Welcome to Stealing Home!
Welcome to Stealing Home!
At 8 years old, my dad – an avid Cubs fan and fair weather Bears fan – surprised my cousin Simon and me with a trip to Peoria, AZ for spring training. We hustled from game to game trying to catch glimpses of Griffey, Bonds, Randy Johnson, Sammy Sosa and others seeking out autographs and photos with our idols. It was here that my passion for collectables was born. From the thrill of collecting baseball cards to attending spring training every year in the hopes of getting my cards signed, these treasured pieces of cardboard took hold of a special place in my heart.
My love for collectables and cards grew steadily over time. The memories and stories of athletes I collect feel as valuable as the collectables themselves. From Rickey Henderson throwing me & Simon his batting gloves at the end of a game in 2000 to trying to follow Barry Bonds’s Hummer after a spring training game (not proud of this one) to waiting 3 hours for Sammy Sosa to finish watching the NCAA final four game for an autograph, collectables, cards, autographs have been a constant source of joy in my life.
As life went on, collecting became a passive hobby that expanded beyond cards and beyond baseball. I treasured every opportunity to scour hobby or antique shops whenever and wherever possible. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and 2021, I was inspired, like many, to assess my 25 year collection. We all know what happened next as the card & collectables markets boomed, which inspired me to dive deeper into the card & collectables market.
The card collecting landscape has evolved dramatically over the past few years into a labyrinth of new card types, highly sought after boxes, seemingly crazy valuations, new tools and technologies in the collectables space, and more. I found myself yearning for a comprehensive resource to navigate this newfound territory – and that's when inspiration struck. I decided to create this blog as a one-stop destination for seasoned investors, returning enthusiasts, and newcomers alike.
Enter: Stealing Home!
We picked the name Stealing Home as homage to one of the most famous images, from one of the most impactful lives in baseball history: Jackie Robinson stealing home against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the 1955 World Series.
Here at Stealing Home, you'll find the latest card market trends, news, and prospect information, as well as in-depth analysis and insights to help you make informed decisions and better understand the card market. We'll explore the rich history and dynamic present of baseball card collecting, all while fostering a sense of community among those who share this treasured passion.
So, step up to the plate and join me and Simon (my aforementioned cousin and Stealing Home co-creator) on this exciting journey, as we delve into the fascinating world of baseball card collecting and investing – a world where history, heroes, and investing converge.
Welcome to Stealing Home!
–– Eli
Adore this wonderful view into both of your magical baseball passion and deep knowledge that’s seriously evolved since your earliest days of T-ball and Little League.