In the quaint town of Moseley, Virginia, an antique shop has unexpectedly become the focal point of a monumental find in the world of sports memorabilia. Tim Banazek, a passionate collector, has unearthed what could be the largest private collection of sports memorabilia globally. This astonishing discovery includes approximately 20 million sports cards, along with a vast array of autographed baseballs and other valuable items, all stored in unassuming white banker’s boxes.
Banazek’s adventure into this treasure trove began in 2021 when he purchased the collection from a private collector in a nearby town. The sheer scale of this collection is unprecedented, far surpassing other known collections. For example, a collector in Idaho previously claimed to have the largest private collection with 2.8 million cards, a mere fraction compared to Banazek’s find.
The origins of this collection date back over half a century, carefully curated by its former owner, who often acquired entire collections from others. Despite its enormity, the collection remained largely hidden, stored in a concrete outbuilding until Banazek brought it into the spotlight. Now located in a roadside storefront near Richmond, Virginia, it awaits thorough cataloging and exploration.
A Historical Treasure Trove
The collection features complete Topps baseball card sets from 1954 to 2016, along with extensive basketball and football card sets. It includes thousands of cards showcasing legends such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, as well as rare cards of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Lou Gehrig. Historic tobacco cards and game-used memorabilia further enrich this remarkable collection.
Beyond sports, the collection also contains cultural artifacts like original Marilyn Monroe postcards and sealed boxes from popular franchises such as “Star Trek” and “Pokemon.” Despite efforts to organize the collection, Banazek estimates that only a small portion has been explored, leaving the door open for the discovery of rare and valuable items.
Bringing the Collection to Light
Banazek, a dynamic father and CEO of ISC Sales, describes the experience as thrilling. His friend, Darren Wieder, attempted to inventory the cards but halted after scanning 80,000 items, overwhelmed by the collection’s magnitude. The potential value of the collection is challenging to determine, with initial estimates starting at $5 million, though the presence of rare cards could significantly increase this figure.
Unlike the previous owner, Banazek is enthusiastic about sharing this incredible collection with the public. He is working with Rob Smith, a former television executive, to develop an interactive exhibit that could tour the nation or find a permanent home in Las Vegas. Additional projects, including a podcast and reality show, are in development to explore the stories behind the cards.
The Future of Card Collecting
Banazek’s collection is not just a personal triumph; it embodies a piece of Americana and the rich history of card collecting. As he continues to delve into the collection, he remains fascinated by the mystery of what remains undiscovered. “I don’t want to discover everything,” Banazek remarks. “There’s the discovery writ large, which is amazing, and it gets my heart palpitating. But it’s what’s still in there that’s fun. Let’s have fun.”
