General Forum

The 1987-91 sets are good choices, nice rookies as well. I'm having fun with 2001 Topps Traded, lucked out pulling the Pujols rc. But eventually I'd like to start 1980 on back. Half the fun to me is hunting the singles down. 

As far as appearances go, I don't think 1988 gets enough appreciation. Everybody clamors for 1987 in that era, and it has a number of good rookies, but based on looks alone, I think 1988 is a nice one.

I agree with all that, for the 80s and 90s. In the 70's, 1978 is nice and not too hard. In the first half of the decade, although it might be my least favorite set of the decade, the 1974 set is easier and cheaper than 1970-73 and 1975. 

Good luck. Have fun. Don't let the definition of "set" drive you crazy. Figure out what you think is "complete," then go for it.

v3

If you are looking to build a set I would start in the late 70s...76 or 77.  These are still easy to find and relatively cheap. I was at a show last week where a 88 set was on sale for 3 dollars.  Once you get into the 80s it really doesn't pay to build a set from scratch. You would be wasting a lot of money and get frustrated trying to find a 5 cent card in a haystack of vending boxes and unopened wax packs.  Just my $0.02.

I personally like the 1974, 75, 77, 78, 83 sets. Great designed

As for ease of collecting, the '87 -91 have to be the easiest. I don't even collect, pursue, or purposefully purchase baseball but for some reason I have a couple thousand of each of those sets. They were all part of several large collections I have bought throughout the years. I think I even have complete sets....they are all on my trade list BTW : )