I've noticed how injuries can effect the value of my etopps cards and whatever else one has invested in a player.


What I've also noticed is how people pass judgment on professional athletes. While injuries are part of the game, a subjective line is drawn over how much it is part of the game? And as fans, collectors, investors, etc., I've noticed the attitude of
those on the disabled list goes something like this:

Injured once: no big deal (i.e., Jeter)

Injured twice: Concern and, for investors, caution

Injured thrice: Disappointment and, for investors, avoidance (i.e., Griffey)

Of course what matters is the severity and how much time lapses between injuries can make a difference. And also, I'm looking at baseball more than other sports and those other sports may dictate different attitudes about injuries.

But I don't think so. Sports are not just in a bubble. I think they are a reflection of mainstream culture in how we view others who are injured or fall ill for whatever reason. Being "disabled," there is the expectation to recover, to (as in the Hallmark card category) "get well" [or else]. And if we can't, we are branded as handicapped, disabled or simply "less than." Just my opinion.

What's one persons lost is anothers gain. I'm sure there's people sucking up all these 01 Griffey's and are more than happy over the price they are paying for him. Sure it's a bigger gamble than a healthy player, but with a future HOF like Griffey, people are willing to roll those dice.