The club welcomed Starr Ryder, owner of Ball Game Heroes in Jamestown. Starr shared his journey from working 21 years at Cummins to running his business full-time.
He highlighted how sports card collecting has evolved into a thriving, multi-billion-dollar industry that connects both youth and adults through shared experiences and nostalgia.
Starr described Ball Game Heroes as a community-centered, family-friendly space where people of all ages can gather, enjoy the hobby, and connect. The store offers a wide range of cards—from vintage legends to current stars—and provides a welcoming environment for both casual collectors and serious hobbyists.
He emphasized the business’s strong commitment to the community, including:
- Supporting local youth sports teams
- Hosting birthday parties
- Contributing to after-prom events
- Creating opportunities for kids to engage in a safe and fun environment
A particularly impactful story involved a community-sponsored birthday event for children who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to celebrate.
During Q&A, Starr explained how modern card value is driven by scarcity, such as limited-edition and autographed cards included directly in packs.
He also announced that Ball Game Heroes will be a Platinum Sponsor for the Rotary Golf Tournament, showing strong support.
Closing
The meeting concluded with gratitude to the guest speaker and participants. It was noted that, in honor of the presentation, Rotary will support the vaccination of four children against polio through its global initiative.
Members were reminded to live by the Rotary 4-Way Test, and the meeting was adjourned in the spirit of service and fellowship by President Michelle Jones.
