This month, I was tempted to write about the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, which is just days away. This is typically Christmas in July for me, as I eagerly anticipate my departure for this yearly event.
Around this time every year, you can hear me humming the Christmas carol, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” sung by Andy Williams, but I digress.
But something else has me even more excited than The National this year. My book, True Rookie Cards: A Systematic Approach That Filters Through The Fluff So You’ll Know Which Rookie Cards To Buy, releases on Friday, July 19, 2024.
I set out to write it almost two years ago. For the first five chapters, I was just typing away. The book was flowing nicely, but of course, in typical fashion, I hit a wall. I didn’t know where to take the book next, so I walked away from it.
I was inspired to proceed a year later, so I pressed in. It was a bumpy road, but the rest of the book opened up once I finished chapter six. Then, I had to fight the battle of the mind. “No one will read this book. Who do you think you are?”
Today, I’d like to share why. Why did I write this book? Some may say I wrote it for the money, clout, or attention. None of these are accurate. I wrote this book because:
I Was Asked To
After years of creating YouTube videos and podcasts, I’ve developed a rookie card system and communicated this process through my content. As I was learning, I passed this information on to my viewers. However, it’s been choppy and, therefore, unclear. Why? Because in between these chiseled lessons is content that speaks to industry news, card show pick-ups, and/or PSA reveals.
My community is very supportive. They are the wind beneath my wings. Over the last few years, through comments left on videos, emails, or direct messaging through social media, I have repeatedly been asked to put this system into the form of a book.
Intrigued, I presented this idea to family and several hobby friends for feedback. It was a unanimous decision. The consensus of this small inner circle was THIS IS A GREAT IDEA!
I Saw the Need To
I also wrote this book because when I returned to the hobby in 2014 after a 10-year layoff, I found myself frustrated and confused about the state of the rookie card. It seemed like everything, and anything was considered one. This is what inspired me to investigate.
Likewise, novice and returning collectors are frustrated and confused because today’s athletes can have anywhere between two to three thousand cards produced of them in their rookie season. All of them are considered rookie cards, of course! The novice asks, “Which one do I get?” And the returning collector says, “How can this be? It doesn’t make sense!”
How do I know novice and returning hobbyists feel this way? Again, I have years of answering questions and helping collectors navigate the muddied waters via emails and social media. Check out the comment section of many of my videos.
Here is where I saw the need to educate, educate, educate!
To Inspire Change
Another reason I wrote this book is to establish credibility. I want to build the trustworthiness needed to earn collectors' support, get card manufacturers' attention, and be taken seriously by industry leaders.
My proposal has always been and always will be that the rookie card needs to come under reform. I’m not trying to purposely upset the apple cart or change the industry. Rather, let’s tighten the belt. A narrow definition of the rookie card is not conducive to today’s hobby but neither is a broad one.
Let’s stop creating chaos for the sole purpose of creating cash. Let's embrace a more stable hobby atmosphere and get back to establishing boundaries as to what is and is not a rookie card.
Here is a reality that I frequently contend with. I have to convince purist collectors that it’s not 1985 anymore. Although the rookie card guidelines of the old days served their purpose well, the rookie card has evolved. At the same time, I have to constantly teach younger collectors that not everything is a rookie card.
In this book, we unpack the complexities of today’s rookie card and provide logical solutions. Why did I write this book? Because, my friends, not all rookie cards are created equal. I’m positive I make a strong case; if you read this book, you will see it too!
The Book will be released on Friday, July 19, 2024, on Amazon. If you would like to purchase a copy, you can do so here: True Rookie Cards by Victor Roman Sr.
Thank you in advance for considering!
Victor.
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