I played football from the age of eight years old until age twenty and then continued in bodybuilding to this day at the age of 45. Even though I look younger than my age and younger guys approach me all the time to play rugby or sandlot football my knees and hips just can't take the abuse anymore. If you are like me and you still want to stay involved in sports a good way to do it is though sports collectibles and memorabilia.

I never thought I would get into it but there is so much available that there is literally something for everyone no matter what sport you are interested in. Sports memorabilia collecting can help fill your time with an enjoyable hobby and give you a diversion from the hassles of life.

Sports collecting can run from collecting football jerseys or collecting photographs for scrapbooks to collecting every possible item you can find about the particular sport, team, or player you are interested in. It is fun to put together display cases with jerseys, helmets, and game balls along with pictures from particular events. There are some accessories that you can buy to help you with displaying your sports collectibles as well.

Another easy to start collectible hobby is by collecting pins. Almost all sports offer collectible pins of their teams and they are actually one of the most popular segments of the sports collectible market today. Other popular pins are those that commemorate specific events like the Olympics. Collecting antique sports equipment, such as vintage baseball gloves and bats is also a hot item.

Collecting sports cards like baseball cards is still hot as ever of course and over the years these cards which started as a hobby for many when they were kids are now bringing in huge sums of money for the owners. Rare cards like those of Babe Ruth or Willie Mays bring in unbelievable prices.

NASCAR is another area that is super hot right now. You can find replica race cars, leather jackets, helmets, etc. My dad is a huge Jeff Gordon fan and has just about everything in existence with his name or picture on it. If you are into NASCAR check into this area of sports memorabilia, you will find an item for whatever racer you like.

Some other sports collectors keep items that relate to their individual recreational sport such as fishing or golf. There are categories that cater to everyone so you are sure to find your niche.