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/

This month, we’re proud to feature Alex B (@alexbridgeforth) in our Collector Spotlight—an Army veteran, devoted father of four young boys, and the anchor of a Chargers-loving family.

Alex has become a vocal and consistent presence within the Collectors MD community, actively participating in the Intention group chat, our Discord, and weekly peer-support meetings where he openly shares progress, reflections, and stories from his and his boys’ shared collecting journey. For Alex, the hobby isn’t about hits, hype, or resale—it’s about connection. It’s a shared language between a father and his sons, rooted in joy, curiosity, and love for the game.

That mindset shows up clearly in how Alex engages with the hobby. The only time he’ll ever participate in a break is for a reasonable football PYT (Pick Your Team)—and it’s always the Chargers. Even then, it has to be affordable and well within his budget. There’s no chasing, no stretching, no rationalizing. If it doesn’t align, he walks away without hesitation.

What makes Alex such a powerful example of intentional collecting is that resale value and aftermarket comps are completely arbitrary to him and his boys. Their collection has purpose. It has meaning. Every card represents a moment, a memory, or a shared experience—not a price point. Through this, Alex is actively teaching his children the art of responsible spending and collecting with intention, clarity, and purpose.

He brings his boys to card shows and Chargers games. They spend several nights a week sorting their collection together, opening affordable boxes like Score or Donruss Football, talking football, laughing, and enjoying the hobby side by side. There’s no glitz. No glamor. Just presence, passion, and time spent together.

This is the beauty of what collecting can look like when we strip away the manufactured hype and revenue-driven noise that’s been embedded into the hobby. This is the foundation of the #RipResponsibly campaign. And Alex lives it—not just for himself, but for the next generation of collectors he’s raising.

THIS is what Collectors MD is all about.

Below is a glimpse into Alex’s collecting world. Be sure to show him some love—the hobby is better because of collectors like him.

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

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

This month, we’re proud to feature a name that’s been woven into the fabric of the sneaker community for years—Mikey Dabb aka @thecamp0ut.

Mikey’s nickname “thecamp0ut” comes from his early days lining up outside NYC boutiques like KITH, Cncpts, Extra Butter, and Supreme—back when ‘camping out’ was a defining part of sneaker culture.That passion carried forward and grew into a voice of integrity and authenticity that’s widely respected by industry leaders and fellow collectors alike.

Mikey’s collection spans far beyond sneakers—hats, clothing, accessories, and even branded thecamp0ut collaborations. He’s produced content on YouTube and social media, hosted and appeared on sneaker podcasts, collaborated with countless “shoetubers”, and spoken on live panels to share his perspective. Through all of this, Mikey has consistently been a bridge between community, culture, and collecting.

Alyx had the opportunity back in 2018 to chop it up about sneaker and streetwear culture with Sam Hart and Mikey Dabb as part of Highsnobiety’s ‘From The Ground Up’ series. Great people, great conversation, timeless perspective. Watch the full episode.

What makes Mikey stand out is his philosophy. He doesn’t chase hype, inflated prices, or the hottest resell items on StockX, Stadium Goods, or Flight Club. Instead, he builds his collection on his own terms—choosing silhouettes and color palettes that resonate with him personally through authentic storytelling. It’s not about what’s trending; it’s about what feels true.

That approach is exactly what we at Collectors MD call “collecting with intention”. Mikey reminds us that collecting isn’t about outspending others—it’s about curating what inspires you and staying grounded in why you started in the first place.

Most importantly, Mikey is simply a good dude. Genuine, approachable, and passionate about the culture, he’s someone we’re proud to have as part of the Collectors MD community.

Below are a few highlights from his collection and work. Be sure to check out his page and give him a follow!

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

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

This month, we’re proud to feature Travis (@montananorseman)—a true embodiment of what it means to collect with intention. Travis first joined us after being one of two winners in our Collector Appreciation Giveaway #2, but it didn’t take long for him to become a cornerstone member of the Collectors MD community.

He’s been a tremendous supporter, showing up for our weekly peer support meetings without fail, engaging daily in our group chat, and generously sharing his perspective and encouragement with others. Next month, he’ll also be joining us as a guest on The Collector’s Compass.

Travis’s collection is deeply personal—each piece tied to a story, a memory, or someone he loves. From a Tom Selleck card honoring the time he spent watching Quigley Down Under with his grandfather who raised him, to a Cecil Travis card in tribute to his own U.S. Army service and a growing military-themed collection. His ongoing pursuit of the Michael Ray Richardson set is a nod to his Montana roots, while his collection of C.J. Fiedorowicz cards reflects a shared experience of having to step away from a passion due to injury.

Some moments in his collection are once-in-a-lifetime—meeting Matt Hughes, winning a C.J. Stroud signed football from Fanatics and speaking with him live. Others are deeply emotional—like the Messi/Ronaldo and Adam Driver cards he now collects in honor of his best friend, a Marine who took his own life. That collection will one day be passed down to his youngest daughter, so she will always carry a piece of her uncle’s memory.
When we asked Travis what “collecting with intention” means to him, his answer captured our mission perfectly:

“For me, collecting is getting cards that I like and that make me feel happy. They do not need to be expensive, just expressive. They also do not need to impress others as my collection is what makes me feel good, not the world.”

Travis reminds us that collecting at its best is personal, grounded, and meaningful—and that a small act of kindness can have an impact far beyond what we imagine. We’re honored to have him as part of the Collectors MD family.

Below is a glimpse at a few pieces from Travis’s personal collection. Be sure to check out his page and give him a follow!
Travis, thank you for the energy, heart, and perspective you bring to this community—this is what collecting with intention is all about.

#CollectorsMD
Collect With Intention. Not Compulsion.

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