If you ever head out to Liverpool that is where you'll find this man... John Newman, a man who loves sports cards.

"Some cards," says John as he pulls out a card from his collection. "They even took leather from a glove and then the player autographed it."

This card collection, it's as long as it is impressive.

"I'd say (I have) between 300-400 thousand (cards)."

Which begs the question... 'John, how long have you been married?'

"21-years," John says as he laughs at the question.

As unusual as that large number sounds when it hits your ears, John is just a normal guy. As soon as he gets home from work, he unwinds by checking his phone. But then he heads to his other passion... his cards.

"This card here is Mike Trout, arguably the best baseball player in the game right now."

 

 

That passion has led to what the kids are calling theses days 'a side hustle.' Everyday after work John marches upstairs, heads to his man-cave and records not one but two podcasts.

"Welcome to episode 89 of 'The Sports Card Nation' podcast, I'm your host John Newman."

This side venture has become quite successful. There are numerous times you can find John's podcast ranked in the top 15 of itunes games and hobbies podcast rankings.

And that success can be traced all the way back to one card John came across as a kid.

"This is the card. I always point to this card," says John as he pulls out a 1979 Topps Reggie Jackson card. "The card isn't a expensive card."

Even though Reggie Jackson isn't bringing in the Andrew Jacksons John says his collection is worth over $100k.

 

 

"Alright that does it for episode 89 of 'The Sports Card Nation Podcast,' take care, be well and I'll see you next Friday.

As John finishes up his podcast, don't worry, this isn't the end of the story.

Because John has me thinking...

If getting rid of old cards is going to get you that kind of cash I have to dig out my stock. So, here it is, my sports youth. The things I lived for as a 12-year-old. Baseball, football and hockey cards, all there for John to look over.

But as many find out, just because it has sentimental value doesn't mean it's going to get you rich. I guess, not every man's trash is another man's treasure.

"It's not meant as a term of endearment," John tells me as he refers to the cards I've brought him as part of the 'junk collection.'

"(These cards) were just massively over produced."

Getting cards looked at can cost you up to $10 per card, but John shows me some mercy.

"I also do some pro-bono work too," John laughs.

So I didn't get rich. But that's not why you collect cards in the first place. You do so you can relive the memories and friendships you made a long the way.

You also can make a couple of new ones.