If you were a Major League Baseball player, would you collect your own baseball cards? I know I would. Several big-name MLB stars evidently think the same way. While there’s a number of names that fall into this category, three noteworthy player-collectors include Mike Trout, Bobby Witt Jr. and Michael Harris II. Here’s a look a how these three guys ballplayers have made it known they’re also hobby enthusiasts.
Mike Trout
Arguably the best player of his era, Mike Trout is generally known as a mild-mannered superstar who stays away from the limelight. However, Trout has been interviewed on multiple occasions talking about his collection. He even did a segment for PSA Grading Services talking about his six of his own favorite cards.
Trout is off to a hot start this season, continuing to build his case for Cooperstown. Meanwhile, his card prices in recent years have been soaring. In October 2022, a 2009 Bowman Chrome Autograph sold for over $1 million! Even his base Topps Update 2011 Rookie Card sold for over $1,000 within the last week.
Bobby Witt Jr.
Son of former MLB pitcher, Bobby Witt, Junior is one of the most promising young stars in the game today. After signing a long-term deal with Royals, he’s leading the way with a strong April performance for Kansas City. But, did you know Bobby Witt Jr. is an avid card collector?! His passion for the hobby is also well documented. Bobby Witt Jr. even teamed up with Topps to put together his own “Crown Collection” set back in 2022.
In fact, Bobby Witt Jr. and Mike Trout share tips and tricks on purchasing cards. On a 2023 podcast with Foul Territory, Witt also reveals that he actively bids for his own cards on eBay. He’s also been a guest on MLB Network show MLB’s Carded, where he elaborates on his personal collection. Just recently, Topps posted a new interview with him talking about his collection and buying habits in much greater detail.
Michael Harris II
It must be something about collectors, but the Atlanta Braves center-fielder is also off to a hot start in 2024. Michael Harris is a homegrown Atlanta kid who it’s been recently discovered has a strong interest in baseball cards. Back in February, Harris and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. showed up at Blue Breaks in Venice, Florida for 2024 Topps Hobby Rip Night. Around the same time, Harris went undercover at the Atlanta Culture Collision Trade Show in search of his own cards. Looks like he’s been having some fun with it!
Players X Cards
These are just a few examples of today’s MLB stars sharing their passion for the baseball card hobby. Additional stars showed up around the country for the recent Topps Hobby Rip Night, including Walker Buehler, Corbin Carroll and MLB legends Chipper Jones and Darryl Strawberry.
Topps has done an incredible job in the last couple years bringing players and the products together. Collaborations for special sets with Julio Rodriguez and Juan Soto, similar to Bobby Witt Jr., are another example. Then there’s the “Rookie Debut” patches were placed onto game worn jerseys and showed up in exclusive 2023 Topps Chrome Update boxes as 1/1s.
Overall, Topps seem to be building the right formula. The more Topps (Fanatics) can connect collectors with the players they follow and collect, the more success they’re likely to have with the product they are trying to sell.
Notes
If you like this article, check out some of my other pieces related to baseball cards:
- It’s Baseball Card Season! A Closer Look at 2024 Topps Products
- Topps Reveals 2024 Series One Design
- Topps Releases Educational Series on Baseball Cards
- Rediscovering Baseball Cards
Also, more baseball cards check out:
