Discover History
Hello!
Tim is a dedicated sports card collector with a lifelong passion for preserving the legacy of the game through carefully curated memorabilia. What began as a childhood hobby has evolved into a sophisticated collection of graded cards that spans decades, leagues, and legendary athletes.
With a strong focus on quality, authenticity, and historical significance, Tim has built a collection that reflects both the evolution of sports and the artistry behind the cards themselves. His commitment to collecting goes beyond the cards—it's about honoring the stories, milestones, and cultural impact of the athletes who have shaped the world of sports.
This website serves as a digital showcase of Tim’s collection—an ever-growing archive of iconic moments and rare finds. Whether you're a fellow collector, a sports historian, or simply a fan of the game, we invite you to explore, connect, and share in the passion that drives this collection.
The Story
52-year-old Tim Banazek wasn’t looking to build a card empire. He was simply looking for purpose. With his daughters out of the house and life feeling a little too quiet, he turned back to something that had always brought him joy: collecting baseball cards. He started buying packs on eBay and sharing his finds online. Then came the message that changed everything:
“Stop buying those cards. You’ve got to come see my dad’s collection.”
Fifteen minutes later, Tim stood in a nearby home, staring into a closet filled floor-to-ceiling with boxes. Inside? Pristine sets, including a complete 1965 Topps baseball collection. “I’ll buy it,” he said without hesitation.
But that was just the beginning.
One room turned into three. Each one bigger than the last, each one packed with cards. Then came the biggest surprise: an entire second house out back, filled wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling with boxes. Baseball, basketball, football, NASCAR. Star Wars, Pokémon, Desert Storm. It was overwhelming. And it was all for sale.
Tim made the deal on the spot.
What he took home was a hidden time capsule: 20 million cards spanning generations, untouched and unseen by the public. It took 20 SUV trips, five U-Hauls, and an empty antique store to house the treasure trove. Inside:
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Every Topps baseball set from 1954 to 2016
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Tens of thousands of cards from Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James
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Rare vintage cards of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Lou Gehrig
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Tobacco cards from 1909 and 1911
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Game-used gear, signed balls and bats, and even sealed packs with the original gum
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Memorabilia far beyond sports, including authentic Marilyn Monroe postcards, vintage Star Wars and Pokémon cards, and turn-of-the-century pop culture collectibles
Despite the scale, Tim estimates he’s opened only 5 to 10 percent of it. The true scope—and the hidden gems—remain largely a mystery.
But this isn’t about flipping or reselling. It’s about wonder, nostalgia, and the thrill of the unknown. With the help of friends, collaborators, and a growing community, Tim is on a mission to share the magic through digital storytelling, exhibitions, and creative experiences.
As Tim puts it:
“I don’t want to discover everything. It’s what’s still in there that’s fun. Let’s have fun.”
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.