The Weekly Rip 3.31.24 [Nostalgia is a Hell of a Drug]
We explore the power of nostalgia and how it influences the cards that enter our collections.
Shout out to Port City Sports Collectibles for their partnership with Stacking Slabs. I’m a big believer in the importance of the role of the hobby shop in 2024 and beyond. We’ll be hosting another Hobby Shop Talk with Jamison Long, Owner at Port City Sports Collectibles this Tuesday, April 2nd. In the meantime, make sure you follow Port City Sports Collectibles on Instagram and check out their website for any of your wax needs.
Happy Easter!
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.
A few days ago I was struck with a heavy dose of nostalgia. The feeling was so strong I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I decided to do what I do best grab a microphone and record a quick episode for my Patreon community on the feeling. Nostalgia is one of the most powerful forces that we face as collectors. The moment that nostalgia hits is the exact moment that we get lost. It’s an escape from reality that is really hard to describe or quantify. Nostalgia isn’t something that the mainstream hobby is selling you. Nostalgia can’t be manufactured. Nostalgia is one of the purest driving forces that helps guide us to our most significant purchases as collectors.
Here’s a breakdown at how quickly I sunk into a sea of nostalgia this week:
This tweet about the CHUCKSTRONG game in 2012 came across my timeline. This game was significant because the Colts were playing for their Coach Chuck Pagano who just got diagnosed with leukemia. It was Andrew Luck’s rookie season and they had no business beating the Packers, but did in miraculous fashion. I was at the game that day and it was the single moment that made me fall in love with Andrew Luck.
I began to investigate Luck’s rookie year and was reminded that he had 7 fourth quarter comebacks in that season. He was a magician. He was our magician. When I began to think about those comebacks I started to remember where I was at in watching all of those games. I was either with family at Lucas Oil Stadium or I was with friends watching the games when they were on the road.
I recalled being in the same apartment that I proposed to my wife on December 2, 2012 with a house full of my best friends. The Colts were getting abused by the Lions at Ford Field. In true Luck fashion the Colts beat the Lions at the final buzzer with a quick scramble and toss to Donnie Avery.
The wave of emotion went from complete disappointment to absolute pandemonium. I remember jumping on my couch and beer literally dripping from the ceiling that day. The nostalgia that I got from thinking about Andrew Luck’s rookie season sunk its teeth in me this week and hasn’t let go yet.
So, what’s this have to do with cards?
It has everything to do with cards.
This moment of nostalgia helped me justify a purchase for a 2012 Prizm Donnie Avery Prizm Gold /10 PSA 9 this week. That feeling of nostalgia was so strong it made that purchase made sense to me. Also, it confirmed my commitment to building out the entire 2012 Prizm Gold Indianapolis Team Set. Once I complete this project I’ll pull it out of my case and relive many more moments like I did last week.
Nostalgia is everything when it comes to collecting sports cards.
It’s the catalyst for our collecting.
It’s the levee that let’s our most important memories with sports come flooding in.
Nostalgia is natural. It’s our connection to our collection.
Don’t deny it. Enjoy the ride.
A big thank you to the Card Ladder team for being the official data sponsor of Stacking Slabs. Their team and product is amazing. If you’re looking to make more data driven collecting decisions make sure you check out Card Ladder.
Speaking of nostalgia, earlier this week Nic (@thewharfportscards) and I discussed the entire Dennis Rodman collection that ends tonight on PWCC Weekly Auction on episode #5 of Auction Talk.
I’ve found Rodman to be one of the most polarizing 90s players to hear collectors talk about. There are some collectors who consider him to be one of the most important players of the decade. There are others who think he’s one of the most overrated. The one thing about Rodman that is undeniable is that he’s a magnet for nostalgia.
He was a pop culture icon and collectors put their hard earned money towards that because of nostalgia. When I think about Rodman I think about his tenacity and elite rebounding skill, but I think about much more.
It’s things like:
Carmen Electra
The Wedding Dress
nWo 4 Life
The hair
The tattoos
The Worm Shoes (tie from the side!)
…and so much more.
I’m curious how these cards end up tonight. The one thing that I think will be true is that we’ll still be talking about Rodman because of the nostalgia years from now.
If you’re interested in consigning your cards with Nic you can check out the form and use promo code “stacking50” for $50 off your first consignment with him.
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
A Collector To Follow
I always enjoy the passion that Justin (@740smithcards) pours into his page. His collection ranges from Eddie George, AJ Green, Tom Brady, and Michael Jordan. If you want to learn more from him you can listen to episode 352 where we discussed letting your fandom drive your collecting.
For now enjoy his new 2011 Topps Finest AJ Green Rookie Superfractor Auto 1/1. This is easily one of AJ Green’s best cards!
Badass Cards for Auction
It’s been a while, but one of the perks of being in the Patreon group is that I’ll post your auctions for sale here. One of the members is going through a consolidation motion and has to offload some really fun LeBron cards. If you’re a LeBron collector or thinking about dipping your toe here’s a couple cards that end a week from today on PWCC Weekly.
2006-2007 Topps Chrome LeBron James Black Refractors /99 BGS 9
2004 Ultra LeBron James Platinum Medallion /100 PSA 9
It’s Wrestlemania Week! Be safe out there and if you’re going please send me some photos.
Take care,
Brett