Hobby Musings: How Zac Lowther Came Back to CollectingHobby Musings: How Zac Lowther Came Back to Collecting – Orioles pitcher Zac Lowther made his MLB debut in 2021. In addition to his exploits on the mound, the left-hander is a firm collector. Like several people in the hobby, Mr. Lowther made his way back into the card collecting community after some time away. I had the chance to catch up with him to discuss his experiences with trading cards, as well as his thoughts on the hobby in general.

KS: Mr. Lowther, you’ve proclaimed on your Twitter that you’re a card collector. What got you into the hobby?
ZL: Yes, I am a card collector. I started at a young age thanks to my dad and his memorabilia collection. I got back into it when I got drafted in 2017.

KS: Do you collect your own cards? If yes, are there any of them you’re currently looking for?
ZL: I do collect my own cards. I have a few of each one, and I like seeing some of the printing plates and Superfractors that people pull!

KS: Do you have a favorite card yet that’s been released of you?
ZL: I think every card I see that’s new is my favorite. Like with my RC coming out, that will forever be my favorite. However, there is one coming out in 1953 Platinum Anniversary that is by far my favorite right now because of its look.

KS: For fans who don’t know, what is the actual process of getting your own trading card, especially for the ones you have to sign?
ZL: The card companies approach players and agents search out for the best deals. We agree to a set amount and then as new products come out, they send us the cards and we get them done as soon as possible.

KS: Fans love to get autographs. When was the first time someone asked you to sign something?
ZL: The first time as a professional that someone asked me was when I was playing for the Aberdeen Ironbirds, and they have a great following of fans and are very kid friendly.

KS: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever been asked to sign?
ZL: A little kid once asked me to sign his arm. I declined until his parents said it was okay. I don’t know if I’d do that again.

KS: Have you ever asked any fellow players or celebrities for an autograph?
ZL: One of the things I’ve been doing is anyone who has cards that I play with, I get their auto on card. I’ve gotten some signed jerseys over the years and signed baseball or gear. Everything is just for my personal collection.

KS: What memorabilia have you kept from your career?
ZL: I have all my gloves. Some All-Star jerseys. Hats. Some cleats. My favorite is my debut jersey and the lineup card from that day, and the day I got my first win.

KS: Is there a dream item you’d ever like to have in your collection?
ZL: A dream item would obviously be my own World Series gear. But outside of that, some great autographs from players out of the game or legends of the game.

KS: What do you make of the explosion in the hobby over the past couple of years?
ZL: I think it’s great. However, as a casual card collector I think there needs to be better access for kids and people who aren’t just in it for the graded cards and for flips. I don’t really do the graded cards, but we all know the different tiered products. But sometimes trying to get access to cards at Target or Walmart is impossible because some card shops buy up all the stock.

KS: If you were the trading card commissioner for a day, what change would you make?
ZL: That’s interesting only because I don’t know enough outside of the baseball world. I know there are tons of breakers and different communities, and I’m happy to be a part of some of them! I’d make some more uniform ways to buy, sell, and grade the products while also upping print runs so the cost of getting into the hobby isn’t as high. I think the more access for people, the better the community!

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Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Kelsey Schroyer

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