Affiliate Name: Minnesota Elite Sports Cards
Affiliate Since: 2023
Location: Plymouth, MN
"Card collecting is special because it connects us, from young to old, well-off to those on a tight budget."
Sports card collectors come from all walks of life, each with a different story of why and what they collect. One thing I have found to be the same in nearly all collectors is how they got started, I’m no different. Many of my earliest memories are time spent with my dad and brother at Cardboard Heroes of Laurel, Maryland in the early 90’s. My brother and I would each get a couple bucks to spend at the shop culminating in Slurpies from the nearby 7-11. My dad was planting the seeds for his now world renown Cal Ripken Jr. and Roberto Clemente collection while my brother and I stretched our couple bucks as far as they could go opening packs of 1992 Triple Play. Our Childhood hero Cal emblazoned the box, we were fascinated pulling the likes of Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Frank Thomas, and local favorite Roberto Alomar. I can recite the poses of each player on the card even though I haven’t seen them in years, the smell of the shop, and the taste of the gum from the packs. Even though they no longer have any physical value, I always find myself setting them to the side when I come across them.
Card collecting is special because it connects us, from young to old, well-off to those on a tight budget. Sports cards are a hobby and past time that has endured the world’s highs and lows. While some collect for profit, most because they love it. I love it because of the people I get to meet, the stories I hear, and the rush of uncovering historic cards that may have not seen the light of day again and putting them in the hands of those that will treasure them.
I have been auctioning sports cards and collectibles on K-Bid for five months now and I truly look forward to my once-a-month pick-up days. Each month I meet new people and love to hear their stories while reconnecting with familiar faces excited to add a new piece to their collection. Last month I had the pleasure to meet a man who worked for the Milwaukee Brewers many years ago and share his memories of Hank Aaron, a couple minute pickup turned into an hour and a memory I won’t forget. Another visitor picks up items that he plans to donate to his kid’s local fundraisers. Jason frequently brings one of his kids by – who always leaves with a treasure of their choice. Louis and his son are diehard Harmon Killebrew fans, I love sending them a couple extras in their package hoping to make their day on the other end. And I always make sure to sneak something special into each auction for Karen, a local diehard Raiders fan. At the end of a busy pickup weekend, I enjoy recapping who has stopped by with my wife. While she would likely rather have our garage back, the smiles and days made are worth it.
Surprisingly to some, I took a 20+ year break from card collecting but like many started back up during COVID. One box of cards quickly turned into an office, then basement, then garage full and no turning back. My favorite part of collecting is my weekly card calls with my father. The shared excitement we have for uncovering vintage baseball cards, building sets, and those we meet gets us fired up.
No matter how you spend your time, card collecting or through other avenues, do it because you love it, it excites you, and builds friendships and comradery with those around you.
We’re here for your card collecting needs at Minnesota Elite Sports Cards. Beyond our auctions we’re happy to help you fill your collection needs, consult on any questions you may have, or just to simply talk cards! We hope to see you soon!
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