I love sports cards. The excitement, the chase, the community. What’s good for The Hobby is anything that brings joy to a single collector. From a Ken Griffey Jr. base card to a 2003-04 Exquisite Collection LeBron James RPA /99, the value of any card is ultimately in the eye of the fan. Despite what you’ll see at trade shows or on auction listings, these pieces of cardboard mean something because of the emotional connection behind them — to the sport, to the players, to a moment in time. That’s what makes this a hobby, and it’s exactly what pulled me in as a kid.

Over time, my passion for collecting started to evolve. I still love cards — always will — but I found myself chasing something even more tangible: game-worn memorabilia. The jersey he actually wore, the shoes from that night, the towel from that Finals win. These aren’t just collectibles — they’re artifacts. They hold the sweat, the moment, the story. They're one-of-ones, even if not officially numbered as such.

This shift led me to Daps. First as a collector fascinated by a unique personalized sourcing tool for the hobby, and more recently as the VP of Growth and Strategy, where I hope to bring this tool to all collectors. At Daps, we’re trying to make it easier for fans to own the most real, raw, and emotional collectibles in sports — directly from the athletes themselves. Game-worn gear, signed items, and unforgettable experiences — all built around the Collector's wants instead of what is listed. We’re flipping the model. You tell us what you want. We go out and try to make it happen.

I’m thrilled and excited to sign up and begin posting here on Mantel, especially as someone who came up through the card world. I see so much overlap between sports cards and game-worn collecting — the passion, the eye for detail, the hunger to connect with moments. If you’ve ever wondered about the game-worn space and what it means to own a piece of the game — I’d love to be a resource whether you’re casually curious or ready to dive in yourself!

This hobby is stronger when we learn from each other. So whether you’ve got PSA slabs, sneaker soles, or locker-room towels — I’m here for all of it. Looking forward to connecting with the community on Mantel.

– Mick