Strategizing For Purchases And Collecting!! My Conversation With Darren Of

I really enjoy my monthly video collaboration with Darren of @returntocollecting. We have become good friends, and we really enjoying sharing opinions and discussing topics relating to the hobby. Included in this month's discussion is a preview of the Strongsville, Ohio card show. Darren will be attending, and he shares some of his thoughts and strategies heading into the event later this month. We also share our new name for this collaboration: "Off Topic" This name was suggested by Adam of @SplendidSports after seeing our continued struggles of staying on topic while talking about sports cards.
In this video, I mention a video done by @BreakoutCards on the Strongsville show. A link to that video can be found here: • I WENT TO A VINTAGE ON...
Also, in this video I mention a recent video on Darren's channel about the top 10 cards that have gone down in video since he purchased them, which can be found here: • The Top 10 Cards In My...
Some of my other recent videos:
PSA's CEO Shares Big Changes at PSA: • Several Big Changes an...
Multiple Pickups at an Epic Card Show: • The Best Card Show I'v...
Has the Card Collecting Community Lost Their Minds: • Have Card Collectors L...
Avoid this Common Card Collecting Mistake: • Card Collectors Can't ...
Why to Buy the Card and Not the Grade: • The Best Advice: "Buy ...
Buying HOF RCs Before they're HOFers: • Buy Their Cards Before...
A Recent May 2023 Card Show Vlog: • Rocklin Card Show Vlog...
Going back in time to see what vintage cards were worth in 1986: • Baseball Cards Have Go...
Why We Should Be Buying PSA 1s: • Here's Why I Think You...
Better understanding the supply and demand of sports cards: • How to Predict the Fut...
A Recent Card Show With Tons of Vintage and t206 Cards: • This Card Show Was Loa...
My Analysis on whether Rookie Cards are Overrated: • Are Rookie Cards Reall...
My Dad's Estate Sale Find of a Lifetime; A Shoebox of Vintage Cards: • Finding a Shoebox of V...
Why PSA is Still Beating SGC: • The Reasons Why PSA is...
Top 5 Undervalued Vintage Rookie Cards: • Why Are These 5 Vintag...
Consider following me on other platforms:
Twitter: @MidLifeCards
Instagram: @MidLifeCards
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Email me at: [e-mail]
#vintagecards #baseballcards #sportscards #thehobby
All statements and opinions shared in this video (and all of my videos) are for entertainment purposes only, and are not investment advice. I consider Sports Cards to be a hobby, and not an investment. If you're interested in investment advice, I recommend connecting with a certified financial planner.

[@davidhenry4392]

Guys this was a great video. I am not a uTube content creator but have been a collector since about 1970. I watch your content ALL the time. Is great way to learn!! Hope to say Hi in Strongsville!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. Darren will be in Ohio, but I won't. :-( Please say hello to him when you see him, though.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks David! Glad you enjoyed! Please introduce yourself in Strongsville!

[@ken-pr2df]

Off Topic!! Always enjoy your videos!! So many interesting topics!! You have a natural talent for asking questions that dig deeper into the hobby and at the same time keep the flow of the discussion moving so that the viewer wants to hear more!! It is awesome to continue to learn about the card hobby from fellow collectors!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much!! Appreciate that...and appreciate you watching until the end!!

[@scottpark-hp4gd]

Hi guys. My name is Scott and I live in British Columbia, Canada. I am a huge baseball card collector. Mostly 1950’s. I watch every single episode that both of you two make. Great stuff. I am going to predict the future. Darren, I am pretty certain that one of your 3 upcoming monthly cards that you purchased is a 1951 Berk Ross Joe DiMaggio. I had it on my watch list and actually watched as someone bought it right in front of my eyes on eBay. My first thought was “that was Darren from Return to Collecting that just snapped that up before I did.” Beautifully centred and great eye appeal. I think it was graded a 4.5. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am.

[@returntocollecting]

Ha! Thanks for watching Scott! We really appreciate it! I didn't buy that one out from under you, I promise!

[@MidLifeCards]

That's awesome. Thanks so much!! Darren has been swooping on DiMaggio's this year!!

[@tonyleebrick9050]

A great episode from two of my favorite cardtubers! Thank you for sharing your journeys with us. I hope to bump into yall at the National

[@MidLifeCards]

Glad you enjoyed it. If you see me at the national, be sure to say hello.

[@bradburchfield1112]

Great video. Looking forward to Strongsville so this video hits home for me. First time going snd I’ve saved up for some very specific vintage football.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks for watching Brad! Please introduce yourself if you see me there!

[@MidLifeCards]

Strongsville should be incredible. Say hello if you see us there!!

[@timothylittle8876]

Great Off Topic. You guys have a chemistry together. Like a good morning radio show. Enjoyed this segment . Thanks guys.

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome. So glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for listening and commenting.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Timothy! We really appreciate that!

[@SportsCardJungle]

The Strongsville show lineup looks great and it would be my first show there. Bernie, The Wizard, and the Leaping Razorback. Looking forward to the next OFF TOPIC!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. We have a blast talking about cards together!!

[@mookiechillson]

The second half of the chat about navigating the relationships and awkwardness of it all was really useful to hear, fellas.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm an expert at awkward. :-)

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Mook! Glad you enjoyed!

[@mookiechillson]

I think my favorite moment of the whole episode was Graig openly rooting for an awful Christmas for Darren’s family so viewers like us can see some wicked cards hahahahaha

[@MidLifeCards]

Bwahahahahaha. I think I even said, "I hope your family get's coal, so we can see some awesome cards you buy instead." LOL.

[@returntocollecting]

That was classic!

[@vintagesanctuary]

Great conversation! As an added bonus, I cleaned the master bathroom while listening and the time passed so quickly! However, IMHO, you guys did not veer off-topic that far! Almost click-bait! 😆👊 Perhaps the most intimidating things at the National will be Theo's biceps! 💪😂👊 Graig, as a fellow West Coaster, I would be happy to see the National in Chicago every year! I may not go back to Atlanta for a National!

[@MidLifeCards]

Glad we could keep you entertained!! If/when the National is in Atlantic City and/or Atlanta, I think I'll probably just go to Strongsville those years.

[@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards]

Darren im with you walking into the lobby at the get together was very very intimidating , and having time to talk to everyone was impossible. I cant wait for this year I can just be relaxed.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm looking forward to it.

[@returntocollecting]

100% Dylan! Looking forward to this year as well. Once you know people better, its makes the interactions easier.

[@ryanfitzgerald2816]

Psyched to see some footage and hear stories about Strongsville. Off Topic, great idea for a show name.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Ryan!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks. Stronsville is gonna get nuts.

[@andrewsells5]

Heading to strongsville for the first time, looking forward to just soaking in the vintage. Great video guys!

[@MidLifeCards]

It's going to be a fun weekend.

[@Baseball2009.]

Another great video! A little off topic but looking forward to seeing the new Strongsville venue is compared to years past.

[@MidLifeCards]

It'll be interesting to see if the vibe changes in the new facility.

[@Peacemakercards]

Great conversation. Lots of good advice as I'll be meeting everyone for the first time at Strongsville.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm super jealous I won't be there....

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks! Looking forward to meeting you!

[@ACollectorsDream]

Great stuff, enjoy this conversation. Darren will definitely buy more cards than 7, this year!

[@MidLifeCards]

100% agree. No doubt that Darren will keep buying.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Orlando! I'd bet you're right!

[@jasonkobrin931]

Great video guys. Good conversation. One of the points you hit on was about being intimidated by other people’s collection. I love to share my collection, but being on the budget that I am on, it doesn’t contain anything Earth shattering, but I still love to show off what I have. Are there platforms to do this besides Facebook? I am in a few vintage groups there, but quite honestly, it can be pretty brutal when it comes to sharing.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Jason! Honestly, I really like KZbin for sharing. The community consists of collectors of all kinds and all budgets. Its a super supportive community as well.

[@MidLifeCards]

Exactly

[@MidLifeCards]

The diversity of the community is incredible.

[@parkerklein27]

Great video Graig and Darren!! Graig hope to see you in Concord this weekend!

[@MidLifeCards]

Unfortunately, I’m out of town, so I won’t be able to make it.

[@parkerklein27]

@@MidLifeCards I'll be sure to let you know what I grab for your monthly pickup video 👍

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Parker!

[@ClementeCollector]

Darren is going to Strongsville, AWESOME!!!!! LG!

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. I'm so jealous...

[@returntocollecting]

Pumped bro!

[@RobertLanning]

Off topic. Great video guys. You guys are on another level of collecting. Im jealous, i wish i could go to a big show once. I have like a dozen cards between jim brown and gale sayers that are over $100 on my wish list. Ive never seen one at a card show. Never experienced seeing a card i wanted and couldnt afford at my small shows. Happy hunting in strongsville!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for making it to the end!!

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Robert! Glad you enjoyed! You'll get those goal cards!

[@willg.2045]

It took me a couple of days, but I made it through! Off topic, you mentioned Denver as a site for the National and I have to say it bothers me how far the Denver airport is from downtown and the lack of public transit options from the airport to downtown. Then again, I only have made that trip once, so maybe there are more transit options than I am aware of.

[@returntocollecting]

Ha! Thanks Will! There is a new light rail from the airport to Union Station. Definitely easier than Atlantic City...😂

[@willg.2045]

@@returntocollecting Oh really? That's awesome. I'm on board with Denver, then.

[@MidLifeCards]

Middle of the country would be convenient.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Awesome conversation, fellas. I wish I could make Strongsviile. I hope you all have a blast. Even though this is off-topic, I can't wait for the National and can't wait to meet both of you.

[@MidLifeCards]

Same here!! Looking forward to it.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@MidLifeCards We'll live vicariously through them for Strongsville, Graig.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Billy! Looking forward to meeting you at the National bud!

[@larrygitlin6017]

Going tomorrow to Chantilly have some cards in mind but fun just looking and shopping.

[@MidLifeCards]

Let us know how it goes. That one is too far for me.

[@returntocollecting]

Have a blast Larry!

[@TuckersVintageBaseball]

Loved this video. I’ve recently been saving up for that notorious 52 Topps Jackie to complete my run. I’m just very picky about what I want to spend for a decent looking copy.

[@TuckersVintageBaseball]

@@BringingTheHeat-VBC Thanks man. I plan to start making content in the coming weeks to show it off. Been delaying since I teach and coach three high school sports. So be on the lookout.

[@MidLifeCards]

It's tough to find the perfect card for one you've been saving for. Picky is good.

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome!!

[@returntocollecting]

@@TuckersVintageBaseball That's awesome! Good luck on the pickup! Can't wait to see your content!

[@davewebbtheauthor]

Where can we get wall frames like he has to display cards? I really like those.

[@MidLifeCards]

I bought mine on Amazon. I believe Darren got his on an Etsy store.

[@davewebbtheauthor]

@@MidLifeCards Cool. Thanks and great discussion, as always.

[@cryptoaction8622]

Off topic I could listen to this all day

[@MidLifeCards]

We have a blast recording it together.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks! Appreciate that!

[@Hodges1455]

26th video like - Enjoyed the discussion, even when you go off topic.

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome stuff!! Appreciate it.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Brian!

[@Brian-pf7qq]

When I go too shows there dealers that I have bought from, and you get to know them and they will give you a deal because you are a steady customer.

[@MidLifeCards]

I've experienced that as well. Totally agree.

[@brentrichards4699]

Off topic, lol I love it

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome!! You made it until the end!!

[@mookiechillson]

This was a fascinating discussion of the approach to S-ville by two pros! Ashish is definitely the whale-iest dealer I know, good luck finding your cards Darren!!

[@MidLifeCards]

I have no doubt that Darren will buy AT LEAST two big cards.

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Mook!

[@jamesmcferran4938]

Ash is an amazing and awesome guy

[@MidLifeCards]

I've heard that from several people. And, I look forward to meeting him.

[@SplendidSports]

I will not accept any royalties for the show name but I would be honored to be a guest at some point 😉

[@MidLifeCards]

Yes!! We can definitely make that happen!!

[@returntocollecting]

Done!!

[@GoldenSlumber474]

Here’s an off topic comment. When are you doing some football content guys?

[@MidLifeCards]

That's a fair question. Maybe we can include that in one of our topics soon!!

[@CraigsCards62]

Off Topic - the end

[@MidLifeCards]

You made it!!!

[@CraigsCards62]

@MidLifeCards great episode 👏 really enjoy it. Look forward to meeting you, Graig, at the National and Darren @ Strongsville 😀

[@LegendsNeverDieCollection]

Ya’ll won’t be scared to say hey to me at The National- I’m 5’6” so I’m not very intimidating 😂 Off Topic

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for making it to the end, my friend!! I look forward to seeing you at the National!!

[@returntocollecting]

Thanks Jake! Looking forward to meeting you!

[@djbrennan3801]

Guy doesn’t care if you can buy it cheaper. Clearly he’s in it for the hobby not the money.

[@MidLifeCards]

I understand why some dealers hold out for premium prices. But, there are times I wonder if they go to shows just to buy, since some cards are priced so high.

[@djbrennan3801]

@@MidLifeCards agreed. Or showboating their cards ! We all have good cards lol

[@rockcundiff1761]

Can someone help please...... Fair Value of 1952 Bowman Mantle in SGC 7.5 ? Thanks

[@jimmybacas8003]

SGC 7 sold Jan 9th on Ebay for $10,500. Hope this helps with at least a ballpark figgie

[@MidLifeCards]

Eye appeal affects it so much. If it's centered....the closer you can get it for 10, the better. But, could be worth up to 15k

[@rockcundiff1761]

Only seen a pic and I'm good at calculating centering from a picture. I figure it's 51/49 and 47/53@@MidLifeCards

[@rockcundiff1761]

and it looks like an 8 all day to me@@BringingTheHeat-VBC

[@jimmybacas8003]

@@BringingTheHeat-VBC Yeah man, once you get into that stratosphere 'comps' play a role, but the new price paid for that card will be the new 'comp' for probably a good year (at least) or so. WE LOVE YOU MIKE PETTY 🤘🤘

[@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards]

No chance Darren sticks to only 12 cards 😂😂😂😂😂

[@MidLifeCards]

100% agree. He'll be closer to 20 than 12.

[@returntocollecting]

Ha! I'd bet you're right Dylan!