YORK COUNTY, Pa. — Nestled in the corner of Morning Sun Marketplace in Jackson Township is Jason's Sports Cards.
The stand is ripe with cards, memorabilia and rare finds from the world of sports.
It's a spot that dealer Jason Thoman has occupied for the last 22 years after beginning unexpectedly, learning the ins-and-outs of the business as a kid before filling a space for his uncle before getting his own stand.
"My uncle that sells the coins has been here since day one," Thoman explained. "He said, 'Come in and fill my space for the day, and I won't charge you any rent.' So, I came in.. got my own space, expanded out a little bit more and coming up on 23 years now."
Despite the chance to get a storefront, Thoman says he prefers staying at Morning Sun Marketplace due to a different audience his shop may not have otherwise seen.
"You get a different traffic," Thoman explained. "The malls aren't successful anymore, and if you have a standalone shop, it's hard to get the draw."
Of course, the sports cards and memorabilia business have seen sales grow online in the past few years.
However, a strong and loyal customer base has kept business so good for Thoman that he hasn't had to expand into online sales.
"I've got a really great, faithful customer base, and that's what's kept me here so long. I just try to keep people coming back with good deals."
Being in the sports card and memorabilia industry allows dealers certain opportunities, from seeing rare autographed items to meeting Hall-of-Fame athletes. Thoman is no different, and he has enjoyed some of these experiences as well.
"I've met a lot of athletes," Thoman recalled. "One of the things I go to is a national card show and a Panini party. I've met a lot of big stars there -- had dinner with Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Joe Montana, Deion Sanders -- I mean, you name it -- who's who. It's cool, and there's only like 100 people there, so you really get to interact with them."
With access in the industry, this affords Thoman the opportunity to collect himself, even if he limits himself for his customers.
"Coolest thing I still have in my personal collection is a 1911 Honus Wagner... At the stand here, I have a couple Babe Ruth autographs, and they go for about 7-grand... If you keep the best stuff, no one is going to come here and buy anything," Thoman said.
The job is a family affair for the sports dealer, so it doesn't feel much like work at all.
"I've got Toby over here -- been with me for like nine years. He's my best friend, so I get to hang out with my best friend -- my wife helps me out. It's not a job when it's fun."
You can visit Jason's Sports Cards at Morning Sun Marketplace in Jackson Township on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
For more information on Jason's Sports Cards, you can visit their Facebook page here.
For more information on Morning Sun Marketplace, you can visit their website here.
