Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm, widely known for amassing over a million cards in his extensive collection, shared his perspective on why investing in Pokémon cards offers greater stability compared to sports cards. In a recent discussion, Strahm emphasized that the inherent unpredictability linked to athletes makes sports card investments riskier, positioning Pokémon cards as a safer option.
Strahm’s passion for card collecting spans beyond baseball, encompassing a vast and diverse inventory accumulated over his lifetime. He has a unique tradition of collecting rookie cards of baseball players who hit home runs off him, later requesting their signatures. However, his interest also includes other collectible categories, particularly Pokémon cards, which he considers a more reliable investment due to the absence of uncertain variables affecting athletes.
Why Pokémon Cards Provide a More Stable Investment Than Sports Cards
In an exclusive interview with YouTube reporter Tyler Boronski, Strahm explained that the unpredictability in sports card values stems largely from the human factor. He pointed out that athletes’ performance and personal circumstances can drastically influence the worth of their cards, sometimes causing values to plummet unexpectedly. By contrast, Pokémon cards have fixed attributes that do not change, making their value steadier over time.
“People always ask me like when they’re getting into cards if for an investment, what would you invest in? And I always tell them, ‘Pokemon’s the safest investment.’ And they look at me like I have a third eye, and I go, ‘Well, Pikachu is not going to tear his ACL and miss the whole season.”
—Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
“So like not going to get a DUI driving home. Like that’s not going to happen. So like their market’s kind of set, it is what it is. But with like players, I mean, you wake up one morning and the card that was worth $1,100 might not be worth the paper it’s printed on anymore.”
—Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
“So you’re dealing with the human element and when you get to Pokemon, that’s out of there. So that’s what I always tell everyone your safest bet is Pokemon,” Strahm explained (1:57).
—Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
Guidance for New Collectors: Prioritize Personal Passion
When asked about advice for newcomers in the card-collecting world, Strahm encouraged collectors to focus on the cards they love rather than solely pursuing investment gains. He highlighted that the value of expensive cards can fluctuate, but the enjoyment and personal connection should remain the main motivation. Strahm compared collecting to appreciating art, where the intrinsic value to the collector matters most.
“Honestly, my favorite type of collectors it’s like, you just need to collect what you love,” Strahm said (3:54). “And like so my big thing, especially when it comes to expensive cards, if you love Wayne Gretzky it’s going to cost you a pretty penny to get a Wayne Gretzky card. Or Mookie Betts, it doesn’t matter.”
—Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
“They’re going to be expensive, but as long as you love the card, no matter what the value of that card does, at least you love the card. So, you got to kind of look at it like art, like when you’re looking at the card. So, yeah, I would just tell them collect what you love.”
—Matt Strahm, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
Strahm’s Efforts to Support Fellow Players in Card Collecting
Beyond his collection and investment insights, Strahm has expressed interest in helping teammates grow their card collections. Recently, he reached out to fans on the social platform X to generate ideas for limited-edition baseball cards featuring his Phillies teammate Bryce Harper, fostering a community to trade and enrich Harper’s collection.
On the field, Strahm has contributed significantly to the Phillies’ bullpen, appearing in 51 games this season with a 1-3 win-loss record and a 3.19 ERA. His dual involvement with baseball and card collecting highlights his deep connection to the sport and the hobby.
The Future of Card Collecting and Investment Advice
Strahm’s comments underline the importance of understanding market dynamics when deciding where to invest in collectible cards. While the involvement of active athletes adds a layer of uncertainty to sports cards, Pokémon cards offer a more consistent market unaffected by human factors. For new and seasoned collectors alike, Strahm’s counsel prioritizes passion and personal enjoyment, ensuring that collecting remains fulfilling regardless of changing market values.
As card collecting continues to evolve, Strahm’s experience and thoughtful approach provide valuable guidance, especially for younger enthusiasts seeking security and satisfaction in their investments. His open support of fellow players like Bryce Harper further strengthens the culture around baseball card collecting.