Levi, now eleven years old, discovered his love for baseball cards during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when he was seven. It started as a bonding activity with his dad, and together, they’ve been building the Topps base set every year since 2021. But while they’ve shared countless hours of fun assembling those sets, Levi’s true passion lies in collecting cards of his favorite player: Byron Buxton.
Levi has been a fan of Buxton for as long as he’s been watching baseball. His admiration is rooted in Buxton’s incredible speed and electrifying play on the field, which inspires him every time he watches a game. It’s no surprise that Levi’s card collection has grown to include an impressive array of Buxton memorabilia.
Over the years, Levi has built a large collection featuring autographed cards, numbered cards, and slabs. Some of his favorites include a 1/2 and 2/2 Minnesota patch, a 1/1 Stadium Club card, a custom patch card made by CS Custom Cards and many autographs. His enthusiasm and dedication as a collector are truly remarkable.
But Levi’s passion for collecting goes beyond acquiring rare cards – it’s about creating memories and sharing the joy of the hobby. For years, he dreamed of meeting Byron Buxton. In 2024, he attended Twins Fest with hopes of securing an autograph, only to find the line sold out immediately. Undeterred, Levi returned to Twins Fest in 2025, determined to fulfill his dream. This time, he arrived even earlier to ensure his spot in line.
In a cool gesture that showcases the true spirit of collecting, Levi brought along a 1/1 Allen & Ginter card of Buxton – one of his more valuable cards. But Levi didn’t bring it to get signed. Instead, he gave it to Buxton as a gift, explaining, “It’s the only one in the world, and I think he should have it.”
For Levi, the act of giving carried far more value than the card itself. His parents supported his decision, knowing that the memory of this moment he will never forget. And they were right. Buxton graciously accepted the gift, shared a fist bump with Levi, and posed for a photo together. He also signed a jersey for Levi to accompany his already-signed bat, leaving Levi with memories that will last a lifetime.
This story captures the essence of collecting: connection, generosity, and the joy of shared experiences. Levi’s journey reminds us that the value of a collection isn’t just in the cards themselves but in the stories and memories they create.
We’d love to feature more stories from passionate collectors like Levi. If you have a personal card collection you’d like to showcase on CardSota, please email us at info@cardsota.com. Let’s celebrate the people and the passion that make this hobby so special!