RECENTLY, I WANDERED the aisles of a Big Box retailer searching for Pokemon cards. I needed a birthday gift for my granddaughter, who collects these popular trading and game cards. After walking aisle after aisle without success, I was about to give up. But then I spotted and flagged down a store employee who directed me toward the book section to the Pokemon and other cards.
I stood in front of the display scanning the packets, my eyes never landing on the word Pokemon. My frustration level was growing. I just wanted to be done with this seemingly fruitless search. I even asked a middle schooler to help me as he, too, perused the card merch. He directed me back to the toy aisles. Long story short, I eventually found the location of those coveted Pokemon cards on an end cap. The shelf was empty. There would be no new Pokemon cards for Izzy to add to her collection.
Kids have been collecting forever. Maybe not Pokemon cards, but something. Rocks. Beanie Babies. Stickers. Back in the 1960s, I collected “Lost in Space” trading cards featuring the popular sci-fi TV show. I have a few of them tucked away somewhere.
My brothers, though, collected baseball trading cards, which were once packaged with bubblegum. They valued the cards more than the gum. I have a baseball card, too. A 1959 Ted Williams, card #80 of 80. He was a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox and 1966 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. I checked its value with a top end price of $89. But with creased corners, my Williams card is nowhere near that valuable.
Some cards are, though. And if you’re a collector, you know. This weekend, there’s an opportunity to source sports cards and memorabilia locally at the 2nd annual Sports Card Show from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, 515 Second Ave. N.W., Faribault. The towering historic Cathedral is easy to find near downtown and across from Central Park.
Vendors will be setting up shop for the public to browse, trade and/or buy sports collectibles and memorabilia, according to show organizers. That’s from vintage to modern and includes autographed collectibles. I expect there to be a good turnout at the event as interest in sports and in sports merchandise remains as high as ever.
How well I remember my older brother, Doug, listening to Minnesota Twins games on his transistor radio back in the sixties. How well I remember playing softball in the farmyard on summer evenings after the chores were done, used disc blades serving as bases. Doug always insisted on being Harmon Killebrew or Tony Oliva. There was no arguing with him. How well I remember the play-by-play action my brothers gave of our games. How well I remember the mini wooden souvenir baseball bat that lay atop Doug’s dresser. There was no touching that collectible.
All these decades later, I have minimal interest in baseball (except when my husband’s hometown ball team, the Buckman Billygoats, played in the state amateur baseball tournament). Many people, though, enjoy America’s favorite past-time and all that comes with it—like card collecting. Now, if you had a “Lost in Space” trading card, I’d be interested.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
yes, collections have been going on forever, and it is a challenge to find the ones my grandies ask for. even if I find the brand, there are different series and surprise versions, etc., so have to ask them for specifics. I feel you pain in having to undertake the hunt and it was good strategy to ask the young people you found along the way. my brother collected baseball cards along with garbage pail kids cards when he was younger and still has his collections, and my ex husband and his brothers also collected baseball cards. one of my long time male friends still collects and trades and sells expensive baseball cards and loves going to the shows.
Good to hear I’m not the only sometimes clueless grandma. I actually texted my daughter while at the store and asked for help. She gave me another gift suggestion, a drawing book, and Izzy loved it.
Baseball is a major event here with Spring Training taking place last month – have the Jays, Phillies, Yankees, Tigers in this area. Now we are moving on to the Minor League games and just as much fun to go watch a game and grab a hot dog. The Rays lost the roof of their stadium with Hurricane Milton so the Yankees lent them their stadium for the Major League Season. The mister has some coveted baseball cards tucked away. I actually kept some of his Golden Books too. His brother has the matchbox cars – that was a big thing back in the day too. Happy Collecting – Happy Hobbying – Happy Day – ENJOY 🙂
Oh, yes, matchbox cars. I forgot about those. Lots to collect no matter your interests. Enjoy spring and baseball.
A greatly evocative post! I’m still smiling.
Yeah! Happy to make you smile this morning.
I’m not a fan of baseball…maybe I would be if the games were only 5 innings! ha
Another event we’ll miss…the boys have a large tub of baseball cards we’d like to find out information on.
I always have to ask, “How many innings in a baseball game?” Ha. Yes, the card show in Faribault would be a good place to get information about those baseball cards. Next year.
My grandson collects Pokémon as well, and it feels a little deja vu since my kids did also. I collect many things. I like to hoard in small batches.
Those collections are rather coming full circle, aren’t they? I think all of us probably collect something. What do you collect?
I collect books. Books I like, not valuable tomes. I also collect dolls and stuffed animals, though I’m oddly defensive about that. You?
It’s interesting to hear about your collections, that which makes you happy. I collect art, which I find at yard/garage sales, thrift shops and recycled art sales. I buy what I like. I also collect vintage drinking glasses and tablecloths, although I haven’t added to either in years. I don’t need any more of either.
We are always searching for the perfect gift for our sweet grandchildren, aren’t we? Happy birthday wishes all around to Izzy! I am sure the drawing book was a huge hit even if the Pokémon cards remained elusive!
I asked her to draw a dragon with wings picture for me. So hopefully soon I will have some new refrigerator art.