Cy was excited to show off his baseball card collection to his friends at school. He had been collecting cards for a few years now and had amassed a sizable collection of 42 cards. While not an enormous number compared to some of the other kids, Cy took great pride in his cards and knew each one like the back of his hand.

When he got home from school that day, Cy rushed to his bedroom and pulled out his baseball card binder from the top shelf of his closet. He lovingly ran his fingers over the worn blue cover before opening it up to admire his collection once more. Flipping through the plastic sleeves, Cy took his time gazing at each player, remembering how he got that particular card and what made it special to him.

His collection was somewhat eclectic, with players from various eras and teams represented. Being from a small town, Cy didn’t have a favorite team per say, so he collected cards based more on the players themselves than any allegiances. A few of his prized possessions included a signed Derek Jeter rookie card he got at a baseball card show, a pristine Mickey Mantle that he spent months saving up his allowance for, and a tattered but loved Babe Ruth card that had been his grandfather’s.

In total, Cy had amassed 42 cards in his collection. While not a huge number compared to the kids with binders overflowing with hundreds of cards, it was a collection he was proud of. Here is a more in-depth breakdown of some of the key players and memories represented in Cy’s 42 baseball card collection:

Derek Jeter Rookie Card (1991 Donruss): As mentioned, this was one of Cy’s most prized possessions. He still remembered the day two years ago when he spotted Jeter signing at a card show and nervously worked up the courage to get in line. Jeter smiled and asked his name as he signed the rookie card, making it that much more special.

Mickey Mantle (1956 Topps): This gem cost Cy several months of saving his $5 weekly allowance but he knew it would be worth it. The photo captured Mantle in the midst of his signature swing and the card was in remarkably good condition for its age. It was one of the oldest in Cy’s collection.

Babe Ruth (1933 Goudey): As stated, this card had been his grandfather’s. Cy treasured it not just for its connection to his favorite player growing up, but for the family history it represented as well. The card was fragile and worn, but he handled it with the utmost care.

Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck): An early Griffey rookie that Cy proudly displayed in a team baggy. He remembered begging his parents to buy him his first pack of Upper Deck and pulling this gem, instantly making Griffey his favorite player.

Nolan Ryan (1973 Topps): Cy enjoyed collecting older Ryan cards and viewing the evolution of his pitching motion and stats over the years. This ’73 was one of the first in his collection.

Cal Ripken Jr. (1981 Fleer): An underrated rookie find, considering how Cal’s career played out. Cy stumbled on this one in a dime box bargain bin.

Ichiro Suzuki (1992 Score Japanese League): One of Cy’s more unique international cards. He enjoyed learning about players from outside the U.S.

Mariano Rivera (1995 Fleer Update): Cy was always on the hunt for pre-rookie Rivera cards and considered this one a great pickup.

Sandy Koufax (1961 Topps): A true work of art from the golden age of cards. Cy displayed this one in a one-touch magnetic holder.

Roberto Clemente (1964 Topps): Another icon from the early 60s set that Cy was proud to own.

Those were some of the highlights among Cy’s collection of 42 total cards. There were also players from various eras like Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Mike Piazza, Chipper Jones and more. While other kids had boxes overflowing with thousands of cards, Cy cherished each one in his small but loved collection. He couldn’t wait to show off his prized players to his friends at school the next day.