Inside the Cardboard Box: What's in my PC?

If you've been asked it once, you've been asked it a hundred times: "What do you PC?" For those new to the hobby, PC stands for "personal collection."

So...what do I PC? The best way to look at this is to break it down into segments.

Philadelphia's Finest

At the core, I'm a Philly sports junkie. The vast majority of my collection is comprised of Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers cards. It's not just about the stars – I'm talking bench warmers to hall of famers, because in Philly, every player has a story. And when I can pull out a card, share it with my kids and tell them about when Mickey Morandini turned an unassisted triple play, or when DeSean Jackson gave us the Miracle at the Meadowlands 2...that's a special moment.

Campus Heroes

My love for sports extends to the collegiate level. Primarily, I root for the Penn State Nittany Lions when it comes to football, and the Villanova Wildcats have always been my men's basketball team -- though I'll always cheer on all the Philly schools come March Madness! But I don't stop following these guys once they've been drafted -- I'll continue to collect their cards even into their pro careers. Even if it's painful to own anything that says "Dallas Cowboys" on it.

Back to My Hometown

Mike Trout isn't just an MLB superstar; he's the kid from next door who made it big. Growing up a stone's throw from Millville, NJ, Trout's cards are a reminder to me and my boys that greatness can emerge from anywhere.

Fun Mini-Collections:

To keep things interesting, I've started some unique mini-collections...because who said the hobby had to be logical?

• Placekickers: Often overlooked, these specialists add an intriguing niche to my collection.
• Managers/Coaches: The strategists behind the game deserve recognition too!
• Jasons: I collect cards of players who share my name (or variants like Jay, Jasson, Jas, etc.) – it's always fun to see your name on a card!

Nostalgia and New Stars

My collection spans eras. Griffey's swing, Ripken's ironman streak, The Big Hurt's power – these cards transport me back to a simpler and joy-filled time. But I'm not stuck in the past, etither. Modern marvels like Julio Rodriguez and Giannis Antetokounmpo keep my collection fresh with players who bring the same kind of joy and excitement to today's world of sports.

From childhood icons like Mariano Rivera and Peyton Manning to today's stars like Adley Rutschman and Justin Herbert, my PC is a time capsule of sports evolution.

What about you?

What makes up your PC? I'd love to hear about your collection in the comments below! Or share on Instagram and be sure to tag me in the comments (@familyfriendlycards).

Remember, whether you're a focused collector or an eclectic enthusiast like me, the most important thing is to have fun with your hobby!