Welcome back to another edition of Collector’s Corner. For my second installment I will be spotlighting Mike Rey, yet another Kaline collector, but he is more than what meets the eye in regard to what he collects. Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to meet Mike in person, however, I have had the opportunity to chat with him to some extent via Facebook and our local Detroit collector’s groups.
Let’s get right into it.
Q: Who are you? Also, please tell me a little bit about yourself outside of collecting.
A: My name is Mike Rey, most people know me as a Ford/Mustang guru, but only people who have known me forever really know my true love and passion; Baseball and collecting Baseball Cards. I had an early career of 21 years with the Federal Government before pursuing my dream job with the Ford Motor Company. I was very fortunate to be on the launch teams for both the 2015 Ford Mustang and 2015 Shelby GT350 Mustang. After Ford I moved on to Roush Performance for a short 4-year tenure; I am currently with Saleen Performance.
Q: How long have you been in the hobby?
A: I got into the hobby at the age of 4, my dad use to take me to pick my grandma up; and on those trips he started to buy me a pack of cards each time, that was in 1975.
Q: Do you remember what it was that gave you the drive to collect?
One of Mike’s favorite cards, the Al Kaline double header
A: I just truly loved the cards themselves and watching the games. While I was watching the games, I remember hearing the players names being called and looking to see if I had a card of them in my collection. Eventually, I realized that some of my friends also collected and we started to trade and that is where things really took off.
Q: What would you say is the most important piece in your collection? Why?
A: I have many very important pieces that I treasure. My Mickey Mantle autographed ball is one, my Al Kaline rookie card (even though it’s a PSA 2, I think it looks like a 4 or 5), multiple signed Lance Parrish items, and most recently I finally completed a 1948 Bowman PSA Registry Set. I have also completed a number of other sets; 1951 Topps Red Backs, 1953 Topps, 1953 Bowman B&W, 1955 Bowman, 1960 Topps, 1966 Topps, 1968-71 Topps and 1973-80 Topps.
Q: Do you have a main PC?
A: I have a few, most people know me as a Kaline collector, but I also collect Denny McLain as I truly believe NO ONE will ever win 30 games again. I have also met McLain several times, he is a super nice guy to talk to. Also, I recently started a PSA John Hiller collection. But besides players, I have been solely focused on vintage sets, nothing new than 1980.
Q: Would you say your collection has evolved over time? If so, how has it evolved?
A: Yes, for sure. I always use to collect the latest and greatest each year, but about 10 years ago it really just got to be too much. That is when I decided to strictly focus on vintage and I absolutely love it.
Q: Are you currently pursuing any specific item? If so, what?
1955 Topps Sandy Koufax, an addition Mike is hoping to make to his 55 set soon.
A: I’m currently working on finishing up a few vintage sets. I am very close to finishing the 1954, 1955, 1958 and 1962 sets. Also, I always look for oddball Kaline and McLain items.
Q: Do you currently have any projects you are working on?
A: I’m hoping to get some things organized so I can start doing live auctions, like George Jackson. George is awesome and he makes it fun at the same time. I’m working on getting an area at home together where I can start doing the same.
Q: What advice would you give fellow collectors?
A: My advice is to find a buddy who shares the same passion with you. I have been collected with my friend Charlie Schantz since 1981; we now both collect vintage and tend to work on the same sets at the same time. He recently completed his 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1975 sets and is very close to finishing off the 1966 and 1970 sets as well. But, just grabbing him and going to local shows together with our want lists is so much fun and is really what it is all about. Also, two sets of eyes is always better than one. I would also suggest joining Facebook groups as well, or other platforms, just find the places that allow you to talk to other people that have the same interests. Finding these places will really allow you to get more involved in the hobby.
I would like to thank Mike Rey for taking the time to answer these questions for this edition of Collector’s Corner. It truly is amazing to find out what other collectors are like and how they go about the hobby.
If anyone has any questions for Mike himself, please comment below and I will make sure they make their way to Mike so he can answer them! Also, if anyone has any suggestions of future interviews please let me know!