Growing up, I never thought about collecting as an investment or something I would pass down. It just became part of who I was—something that evolved naturally from my love of sports and the nostalgia that came with it. For me, collecting started with baseball cards, and not just any cards—specifically those of my favorite player, Don Mattingly, and my favorite team, the Yankees. As a kid, nothing compared to the excitement of opening a new pack of cards, hoping to find Mattingly’s face staring back at me.
At the same time, my collection expanded to basketball, and soon I was collecting cards of my favorite NBA player, Jason Kidd. Over time, I amassed over 30 cards of both Mattingly and Kidd, but these weren’t just pieces of cardboard to me. They represented moments in my life—moments when I was glued to the TV, watching these athletes play at the highest level. The cards might not be worth much on the open market, but to me, they hold immense sentimental value. They are symbols of my youth, my passion for sports, and my admiration for these players.
The Evolution of My Collection: From Cards to Memorabilia
My collecting didn’t stop with cards. As my passion grew, I naturally moved on to memorabilia—jerseys, signed baseballs, autographed photos, anything that brought me closer to the athletes I admired. It wasn’t about the monetary value; it was about the connection. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of these athletes, which has only deepened my attachment to these pieces.
One of my most cherished experiences was meeting Don Mattingly in person. The timing couldn’t have been more special—just three days after the birth of my oldest daughter. The only baseball I had on me was a pink one that said, “It’s a Girl.” I handed it to Mattingly, who graciously signed it, even writing his name on the portion of the ball labeled “Doctor’s signature” To this day, I joke that Don Mattingly was my daughter’s doctor. That baseball has a value that can’t be measured in dollars. It’s a priceless memory, one that I’ll eventually pass down to my daughter. It’s not about the autograph; it’s about the story.
Since then, I’ve expanded my collection to include over 30 autographed baseballs, each one representing a player I respected and enjoyed watching. Whether it’s an old Hall of Famer or a current star, each ball is tied to a memory. Unlike some collectors, I don’t see these items as financial investments. To me, they hold personal value—memories of games I’ve watched, players I’ve met, and the simple joy of being a fan.
The Psychology of Collecting: Why Do We Collect?
Collecting is a deeply ingrained human behavior. Psychologists say that collecting often stems from nostalgia, a desire for control, or a need to create a legacy. For me, collecting is a combination of all of those things. It’s about holding on to a piece of my past—memories of watching games, admiring players, and connecting with my favorite sports. There’s also the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of finding that one item that completes your collection or adds another layer to it.
I think that’s a big part of why people collect. It’s not always about the items themselves, but about the journey to find them. Whether it’s searching online for a rare baseball card or waiting in line at a memorabilia signing event, the process is half the fun. There’s a satisfaction in owning something rare, something that not everyone has. And in some ways, it’s about control—being able to curate and organize a collection that reflects who we are.
The Sentimental Value vs. Investment Debate
There’s often a debate among collectors: is this hobby driven by sentiment or financial gain? For me, it’s always been about the former. I’ve never looked at my collection as something that would make me rich. I collect because it brings me joy, because it connects me to a time and place, and because I respect the players whose memorabilia I’ve gathered.
Take, for instance, my collection of He-Man action figures. I have over 50 of them, all unopened, and every time I look at them, I’m transported back to my childhood, when Saturday mornings were spent watching “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.” These toys aren’t about their potential resale value; they’re about the memories they evoke. Collecting them is a way for me to hold on to those carefree times when life was simpler.
Similarly, my 150-plus baseball figurines remain in their original packaging, untouched by time. They’re not just collectibles—they’re markers of my respect for the game and its players. I started with my favorite MLB stars and Hall of Famers, but eventually, I expanded my collection to include everyone I admired, including current players like Aaron Judge. It’s not about investment; it’s about preserving what I love and keeping those connections alive.
Is My Passion for Collecting Similar to Women Who Collect Handbags or Shoes?
At times, I’ve asked myself whether my passion for collecting sports memorabilia, cards, and toys is similar to the way some women collect handbags or shoes. When you think about it, the answer is yes. The motivations are strikingly similar. For women who collect handbags or shoes, it’s often about more than just functionality or fashion. It’s about expressing personal style, celebrating craftsmanship, and, in many cases, owning something rare or special.
In the same way, my collections are about more than just owning things. Each piece, whether it’s a signed baseball or a rare figurine, represents something meaningful to me—memories, admiration, or a connection to a specific time in my life. Like a woman who might keep a designer handbag in perfect condition, I keep my memorabilia and toys in pristine packaging, not because I plan to sell them, but because of the pride I take in ownership.
Both hobbies involve curating something that speaks to who we are. Whether it’s a collection of autographed baseballs or designer shoes, these items are symbols of what we value and how we express ourselves. For me, collecting is a reflection of my love for sports, my appreciation for the athletes who inspire me, and the joy I get from being part of that world.
The Future of My Collection: What’s Next?
As a lifelong collector, I’m always looking ahead to what I might add next. My collection has expanded in ways I never imagined—from baseball cards to memorabilia to action figures. But there’s always something new on the horizon. Recently, I’ve been thinking about collecting a full Voltron set—all five lions. Voltron was another favorite of mine growing up, and owning the entire set would be a nostalgic reminder of those childhood days.
I’ve also considered diving into other areas, like Transformers or NECA horror figurines. The beauty of collecting is that it’s limitless. You can always find something new to get excited about, whether it’s tied to childhood memories or newfound interests. That’s what keeps collecting alive for me—the thrill of discovering the next piece that adds to the story of my collection.
Do Other Men Share My Passion for Collecting?
As I’ve expanded my collection and reflected on my passion, I’ve often wondered: how many other men share this same drive to collect? According to a survey by The Harris Poll, about 32% of adult men in the U.S. have some form of collection-based hobby, whether it’s sports memorabilia, toys, or something else entirely. That number makes sense to me. We all have things that bring us joy, that connect us to our past, or that reflect who we are.
But the reasons for collecting can vary. For some, it’s about the thrill of the hunt. For others, it’s about owning something rare and valuable. And for many, like me, it’s about preserving memories and creating a personal legacy.
Why I Collect and What It Means to Me
At the heart of it all, my collection tells my story. It’s a reflection of who I am, the things I’ve loved, and the memories I’ve made along the way. Whether it’s a baseball card, an autographed ball, or an action figure from my favorite childhood show, each item in my collection holds meaning far beyond its physical value.
For me, collecting isn’t just about the things I own—it’s about the joy they bring, the connections they represent, and the legacy I’m creating. My collection is a part of me, and it’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
So, to all the other collectors out there—whether you’re into sports memorabilia, vintage toys, or something entirely different—what drives you? Is it nostalgia, passion, or something else? Whatever it is, keep collecting. Because in the end, it’s not just about what you collect, but about what those items mean to you.
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