Nope, no perfect foresight on my end. It was simply the costs of their cards. Getting my hands on a Verlander Auto or Relic card was way too expensive after he trew a couple of no-hitters. At the same time it felt like I was the only Kershaw collector around as I could get my hands on a cool Kershaw auto for around $25, sometimes even less.
As a result, I was able to have a lot of fun building my Kershaw collection until 6-9 months ago, ending up with 461 different Kershaw cards of which 117 different Auto cards and 105 Relic cards. Although this is still a mere 20% of his total cards (According to the Beckett database) it still feels like a great accomplishment that I have enjoyed a lot.
Although Kershaw remains my most favourite pitchers in the MLB today the prices for his cards have gone through the roof. Even a fairly simply auto card still sets one back at least $50, if not more, while any of the higher-end cards now easily go for $100+. Recent Dynasty auto cards even go for over $200-$250 (vs around $100 for HoF-er Tom Glavine). So out of my league for the moment and I have to face reality and start focus on singles (although even numbered cards have become really expensive). Here's my latest "high-end" Kershaw card, although some will claim it's crap given it's an unlicensed Panini card. I love the Americas Pastime set so I am very happy with this one !
How different is the world now for Verlander cards. I remember his auto's easily go for $100+, his printing plate the same ball-park with me skipping his relic cards as well. In the last few months I started noticing, on the back of a difficult year for Verlander, that his cards dropped off sharply. Printing plates are now like $15-20 while I feel I am often the only bidder for relic cards. Therefore, I have been picking up some Verlander cards. He will probably never be the centerpoint of my collection but I am happy to chase some of his cards for now ! Here are a few I was able to pick up in recent months ! A 2013 Relic card and 2014 Triple Threads printing plate.
I really am a bit disappointed that I have to take a back seat when it comes to chasing Kershaw cards. Luckily I have my Glavine, Blyleven and Rizzo focus as well as my other stuff, including Verlander, continuing.
Any of you ever had this experience with one of your favourite players ?
