Most MLB players have their quirks, but Texas Rangers infielder Josh Jung might just be one of the most relatable ballplayers in today’s game. While some athletes collect luxury cars or expensive watches, Jung’s passion lies in something far more nostalgic: baseball cards.
MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry wrote about Jung’s collecting obsession, which would make even the most dedicated hobbyist jealous. Jung’s childhood ritual was beautifully simple: good grades earned him Friday trips to Toys “R” Us with his father. But instead of grabbing the latest action figures, young Jung beelined straight for the baseball card aisle.
That early passion has evolved into him being a professional athlete who genuinely understands the collector’s mindset because he still lives it every single day.
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From 5,000-Count Boxes to YouTube Stardom
Jung’s collecting journey reads like a masterclass in dedication. He told Landry that his childhood was defined by card collecting, maintaining multiple 5,000-count boxes stuffed with cardboard treasures. His father’s influence clearly shaped this passion, creating a generational bond over pack breaks and rookie card chases that continues today.
What sets Jung apart from casual collectors is his commitment to the modern hobby ecosystem. He’s launched his own YouTube channel, complete with a 30-minute pack-breaking session featuring none other than Mike Trout. This isn’t just a publicity stunt; Jung actively attends card shows and visits local card shops during his downtime, proving his authenticity in a hobby that can sometimes feel disconnected from its professional subjects.
His crown jewel? A signed Mike Trout rookie card, which Jung describes as “super cool.” The fact that he’s secured signatures on both Trout’s 2011 update and 2012 Rookie of the Year cards demonstrates the kind of focused collecting that separates serious hobbyists from weekend warriors.
Josh Jung’s Signature Easter Eggs Show His Collector’s Heart
I thought it would be fun to throw a little Easter egg out into the hobby. I’m glad it finally surfaced! Won’t be the last 🤫 @Topps https://t.co/VTPVpoUcLI
— Josh Jung (@josh6jung) November 19, 2023
Jung’s most endearing quality might be how he approaches his own cardboard legacy with humor while understanding exactly what fellow collectors want to see.
Jung’s signature philosophy reveals his collector’s heart: he deliberately keeps his autograph legible because he remembers the frustration of receiving smudged or illegible signatures as a young fan. “I try to make it a point to write mine legibly,” he explained to Landry, showing genuine empathy for the collecting experience.
The real magic happens in his signature easter eggs. Jung created a viral moment in 2023 by secretly drawing a mustache and glasses on one of his own cards before signing it, then waiting to see if anyone would discover his handiwork. He’s also signed cards as “The Jungle Cat,” his nickname, adding personal touches that transform routine autographs into collector treasures.
The Modern Card Market Through Jung’s Eyes
Jung’s perspective on today’s hobby landscape offers fascinating insights from someone straddling both sides of the market. He admits that the modern card industry’s complexity initially overwhelmed him. Gone are the simple days when his father would grab “a box of cards” and call it good.
“I truly didn’t know a ton about cards until a couple of years ago,” Jung revealed, noting how today’s guaranteed hits and specialized products have revolutionized what was once a pure chase game. His own Topps Chrome Rookie autograph super represents his most prized self-card, particularly valuable since he debuted without the coveted debut patch that drives modern collector frenzy.
This authenticity resonates because Jung experiences the same discoveries and learning curves that define the modern collecting journey. He’s chasing his own rookie cards with the same enthusiasm any collector brings to hunting vintage gems or contemporary parallels.
MLB Stars Enjoy Baseball Cards Just Like Us
Jung isn’t alone in his cardboard obsession. Mike Trout famously maintains an extensive collection, and numerous other players have embraced the hobby with genuine passion. What makes Jung special is his willingness to share that journey publicly, creating content and engaging with the community in ways that bridge the gap between a professional athlete and everyday collectors.
His admission that he still gets “giddy” seeing his own cards reflects a beautiful paradox: here’s someone whose face appears on cardboard traded worldwide, yet he maintains the wide-eyed wonder that defines true collectors. That excitement never fades, whether you’re pulling your first Mickey Mantle reproduction or discovering a Jung rookie in your latest hobby box.
Jung’s story reminds us that baseball cards create connections across every level of the sport. From Little League dreams to Major League reality, that cardboard bridge connects us all. Sometimes, the guy whose card you’re chasing is sitting at the next table at your local card show, just as excited about the hobby as you are.
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