This month, we’re proud to feature Martina F (@darthtrader89) in our Collector Spotlight, a passionate lifelong Toronto Blue Jays and New England Patriots fan, and a mother who now collects alongside her son.

Martina’s story reflects the heart of what Collectors MD is all about. Her collection isn’t driven by hype or resale value. It’s built on nostalgia, memory, and personal connection. From childhood Jose Canseco cards that once felt impossible to own, to modern Blue Jays and Patriots pieces she now collects with her son, Martina reminds us that meaning matters more than market value.

After returning to the hobby in recent years, Martina quickly recognized how much modern collecting has shifted. What used to be a simple and affordable pastime for kids now often feels engineered around pressure, urgency, and gambling-like mechanics. Rather than leaning into breaks or high-dollar wax, she re-focused on singles and affordable products that bring genuine joy, especially when shared with her son.

Her recent Daily Reflections captured that beautifully, showing how "junk wax" and childhood cards still matter because of the memories they carry. It’s a reminder that the emotional value of collecting far outweighs any monetary profit.

She also shared a thoughtful framework for approaching the hobby in a healthier way, publishing her own Annual Card Review and Plan for 2026. That process encourages collectors to reflect honestly on the cards they buy, what actually brings them joy, and how to move forward with intention over impulse.

Martina's personal collection focuses on players like Jose Canseco, Cal Ripken Jr., Addison Barger, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Joe Carter, Shawn Green, Tom Brady, and Drake Maye, along with a long-term mission to collect every Blue Jays base card ever printed. And now, the most meaningful part of that journey is sharing it with her son, building memories together through affordable boxes, games, and moments that last far beyond the cards themselves.

Martina’s voice has become an authentic and supportive presence within our CMD community. She reminds us that collecting should feel grounded, fulfilling, and shared, not pressured or compulsive.

This is intentional collecting. This is the heart of Collectors MD.

https://collectorsmd.com/collector-spotlight/