10K Card Journey

  • The Joys of Collecting: Discovering the Stories Behind Historic Cards

    One of the most rewarding parts of collecting has been discovering the stories behind historic cards. Researching cards like the 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth has transformed them from simple collectibles into pieces of sports history, adding depth and meaning to my collection and making the hobby truly unforgettable.

  • Card Grading Factors: What Collectors Need to Know

    When it comes to grading cards, four main factors-centering, corners, edges, and surface-determine both the grade and market value. Centering and corners are especially critical for vintage cards, as they drive eye appeal and collector demand. While all four factors matter, collectors often pay a premium for cards with strong centering and sharp corners, even…

  • My First (and Only?) Experience entering a Card Break

    If you’ve ever been curious about joining a card break on Fanatics Live, here’s what to expect. I only participated because I had a $125 Fanatics Live credit from my PSA Collectors Club Premium membership. The break I joined with Filthbomb Breaks was entertaining but highlighted the gambling-like nature of most breaks-long sales pitches, low…

  • Recent Pickups: 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth (PSA 4.5)

    The 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth is an affordable, eye-catching card from Ruth’s playing days that I recently added to my collection for $900. With strong centering and vintage appeal, it’s a card I plan to hold long-term, hoping to see continued growth in value as demand for pre-war baseball cards rises.

  • Why I Lost an eBay Auction Despite Having a Higher Max Bid than the Sale Price

    If you’ve ever lost an eBay auction despite bidding higher than the final price, you’re not alone. This article explains how eBay’s proxy bidding and bid increment rules work, why your bid may not be accepted, and practical tips to avoid missing out on future auctions—even when sniping at the last second.

  • The Full History: 1941 Play Ball Ted Williams

    The 1941 Play Ball Ted Williams card is a hobby icon, commemorating Williams’ legendary .406 season and marking the end of pre-war baseball cards. While not as rare as his rookie, high-grade copies are scarce and expensive. Its enduring popularity makes it a must-have for vintage collectors and baseball fans alike

  • Arena Club Auctions: My Experience Selling Cards

    I tested Arena Club’s auction feature by selling three graded cards. The process was simple, payment was fast, and no shipping was required—ownership transfers on the blockchain. While fees are still 10%, Arena Club is especially useful for selling Arena Club graded cards, which can be tough to move elsewhere.

  • The Future of Sports Card Collecting: Lower Fees Ahead?

    Despite major innovations in the sports card hobby, selling fees remain high—often exceeding 10%. This article explores how technology, from digital-physical integration to improved shipping and virtual experiences, could drive fees down over time, making collecting more accessible and potentially increasing the appeal and value of physical cards.

  • The Full History: 1932 Sanella Babe Ruth

    The 1932 Sanella Babe Ruth card, issued in Germany during his playing days, offers collectors an affordable entry point into vintage Ruth cards. While not as prestigious as his 1933 Goudey or 1948 Leaf, its historical significance and international origins make it appealing—though its high supply and photograph-like design may deter some.

  • Navigating eBay: From Purchase to Authentication to Vaulting

    Buying sports cards online can be a multi-step process, especially for high-value cards. From negotiating prices on eBay to navigating authentication and secure storage in the PSA Vault, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s my experience going through this journey and the lessons I learned along the way.