How to Protect Baseball Memorabilia

There are many forms of baseball memorabilia, including cards, advertising, team schedules, posters and sports equipment. Probably the most popular baseball memorabilia item is the baseball card. When you collect and trade baseball cards, they're both a hobby and an investment. After spending your time and money towards the purchase of collectible baseball cards, protect them properly so you can enjoy them now and in the future.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Store your baseball cards in acid- and PVC-free plastic sleeves or hard plastic sleeves. If you use PVC plastic supplies, ensure that they contain no plasticizers or stearates.

2. Place baseball cards in storage areas free of direct sunlight. Sunlight causes fading and the heat causes the cards to deteriorate, weakening colors on the card and prized signatures.

3. Prevent curled or curved baseball cards by storing baseball card binders in a flat manner away from heat.

4. Keep food and beverage away from your baseball cards. If you're saving bubble gum packs, take out the piece of gum if it doesn't affect the value of the collection.

5. Be aware of humidity levels in the storage area to prevent mold. Cards may stick and later rip during attempts to separate them if they develop mold.

6. View your baseball cards with clean hands to avoid fingerprints. Also hold the baseball card with your fingers on the front or back to avoid dinging up the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have your baseball memorabilia properly insured.
• Consider a fireproof lock box to protect your prized cards in the event of a fire.
• Avoid grouping your baseball cards together with a rubber band to store. This encourages curling and creasing, and it can rough up the edges of the cards.

Resources

• Learn about safe Internet card trading at Sportscardfun.com.