A Breakdown: Matt Strahm's Topps Baseball Card Belt Steals the Show at the MLB All-Star Game

A Breakdown: Matt Strahm's Topps Baseball Card Belt S...

By Jocelyn Alano July 18, 2024 14:43

creedit. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Strahm, an avid baseball card collector since childhood, has amassed an impressive collection of nearly a million cards, including autographed rookie cards of 54 players who have hit home runs off him. When Strahm learned he had been selected to his first All-Star Game, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to showcase his passion for the hobby. Strahm reached out to Brandon Verzal, the host of "The Card Life" TV show that Strahm had previously appeared on, to see if he could connect with Will Elmore, the owner of Card Belts - a small business that specializes in creating unique belts out of sports cards.

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Elmore, who had been featured on "The Card Life", jumped at the chance to create a one-of-a-kind belt for Strahm. Working quickly, Elmore overnighted the necessary cards to his "belt factory" (his garage) and got to work. Each belt took about 45 minutes to assemble, with Elmore carefully selecting 14 of Strahm's cards to create the final product. The end result was a stunning belt that showcased Strahm's Phillies debut card, an NLDS card, and an image variation card where he's "doing the 'I love you' sign to my daughter." Strahm was thrilled with the final product and proudly wore it during the All-Star Game festivities, even holding it up for the cameras to get a closer look.

Bringing Attention to a Small Business Owner

The attention Strahm's belt received was a boon for Elmore and his small business. As the broadcast zoomed in on Strahm's waist, Elmore's phone started blowing up with messages from friends and family who had spotted his handiwork.

"It takes 14 cards," Strahm explained to the camera, walking viewers through the different cards that made up the belt. This exposure not only highlighted Strahm's passion for collecting but also brought much-deserved attention to Elmore's unique business. Elmore, who started Card Belts during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, has been creating these baseball card belts as a way to showcase his collection and share his love of the hobby with others. He sells them online and at art festivals, primarily to sports fans and children of former players.

The positive reaction to Strahm's belt on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit suggests that these baseball card belts could become a new fashion trend among MLB players and fans alike. Fans were quick to praise the creativity and uniqueness of the accessory, with many expressing their desire to get their hands on one.

The Intersection of Baseball, Collecting, and Fashion

Strahm's baseball card belt is a testament to the enduring appeal of sports memorabilia and the passion that many fans and players share for collecting. As a lifelong collector himself, Strahm was able to turn his hobby into a fashion statement that captured the attention of the entire baseball world.

The collaboration between Strahm and Elmore also highlights the potential for small businesses and individual collectors to find creative ways to showcase their passion and connect with the broader sports community. By leveraging Strahm's platform and the popularity of the All-Star Game, Elmore was able to bring his unique product to the forefront and potentially inspire others to explore similar ventures.

1 As the baseball season continues and the next generation of collectors emerges, it will be interesting to see if more players follow in Strahm's footsteps and find unique ways to incorporate their card collections into their personal style. The baseball card belt could very well become the newest must-have accessory for baseball fans and players alike.