Hi Graig. Another good Q&A. I’m going to go out on a limb on your question for next week and say that we begin to see a major shift away from PSA from vintage collectors. This could mean going to another company, such as SGC, or even a new company or a rebranded company entering the field of play.
Agree completely. SGC is far superior in every respect, and would also love to see a new player gain a foothold in the market. Monopolies are not good for the collector.
I think you’re pretty spot on with most of this. A lot of people think in black-and-white, and it’s either you do it for the love of collecting or just as an investment. For me it’s definitely both.I have a passion for the cards, but also I take into account value and what they might do in the future, because you never know when or if you’ll need (or just want) to sell! Call me a cynic, but sometimes I don’t fully believe these people that say they only do it purely for collecting in and of itself. I mean I’m sure there are people that do, but also I think there are people who just say this because it’s the “right” thing to say, as you alluded to towards the beginning of the video.
Graig you look at the hobby as I do…money is a most impactful factor when you consider buying a card for the long term. It simply has to make financial sense! Thank you for your ongoing opinion and wisdom! Your logic is always impeccable!
One day a discussion on where to best get cards like Ruth or Cobb etc would be interesting. I have bought mine on eBay or shows over the years and never did auctions but frankly I have no idea if that is the best way to go. Also I am around 70 and have to start looking to dispose of some of my stuff in the next handful of years. Are others facing that issue and what are they doing ( auctions or ? ) Thanks This is my go to show
I predict a comeback of the great action photography instead of the portraits. It might also be time for a permanent larger card size. I think that the guilded cards are no more. They are not practical imho. I DO like when they print out the current players in the throwback styles. Have a great week.
My prediction for the 2025 Card Market is this; I feel that PSA will lose some market share and other Grading Companies will surprise. With PSA having many issues with maintaining the service expected by customers, people will switch to other companies to get their cards graded. PSA has already raised their prices on their services this month and yet they are slow to return those cards to their customers, rarely ever getting them back within the expected time. SGC is obviously a much more affordable and efficient operation, and other newer companies are springing up. BGS/BVG may also make a comeback after years of declining. The fact is that PSA is not only the most expensive graders/slabbers, but they are also the worst at getting the job done in a timely manner and many of their grades are suspect. PSA has grown so rapidly that they have been forced to hire less experienced graders and their reputation will take a hit because of it.
This sounds like a good theory. I tend to agree. With Trump in office, there's lots of speculation going on. No crystal ball here, but I wish for change for the future. Positive change.
Could not agree more that value matters more the more you spend. For me personally, if I’m spending multiple hundreds of dollars or more on a card I’d like at least some feeling/assurance that the card will retain value. I think you have to have money to burn to spend big amounts on sports cards and not have to worry about future value whatsoever. Excellent thoughts as always, Graig. 👊
Really appreciated the video Graig. I love the history of the game and the players who were great. I look at their overall careers and achievements during their careers. I agree with you that I collect what I enjoy and the thought of reselling doesn't usually concern me except for when the price is substantial. I mainly collect the top 30 players. I mean the historically top players not the top 30 most popular. For instance, Stan Musial and Frank Robinson are both all time greats and their prices are insanely low compared to how great they were. I picked up a Frank Robinson 8 1960 Topps for less than 300.00 and a beautiful Musial 49 Bowman for 400.00 I also collect rarer cards. For instance, it puzzles me that most don't seem to appreciate that o-pee-chee cards are much rarer than Topps and you can pick up their cards for close to the same price. In response to 2025, I believe that the economy will get worse and I believe that card prices overall will continue to go down and look forward to picking up cards I want for great bargains. Also wanted to mention the great Charlie Gehringer, who was one of the greatest 2nd baseman ever! I recently picked up his 1939 Playball in an SGC 7 for only 220.00. A great example that most people in the hobby are not that interested in the history of the game. IMO
Hi Graig, as far as what I see in my Chrystal Ball for the hobby in 2025. The sharing of information on the internet and channels like this has been a massive shift in how people collect. Honestly I have no idea what 2025 holds for the hobby. The only thing I know is what my plan is for 2025. I also know as the year moves on I’m sure my plan will have adjustments along the way depending on the opportunities presented along the way. I simply want to remind my collecting brothers to continue just being you. I hope everyone has a successful 2025.
Hey Graig. Great video per usual. Here's a hobby prediction for 2025, coming from another 40-something: I think key rookie cards from the 80s in a 9 grade will get way more love than they do now. I realize pop counts on many key cards from the 80s are "high-ish", but let me throw some interesting examples out there: 1982 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. PSA 10 recent sale: $3350. PSA 9 recent sale: $90.11. One more: 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly. Recent PSA 10: $3383. Recent PSA 9: $199.95. Either PSA 10s from this era will come crashing down, or I think there is some opportunity to pick up mint copies (9 grade) of key 1980s rookies for pretty cheap. I think these types of PSA 9/SGC 9 or 9.5 have room to move higher in 2025. Yes, they are early/borderline junk wax era cards but finding these cards well centered without tilt, etc can be maddening! Also, us 40-somethings have some money to spend now and nostalgia is a powerful thing! Curious to get your take on that. Thanks!
Graig, great question and discussion! Answer: Die hard collectors will still collect, so the cost depends on the collector. The economy will be the driving force if we have disposable income. I have another question: How do you involve your wife with your budget hobby when she sees no purpose in it?
Hey Mr Midlife, thanks for using my comment from last week. i think there are too many products being produced, But it seems lots of investors with money buying cases of this junk wax. the bubble has to burst. i am not interested in 75 rookie cards of paul skenes. yes i understand everyone wants one, but its too much. my prediction......card companies will get the message, too much crappy products being pushed on collectors, fathers day, holiday cards? really? come on. thanks for your awesome videos. i watch every one.
It hurts to say, but 2025 might be the year that sports cards become a little less relevant. I’ve been two card shows this year and the show that was primarily Pokemon was packed with people of all ages and the sports card show was slow with “old guys”. I squeezed in a coin show and it had the same lethargic energy. Even the local card shop’s Pokemon area was full while I’m alone in the sports card section. Not sure if this is a regional thing or a fad.
@Franco1803 stole my thunder! Maybe my perspective is a little more cynical, though. I think that in 2025, you'll find that more and more of your favorite "sports card dealer" will shift over to TCGs. I have no issue with TCG collectors taking over card shows; if everybody's mantra is "collect what you enjoy," then that should extend beyond the realm of sports cards. However, In just the six months since we started doing shows, we have noticed a quick pivot from sports to Pokemon once some dealers realized they could not double their money with a quick flip. This probably won't apply to the mostly vintage crowd reading this, but if you want to understand the full hobby landscape, you need to look beyond the sports world. As a supply dealer, we are agnostic as to who we sell to, and there is more and more demand for, and enthusiasm about, Pokemon and TCGs.
I thought we saw some new all time highs for a lot of scarce cards and cards with high eye appeal in 2024. I think this trend continues. Uber rare and scarce cards will continue to come to be auctioned off at some crazy prices and and fantastic looking cards for their grades will continue. More and more vintage collectors are becoming more discerning in how they go about choosing their cards. Edit: I made this comment before watching your video with Darren, sounds like we have some same predictions
My “exit strategy” for my cards is a dirt nap. Seriously though, I do pay attention to prices but my selling is to upgrade, or selling doubles or cards that don’t fit my PC to fund the hobby budget. My Crystal Ball prediction for 2025 is that Mike Petty will buy a four-figure card at Strongsville.
🤣I definatley need to take a page from your playbook and sell more and upgrade some. 2 words that havent been in my hobby vernacular much if at all. I have sold a couple of cards that I have brought to shows with ideas of trading to dealers. That will definitely continue. I certainly will try and try a few things to lower the acquisition costs if at all possible. I could be out of money by then but if I buy anything, it most likely will easily be over 4 figures.🤣Certainly will have money for lunch dinner & pops. Hope you can tag along.
Dear Graig, Question: Would you sell a large portion of your collection so that you could get so big cards or "Grail" cards? Example: Ruth, Gehrig, RC's, Ty Cobb, etc. Thanks! Bret
@apebitmusic83 I been tossing around getting rid of sets, bulk, and getting so I can see them so there not in a box. Top all time cards in football, baseball, greats in minor sports, HOF players, Packers and down to less than 1000 cards. Thanks
@@bretiverson4698 yeah I’ve never been a big fan of ”set” guy personally. Only set I won is the 86 fleet basketball. I’ve never had the MUST COMPLETE SET mentality myself.
I was one that asked that last year. Here is my prediction for what will happen in 2025. The year was highly volatile, and inflation hurt the lower and middle class worst of all. Card values and demand, as a whole, will decline. Only the most desirable of card collectible will increase if at all. Many influencer of the hobby will disappear, and many breakers will cease to be relevant. I've told you for 6 months card values will decline. I'm holding firm to this in 2025.
As far as value, if I can sell my cards at one to five dollars more than I spent on them, I consider that a profit, especially if I sell thirty thousand cards at a one to hundred dollars profit. I have about 15 thousand cards from the 50s and 60, and 70, that came from the pack from those years. Anything I get for those cards is a hundred percent profit.
If you’re in it to serve as an investment? You might be careful as to what you buy. If it’s more important to collect what you like? Buy as you please. I like raw cards. They fit my budget. Plus I like cards that tell a story. I recently saw a video where someone was commenting about a 73/74 John Brisker psa 10. It was strictly about value. But to me? The story about who John brisker was and what happened to him is far more important. But that’s to me.
absolutely affects who i buy. I don’t really want to hand my kid a garage full of cards to have to deal with. I would rather my entire collection fit in one box. I once saw a widow walk into a card shop with two binders and one box of slabs and walk out with a 20k check. Thats how you do it imo.
I'm going to go for low hanging fruit on my prediction for 2025 Sports Card Market. There will be a rookie QB picked in the Top-5 picks in the draft who has an awesome pre-season and amazing month or two that the hobby will decide his PSA 10 cards are worth >$900.
My crystal ball prediction is Fanatics Fest 2025 is the last time Fanatics tries the potpourri of sports shows (if it doesn’t get cancelled before it happens this summer). It is too costly and adds nothing to their bottom line.
I know most people here, probably want Fanatics Fest to fail, but I think it could be good for the hobby, and a fun family event. So many people talk about how they don't want PSA, to continue to be a monopoly...I look at the National the same way. No one goes. It's too crowded.
@ I’m not saying I want to fail. I’m saying I think it will. Based on the cancellation of other shows this fall and wondering how that actually helps their brand make money.
@@SouthernCollector14 My biggest issue with the National, is they haven't considered other alternatives to the same few cities, I think they should have a east coast, mid-west/South, and west coast designated location. If the attendance keeps trending in the direction that it has, they might have outgrown Cleveland and Chicago (Rosemont). We will find out soon. As for the fanatics event, I'll let you know if, I go in June.
Hi Graig, Great video! My prediction is that I think we will see increased liquidity for vintage cards. PSA’s partnership with eBay combined with its new offers feature and dominant position in the marketplace will increase the ability for desirable graded cards to move. I’ve used both features already for graded vintage cards and have been very pleased with the results. That has allowed me to easily move a decent volume of mid-level cards and save for bigger grail cards without any of the typical hassles associated with selling cards. I also think that if Collectors Universe does not implement these features for SGC, there is a possibility SGC begins to lose some of its market share.
Hey Ricky, I'm not the professor, but I'd like to answer. I love Rod Carew. 7-8 years ago when I was finishing up my player runs from the 50-70's Rod was certainly on the list. I've never been one to chase after multi player Rookie Cards much. Despite having nice copies of all of carew's cards from 68-75, I never looked for the 67. Same with Seaver. The price points then were out of whack for my enjoyment level. Today, those cards have done nothing but go up. They are a high number in the last series too to add insult to injury. I'd be really picky and find one that you'll cherish for a lifetime. If you buy it right, it may even be an investment. I'd rather invest in the S & P 500 if it was a pure investment.
@@BringingTheHeat-VBC Great advice. And, Rod Carew was, a great hitter! I am still thinking about the Cleveland Guardians, that they should be renamed to the Cleveland Indians, or the Cleveland Spiders? Again. I mean Spiders are not offensive? Well, I am still scared of them. I guess they are a bit offensive to me lol. Indians is better. But spiders, is also better than ''guards.'' 🕷🕸 I hate spiders. And, spider webs.
Great video again. For 2025 I see the economy & the sports card market softening due to the new administration being less frivolous than previous. Also I think the mania within the modern card market is waning. I hope I'm right so I can scoop up some good deals.
My 2025 prediction is that the market will continue to see an increase in card grading. I think as a whole, grading is out of control. Way too many low end modern prospects being graded at outrageous rates. I should be saying this trend will reverse, but I don’t think it will. It feels like we are experiencing another junk wax era with all of the modern cards, but people keep buying them. Grading continues to grow month after month. Translation, a lot of people are throwing money away prospecting on modern sports cards. You already used the perfect title for my prediction > “Stop the Madness!” I think it continues. I believe it will eventually hit a wall and a big bust will happen for modern cards, just like in the 1990’s. I think this is many years away now. As a vintage collector, my prediction probably doesn’t bother you. I am not so sure this is good for vintage. I have noticed that a lot of modern cards don’t show appreciation for history. They don’t have all the stats and fun facts in the cards. They’re not promoting history appreciation. Traditionally, modern collector gravitate to vintage. I think this is still happening some, but not as much as it used to happen. Let’s all pray my crazy prediction is wrong!!! It would be better for everyone if modern base cards became relevant again. Thanks for all of your videos!!!
10 hobby predictions: 1). There will be NO SGC Set Registry. Say it ain't so, Joe! 2). Beckett grading will NOT be bought out. BUT it will still have the same ''hobby-relevance,'' that it does now. 3). Pokemon cards will continue to gain traction. Sorry vintage fellas, but it's true. 4). Vintage football and vintage basketball cards. Will continue to remain under appreciated. But a good time to mention, for everyone to vote in Everybody Loves Raymond from Philly Football sport card HOF! 5). Vintage baseball won't see crazy upswings in price, but I think will maintain, their values. 6). I know this is, where the reading stops. The delusion begins. But wrestling cards will see nice gains. 7). There will be at least ONE biopic/documentary Netflix special on a unique player, that will see a nice uptick in their prices, too. Clemente or Aaron potentially. 8). Hockey, Nascar, Golf, Tennis, etc across the board will have flipping opportunities, but I never could get it right on speed dating. I think I am the problem. 9). CGC will have the Beckett triangle pointing up. TAG you're it. 10). I said in the beginning, there will be NO set registry for SGC. I think SGC is ''safe'' as the the runner up in the Miss America contest, but I can't be quite sure. Collectors Universe owns PSA, too. And, I have not even mentioned Fanatics. Or ultra-modern. ''So shiny!'' One last thing before I put away the crystal ball, but keeping the crystals. ''Enjoy the hobby!''
2025 predictions: 1. More and more Midlife viewers will pare their collections, exchanging quantity for quality in a more intentional way than ever before; 2. Vintage cards in the $20-$250 range will continue to decline in value. SGC slabs will continue to present the better short-term “deals” for collectors; and 3. Vintage stars in high grades (collector-grade +++) will hold value and even rise slightly. PSA slabs will continue to yield more long-term value for high-end vintage cards.
I do my own thinking, my new year's resolution was not to spend as much money this year. That lasted two weeks. This year I bought 54 Beara, 58 Dolby, 54 Bowman Hodges, 65 Stargell, 52 weaties Rizzoto, Kinner, 65 Grant,65 twins rookies. 62 post N Fox.
2025 will make it clear the sports card hobby has receded back into the shadows where it’s always been most comfortable. Fanatics will pull out every trick but the gamblers will run dry, setting the stage for a dark age in 2026 when Fanatics monopoly begins. There will still be collectors but less speculation since easy money will be elsewhere.
Great video Graig. Thanks for sharing my experience, I love Mantle. But I also collect Minnie Minoso, Camilo Pascual and other players I love.
It's awesome that you collect players you love!
Hi Graig. Another good Q&A. I’m going to go out on a limb on your question for next week and say that we begin to see a major shift away from PSA from vintage collectors. This could mean going to another company, such as SGC, or even a new company or a rebranded company entering the field of play.
Agree completely. SGC is far superior in every respect, and would also love to see a new player gain a foothold in the market. Monopolies are not good for the collector.
I think a LOT of vintage collectors are getting very frustrated with PSA right now.
I think you’re pretty spot on with most of this. A lot of people think in black-and-white, and it’s either you do it for the love of collecting or just as an investment. For me it’s definitely both.I have a passion for the cards, but also I take into account value and what they might do in the future, because you never know when or if you’ll need (or just want) to sell! Call me a cynic, but sometimes I don’t fully believe these people that say they only do it purely for collecting in and of itself. I mean I’m sure there are people that do, but also I think there are people who just say this because it’s the “right” thing to say, as you alluded to towards the beginning of the video.
Appreciate this. I really enjoy all angles and opinions.
Great follow up discussion this morning to the “hobby relevance”topic. Everyone collects a little differently and that’s what’s great about the hobby.
Santa 🎅 is that you!!
Ho Ho Ho
I totally agree with you!
@@BringingTheHeat-VBC Left icookies 🍪 n milk 🥛out for ya
@@MidLifeCards Rite On Midlife!
Graig you look at the hobby as I do…money is a most impactful factor when you consider buying a card for the long term. It simply has to make financial sense! Thank you for your ongoing opinion and wisdom! Your logic is always impeccable!
Thanks my friend. I appreciate that.
This is what makes this show great. A really thoughtful show. Thanks
Thanks so much. I really appreciate that.
One day a discussion on where to best get cards like Ruth or Cobb etc would be interesting. I have bought mine on eBay or shows over the years and never did auctions but frankly I have no idea if that is the best way to go. Also I am around 70 and have to start looking to dispose of some of my stuff in the next handful of years. Are others facing that issue and what are they doing ( auctions or ? ) Thanks This is my go to show
I predict a comeback of the great action photography instead of the portraits. It might also be time for a permanent larger card size. I think that the guilded cards are no more. They are not practical imho. I DO like when they print out the current players in the throwback styles. Have a great week.
Wow. Interest predictions. Super outside the box!!
My prediction for the 2025 Card Market is this; I feel that PSA will lose some market share and other Grading Companies will surprise. With PSA having many issues with maintaining the service expected by customers, people will switch to other companies to get their cards graded. PSA has already raised their prices on their services this month and yet they are slow to return those cards to their customers, rarely ever getting them back within the expected time. SGC is obviously a much more affordable and efficient operation, and other newer companies are springing up. BGS/BVG may also make a comeback after years of declining. The fact is that PSA is not only the most expensive graders/slabbers, but they are also the worst at getting the job done in a timely manner and many of their grades are suspect. PSA has grown so rapidly that they have been forced to hire less experienced graders and their reputation will take a hit because of it.
This sounds like a good theory. I tend to agree. With Trump in office, there's lots of speculation going on. No crystal ball here, but I wish for change for the future. Positive change.
Strongly agree.... all excellent observations.
Great comment.
Could not agree more that value matters more the more you spend. For me personally, if I’m spending multiple hundreds of dollars or more on a card I’d like at least some feeling/assurance that the card will retain value. I think you have to have money to burn to spend big amounts on sports cards and not have to worry about future value whatsoever. Excellent thoughts as always, Graig. 👊
More money means more thought. No doubt.
Really appreciated the video Graig. I love the history of the game and the players who were great. I look at their overall careers and achievements during their careers. I agree with you that I collect what I enjoy and the thought of reselling doesn't usually concern me except for when the price is substantial. I mainly collect the top 30 players. I mean the historically top players not the top 30 most popular. For instance, Stan Musial and Frank Robinson are both all time greats and their prices are insanely low compared to how great they were. I picked up a Frank Robinson 8 1960 Topps for less than 300.00 and a beautiful Musial 49 Bowman for 400.00 I also collect rarer cards. For instance, it puzzles me that most don't seem to appreciate that o-pee-chee cards are much rarer than Topps and you can pick up their cards for close to the same price. In response to 2025, I believe that the economy will get worse and I believe that card prices overall will continue to go down and look forward to picking up cards I want for great bargains. Also wanted to mention the great Charlie Gehringer, who was one of the greatest 2nd baseman ever! I recently picked up his 1939 Playball in an SGC 7 for only 220.00. A great example that most people in the hobby are not that interested in the history of the game. IMO
Awesome stuff!! Love those guys.
Hi Graig, as far as what I see in my Chrystal Ball for the hobby in 2025. The sharing of information on the internet and channels like this has been a massive shift in how people collect. Honestly I have no idea what 2025 holds for the hobby. The only thing I know is what my plan is for 2025. I also know as the year moves on I’m sure my plan will have adjustments along the way depending on the opportunities presented along the way. I simply want to remind my collecting brothers to continue just being you. I hope everyone has a successful 2025.
Well said. Great comment Don.
I made a Jimmy Claxton card yesterday for my collection.
It is 1 of 1.
⚾
I love the look of the 1961 Golden Press set.
Hey Graig. Great video per usual. Here's a hobby prediction for 2025, coming from another 40-something: I think key rookie cards from the 80s in a 9 grade will get way more love than they do now. I realize pop counts on many key cards from the 80s are "high-ish", but let me throw some interesting examples out there: 1982 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. PSA 10 recent sale: $3350. PSA 9 recent sale: $90.11. One more: 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly. Recent PSA 10: $3383. Recent PSA 9: $199.95. Either PSA 10s from this era will come crashing down, or I think there is some opportunity to pick up mint copies (9 grade) of key 1980s rookies for pretty cheap. I think these types of PSA 9/SGC 9 or 9.5 have room to move higher in 2025. Yes, they are early/borderline junk wax era cards but finding these cards well centered without tilt, etc can be maddening! Also, us 40-somethings have some money to spend now and nostalgia is a powerful thing! Curious to get your take on that. Thanks!
That would be awesome. I do have some '80's rookie cards, in a 9 grade.
Great comment. So much truth in here.
Sports card investor: “don’t invest in Luis Taint”
Buy Luis Tiant instead.
Graig, great question and discussion! Answer: Die hard collectors will still collect, so the cost depends on the collector. The economy will be the driving force if we have disposable income. I have another question: How do you involve your wife with your budget hobby when she sees no purpose in it?
I only use hobby money on my hobby. $100 per month from our household budget. Its my goof off money in her eyes.,
Hey Mr Midlife, thanks for using my comment from last week.
i think there are too many products being produced, But it seems lots of investors with money buying cases of this junk wax.
the bubble has to burst. i am not interested in 75 rookie cards of paul skenes. yes i understand everyone wants one, but its too much. my prediction......card companies will get the message, too much crappy products being pushed on collectors,
fathers day, holiday cards? really? come on.
thanks for your awesome videos. i watch every one.
precisely my point
Lol the modern hobby is worse than I thought 😂
Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.
It hurts to say, but 2025 might be the year that sports cards become a little less relevant. I’ve been two card shows this year and the show that was primarily Pokemon was packed with people of all ages and the sports card show was slow with “old guys”. I squeezed in a coin show and it had the same lethargic energy. Even the local card shop’s Pokemon area was full while I’m alone in the sports card section. Not sure if this is a regional thing or a fad.
@Franco1803 stole my thunder! Maybe my perspective is a little more cynical, though. I think that in 2025, you'll find that more and more of your favorite "sports card dealer" will shift over to TCGs. I have no issue with TCG collectors taking over card shows; if everybody's mantra is "collect what you enjoy," then that should extend beyond the realm of sports cards. However, In just the six months since we started doing shows, we have noticed a quick pivot from sports to Pokemon once some dealers realized they could not double their money with a quick flip.
This probably won't apply to the mostly vintage crowd reading this, but if you want to understand the full hobby landscape, you need to look beyond the sports world. As a supply dealer, we are agnostic as to who we sell to, and there is more and more demand for, and enthusiasm about, Pokemon and TCGs.
I legit don't understand Pokemon. Their boom is incredible to me.
I thought we saw some new all time highs for a lot of scarce cards and cards with high eye appeal in 2024. I think this trend continues. Uber rare and scarce cards will continue to come to be auctioned off at some crazy prices and and fantastic looking cards for their grades will continue. More and more vintage collectors are becoming more discerning in how they go about choosing their cards.
Edit: I made this comment before watching your video with Darren, sounds like we have some same predictions
Good stuff.
My “exit strategy” for my cards is a dirt nap.
Seriously though, I do pay attention to prices but my selling is to upgrade, or selling doubles or cards that don’t fit my PC to fund the hobby budget.
My Crystal Ball prediction for 2025 is that Mike Petty will buy a four-figure card at Strongsville.
🤣I definatley need to take a page from your playbook and sell more and upgrade some. 2 words that havent been in my hobby vernacular much if at all. I have sold a couple of cards that I have brought to shows with ideas of trading to dealers. That will definitely continue. I certainly will try and try a few things to lower the acquisition costs if at all possible.
I could be out of money by then but if I buy anything, it most likely will easily be over 4 figures.🤣Certainly will have money for lunch dinner & pops. Hope you can tag along.
I'm 100% sure you're right.
On on a Budget for my PC so I only collect Baseball cards i collect all teams when I have there card I remember the games I listen or watch on tv
Dear Graig, Question: Would you sell a large portion of your collection so that you could get so big cards or "Grail" cards? Example: Ruth, Gehrig, RC's, Ty Cobb, etc. Thanks! Bret
For me there’s a balance between quantity and quality.
@apebitmusic83 I been tossing around getting rid of sets, bulk, and getting so I can see them so there not in a box. Top all time cards in football, baseball, greats in minor sports, HOF players, Packers and down to less than 1000 cards. Thanks
@@bretiverson4698 yeah I’ve never been a big fan of ”set” guy personally. Only set I won is the 86 fleet basketball. I’ve never had the MUST COMPLETE SET mentality myself.
@@bretiverson4698 I think that sounds like a good plan. Haha. I mean you want to have enough to represent what you love but to a point. Good luck!
@ great goal for 2025
Players like Moe Berg and Steve Dalkowski are little known, but have great stories.
Totally agree.
Is Mike Greenwell hobby-relevant? If not, don’t tell my collection.
I got Mike Greenwell’s autograph down the right base line of the Oakland Coliseum in 1988. I still have it. I also got Ellis Burks that day.
@ my two favorites!!
Nothings changed. Just the individual collector burrito tiers
I mean he’s the most relevant. I’m selling all my Babe Ruths to invest in Mike Greenwell! Lol
@@apebitmusic smart!
Hey, fyi, your audio and video aren’t synced up. Oh well
I was one that asked that last year. Here is my prediction for what will happen in 2025. The year was highly volatile, and inflation hurt the lower and middle class worst of all. Card values and demand, as a whole, will decline. Only the most desirable of card collectible will increase if at all. Many influencer of the hobby will disappear, and many breakers will cease to be relevant. I've told you for 6 months card values will decline. I'm holding firm to this in 2025.
Good stuff. Appreciate you sharing this opinion.
As far as value, if I can sell my cards at one to five dollars more than I spent on them, I consider that a profit, especially if I sell thirty thousand cards at a one to hundred dollars profit. I have about 15 thousand cards from the 50s and 60, and 70, that came from the pack from those years. Anything I get for those cards is a hundred percent profit.
If you’re in it to serve as an investment? You might be careful as to what you buy. If it’s more important to collect what you like? Buy as you please. I like raw cards. They fit my budget. Plus I like cards that tell a story. I recently saw a video where someone was commenting about a 73/74 John Brisker psa 10. It was strictly about value. But to me? The story about who John brisker was and what happened to him is far more important. But that’s to me.
I totally respect this. Raw is great.
absolutely affects who i buy. I don’t really want to hand my kid a garage full of cards to have to deal with. I would rather my entire collection fit in one box. I once saw a widow walk into a card shop with two binders and one box of slabs and walk out with a 20k check. Thats how you do it imo.
I'm going to go for low hanging fruit on my prediction for 2025 Sports Card Market.
There will be a rookie QB picked in the Top-5 picks in the draft who has an awesome pre-season and amazing month or two that the hobby will decide his PSA 10 cards are worth >$900.
LOL. Very likely!!
My crystal ball prediction is Fanatics Fest 2025 is the last time Fanatics tries the potpourri of sports shows (if it doesn’t get cancelled before it happens this summer). It is too costly and adds nothing to their bottom line.
I know most people here, probably want Fanatics Fest to fail, but I think it could be good for the hobby, and a fun family event. So many people talk about how they don't want PSA, to continue to be a monopoly...I look at the National the same way. No one goes. It's too crowded.
@ I’m not saying I want to fail. I’m saying I think it will. Based on the cancellation of other shows this fall and wondering how that actually helps their brand make money.
@@SouthernCollector14 My biggest issue with the National, is they haven't considered other alternatives to the same few cities, I think they should have a east coast, mid-west/South, and west coast designated location. If the attendance keeps trending in the direction that it has, they might have outgrown Cleveland and Chicago (Rosemont). We will find out soon. As for the fanatics event, I'll let you know if, I go in June.
@ you are right about the size of the National getting so big that it may need to be split up.
I love this comment.
Rarity may go up. I wouldnt depend on HOF to keep players from not being forgotten about. Fans decide! HOF takes a back seat 💺 to us fans
Hi Graig, Great video! My prediction is that I think we will see increased liquidity for vintage cards. PSA’s partnership with eBay combined with its new offers feature and dominant position in the marketplace will increase the ability for desirable graded cards to move. I’ve used both features already for graded vintage cards and have been very pleased with the results. That has allowed me to easily move a decent volume of mid-level cards and save for bigger grail cards without any of the typical hassles associated with selling cards. I also think that if Collectors Universe does not implement these features for SGC, there is a possibility SGC begins to lose some of its market share.
Super interesting comment.
Do you think that Rod Carew rookie card is a good investment long-term?
Hey Ricky, I'm not the professor, but I'd like to answer. I love Rod Carew. 7-8 years ago when I was finishing up my player runs from the 50-70's Rod was certainly on the list. I've never been one to chase after multi player Rookie Cards much. Despite having nice copies of all of carew's cards from 68-75, I never looked for the 67. Same with Seaver. The price points then were out of whack for my enjoyment level.
Today, those cards have done nothing but go up. They are a high number in the last series too to add insult to injury. I'd be really picky and find one that you'll cherish for a lifetime. If you buy it right, it may even be an investment. I'd rather invest in the S & P 500 if it was a pure investment.
@@BringingTheHeat-VBC Great advice. And, Rod Carew was, a great hitter!
I am still thinking about the Cleveland Guardians, that they should be renamed to the Cleveland Indians, or the Cleveland Spiders? Again. I mean Spiders are not offensive? Well, I am still scared of them. I guess they are a bit offensive to me lol. Indians is better.
But spiders, is also better than ''guards.''
🕷🕸 I hate spiders. And, spider webs.
It's interesting that Carew isn't more valuable. He hitting was incredible.
My prediction is everyone is going to get tired of Topps and the mass production of cards ! Junk wax era is back on boys !
I guess we are in a ''junk wax 2.0 era''.
You may be right...
Great video again. For 2025 I see the economy & the sports card market softening due to the new administration being less frivolous than previous.
Also I think the mania within the modern card market is waning. I hope I'm right so I can scoop up some good deals.
Great point!
My 2025 prediction is that the market will continue to see an increase in card grading. I think as a whole, grading is out of control. Way too many low end modern prospects being graded at outrageous rates. I should be saying this trend will reverse, but I don’t think it will. It feels like we are experiencing another junk wax era with all of the modern cards, but people keep buying them. Grading continues to grow month after month. Translation, a lot of people are throwing money away prospecting on modern sports cards. You already used the perfect title for my prediction > “Stop the Madness!” I think it continues. I believe it will eventually hit a wall and a big bust will happen for modern cards, just like in the 1990’s. I think this is many years away now.
As a vintage collector, my prediction probably doesn’t bother you. I am not so sure this is good for vintage. I have noticed that a lot of modern cards don’t show appreciation for history. They don’t have all the stats and fun facts in the cards. They’re not promoting history appreciation. Traditionally, modern collector gravitate to vintage. I think this is still happening some, but not as much as it used to happen.
Let’s all pray my crazy prediction is wrong!!! It would be better for everyone if modern base cards became relevant again.
Thanks for all of your videos!!!
Crazy times in grading...no doubt.
10 hobby predictions:
1). There will be NO SGC Set Registry. Say it ain't so, Joe!
2). Beckett grading will NOT be bought out. BUT it will still have the same ''hobby-relevance,'' that it does now.
3). Pokemon cards will continue to gain traction. Sorry vintage fellas, but it's true.
4). Vintage football and vintage basketball cards. Will continue to remain under appreciated. But a good time to mention, for everyone to vote in Everybody Loves Raymond from Philly Football sport card HOF!
5). Vintage baseball won't see crazy upswings in price, but I think will maintain, their values.
6). I know this is, where the reading stops. The delusion begins. But wrestling cards will see nice gains.
7). There will be at least ONE biopic/documentary Netflix special on a unique player, that will see a nice uptick in their prices, too.
Clemente or Aaron potentially.
8). Hockey, Nascar, Golf, Tennis, etc across the board will have flipping opportunities, but I never could get it right on speed dating.
I think I am the problem.
9). CGC will have the Beckett triangle pointing up. TAG you're it.
10). I said in the beginning, there will be NO set registry for SGC. I think SGC is ''safe'' as the the runner up in the Miss America contest, but I can't be quite sure. Collectors Universe owns PSA, too. And, I have not even mentioned Fanatics. Or ultra-modern.
''So shiny!''
One last thing before I put away the crystal ball, but keeping the crystals. ''Enjoy the hobby!''
Great list.
2025 predictions:
1. More and more Midlife viewers will pare their collections, exchanging quantity for quality in a more intentional way than ever before;
2. Vintage cards in the $20-$250 range will continue to decline in value. SGC slabs will continue to present the better short-term “deals” for collectors; and
3. Vintage stars in high grades (collector-grade +++) will hold value and even rise slightly. PSA slabs will continue to yield more long-term value for high-end vintage cards.
Great analysis. This may spur next week's question...
Fanatics buys Collectors Universe. They want to own it all. They then retire the SGC brand.
🤔
Woah...
I do my own thinking, my new year's resolution was not to spend as much money this year. That lasted two weeks. This year I bought 54 Beara, 58 Dolby, 54 Bowman Hodges, 65 Stargell, 52 weaties Rizzoto, Kinner, 65 Grant,65 twins rookies. 62 post N Fox.
Congrats on your great pickups!
2025 will make it clear the sports card hobby has receded back into the shadows where it’s always been most comfortable. Fanatics will pull out every trick but the gamblers will run dry, setting the stage for a dark age in 2026 when Fanatics monopoly begins. There will still be collectors but less speculation since easy money will be elsewhere.
Yikes. You may be right, but we all hope you're not.
my prediction: I think Jackie Robinson cards will continue to go up more than any other player.
Good prediction.
No argument from me.