Ever wonder how baseball players get their own trading cards? What makes a rookie card valuable—or even collectible at all?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Kevin Eger, VP of Athlete Partnerships at Fanatics Collectibles (Topps), to pull back the curtain on the trading card industry. Subscribe and explore the business behind the cardboard!

What You’ll Learn:

• How athletes get selected for trading cards

• What makes a rookie card officially a “rookie”

• The behind-the-scenes timeline from draft day to card release

• Why autographs and “on-card” signatures matter

• How NIL and social media are reshaping sports collectibles

• Tips for players and families navigating the evolving card space

Trading cards have been part of childhood for generations—but the business behind them is anything but child’s play. Kevin Eger, a key player at Fanatics (Topps), gives us a rare look inside how athletes—from MLB stars to college prospects—become collectible icons.

Kevin shares how he started his career as a baseball editor, choosing which players appeared on cards and what images represented them. Now, he manages partnerships with athletes and agents, coordinating deals that range from autograph signings to storytelling content and social media activations. It’s about more than cardboard—it’s about crafting legacy and connecting athletes with fans.

Parents of rising stars will also find value here: with the rise of NIL deals and social influence, players can build personal brands earlier than ever. But for Topps, the journey usually begins with the MLB draft—then flows through the minor leagues, rookie cards, and eventually, superstar status.

Enjoyed this insider peek at the trading card world? Subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with a baseball fan or aspiring pro in your life!

Learn more: https://fanatics.com

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https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford