The Hobby refers to the century-plus tradition of collecting and trading cards — from tobacco baseball issues of the late 1800s to today’s sports, Pokémon, and digital cards. It isn’t a fad or a passing trend because it’s rooted in culture, nostalgia, and community, with cycles of innovation that keep it alive across generations. The Hobby has weathered booms and busts — from the post-war Topps era, through the 1980s–90s explosion, to modern grading, streaming, and on-chain collecting. Each phase proves that while formats evolve, the core passion for collecting, storytelling, and connection never goes away.