw downs unfortunately I had some of my best cards in those things for nearly 40 years. I sent my 76 Topps Walter Payton rookie to PSA and they would not grade it. I got the dreaded min size not met ouch! I am going to resubmit it to SGC and hopefully get a number grade from them at the very least an Authentic. An Authentic would be a huge bummer because this card came from my 76 complete set that most of the cards have graded 7’s & 8’s. I shouldn’t be complaining though I bought the complete set in 1989 for $25.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@Tim.K.1976 Thanks for watching Tim! Much appreciated, my friend! You got a good deal on that set for sure! It seems as though SGC has a little bit of a larger tolerance for card size. Is SGC grading trimmed cards? I guess they could be, but I just think they understand that the equipment companies were using to cut cards back in the caused a varience in the size of cards. There are many videos out there of people measuring cards and getting Min Size from PSA. A lot of people are worried about cards slipping out of topleaders during shipping, but there are ways to prevent that also. If a grader mishandled a card during grading, it's going to get damaged it's pretty simple. I'm definitely trying to prevent damage while I'm waiting to submit the cards and during shipping. I think toploaders are best for that. Thanks again.