It wasn’t one special card that helped tee up Joe Tee’s interest in collecting sports cards but it was a feeling – one that hasn’t gone away with time. In fact, it’s that feeling that not only keeps him coming back for more but has turned this boyhood hobby into a successful business and lifelong passion.

“Growing up my family knew exactly what to get me for birthdays and holidays – sports cards,” said Tee, owner of Throwback Sports Cards, a private collecting company based in Canton. “The thrill of ripping a pack open and discovering what is inside has never gone away.”

Tee recently experienced one of the biggest thrills he has ever had with the hobby – and not by ripping open a pack of cards but by opening a box full of cards. A resident of Canton recently reached out to Tee for an appraisal of his collection.

“He walked in with a Schlitz beer case with over 2,000 sports cards from the 1950s inside the box,” Tee said. “The collection contained complete and partial sets from Topps 1952-1958, including multiples of Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Ted Williams.”

The owner couldn't believe how much his collection was worth.

“After thinking about it for a few weeks he called back and said he was ready to sell,” Tee said. “This is truly one of the more exciting collections I have been able to acquire.”

Tee primarily focuses on cards from 1900-1969, and especially loves cards of the legends of the game such as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.

“There is just something about seeing the old jerseys and team logos on vintage cards,” he said.

Tee, 38, got into the business of vintage sports cards about 20 years ago while in college (Wayne State) and launched Throwback Sports Cards in 2021.

“I started this business as a way to connect with other collectors and sellers and to grow my collection,” he said. “I really enjoy meeting with people, going through their collection and hearing each of their stories. I think of collections as time capsules.”

Surprisingly, Tee said the sports card business is “booming,” thanks in part to a growing number of “rookies” in the game.

“The hobby is the largest it’s ever been,” he said. “Every year there is a National Collectors Convention and each of the past few years they have broken attendance records. Not too long ago shows were mostly guys that were 50 plus – that is definitely not the case anymore. There are many young people involved now, which is great for the long-term health of the hobby.”

Tee, who estimates that he owns tens of thousands of cards, is a private collector who often meets collectors in the area to provide free appraisals. He also purchases collections through the mail, focusing primarily on baseball, football, basketball, and hockey cards from 1900-1969.

Trust is a big factor in the hobby/collectible business and the back of the baseball card for Throwback Sports is full of stats on high reputation, happy customers and respect throughout the industry.

“Our reputation of honesty and integrity is evident through our five-star Google rating,” Tee said. “We believe in full transparency with the goal of making sure our clients have a positive selling experience and are comfortable completing a deal with us.

“My website (www.throwbacksportscards.com) has many guides highlighting key cards and values from every important set from 1900-1969. The most important thing is to find someone you can trust and feel comfortable selling with.”