Nostalgic Wax: Youthful Pursuit

Like many, I recently got the urge to get back into a hobby that once made me very happy - collecting baseball (and some football) cards.

When I was 9 to about 13, nothing made me happier than opening a pack of baseball cards. My parents got me started by gifting me with several packs of 1978 cards. I was hooked and that set remains the one I love the most. I collected cards through 1983.

And now I'm back.

The other day, I decided to search the world of blogs to find out who - if anyone - is writing about baseball cards. As it turns out, many people are - and many are doing it well. Nice surprise.

I'm learning a lot as I jump back into this. I bought a bunch of Topps 2010 last year and now have ventured into 2011. I've read a lot of critics of Topps, as well as those who like the recent sets (which I do). Topps remains my favorite. Old habits.

Now, having not planned my purchases in a fiscally responsible way, I hope to find some good trade partners. It's a far cry from trading on the school bus - but maybe it'll do.

Speaking of trades on the bus, I once traded a kid four football cards (I don't recall who they were) for a Walter Payton I liked. Turns out it was Payton's rookie card. Neither of us knew any better. It wasn't mint then, but the condition hasn't changed since I got it - probably about 1980.

I display that one, with a few select others, proudly.

As for my plans, ultimately I'll probably narrow my collecting focus to players from my favorite teams - Reds, Tigers, Steelers, among a few - and certain players I like. We'll see.