Baseball Card Collecting Sees Resurgence, Uniting Generations

Pandemic fuels renewed interest in the hobby, with new products and high-value cards drawing collectors of all ages

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:34am

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Baseball card collecting has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with the pandemic sparking renewed interest in the hobby. Trading card companies have reinvented their offerings, introducing rare and exclusive cards that have turned collecting into more of an investment. While the hobby has evolved, the thrill of the hunt and the ability to connect across generations remain at its core.

Why it matters

The resurgence of baseball card collecting highlights how the hobby has the power to bring people together, transcending age and fostering a sense of community. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences, it demonstrates the enduring appeal of the pastime and its capacity to create shared experiences.

The details

Valley Sports Cards in Grain Valley, Missouri, opened in March 2024 and is celebrating its two-year anniversary. The shop has witnessed firsthand the renewed interest in baseball card collecting, which shop owners John and Cory Unrein attribute in part to the pandemic. Trading card companies have introduced new products with rare and exclusive cards, often featuring jersey patches or autographs, making collecting more of an investment than it was decades ago. While the hobby has become more expensive, with some packs costing thousands of dollars, it has also attracted a wider range of collectors, including professional baseball players like Royals reliever Matt Strahm.

  • Valley Sports Cards opened in March 2024.
  • The shop is celebrating its two-year anniversary on Saturday.

The players

Camden Simpson

A sixth-grade student in Grain Valley who collected baseball cards, including two featuring Grain Valley graduate Jacob Misiorowski, a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jared Simpson

Camden's father, who has rekindled his own interest in collecting cards with his children.

John Unrein

Co-owner of Valley Sports Cards, who credits the pandemic for the renewed interest in the hobby.

Matt Strahm

A Royals southpaw reliever who hosts a TV show about the card collecting hobby and has amassed a collection of his own one-of-one trading cards.

Jacob Misiorowski

A 2020 Grain Valley graduate and All-Star right-hander for the Milwaukee Brewers, whose cards were pulled by Camden Simpson.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes you can pull your favorite players and it's cool to see that, because it can make you feel closer to the player.”

— Camden Simpson, Sixth-grade student

“Being here in Grain Valley and pulling a graduate from Grain Valley on a card, not a lot of people can do that.”

— Jared Simpson, Camden's father

“Maybe one of the few good things that came out of COVID is people went back into their collections. People started collecting again.”

— John Unrein, Co-owner, Valley Sports Cards

“I have a few wives mad at me with the teammates I've brought down the rabbit hole with me.”

— Matt Strahm, Royals southpaw reliever

“The hunt is always attractive. People want something that is unique, something that they can brag about, something they can be proud of.”

— John Unrein, Co-owner, Valley Sports Cards

What’s next

Valley Sports Cards will host a special anniversary celebration on Saturday, featuring discounts, giveaways, and opportunities for collectors to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

The takeaway

The resurgence of baseball card collecting demonstrates how the hobby can transcend generations, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. Despite the industry's evolution, the thrill of the hunt and the ability to connect with favorite players remain at the heart of this enduring pastime.