Collector Q&A: The Sports Card Dad

Dustin from The Sports Card Dad was one of the first creators I watched on a consistent basis when I got back into the hobby a few years ago and he continues to put out a range of content at an impressive clip. He’s uploaded card videos since 2020 with more than 2,100 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 started collecting as a kid from 1987-1993, then moved on to high school and stopped collecting cards, until 2018 when I got back into the hobby.

What’s your favorite collecting memory?

I remember going fishing with my dad as a kid and buying Donruss baseball card packs looking for Diamond Kings cards.

Who/what do you personally collect?

I collect a variety of sports and non sports cards, both modern and vintage. I also collect comic books, action figures, video games, etc., mostly ‘80s/’90s nostalgia collectibles.

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

I’m lucky to own a couple of cards I consider grails: the 1984 Star Michael Jordan 101, the 1952 Topps Willie Mays, and the 1993 Skybox Art De Bart card.

Who/what motivated you to start a YouTube channel?

The pandemic hit in 2020 and I had been talking about starting a YT channel for a few months leading up. I wanted to connect with other collectors, as well as see if I could grow a YT audience of like-minded people.

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

The YT channel has opened doors to new friendships, relationships with hobby industry folks, and pays for my hobby experience at this point, whether it’s buying cards/travel to shows, etc.

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?

Robert Levin, the founder of Star Basketball cards, would be a very interesting interview.

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

Mike’s Retro Trading Cards, History Through Cards, Iconic Baseball.

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

Far less focus on the breaking/repacking gambling products.

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

I think the future is bright all the way around.

Vintage Hall of Fame Rookie: 1978 Topps Eddie Murray #36

This was one of those cards that I wanted as a kid but never seemed to have enough money to buy it if and when I saw it. Now, even though a couple of the ones I own have what appear to be holes from staples in them, I’m still psyched to have them.

Eddie Murray, 1B - Played from 1977-1997

HOF Induction in 2003 - 423 out of 496 votes (85.3%)

Standout Stats:

• One of seven players in MLB history with 500 home runs and 3,000 hits

• 1,917 career RBIs (11th all-time)

• 20 or more home runs in 16 different seasons

• Holds the all-time career record with 128 sacrifice flies (one more than long-time teammate Cal Ripken Jr.)

• Career WAR - 68.7