Ultimately, there are many reasons why people buy sports trading cards, and the appeal may vary from person to person. Whether it's for investment, personal connection, nostalgia, competition, or the social aspect, sports trading cards remain a popular collectible for fans and collectors alike.

US adults spent more than $8 billion on sportswear alone and sports enthusiasts spend, on average, $725 on sports each year. Any experience that doesn't include the fans is one that is flawed. Products that are easy for fans and athletes to both adopt, as well as interact with each other will present the most value in the future.

To offer a known former rival team MVP a spot on your team is not necessarily a rarity, but when that player played a significant role in a cheating scandal that shook the MLB and may have caused you one less ring on your finger, it’s pretty damn questionable.