A Love Letter to the Hobby

At 58, I look back on those years with a mix of nostalgia and awe. My collection, started with a single pack bought with pocket change, grew into shoeboxes stuffed with memories. I remember the thrill of finding a 1975 George Brett rookie or the heartbreak of a creased 1969 Nolan Ryan. These cards weren’t just paper; they were my connection to the game, to my friends, to my childhood. Even now, flipping through them feels like revisiting old teammates.

More than a price guide or an almanac, this tribute is a love letter to the hobby. It reminds us that baseball cards aren’t just valuable—they’re personal. They mark the years, the heroes, and the hands that held them.  The reason for writing this book is after years of life getting in the way and card collecting on the back burner, the passion was reignited from a old friend.  A shout out to Scott Carty a long time friend from middle school days.  This guy eats, drinks, sleeps baseball cards, when I say he has cards that is a understatement.  When life throws you a curve ball every once in a while be ready to swing.  My life changed dramatically when I left a family business after 31 years.  Trying to figure out what is next, I took a job with a company based in Denmark.  Six months later I was introduced to a new employee in the accounting department, who ended up being Scott.  We caught up on each others life’s and discovered we both have a passion for collectible cards especially baseball.  Pulling out my old cards organizing and sorted I realize currently there was no single source for Topps most wanted/valuable cards per year with Regular Season and World Series Highlights and individual Milestones.