The Weekly Rip 1.26.25 [Player Collecting]
I explore my evolution with my personal collecting. A move away from player collecting. A move towards collecting projects.
A big thank you to the Card Ladder team for being the official data sponsor of Stacking Slabs. Card Ladder makes me a better creator and collector. If you’re looking to make more data-driven collecting decisions make sure you give the app a spin.
The Weekly Rip
Your Stacking Slabs Sunday Update
January 26, 2025
Falling Out of Player Collecting and Maturing Into Projects
One of the biggest challenges in collecting sports cards is figuring out what works for you and what does not. It takes time to learn what you enjoy and what feels like a distraction. Part of the process is letting go of approaches that no longer bring excitement or satisfaction and being open to evolving into something new.
When I look back on my journey as a collector, I see a series of chapters. Each one felt important in its time, but eventually, I would outgrow it and move on to the next. Recently, I had one of the most significant shifts in my collecting. I realized that being a player collector no longer works for me.
This was not an easy realization. Like most collectors, I started out chasing players. It made sense. Player collecting is straightforward, personal, and incredibly rewarding for a lot of people. For years, my focus was on players like Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. These two have been cornerstones of my collection, and I still have a deep appreciation for them. But as I reflected on my collecting habits, I realized that something was missing.
The inconsistency of player collecting began to bother me. A player’s catalog is vast, and it often felt like I was chasing cards that did not fit together. The excitement of acquiring something new was always fleeting because the collection lacked cohesion. I also found myself valuing the team more than any individual player. The team’s legacy felt bigger, more meaningful, and more aligned with what I wanted my collection to represent.
Over time, I found myself drawn to collecting projects instead. These projects gave me a sense of purpose that player collecting never quite did. Whether it was chasing a specific parallel, focusing on a single era, or building out a product line, projects brought consistency and excitement to my collecting. They gave me a clear direction and a way to build something that felt intentional and complete.
What I have come to value most about project collecting is the satisfaction of finding the missing pieces. There is nothing reactive about it. I am not scrolling through marketplaces waiting for something to grab my attention. I know what I am looking for, and every acquisition feels like a deliberate step forward. It is like putting together a puzzle where every piece belongs.
I want to be clear that there is nothing wrong with player collecting. For most people, it is their starting point, and for many, it is where they stay. It is a deeply personal way to connect with the players who have impacted them the most. I still collect Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning cards, but prioritize projects. The difference is that I no longer feel the need to chase every card with their name on it. It does not excite me the way it used to.
This shift in my collecting has been freeing. It has given me a new perspective on what brings me joy in the hobby. The projects I pursue now align with what I care about most. They give me the consistency and structure I was missing as a player collector.
If you are feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your collecting, it might be time to reevaluate what you are chasing. Are you collecting out of habit, or are you collecting with intention? What excites you about the hobby today, and how can you focus more on that?
Growth as a collector is not about following trends or doing what others think you should do. It is about being honest with yourself and making choices that maximize your enjoyment.
What is driving your collecting right now? Are you where you want to be, or is it time to turn the page?
SSP Exclusive Offers For You
I’m working with the PSA team to extend more offers to my audience. We’re kicking off the promotion by giving any first time PSA submitters a $25 discount on your first order. Take advantage of the promotion by using promo code SSP25 on your first submission today.
Joining the Stacking Slabs Patreon is The Best Way to Show Your Support
Collectors are joining Stacking Slabs Patreon to consume exclusive content, connect with other collectors, and promote their cards. I’m putting out new collector focused content in the group on a daily basis and it’s the hub for all of SSP’s video content. If you’re enjoying what I’m putting out on the main feeds check out what the group has to offer. I appreciate your attention and commitment to helping grow the damn brand. Join Today
It’s fun to see the reaction for series like Card Ladder Confidential in a scaled down setting before it goes live on the big stage. A perk of joining the Patreon community is video recordings of each episode 24 hours before it goes live on the main feed. I’m very fortunate to have passionate collectors who help drive the community every day.
Auction to Follow
One of the benefits of joining the Patreon community is access to auction coverage through SSP channels. The best part about this on my side is that I get to see so many amazing cards right as they’re hitting the open market. This week is no different.
1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair Series A BGS 9.5
I featured the Flair 82 All Stars on this week’s episode of Auction Talk. The 1982 All Stars are revered by vintage wrestling card collectors. Many appreciate the first appearances of many legends that we grew up watching. The Flair is a pop 13 and only a pop 3 in a True Gem grade.
Check out the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair BGS 9.5
A Collector To Follow
I’ve never seen another collector so focused and niched down like @hachicards. His passion behind the Lakers shines through his page, but what’s most important is his consistency. A master of cohesion, @hachicards has created a collection of Lakers’ Nebula cards across various products. You can take a couple scrolls of his page and understand the history of the Nebula pretty damn quickly. Not easy to do.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your support and passion for Stacking Slabs.
Take care,
Brett