Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Terry G. on January 8, 2016 at 5:06pm

I'm not sure I understand why you think investing in a Campanella rookie would be a sound investment. I've not seen nor heard of any new interest in the Brookyln Dodger era that would allow that. In my experience, the interest in that card comes from set collectors more than anyone else. It's been almost 60 years since they left New York, and the majority of their fans are now retired and no longer collecting. I've seen more vintage NY Yankee stuff come on the market in the last few years than ever, a trend I explain by the fact that those who collected the vintage sets as an investment for retirement are now cashing them in. I've seen more "54 Topps sets walk into shows in the last two years than I ever have. I see mantle rookies sitting in showcases, unsold for multiple shows. And it's making many dealers really, really nervous. I know more than one dealer who has flipped all his vintage mantle stuff for Michael Jordan rooks. They share the feeling that this market is more viable long-term than sticking with what has been the norm for almost 30 years now. While I appreciate Campanella and what he did in his short career, I'm just not sure that he is indeed undervalued- I think he is right where he should be but I think that figure drops significantly in the next decade as the last of the baby boomers walk away from the hobby. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Seideman on January 9, 2016 at 10:28am

Thank you, Terry, for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response. The Ken Burns show on Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers will air in April. Lelands did really well with its Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia last night. Writing to you from the heart of the borough where I live, all things Brooklyn are hot right now. I think that with Mantles being out of reach there will be renewed interest. Finally the Brooklyn collectors are not geriatric Brooklynites. Because of movies, pop culture, and Kahns book I think the market will always be strong. Robby and Campy, to a lesser degree, transcend the sport. If you think the whole vintage card market is teetering, that is something to consider. At the shows I've attended, including the National this past summer, business in Mantles and other cards has been very brisk. But I wonder how sustainable it is. David

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Terry G. on January 10, 2016 at 9:35pm

Jaguars cards sell really well here in Jacksonville, should we call for a nation-wide investment in them as well? A silly premise, localized stardom that is inevitably tied to a generation or two. Burns doc won't do anything hobbywise- his baseball doc before did nada. Card set made for that doc tanked hard. Kahns book was written in 1971, you seriously think it has modern influence? People still read?

You're obviously madly in love with Brooklyn and everything Brooklyn, which is fine. But calling for people to invest their hard-earned money in a niche collectible like a Campanella rookie is irresponsible, and poorly researched, IMO. You have nothing concrete upon which to insinuate that it's a sound investment long-term, just assumptions. I do wonder, however, how you made the claim that sales of Mantles at The National were "brisk"? Out of 1000+ tables and nearly as many dealers, how many told you they sold Mantles in volume enough to see a trend? And more importantly, how many of those Mantles were sold to collectors, not other dealers? Mr Mint probably sold 100 Mantles- all to other dealers. Doesn't change investment value a bit.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Seideman on January 12, 2016 at 8:15am

What do you collect, Terry?

David 

• ▶ Reply