My Journey in the Sports Card Hobby: From Childhood Passion to Thriving Business

Growing up, sports cards were more than just a hobby for me—they were an obsession. I vividly remember riding my bike to the local Circle K convenience store with whatever money I could scrape together, eagerly buying as many packs as I could afford. I'd tear through them, hoping to find cards of my favorite players—legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Tony Gwynn. It was an innocent love for the game, but little did I know that this passion would eventually shape my career.

Fast forward to adulthood, after multiple layoffs and navigating the ups and downs of corporate America, I decided it was time to take control of my future. As a kid, I used to dream about owning my own hobby store, filled with baseball cards and comic books. With the rise of online marketplaces, I realized I could bring that dream to life in the digital space. And so, I began building my online store, where I sell sports cards and memorabilia.

While I dabble in baseball, football, and basketball cards, baseball has always been my true passion—especially when it comes to my hometown team, the San Diego Padres. Whether it's chasing down rare cards or connecting with fellow fans, baseball holds a special place in my heart.

One of the most rewarding experiences in my sports card journey has been setting up as a vendor at card shows. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of sharing my love for sports and cards with customers, especially kids. Watching their faces light up when they find a card of their favorite player at my table makes it all worthwhile. Whether we’re working out a trade or sale, seeing those smiles is priceless.

Selling on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace has been a great experience, and I’m proud to be recognized as a Top Rated Seller on eBay. I've faced challenges, of course, but the lessons I've learned along the way have shaped my approach to running a successful online business.

Looking ahead, I have big plans for the future of my business. One day, I hope to open a brick-and-mortar location, offering consignment services and grading submissions for customers through PSA or SGC. I also dream of hosting trade nights and organizing card shows, creating a space where collectors of all ages can connect and share their love for the hobby.

For anyone just getting started in the sports card world, my advice is simple: do your research. The hobby is filled with opportunities, but success doesn’t happen overnight. Start small, learn as much as you can, and find out what works best for you. With patience and persistence, the possibilities are endless.

Thanks for following along on my journey, and I look forward to sharing more stories from the world of sports cards in the future!