Not a ton of people collect sports cards anymore, plain and simple. It’s a sad truth, but one that’s hardly breaking news. In fact, the hobby could be headed for even darker times, as middle-aged men dominate the once youth-driven pastime.

At one point, sports cards were all the rage. It seemed like everyone wanted a piece of the action, with collectors and non-collectors stocking up on cardboard as a future investment. However, as people loaded their closets with late-1980’s baseball product, values plummeted and the hobby went on a respirator.

Luckily, card companies got creative in the years that followed: they added game-used memorabilia, autographs, and other unique short-prints to the mix. Collectors suddenly had new cards to chase, and the hobby, at least for awhile, was fun again.

Eventually, several major card companies would shut their doors, as sales fell and licensing became too expensive. Only a few brands remain viable in today’s market, and none of them have licensing agreements from all four major sports leagues.

The Topps Company, easily the most notorious sports card brand out there, has exclusive rights to Major League Baseball and has done a nice job keeping their name tied to America’s Pastime. Some ballparks even display blown-up baseball cards as you walk through the gate, side by side to signify the home team’s batting order.