WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Collecting. It takes on many a form without question, encompassing a multitude of interests that likewise represent an equal myriad of items that those involved find to their liking. It’s often a hobby, and one that brings joy to all who have discovered exactly what they find a passion for. Yet, why does it happen that for all that is GOOD in the world, there are still individuals who choose to take something and turn it into nothing more than an ultimately selfish adventure in self-gain at the cost of others?
The of amassing sports cards and memorabilia is an institution in itself, perhaps far more than people realize. With beginnings heralding back to the early 1900’s and continuing all the way into our present age, the drive to gain that coveted card or signed item remains strongly ingrained in the heart of collectors. When we delve into their stories, it truly does become an illustration, and separation, of people whose motives are for pure happiness vs. those who try and take advantage of that same culture’s contentment and success.
Next, my Mind:
I must say that when I first got offered the opportunity to take in this indie feature documentary arriving through director/executive producer/cinematographer/editor Michael Dault, I thought it might turn into an exercise in unnecessary tedium upon initially finding out that the film’s runtime was a quite daunting one hundred and fifty-five minutes. Usually associating a typical documentary as clocking in at around an hour to maybe an hour and a half, the notion of a one-shot viewing at this length didn’t sit well with me—until I WATCHED the film. I am being very transparent when I say the project addresses its primary subject matter with not only depth and detail, but DOES so by fully engaging you with the personal stories it centers on. Plus, for those not at all familiar with precisely HOW BIG the sports memorabilia and collectables industry is, grab the snacks and prepare for your lesson.
A deep dive into the arena the film’s intent encompasses, we’re given a WEALTH of information that provides such an adeptly constructed adventure into the very soul of collectors found within this particular vein. As to the history of sports collectables, noted experts such as senior writer Greg Bates of Fanatics Collectables and former FBI agent Brian Brusokas speak on cornerstone luminaries like Jefferson Burdick and Barry Halper, while the Director of Sports Heritage Auctions, Chris Ivy, shares about the onset of arguably the most known giant in trading cards, Topps, and its founders Sy Berger and Woody Gelman. While most of us might take for granted the legitimate importance of these men to the domain that is sports collectables, it is BECAUSE of their efforts that the very reality of it all would manifest and become one of the nation’s largest hobbyist ventures.
We then have the more directly personal side of this world via three particular individuals who would end up having very distinctly different experiences and impacts on the industry, with two being positive, and one (though not initially) not so much, especially for those whose lives were altered by his actions. In Michigan, it’s a story of sheer passion and simple yet affecting joy for collecting that gets expanded on via Luke Kooy and his father Mike Kooy. Their delving into collecting would ultimately yield the creation of a prolific business in their small town that would make quite the splash, an inspiration for young people, and an example of the genuine dedication to collecting someone can showcase. Their story continued through another addition to the aforementioned zeal via a YouTube Channel where they conduct “break” sessions via opening packs of cards online as a live reveal of what they might find.
Another fantastic tale unfolds in Defiance, OH, where longtime resident Karl Kissner speaks on the power of familial legacy which gets a serious shot in the arm when a random box of items he and his wife are cleaning out the attic of a longstanding family relative’s, multi-generational 100-year old home ends up yielding what would become known as the “Black Swamp Find“. Then there is the darker side of the industry as seen through the eyes of former pro baseball player Cliff Panezich, whose offseason goal of attaining other athlete’s signatures on sports-related items to then sell turned from legit to illegal when forgery entered the picture that would become known as Operation Stolen Base, ultimately landing him in prison for six years, but then prompted him upon release to make every effort to thwart others in the world who would seek to defraud unsuspecting collectors. It’s a story of consequences, rehabilitation and eventual reconciliation.
A broad, comprehensive series of additional interviews with a multitude of other individuals conveys their own experiences and/or opinions about the sports collecting industry, including Long Gone Podcast‘s Steve Ford, Cliff Panezich’s mother, Rose, former coach and MLB scout Jim Devine, Tonya Hampton, an advocate for more women to explore collecting, criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Lictman, Sports Card Radio Podcast founders Colin and Ryan Tedards who choose to expose the shadier side of things, Ret. Canfield, OH detective Brian McGivern, former Asst. District Attorney Marty Desmond, Great Lakes Breaks‘ Matt Belk and Jake Meyer, and Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon. This deftly immersive foray into all the ebbs and flows of the business, both legal and criminal, is undeniably captivating and thought-provoking, whether you’re a collector yourself or not.
What DOES seem more than evident through it all is that, like any larger avenue of business, whether chased for undying, purposeful happiness or nefariously obtained profit, is the need for at least SOME from of better and intentional regulation. Whether this does occur, at least quickly, remains in question. But, those who are fully invested in the hobby, regardless of reasons, are certainly either vocal about it or keep it “mum”. It’s all subjective, as with so many things, and hence why taking the time to watch this project IS worth it for the mere fact that it presents a side of our culture most of us only know by hearsay, rather than in this degree of revealing and, truthfully, educational content and context. If anything, it’s one more definitive portrait of following dreams, loving what you love, doing it well, but ideally aiming to do it RIGHT. Everything said here barely scratches the surface of what you as the viewer will absorb. Make the time and WATCH.
So, in total, “Hobby Hustle” finds its fundamental focus, like any excellent documentary, via real life, a human narrative through which we are privy to decisions made, lessons learned, passions pursued, mistakes acknowledged, prices paid (literally and figuratively!), and, overall, the infectious triumph of being so ensconced in what you have conclusive devotion to. In a phrase–it’s a true home run–an American story.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
