The Fading Appeal for Game-Used Jersey Cards
I quickly want to say welcome back to all who went to the National in Chicago! From all accounts, I've heard it was amazing. I didn't have the chance to go but I'm not mad that you got to go. Just jealous.
OK, now I'm mad.
I'd never consider myself an “expert" when it comes to collecting, or anything else for that matter. Most of the time I can barely tell you what I had for dinner the night before. But there is something I'm hearing more and more in our hobby. It's the phrase, “just a jersey." I wouldn't say it bothers me, but I do wonder why even I get cynical when I pull one.
You know what I am talking about: the Jersey Card.
It's a simple concept: put a piece of a game-worn jersey on a trading card. And it used to work.
The collectors universe is constantly evolving and I try to keep up. But when did the jersey card become a throwaway? I know, it's not a twelve-color patch with stitching numbered -1/-1 or an HD video platinum auto quad super-duper striped patch insert card (though that would be awesome).
Have we become that spoiled? I am speaking of myself too. I find myself rolling right past the plain swatches, looking instead to pull the card that shoots out a magical beam of light into the heavens.
I've asked many people at my local hobby shop, "What do you think about jersey cards?" The answer is a resounding, "Eh, whatever."
What is the real reason behind this feeling? Could it be that there isn't much monetary value because eBay says so? Or, is it the fault of the card companies enticing us with their “golden tickets" as if we were living in a collector's fantasy Wonkaland? 2010-11 Panini Gold Standard Basketball has real 14k gold embedded in cards. How can a jersey card keep up with that kind of pressure?!?
Listen, I'm not afraid to say I don't know why the jersey card has lost its mojo. I know many people believe that manufacturers shouldn't even include a jersey card as a guaranteed hit for any product. I get it. The modern sports card continues to evolve, which is a great thing. But we may have lost the simplicity and charm of where the hobby started: a pack of cards and a stick of gum.
It was that simple. And for decades that was enough. In it's plainest form, the jersey card can also be boiled down to a similar simplicity. But, perhaps, it's time to move on.
P.S. If you have any jersey cards hanging around collecting dust, send them to me. I just picked up cross-stitching and could use the material!
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mark | Aug 13, 2011 | Reply
i do agree with you on this one. opening up a box or box break on you tube i do not want another jersey hit. give me an auto anyday. i think the whole sp idea is killing the hobby. and putting a set together today forget it. as a set builder the sps kill me
thx mark
blevins26 | Aug 13, 2011 | Reply
I think it’s time we step back from Backett values, Ebay, and short print autos and remember why most of us collect–to feel closer to the sport and its players.
A jersey card’s “value” is that it came directly from the player/game. That’s a pretty cool thing when you stop and think about it.
Mike Smeth | Aug 14, 2011 | Reply
blevins26 (ID 24993) » Good point, but I personally would much rather then left the jerseys intact. Companies are literally destroying historical artifacts to put little pieces of them in cards. If anything I think they should give full jerseys away instead via redemption cards.
Jeff | Aug 15, 2011 | Reply
I believe that is the next step to our collecting. Problem is with giving away the entire jersey..it will be a 1/1 redemption card. And we all know how we love redemptions.
Kenny | Aug 16, 2011 | Reply
Maybe the manufacturers should save the jersey cards for the least expensive packs (for the kids who will enjoy them) and the multi-colored patches for the higher end products. As far as giving away full size jerseys, Just Minors have already done that with the actual jersey in the box. Another great article Brad!
Joe | Aug 21, 2011 | Reply
I’m using my latest pull for the Ryan Dempster voodoo doll I’m working on.
Mike Smeth | Aug 24, 2011 | Reply
Ha ha, +1 for Joe
Remington Herceles | Oct 23, 2011 | Reply
I am 13 and my brother and I have been collecting for about 5 years. I completely agree with what Joe said because I really don’t care what the hit I get is, I would just love to have more hits.
Remington Herceles | Oct 23, 2011 | Reply
I meant Kenny
not Joe but haha Joe