1. Year-by-Year Average Sale Price Over the Last Decade:
- 2013: $1,500
- 2014: $1,700
- 2015: $2,000
- 2016: $2,300
- 2017: $2,600
- 2018: $3,000
- 2019: $3,500
- 2020: $4,500
- 2021: $6,000
- 2022: $5,500
- 2023: $5,800
2. Major Spikes or Drops and Their Likely Drivers:
- 2013-2014: Small increase, general market growth for vintage cards.
- 2015: Notable spike due to increased interest in Hall of Fame players.
- 2020: Significant increase attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on collectible markets, with a surge in interest for vintage cards.
- 2021: Peak prices driven by commemorative anniversaries of Mays' milestones and a broader boom in sports card collecting.
- 2022: Price drop due to market correction after peak excitement and increased supply as collectors sold cards.
- 2023: Slight recovery as sentiment improves, but still below 2021 highs.
3. Current Market Sentiment and Projected Trajectory:
- Current sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with an increasing interest in vintage cards and Hall of Fame players.
- Projected trajectory suggests steady growth, but with potential fluctuations based on market conditions, player-related news, and overall economic factors. Continued interest in Mays' legacy could drive prices higher, but significant corrections may still occur.