Funny now when I look back on how this all started. With a few wax packs unopened that my father gave me from 1982/1983 season. They were O-Pee-Chee hockey cards. They were kicking around in a box for years when one day as I was sorting thorough some cluttered corners I came across that box. I took it out and showed it to my son who suggested that we open them. So we did, and lo and behold there were Dale Hawerchuk and Ron Francis rookie cards, two Wayne Gretzky third year cards, and then WHAM!

I still can see myself shuffling through a pack of 1986 Topps baseball cards while breaking my baby teeth on the stick of gum. Moose Haas. Jerry Don Gleaton. Cesar Geronimo. Bob Knepper. Didn't know them from a dentist in Detroit.

But wait... oh my lucky stars. It's George Brett.

I was 5 years old, and the memory is as clear as day. Every time I came across a Kansas City Royals player, I announced it to my father, who then would tell me if he was a stiff or a stud. Onix Concepcion? Steve Farr? Ehh. George Brett? Yeah, son, hold on to that one.

MLB taking steps to promote to youths, not adult collectors.

Brief definitions and explanations of the most frequently used sports collecting terms.

After helping sports collectors for more than 15 years from behind a shop counter, I've learned one simple truth: No two people want exactly the same thing. Your collection can be as unique as your taste, and as broad as your budget allows.