Saving Up For "Big" Cards and Why PSA Remains The King of Grading!! MidLife's Midweek Q & A!!

Рет қаралды 1,898

Күн бұрын

Great questions yet again in this week's MidLife Midweek Q & A episode. We discuss topics, which include: why PSA remains on top of the grading world, saving up for bigger cards, and keeping up with the Joneses of the collecting world. If you're saving up to buy a Wilt Chamberlain rookie card or a T206 Christy Mathewson, there are lots of decisions to be made along the way. If you have a question for an upcoming episode, don't hesitate to ask them in the comments of this video.
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
TikTok: @MidLifeCards
Email me at: MidLifeCards@gmail.com
#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.

Пікірлер: 105

@Lyrici17 10 күн бұрын

I loved your "MidLife is a mentality" answer. Probably because I totally agree, lol. I am around the age one might start applying the "MidLife" label to me, but I don't mentally feel anywhere near that... Love your channel, first time commenting. Just recently, within the last few months, gotten back into baseball card collecting, and have appreciated your videos.... Thanks!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Thanks so much. I really appreciate the kind words.

@willg.2045 9 күн бұрын

Great video as always, Graig. Here's a short question which hopefully you haven't answered before: what is the most meaningful card in your collection? Be "meaningful" I mean a card that has a personal value to you beyond its market value because of how you obtained it or for some other personal (but shareable!) reason. For example, one of the most meaningful cards in my collection is my 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr rookie that my Dad unexpectedly got for me after I underwent minor surgery when I was a ten year old. It booked for like $10 at the time and I never thought I would be able to afford one, and I was flabbergasted to get one that day.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Great question. I'll add it to the list.

@jeffecklund6487 10 күн бұрын

Fyi- 1991 Skybox Basketball #44 Scottie Pippen pictures him on the back of the card with his 2 dogs! Love your Channel. My dog- Abby is 15 and her life is winding down. Peace.🙂

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

@returntocollecting 11 күн бұрын

100% agree with you. When your situation changes, so does your hobby spend. You're doing better (congrats, thats awesome) and buying more cards. If I am a bad influence, please let me know... 🤣. Enjoyed your thoughts on that one and the other questions. I do like the Latelife question, that's funny!!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

You're a great influence on me.

@mikewrobel2881 11 күн бұрын

Politics is a good analogy to professional graders. We only have two real choices or can just ignore.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Exactly.

@Jeremy-VintageCardsPc 9 күн бұрын

Hi Graig, Hope you and the family had a nice 4th! I said I would start to participate more in the Community and thank you for encouraging me several times. Here is my question… Minus your Strongsville amazing find/deal, would you if you could take back all the card purchases over the past year, or several to have again in your budget for the upcoming national? -Jeremy

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Great question Jeremy!! Thanks for asking. I'll add it to the list!!

@PeepsWaxPacks 11 күн бұрын

Always interesting to hear questions from the community, and you address them very well! Nice job!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!!

@tonyleebrick9050 11 күн бұрын

I think it is crazy that people think it is ok to try and pigeon hole you into a box of why you collect what you collect and how you collect it. LOL. I don’t think you even owed that person an explanation. Keep doing you!! That’s the joy of collecting

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Thanks my friend.

@BraydonMedlin 11 күн бұрын

Hi Greg thanks so much for answering my question very helpful way to think about this decision. The analogy of a house makes a lot of sense and agree it's much more fun to participate now and look to package together something later for the grail card. Also appreciate the candid response on value makes a lot of sense. Thanks again for your time!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Absolutely!

@mookiechillson 11 күн бұрын

This was a tour-de-force Q/A dude. A great example of why I plan on being Midlife until Endlife.

@brentrichards4699 11 күн бұрын

MidLife 4-Ever

@VintageSouthpaw 11 күн бұрын

What a great tattoo idea! Picture of The Rocket with that on his bloody sock, perfection 😆

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Mookie Comments > All Others

@ACD1994 7 күн бұрын

@@MidLifeCards Yep. That's why he's in the KZfaq commenter wing of the HOF.

@MiguelSanchez-xn3vv 10 күн бұрын

Thanks for another great video! Here’s my question from last week again. I have a question about the “hall of very good” and its place in the hobby. A lot of collectors focus on the cards of hall of famers, and it obviously makes sense because these were typically the best players and, thus, are more likely to be popular/collectable. Does this trend or habit prevent many of us from enjoying some awesome cards of some very awesome players who just weren’t great enough to be in the hof? Do you collect any cards of players in the hall of very good? I know you’ve mentioned Tommy John and Tiant, but you have hopes that they’ll be in the hof someday. Any players you collect knowing they will never make it to Cooperstown? My personal favorite is Fernando Valenzuela Thanks!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Great question. Thanks for taking the time to ask it!!

@jamesmcferran4938 10 күн бұрын

Graig I failed to say I currently refuse to have any of my raw cards graded until there is better clarity with the future of card grading and grading companies. After my last several debacles with PSA, I simply cannot give them any more of my money. I am considering SGC as a last resort… but only for authentication. As I stated earlier, unlike the restaurant or other service industries, there are simply no reasonable choices at the moment. But maybe AI will change all of that…

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

That's fair. AI will be interesting to see how things change.

@tonyleebrick9050 11 күн бұрын

Do you think the MLB the Show video game is going to help be a gateway to baseball history and ultimately vintage cards? Every generation is taught differently as you are very aware being a teacher. I have heard, I have never played, the game allows players to use golden era baseball players. The players are able to gain points to ultimately purchase “cards”. I even saw the director of the negro league baseball museum say on the Rickwood national game telecast that younger kids are coming in with a knowledge of the negro leagues because of playing that game. They are able to choose negro league stars to play on their teams. I thought that was extremely cool and gave me hope that the baseball history I love so much will live on in future generations.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I think that's a great question. I don't have MLB the Show, but what you're saying makes a lot of sense.

@chrisolivo6591 11 күн бұрын

I will never understand why people specifically collect with the only thought of passing them down to a family member. What i mean is the idea of passing them down turns out to be the sole influencer on what cards to buy. The person in your Q&A who doesn’t want to buy any cards for 18 months just so he can buy a Wilt rookie to pass down someday. What kind of fun is that? Does anyone collect for themselves anymore? Does anyone think of the present anymore when buying a card or cards to please you? We all have a person we’d like to pass on our collection to someday as I’m not arguing that point. I buy cards that appeal to me and me only. I’m in this hobby for the fun of it and the person i pass them onto someday can worry about the value of them. I would say if the person who is buying a Wilt rookie is so worried about the value down the road for that person who is going to inherit it. Put the $$$ in an IRA for them as it’s a much smarter financial decision. Then collect what YOU like.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I'm assuming these questions are rhetorical. But, you make some great points.

@bp6614 10 күн бұрын

Question for next week: What are your opinions about some of the banned players in baseball? Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe, the rest of the Black Sox? Should they be in the HOF/reinstated? To keep it about cards, what are some of your favorites of these guys? How do you think baseball should police this in the future with sports gambling becoming ubiquitous in culture?

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I've talked about this some in the past, but I'd be happy to go over my thoughts on it again soon. Thanks for taking the time to ask.

@mikewrobel2881 11 күн бұрын

Collect what you like.... *as long as others also like 'em, because you may want to sell them?

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

No doubt that others wanting and liking them will matter when it's time to sell.

@mikewrobel2881 11 күн бұрын

Enjoy the journey, but remember you'll only be left with the destination.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

True!!

@billyballgamesportscards 11 күн бұрын

Action packed Q and A this week, Graig. The questions ran the gambit! Well done, my friend.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Thanks amigo.

@bobwhite4671 11 күн бұрын

Excellent advice as always, as far as politics though, incumbent candidates have a huge advantage. They have name recognition, they have money and political friends helping them. You can vote a bad candidate out but lots of time it is next to impossible, I could list politicians who should have been voted out for poor performance but are not unfortunately.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Well said.

@brentrichards4699 11 күн бұрын

Agree 100% on the hobby and especially with friends like you. Much needed and appreciated. ❤

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Likewise, Brent.

@Hodges1455 11 күн бұрын

Gave a video like. Always enjoy these. Thanks for sharing

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Thanks!!

@cryptonite8495 11 күн бұрын

Here's a question: Why do sellers put "Set Break!" in the title of their eBay listings, as if that makes the card more desirable somehow. Who cares? Even if true, it doesn't make the card more valuable. I consigned 14 cards with Greg Morris and every one said "Set Break" in the title. Precisely zero were from a set break. Maybe I am misunderstanding the term.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

LOL. Good question. I'll add this to the list.

@johnbaranzelli3090 11 күн бұрын

Miss 4th of July at Rancho Murrieta! What a great place to celebrate the 4th, lots of fond memories.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

It's always fun but always hot.

@ACollectorsDream 11 күн бұрын

Awesome advice, always appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thanks again for sharing

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I appreciate you my friend.

@mikewrobel2881 11 күн бұрын

You can rent before you buy.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

But if prices are going up faster than you can save, you'll never save enough.

@mjcollector1million 11 күн бұрын

Love the rant on PSA. Nothing is going to change as long as they’re getting 1M cards a month. Same thing with hobby box prices. If people would stop buying at the high prices, prices would go down

@jeffkoll4002 11 күн бұрын

Truth!!!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Exactly.

@topps5761 11 күн бұрын

Question: Do you have any card storage suggestions that maybe a lot of us are not familiar with? I have a couple of examples that I’ve learned about from other collectors. One is to add a strip of rough duct tape to the bottom of the interior of card boxes to keep cards from sliding when the row is not near full. Another was to cut off the top corner of penny sleeves to keep rough card corners from catching on the penny sleeve and further damaging the card. Since doing this I’ve found companies like Shellz that offer pre-cut sleeves. I’d love to learn from other collectors any “hacks” like these if they’d like to share. Thanks!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I'll be totally honest. I don't. I'm super simple and use the same 2 row boxes I've been using for 35 years. I wish I had something to offer, but I don't.

@markstein1916 11 күн бұрын

I'll ask my question one final time... Graig, do you have a display room, or have your collection on display in some way? If so, would love to see! Or is it all just socked away in binders, boxes, etc. Lastly, do you collect only cards, or do you branch out into other memorabilia such as autographs, photos, pennants, tickets, game-used equipment, etc. Thanks!

@Politano1955 11 күн бұрын

He showed his display room in one of his videos not long ago.

@markstein1916 11 күн бұрын

@@Politano1955 Oops... I missed that one. Semi-recent subscriber here. I'll go back and see if I can find it, but there's certainly no shortage of videos to weed through. Think I'm gonna need some luck to find it. Graig, if you're reading... never mind! Thanks.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I was never trying to ignore you, but didn't use this one because I used it recently. I do have a lot of autos. Some on balls and many on cards. I don't collect too many photos. But, I also collect some ticket stubs as well.

@ACD1994 10 күн бұрын

Hi, Graig. What are your thoughts on eBay's Authenticity Guarantee? Where if a card that's already graded, and is priced at $250 dollars or more, it then goes to an authenticator, who determines if the person or persons, that had already graded the card, were correct? I've seen some sellers who maybe deliberately? list an item, for $249.99, which is technically under the $250 threshold. If I remember correctly, however Ryan, of breakout cards in one of his videos said that dealers who sell at shows should go through the slab authentication process, too. I don't really understand if the card, was already graded, but maybe I am missing something.....

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Good question. I'll use this one soon.

@ACD1994 6 күн бұрын

@@MidLifeCards Thank you :]

@StarHuddle77 11 күн бұрын

I'm 52 so I can appreciate the stress cracks that PSA is experiencing.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

LOL

@schmoedanz7809 11 күн бұрын

God bless my friend.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Same to you!!

@davidlapointe7446 10 күн бұрын

Yeah but at least there is no humidity lol.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Less humidity. Depends on the time of year.

@user-qb6vi4cv2c 11 күн бұрын

@jamesmcferran question is the same thing I have been asking. Where are the standards? Just what people are paying for cards graded by the different graders is not a valid benchmark mark.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

They need to tighten up their grading rubric.

@user-qb6vi4cv2c 6 күн бұрын

@@MidLifeCards If you are referring to the staged advertisement that was put on by HQ, it’s more than tightening up. Seriously hobbies are relaxing and enjoyment. They are not investment vehicles. Granted one might want a card very bad and are willing to let go of some of their cards in trade or even sell to be able to acquire. But to base your retirement on your hobby is ridiculous. Grading companies could care less about your cards they are in the market to grade cards. How does one know your card is a 10 or a 5 because they tell you it is. Watch a reveal. Listen to all the praise for grader when you get a 10 then listen for the cracking of plastic if 8 or 9 is given. Money has always been part of hobby but these days it has made this hobby unbearable. Being 75 I have come from hardly ever collecting when I was ten, to never while I in high school and college. Was only because of an athletic injury that I started collecting to fill a void . I am beginning to think( should have done this years ago) there are better things to fill my time and save money. Have great day.

@CarlJohnson5342 8 күн бұрын

Question: I could be wrong but why aren’t you involved in any of the major Facebook vintage card groups? I never see you interact or buy/sell cards in any of the vintage groups? Is there a reason?

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I was on Facebook years ago. But, it was negative so I quit. I recently setup an account specifically for all of the facebook card groups. I haven't posted anything yet, but I am on several.

@TuckersVintageBaseball 11 күн бұрын

Question for whenever: I predominantly collect Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Lou Gehrig. Outside of those three it’s just PC stuff for my Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldog collection. Should I attend Strongsville or the National next year?

@rockcundiff1761 11 күн бұрын

Have any Jackie stuff to sell? He's all I collect

@ACD1994 11 күн бұрын

Unlikely Strongsville will have much ATL cards. All of the videos I watched seemed to enjoy Strongsville though, it would probably be more enjoyable if you were meeting up with people. Those are 3 great names, but you should be able to pick up at least 2 of those 3...maybe even all 3 at any card show, which sells vintage cards. Chantilly could be an option for you, too.

@returntocollecting 11 күн бұрын

Jackie, Hank, and Lou are all very available at both Strongsville and the National. Strongsville is more of a meet up and less crowded. The National has a much more robust inventory.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Great question. I'll add this to the list.

@cineM4RL 11 күн бұрын

Question: What is one to do with “junk slabs” returned from submissions to PSA? I recently submitted some 1988 Fleer basketball cards from a box I broke for fun. I sent the ones that looked really really good to me and, for instance, got back a 10, two 9s, and a 5 from four duplicate cards that seemed identical to me to fresh from the pack. What do I do with the dud that apparently isn’t worth keeping or selling? Throw it away? Take it to Goodwill? Other?

@rockcundiff1761 11 күн бұрын

I take mine to the card shop and let them give to kids

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Good question. I'll add this one to the list. Thanks!!

@StarHuddle77 11 күн бұрын

I changed 5 years ago when I realized how much better vintage looks in a SGC slab. The better customer service, turnaround times and often lower selling price vs PSA were just cherry. I switched solely on aesthetics and display preferences.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

SGC is doing a LOT right.

@larrygitlin6017 11 күн бұрын

I really enjoyed this question and answer session I did not know and it is amazing to me that SGC will not be grading at the National. Obviously a decision made by PSA and Collectors Universe sadly not surprisingly.We have given too much money and power to the grading companies especially to PSA. It is outrageous how people hate Congress but think their own representative is a the cats meow. The hobby is an escape for me also but the outside political world and the scary changes lately in our country due to some major rulings are hard to ignore and are very depressing.By the way who can keep up with Darren? Though I am 76 the mind has never changed and I am a Midlifer.Thank you for all you do as I look forward to every video and they have enhanced my love of the hobby. Your the best!

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I appreciate you my friend.

@jamesmcferran4938 11 күн бұрын

Graig, thank you for the posting of my comments on PSA, etc. I did not like your analogy with respect to the food poisoning at the same restaurant… yet time and time again going to the same restaurant. In the restaurant business, he have a plethora of EXCELLENT choices. When it comes to card grading companies, who besides PSA or SGC do we truly have to rely upon? Beckett or CGC, which I know you do not care for…or the proverbial rest of the batch of newby unproven/untested candidates? This is an absolute monopoly by PSA…and that is why your comparison is not valid. I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE beyond Collectors Universe and that is indeed a travesty. Our country was founded with freedom of choice but in this case, what choice does anyone truly have? I do look forward to meeting you personally one day and show the highly questionable grades PSA has given to significant cards in my collection. Seeing is believing. I will be at next year’s National in Chicago so I will keep my fingers crossed. In the meantime keep up with the great work! I love your programs and you are very thorough in your commentary. I appreciate all that you continue to do!!! Take care!

@Ecohoneybear 11 күн бұрын

I started using CGC (back when it was CSG) and I haven’t looked back. I’ve always had great experiences and I’m happy that they have a registry. The lack of registry is what eventually made me drop SGC.

@ACD1994 10 күн бұрын

@@Ecohoneybear I didn't even know CSG has a set registry. Interesting. But good to know.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I get that. Fair point.

@Politano1955 11 күн бұрын

Future question: You go to an estate sale of an elderly family friend that is selling off all her late husbands items. You come across a bankers box full of nothing but hundreds and hundreds of pre-war baseball cards worth thousands and maybe more. After getting over the excitement of finding this once in a lifetime treasure,, you calmly ask her how much for the box and she says she knows absolutely nothing about cards or their values and ask you if $20 is fair. Because she is a family friend and needs the money, are you and your conscience honest with her and tell her what a gold mine she has, or do you keep quiet and just take the box for $20 and run.

@jude999 11 күн бұрын

Giver her a fair price for your find.

@ACD1994 11 күн бұрын

I feel like this question keeps coming up every month, lol. Just phrased in a different way.

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

There was a somewhat similar question recently, but it had some differences. But, I'll add this to the list. Thanks.

@schmoedanz7809 11 күн бұрын

Turn the TV off and dive into your faith also will help escape. I love the hobby as well but need to check myself sometimes to make sure I don't go overboard. Peace brother

@StraightRaceCards 11 күн бұрын

Hey man- that’s a great point… how have you navigated that well? Would love some more wisdom from believers on how they merge faith with their collecting journey

@schmoedanz7809 11 күн бұрын

@StraightRaceCards I'm a vintage collector, I just try and not let my collecting get bigger than my God and my family. I love the history of the game so collect mostly vintage baseball. Just like anything, you never want to put anything above God or family. Hope that was a little helpful, pray about it. God bless

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

I can't disagree with that.

@markstein1916 11 күн бұрын

The name that PSA created for their cracked slabs was "flow lines", haha. They must've hired a politician to think up that one. Excellent comparison of peoples' unwavering support for PSA to those who can't connect the dots between their voting and the negative conditions that result (yet continue to vote the same way).

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

Flow lines. What a joke.

@brentrichards4699 11 күн бұрын

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result from PSA lol

@MidLifeCards 7 күн бұрын

TRUTH!!