COMMON TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Auto Autographed card
FYC First year card
GRADED CARD A card that has been submitted to a grading company where card
corners,edges, and surface is examined by graders than sealed in a hard
holder
GU In card collectting generally refers to a card in which a piece of a game used
bat or game worn jersey has been incorporated into the card
INSERT CARD A card that is not part of the regular base set usually randonmy inserted into
pack. Also called chase cards or subset cards
jrsy Jersey
Mt Mint
NR MT Near mint
PENNY SLEEVE A soft plastic sleeve card is inserted into before placing in toploader
POCKET PAGE An album page nine pockets for storing cards
RC Rookie card
TOPLOADER A rigid or semi rigid plastic holder that card is inserted into for protection
PENNY SLEEVE A soft plastic sleeve card is inserted into before placing in a
toploader

WHERE DO I FIND SPORTS CARDS?

When I first began collecting for my small son I would buy him packs of cards from a local department store. Often he would open the packs and be dissapointed that there were no Cubs cards inside, With single packs of cards now costing $4 or more, it is more like gambling than collecting to purchase those single packs if you are hoping for certain cards. Some enjoy ripping open a fresh pack though and if you do you can find single packs and boxes of packs at department stores or perhaps there is a card shop in your area . You can also purchase them online. 

What if  you prefer to buy the exact card you want? Early in my hobby experience I spent a lot of time and gas going to card shows to search for singles to complete my sets. Now thanks to the internet I can sit comfortably with a cup of copy and point and click. I still attend an occassional card show for the fun of it. If you would like to know if there are card shows in your area you can find them listed in publications like Beckett or Tuff Stuff. You can purchase single cards or card lots on Ebay. I have been happy with all of my Ebay purchases because I take the time to look at the seller's feedback. Always check the feedback to see if the customers are happy. Read the listing carefully so that you know how much your shipping costs will be and how your card will be mailed. If those things are not clear, be sure to ask questions of the seller before purchasing.

WHAT SHOULD YOU COLLECT?

There are no rules. Collect what makes you happy.

Some folks enjoy collecting single cards of favorite players,some collect only rookie cards,some like to build sets. The important thing is to enjoy what you collect and collect what you enjoy. I have expensive and very inexpensive cards in my collection and many of the ones I love the most were very inexpensive, like a card I paid 49 cents for that shows a memorable highlight from a 1997 Indians postseason game. I wouldn't trade that card.