Nonsense Newsletter No. 102: The MLB's top 50 (part 1), A note to hockey hobby lovers, Topps Gilded and more!
Sponsored by SGC Cards gosgc.com
Today we offer up another incredible edition of the Nonsense Newsletter, feature the styling of John Dudley navigating his way through the MLB’s top 50. I, on the other hand, issue a passive warning to those who love the hockey hobby. And if that wasn’t enough, we’re going to dive into a Quick Hits section that will leave you satisfied and happy. So let’s dig right into this week’s edition of the Nonsense Newsletter!
Contributor: John Dudley
The playoffs are still raging, but with the Braves out this biased observer has already swapped over to postseason collecting mode. That means getting a handle on how each player is situated in the hobby. One of the big things I’ve wanted to tackle for a while is ranking the top 50 biggest names in the baseball card-collecting world. So, for my 100th column, that’s what I’m doing.
These aren’t the hottest, or necessarily the best, baseball players (although there is a lot of overlap with those things) but rather the players that are most important to the hobby and collecting world. You’ll notice the list skews young, but that’s how collectors collect.Â
Let’s talk about who you won’t find on the list. I omitted prospects and players who have not had significant playing time at the MLB level, but there are plenty that would be rated highly if included. I left them off as their hobby fate is just too nebulous. The veteran players on this list tend to be those on a solid path to the HOF as that’s where the bulk of hobby value comes from with baseball. That means a lot of great veteran players like Marcus Semien or Dansby Swanson don’t make the cut on a hobby list in favor of younger players with more hype. Finally, the list is harsh towards pitchers, but so is the hobby.
Contributor: John McTaggart
For a very long time now I’ve dedicated much of this space to professing my love for the sport of hockey, and more specifically, the hockey hobby.
I’ve used all kinds of examples as to why many of those who turn their nose up at the frigid game should reconsider.
I’ve spoken with some of the hobby’s biggest hockey collectors.
I’ve run a few numbers across these pages as well, dazzling all of you with the growth potential of the hockey hobby.
I’ve even broken my own unwritten rule of giving investment advice and made a few suggestions regarding which young gun prospect (hockey people will get this reference) should be given a deep-dive into in terms of potential returns (see the article I did on Matty Beniers before the season got underway).
Quick Hits
Hobby News- One of the hobby’s biggest new products got its sophomore release this week. Look for Topps Gilded to bring back some of the best-looking cards in the hobby along with a few new bells and whistles. It’s a product made for breaking so be sure to check the app so you don’t miss out.
Vintage- If you’re into odd-ball football cards, then be sure to check out the 1976 Popsicle Football release featured in this article. It’s one of the more unusual offerings to the hobby, and undoubtedly will appeal to the collector who loves these kinds of things. For more, click here.
Pop Culture News- Leaf Pop Century has quickly become the biggest pop culture release each year and now Leaf is rolling out a swankier version. Leaf Pop Century Decadence offers a stellar checklist and three autographed cards per box. With a name like Decadence, you know it is pricey, but each card is numbered to ten or less and each box includes at least one multi-signed card.Â
Hobby News- The response to Topps Update this year has been tepid, but the Halloween parallels are drawing interest. There are a variety of Halloween inserts that all seem to be fairly difficult to pull. The Orioles rookies have especially nice cards as the orange and black theme makes for some of the coolest color matches in a while.
The Sports Card Nonsense newsletters reflect the opinions of only the authors and contributors. They are for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation for purchases or of an investment strategy or to buy or sell any assets.