Sean Murphy reminisces on how he built his vast accumulation of sports memorabilia

FREMONT (Debra Jacobsen) - Barbie benches baseball?

Well, not yet for new father Sean Murphy.

But the Fremont history teacher and coach believes it might happen.

These days, 4-month-old McKenna Murphy is the superstar for Sean.

“Whatever she likes, I’ll get into it with her, even if it’s Barbie,” said Sean.

But throughout the years, collecting sports superstar figures and cards played a major role in his life.

In fact, he’s collected 700 Starting Lineup figures and 1.5 million sports cards.

People are amazed when they ask how many sports cards he has acquired.

“You say a million, they say, ‘Holy cow, a million cards,’” said Sean.

First, it was an easy hobby to get into, Sean said.

Second, he realized early on it might be a lucrative hobby.

Third, it was a family activity.

Sean first purchased a Starting Lineup figure at about age 9.

“The first time I got one (figure), it was at the old K-Mart,” Sean said. “I got my allowance and they were $2. A clerk there suggested I keep them in the original package.”

As it turns out, the clerk was right. The unopened packages appreciated in value.

“My dad put them by team in alphabetical order. We had to build a shelf around my room and then that filled up. Then it became boxes and more boxes,” Sean said.

At home, the Murphy family spent countless hours organizing the collection.

“It was crazy. We’d be down in the basement for a whole weekend. We’d order a pizza and we had a lot of fun,” Sean said.

History and sports run in the family.

Sean’s father, Patrick, retired from teaching history and coaching at Fremont High School. Sean coaches varsity boys’ soccer, junior varsity/reserve football and reserve basketball. Sean’s mother, Pamela, is assistant principal at Fremont Middle School. Previously, she was also a teacher.

“Mom was a history major,” Sean said.

“Everyone in our family likes old things,” he added.

A favorite Starting Lineup figure is Michael Jordan.

“And any Chicago Cub player — even if they weren’t very good,” Sean added.

One of the most valuable is a Nolan Ryan figure and also an autographed package with a figure of Johnny Unitas.

Almost all of the figures, as well as all the sports cards are stored in secured locations and safe deposit boxes — away from moisture.

What makes a card valuable?

“Misprints, age of the card, player and condition,” Sean said.

There is a scale for evaluating a card’s value and magazines, such as Beckett’s, that list prices and values of cards.

Provided there’s a willing and able buyer.

“If I have a card worth $20, I still have to find someone who will pay,” Sean said.

“When I was a senior in high school, I sold a Starting Lineup card for $400 — I had two of them,” noted Sean.

“When my card collection started, my brother was playing basketball at Wayne State College in 1986-87. We would stop at the gas station, usually in West Point, buy cards and a pop. I never really chewed the gum — it was like a brick,” Sean explained.

Later, the family started going to sports card shows and garage sales.

“We bought in massive bulk at garage sales. We sorted them and put them in sets,” he added.

Cards were also purchased across the United States.

“My dad would speak at track clinics all over the country. The first thing we’d do is look for cards. It’s something I’ll always remember. In our free time we looked for card shows and shops,” said Sean.

Back then, there were fewer companies producing cards. Now there are about 20 companies including Topps, Upper Deck and Fleer.

It wasn’t only about the value of the cards — it was about enjoying sports and family time together.

“We were huge (Chicago) Cubs fans,” Sean said.

In the early ’90s, Sean attended his first baseball game.

“We were in the second row by the net behind home plate. Cal Ripken Jr., Cal Ripken Sr., and Frank Robinson were there. I got to see them up close. George Brett and Bo Jackson were playing a double header. We ate in the stadium club in between,” Sean said.

“I got spoiled that first game,” he added.

These days, Sean might only purchase a pack of cards once or twice a month.

“0McKenna — she’s the best hobby right now,” Sean said. And Sean and his wife, Courtney, have started a collection of baby pictures.

In a few days, Sean looks forward to spending his first Father’s Day with his new daughter — and with his father.

He’s shared a lot with his dad throughout the years.

“My dream is to get to Wrigley Field — and take my dad there,” Sean said.