Collector Q&A: Return to Collecting

Darren from Return to Collecting was one of the early supporter of the Vintage Card Voyage channel and his channel focuses on vintage card collecting. He’s uploaded card videos since 2023 with nearly 250 videos on his channel, so let’s get to know him a little better with the Drawn to Cards Q&A.

What’s your card collecting story (when and why did you start, which sport(s)/card era(s), and do you consider yourself a collecting generalist or specialist)?

I used to collect when I was a kid, in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Back then, I would primarily open packs, but did start getting into some vintage as well. I got out of collecting in middle school and didn't get back into it until I was 40. My parents got me my 68 Topps Nolan Ryan in an SGC 9 for my 40th birthday. Within a few days, I had caught the bug and was doing a Ryan base Topps playing days run. I also started picking up iconic cards that I used to love to see at shows as a kid. I tried modern as well, but didn't like it. My collecting has become much more focused recently. I really enjoy picking up obscure cards of all-time great players, as well as iconic cards of iconic players.

What’s your favorite collecting memory?

Getting my 68 Ryan from my parents for my 40th birthday. It got me to "Return to Collecting."

Who/what do you personally collect?

I player collect Nolan Ryan, Joe DiMaggio, and Ty Cobb. I also focus on iconic cards of iconic players.

What’s your favorite card you own and/or what’s your grail card? Tell us why.

Tell us why. My 68 Topps Ryan is my favorite card in my collection, as it’s the card that got me back into collecting. It was my dream card as a kid, so it’s very nostalgic as well. My grail card is the 1915/16 M101 Babe Ruth rookie card. Its an epic card, to me. Great image of a young Ruth pitching. Plus, it’s the rookie card of the greatest player of all time.

Who/what motivated you to start a YouTube channel?

I started my YouTube channel because I was enjoying watching other creators’ videos and wanted to be part of the community. I also loved watching the "Top 50/100 Cards in My Collection" videos (they were my favorite type of video to watch). I felt that my collection had come along to the point that it would be fun to make my top 100 cards video. I opened with those videos and have loved the ride ever since.

What’s been the best part of your YouTube experience so far?

The friends that I've made in the community. I talk to some of them daily. It’s changed the way I look at card shows. I used to go so I could buy cards. Now I go to see my friends.

If you could talk to/interview any person on your channel (creator, person in sports, person in the hobby, etc.), who would it be and why?

I'd interview Nolan Ryan. He was my childhood hero. His career was so one-of-a-kind, it would be really fun to talk through some of the nuances with him.

Which three YouTube sports card channels do you think more people should watch?

I think more people should watch your channel. I really enjoy your guys' interactions, topics, and collaborations. (Editor’s Note: Darren was not asked to say this, but Ken and I will proudly take the endorsement. Thanks, Darren!)

I think more people should watch Goodman & W238th. Dean does a great job with making creative and fun videos, as well as using great graphics.

I also think more people should watch Mookie Chillson. Mookie is a great guy, who has a great collection. He's so passionate about collecting what he loves and doesn't worry about what's currently en vogue. His love of the hobby really comes through in all of his videos. (Editor’s Note: Mookie did the Q&A back in April.)

If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change in the hobby?

It seems like some creators overreact when others' opinions differ from theirs. This is a hobby that is supposed to be fun. Getting angry that someone collects differently from you or has a different opinion is quite immature, in my opinion.

What do you think the future holds for your channel and for the hobby in general?

The future of my channel is likely going to be the same direction it’s been going this year. Fewer videos, primarily showing pickups, and some collaborations. My hobby time is somewhat limited by family time, which I'm completely fine with. I hope the future of the hobby, in general, is that more youngsters start collecting and appreciating vintage. I'm a big history guy and I don't think enough younger collectors know the history of baseball.

Vintage Hall of Fame Rookie Profile: 1975 Topps #616 Jim Rice

Jim Rice - LF/DH

HOF Induction in 2009 - Named on 412 of 539 ballots (76.4%)

Standout Stats:

• Finished top 5 in MVP voting six different seasons

• In his 1978 MVP season, he led the American League in numerous offensive categories, including WAR, home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, OPS, total bases, hits and even triples

• His 406 total bases that 1978 season were the most in 30 years

• 11 seasons with more than 20 home runs

• Career WAR - 47.7

News Briefs

Upper Deck’s President Has Thoughts on the Hobby’s Future

Stolen Jackie Robinson Rookie Card Quickly Recovered

1971 Topps Baseball Cards, Still in Demand

More Background on the Recent Babe Ruth Rookie Card Sale

Profiles of the Best Custom Card Artist Nominees

Thanks for reading. Subscribe for future issues, share with others who would enjoy the newsletter, and please also check out and subscribe to Vintage Card Voyage.