It was a sunny Saturday morning and 12-year old Keyshawn Johnson couldn’t wait to go to the local card shop to buy some new baseball cards. Ever since he was little, Keyshawn had been obsessed with collecting. He loved learning about the players, studying their stats, and organizing his collection in his bedroom. His dream was to one day have a complete set of every MLB player from the past 30 years.

Keyshawn finished his breakfast and raced to get dressed. “Mom, can you drive me to Mike’s Baseball Card Emporium?” he asked. “Of course honey,” his mom replied. “Just let me finish loading the dishwasher and we’ll go.”

Ten minutes later, Keyshawn and his mom were in the car heading to the shop. As they drove, Keyshawn thought about what kinds of cards he hoped to find. Maybe he’d get lucky and find a rare rookie card of one of his favorite players like Derek Jeter or Ken Griffey Jr. Then those cards would be worth a lot of money someday.

When they arrived, Keyshawn jumped out of the car and ran inside the store. Mike’s Baseball Card Emporium was Keyshawn’s favorite place. The walls were lined floor to ceiling with boxes organized by sport, team, and year. In the center of the store were glass display cases filled with individual rare and valuable cards. Behind the counter, Owner Mike was helping another customer.

Keyshawn began browsing through the shelves. He decided to start by looking through the 2020 baseball packs, hoping to pull a rookie card of someone who could become a star. After digging through a few boxes, a pack of 2020 Topps caught his eye. He’d heard these had some of the best rookie cards in recent years. Keyshawn took the pack to the counter.

As Mike rung him up, Keyshawn asked “Do you have any single packs from past years I could look through too?” Mike nodded. “Help yourself to any unopened packs on that bottom shelf,” he said. Keyshawn started sorting through boxes of loose packs, looking for years where he was still trying to complete sets. He found a 2010 Topps pack and a 1995 Fleer Ultra, two years he had holes in. Delighted with his finds, he brought them up to pay as well.

The total came to $15. Keyshawn handed Mike two $10 bills. As Mike counted out his change, Keyshawn stared eagerly at his packs. “Thanks Mike! I’ll let you know if I get anything good!” he said, carefully sliding the packs into his pocket. His mom was waiting in the car when he excitedly told her “I got 3 packs! Let’s hope for some star rookies or relic cards!”

That afternoon, Keyshawn sat at his desk slowly opening each pack, one card at a time. The 2020 Topps pack was a bust – all commons he already had. But ripping the plastic off the older packs brought a rush of nostalgia and mystery. Which players would he uncover from baseball’s past?

The 1995 Fleer Ultra pack held a few decent veterans, but no true stars. The final 2010 Topps pack contained mainly low-level prospects. But as he slid the last card out, Keyshawn caught a glimpse of vivid color. He turned it over slowly, eyes widening in amazement. It was a Buster Posey rookie card, the future MVP’s debut in the majors. Posey had just been inducted into the Hall of Fame last year. “Mom!” Keyshawn yelled, “You gotta see this!”

Keyshawn proudly showed off his prized pull. His mom was thrilled for him and his amazing luck. She knew how much it would mean to add a HOF rookie to his growing collection. From that day on, that Buster Posey card sat in a special plastic sleeve in the front of Keyshawn’s binder. It served as a reminder that you never know what treasures might be discovered in a pack of baseball cards.

Over the next few weeks, Keyshawn saved up his allowance and money from odd jobs around the house. By the end of the month, he had $100 to spend. He knew just what he wanted to do – buy 100 individual baseball cards to really boost his collections.

The following Saturday, Keyshawn returned to Mike’s shop with his wallet full of cash. Mike was setting up a new shipment of merchandise when Keyshawn arrived. “Back so soon?” Mike chuckled. “What can I do for ya today?” Keyshawn replied “I have $100 to spend. Can I look through your 50 cent bins and dollar boxes?”

Mike pointed him to the rows of plastic storage containers lining the back wall. “Knock yourself out kid. Take your time and let me know if you find any legends.” Keyshawn got to work sorting through cards. He added complete sets of recent stars, Hall of Famers from past eras, and players whose careers were cut short by injuries. He also grabbed rookie cards of prospects who looked promising.

Before long, Keyshawn had amassed a giant stack of 100 cards. He brought them proudly to the register. Mike totaled it up – just under $50 with tax. Keyshawn handed over his wad of bills, bouncing with excitement. “Thanks again Mike! I’ll see you next payday.” He hurried out to his mom’s car to admire his spoils.

Over the following weeks and months, Keyshawn sorted and organized his new additions. He meticulously logged them into his binders and boxes. His collection was really taking shape. He loved sharing fun facts about the players with his friends and convincing them to start collecting too.

Years later, that faithful shopping trip remained one of Keyshawn’s favorite baseball card memories. It kickstarted an obsession that would last a lifetime. His childhood collection became valued heirlooms to pass on to his own kids someday. And it all started with a young boy’s love of the game, and the thrill of the hunt at Mike’s Baseball Card Emporium.