From my collection → to yours.

I'm giving away my entire $7,000 $10,473 sports card and memorabilia stash to random collectors across the country.

My Story

First, I chased the cards.
Then, I helped make them.
Now, I'm letting them go.

1985–1995: Collecting as a Kid
Like many kids, I grew up in the '80s and '90s collecting baseball cards. I spent every chance I got at baseball card shops. Mainly Talkin' Baseball in Danville, California, buying packs and building my collection. I still remember getting the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set for Christmas when I was 10 years old - my most memorable Christmas gift ever.

The owner of Talkin' Baseball standing outside the shop
The owner of Talkin' Baseball pictured here (not me).
2004–2008: Working at Upper Deck

After graduating from UC San Diego, I started applying for jobs. I happened to notice a listing for a computer programmer at Upper Deck, which was based right here in San Diego. Just getting an interview and walking into the Upper Deck building was pretty much a dream come true.

Upper Deck headquarters in Carlsbad, California

I ended up landing the job and helped build an internal system for creating and tracking card sets and managing memorabilia and redemptions. I have so many great memories of working at Upper Deck and of the people there. It was a fun atmosphere, and who wouldn't love going to an office filled with sports collectibles? They even had athletes like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James visit the office and give motivational speeches. Best of all, I met my wife while working there!

Phil's Upper Deck software engineer business card from 2004–2008
Today: Giving it Away

Fast-forward another 20 years, and I still have stacks of cards and memorabilia lying around, but I'm no longer collecting. My daughters love playing sports, but they aren't collectors, so it doesn't really make sense to pass everything down to them. I thought about selling my collection, but it seemed like a hassle. I also kept hearing complaints about the PSA grading system and other negativity around the industry.

Phil's card and memorabilia collection

So I had the idea:
Why not just give it all away?
and here we are.

After my time at Upper Deck, I was fortunate enough to build my own software company (TubeBuddy) which was acquired in 2020 by a company owned by Bill Gates. Because of that, I feel like I'm able to give back more, and the joy I'd get from giving away a card is worth more to me than the money I would earn by selling it.

Phil Starkovich

I hope everyone has fun in the process and this brings some goodwill to the trading card community. Good luck!

-Phil

Want to get in touch? Contact me.

TL;DR:

  1. I have loads of cards and memorabilia from both my childhood and my years working at Upper Deck, all sitting in bins and not being enjoyed by anyone.
  2. I don't want to go through the hassle of grading and listing everything for sale, and the money wouldn't change my life.
  3. So, I'm giving it all away for free, through a series of random drawings.
The Collection

Here's what I'm Giving Away

Some of the Highlights

Mickey Mantle / Derek Jeter (Game-Used Bat)

Mickey Mantle / Derek Jeter (Game-Used Bat)

Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck Rookie

Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck Rookie

Jeter, LeBron, Crosby, Bush Jersey

Jeter, LeBron, Crosby, Bush Jersey

Kobe Bryant Premier Remnants 4

Kobe Bryant Premier Remnants 4

Joe DiMaggio Legendary Memorabilia

Joe DiMaggio Legendary Memorabilia

Rickey Henderson Rookie (17 of them!!)

Rickey Henderson Rookie (17 of them!!)

LeBron James Premier Remnants 3

LeBron James Premier Remnants 3

Peyton Manning Auto (2 of them)

Peyton Manning Auto (2 of them)

Ken Griffey Jr. Finest

Ken Griffey Jr. Finest

Grand Prize - Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Durant Jersey

Grand Prize - Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Durant Jersey

Grand Prize LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Kevin Durant Upper Deck Employee Card The Grand Prize Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, & Durant Upper Deck Employee Card → Phil's complete card and memorabilia collection The whole collection View all 180 cards and collectibles →
Giveaways / Winners

What's Coming Up Next

View All Giveaways
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Prizes drawing

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$75 Talkin' Baseball Gift Card (TalkinBaseball.com)

$75 Talkin' Baseball Gift Card (TalkinBaseball.com)

Approx. value: $75

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🏆 Here are the Winners so far...

Accepted The Omega Men #3 (1983) – 1st Appearance Of Lobo The Omega Men #3 (1983) – 1st Appearance Of Lobo Joshua I. Belleville, New Jersey Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Ksimm033 Manassas, Virginia Accepted 1994 Collector’s Choice Home Run All-Stars 8-Card Mail-In Prize Set W/ Original Winner Letter – Griffey Bonds Piazza 1994 Collector’s Choice Home Run All-Stars 8-Card Mail-In Prize Set W/ Original Winner Letter – Griffey Bonds Piazza Justin K. Smithfield, Rhode Island Accepted Daredevil #196 (1983) – Wolverine Appearance – First Daredevil/Wolverine Meeting Daredevil #196 (1983) – Wolverine Appearance – First Daredevil/Wolverine Meeting Trina C. Rogers, Arkansas Accepted David Robinson - 2007-08 Upper Deck Premier - Remnants Quad - #PR2-DR David Robinson - 2007-08 Upper Deck Premier - Remnants Quad - #PR2-DR Luke R. Portland, Oregon Accepted Daredevil #183 (1982) – Daredevil Vs. Punisher – Frank Miller Daredevil #183 (1982) – Daredevil Vs. Punisher – Frank Miller Dallas S. Tehachapi, California Accepted Michael Jordan Michael Jordan JNO Dayton, Minnesota Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Andrew W. Santa Rosa, California Accepted 2007 Yu-Gi-Oh! Structure Deck Machine Re-Volt – English 1st Edition – Factory Sealed 2007 Yu-Gi-Oh! Structure Deck Machine Re-Volt – English 1st Edition – Factory Sealed CB810 Winnetka, California Accepted Dave Stewart Signed 8×10 Jose Canseco Signed 8×10 Dave Stewart Signed 8×10 Jose Canseco Signed 8×10 Andrew W. Northfield, Minnesota Accepted 1990 Pro Set PGA Tour Special Inaugural 100-Card Factory Set – Complete + Barry Sanders + Emmit Smith + Reggie Jackson + Ken Griffey Jr 1990 Pro Set PGA Tour Special Inaugural 100-Card Factory Set – Complete + Barry Sanders + Emmit Smith + Reggie Jackson + Ken Griffey Jr Kyle G. Hebron, Kentucky Accepted Derek Jeter / Lebron James / Reggie Bush / Sidney Crosby Derek Jeter / Lebron James / Reggie Bush / Sidney Crosby Amy S. Delaware, Ohio Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Ethernan S. New Paltz, New York Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Bryan M. Tucson, Arizona Accepted Shaquille O'Neal - 1992-93 Topps - #362 + Shaquille O'Neal + David Robinson + Michael Jordan Shaquille O'Neal - 1992-93 Topps - #362 + Shaquille O'Neal + David Robinson + Michael Jordan Dane M. San Antonio, Texas Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Adam M. Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Kent M. Conroe, Texas Accepted Ernesto S. with their prize Barry Foster - 1993 SP - All-Pro - #AP6 + Emmith Smith + Brett Favre Barry Foster - 1993 SP - All-Pro - #AP6 + Emmith Smith + Brett Favre Ernesto S. Lodi, California Accepted Ron Cey / Steve Garvey - 2004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams - Legendary Signatures Dual - #CG Ron Cey / Steve Garvey - 2004 Upper Deck Legends Timeless Teams - Legendary Signatures Dual - #CG Andrew M. Thornton, Colorado Accepted Rollie Fingers - 2008 SP Legendary Cuts + Rare Rickey Henderson + Dave Henderson + Mark McGuire Rollie Fingers - 2008 SP Legendary Cuts + Rare Rickey Henderson + Dave Henderson + Mark McGuire Nicholas M. Mesa, Arizona Accepted Captain America #193 (1976) – 1st Madbomb – Jack Kirby Returns Captain America #193 (1976) – 1st Madbomb – Jack Kirby Returns Andrew T. Knoxville, Tennessee Accepted Jesse D. with their prize 1992 SkyBox Marvel Masterpieces Series 1 Limited Edition Collector Tin Master Set – Joe Jusko 1992 SkyBox Marvel Masterpieces Series 1 Limited Edition Collector Tin Master Set – Joe Jusko Jesse D. Mayville, New York Accepted Peyton Manning - 2002 Upper Deck Super Bowl XXXVI Card Show - #18b Peyton Manning - 2002 Upper Deck Super Bowl XXXVI Card Show - #18b Jonathan C. Dickinson, Texas Accepted The Invaders #1 (1975) – Captain America, Human Torch & Namor – First Issue The Invaders #1 (1975) – Captain America, Human Torch & Namor – First Issue Davis F. Knoxville, Tennessee Accepted 2004 Yu-Gi-Oh! Invasion Of Chaos Special Edition Box – 3 Booster Packs + Variant Card – 2004 Yu-Gi-Oh! Invasion Of Chaos Special Edition Box – 3 Booster Packs + Variant Card – Dave L. West Berlin, New Jersey Accepted Statue Of Liberty Proof Coin Set Statue Of Liberty Proof Coin Set Chris B. Allen, Texas Accepted Joe DiMaggio - #im30 Joe DiMaggio - #im30 Vlad G. Rego Park, New York Accepted Brandon R. with their prize Michael Jordan RC (baseball 😁, 1994 Upper Deck - #19) Michael Jordan RC (baseball 😁, 1994 Upper Deck - #19) Brandon R. Mt Washington, Kentucky Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Jason S. Edgewater, Maryland Accepted Jaromir Jagr - 2005-06 SP Game Used - Authentic Fabrics - #AF-JJ Jaromir Jagr - 2005-06 SP Game Used - Authentic Fabrics - #AF-JJ Adam F. Plattsburgh, New York Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Gabriel H. Mountain View, California Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Kyle F. Schwenksville, Pennsylvania Accepted Michael Jordan / David Robinson RC / John Stockton  / Tim Hardaway RC Michael Jordan / David Robinson RC / John Stockton / Tim Hardaway RC Jennifer T. Vancouver, Washington Accepted Ozzie Smith - 1979 Topps - #116 Ozzie Smith - 1979 Topps - #116 Cory R. Evansville, Indiana Accepted Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993) – Red Foil Cover – 1st Venom Solo Series Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993) – Red Foil Cover – 1st Venom Solo Series Andrew S. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Accepted Tiger Woods - 2003 Fathers Day "8 Major Achievements" Photo w/ Golf Facsimile Signature Tiger Woods - 2003 Fathers Day "8 Major Achievements" Photo w/ Golf Facsimile Signature Evan M. Twinsburg, Ohio Accepted 1997 Upper Deck 22 Kt. Gold Photo Card Michael Jordan 23 Nights 1997 Upper Deck 22 Kt. Gold Photo Card Michael Jordan 23 Nights Daniel G. Astoria, New York Accepted 2005 Yu-Gi-Oh! Structure Deck Warrior’s Triumph – English 1st Edition – Factory Sealed 2005 Yu-Gi-Oh! Structure Deck Warrior’s Triumph – English 1st Edition – Factory Sealed Phil R. Denver, Colorado Accepted 1986 Topps Garbage Pail Kids Giant Series 2 Oversized 5x7 Cards 1986 Topps Garbage Pail Kids Giant Series 2 Oversized 5x7 Cards Daniel B. Levittown, Pennsylvania Accepted Cal Ripken, Jr. - 1982 Fleer - #176 Cal Ripken, Jr. - 1982 Fleer - #176 Fred P. New Canaan, Connecticut Accepted Kevin Garnett - 2007-08 Upper Deck Premier - Remnants Quad - #PR2-KG Kevin Garnett - 2007-08 Upper Deck Premier - Remnants Quad - #PR2-KG Briana M. Olympia, Washington Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Peter O. Island Park, New York Accepted LeBron James / Amare Stoudemire Dual Jersey Card - 2004-2005 Upper Deck Prominent Futures Threads LeBron James / Amare Stoudemire Dual Jersey Card - 2004-2005 Upper Deck Prominent Futures Threads K-P Isle Lamotte, Vermont Accepted Miles W. with their prize Kobe Bryant / Rick Fox 2000 Upper Deck Lakers NBA Champions Jumbo Cards (3.5x5) Kobe Bryant / Rick Fox 2000 Upper Deck Lakers NBA Champions Jumbo Cards (3.5x5) Miles W. Richland, Washington Accepted Spawn #1 (1992) – 1st Appearance Of Spawn – Todd McFarlane – First Print Spawn #1 (1992) – 1st Appearance Of Spawn – Todd McFarlane – First Print Alvaro A. Mission, Texas Accepted Ryne Sandberg Rookie - 1983 Topps - #83 Ryne Sandberg Rookie - 1983 Topps - #83 Carlos F. Pearland, Texas Accepted 007 Yu-Gi-Oh! Structure Deck Machine Re-Volt – English 1st Edition – Factory Sealed 007 Yu-Gi-Oh! Structure Deck Machine Re-Volt – English 1st Edition – Factory Sealed Lisa C. Catlettsburg, Kentucky Accepted 1999 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Retirement 23-Crard Oversized Factory Sealed Set 1999 Michael Jordan Upper Deck Retirement 23-Crard Oversized Factory Sealed Set Patg505 Santa Fe, New Mexico Accepted Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Rickey Henderson - 1980 Topps - #482 Joseph D. Mclean, Virginia Accepted Ken Griffey Jr. - 1989 Upper Deck - #1 Ken Griffey Jr. - 1989 Upper Deck - #1 Jayden C. Bellevue, Washington
View all winners →
The Community

See the community light up.

11,655Profiles Created

Showing 48 accepted winners across the United States.

Fewer winnersMore winners
Phil-Good Cards community locations across the United States An interactive map of the 50 United States with dots for Phil-Good Cards winners or the newest verified profiles. Select a state to explore it.

2 accepted winners from Canada
Good questions

Frequently asked.

Everything you need to know about entering, winning, privacy and collabs.

General
What's the catch?

Honestly, there isn't one. I've realized the excitement people feel when they win is worth more to me than these cards sitting in a box. Plus when I started researching selling the cards, I read a lot of negativity in the community about card grading and scalpers and stuff. Figured some good-will wouldn't hurt.

Will you share or sell my personal information?

HELL NO. The only reason I have you enter your mailing address is to help prevent cheaters. Your full name, mailing address, and email address absolutely will never be shared and can be deleted at any time. The only exception is that your mailing address will be sent to the shipping carrier if you win a prize. If you win, you can choose a display name that will be visible on the site.

How is a winner chosen?

Most cards will use the standard weighted random drawing: one profile per eligible household, automatic base chances, and possible bonus chances for matching favorite players, characters, teams, or franchises. Some clearly labeled special promotions may instead use a narrower favorite or geographic group, a game prediction, disclosed judging criteria, or another free method. The eligibility and winner-selection method will be posted before each promotion begins.

Can I purchase one of the cards you're giving away?

No. Every card will be given away for free, including the Grand Prize: the Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, and Durant jersey Upper Deck Employee Card. I'm hoping that winners will want to hold on to their card(s) but they are completely welcome to sell them if they want. So if you are looking to buy a specific card, you will have to reach out to the winner of that card (if it's not you).

When will the Grand Prize drawing be?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure yet. I need to see how things go and how long it takes me to get through the rest of the collection, because the Grand Prize will be the final card from my collection that I give away.

How many times can I enter?

When you create your profile (and verify your mailing address), you are automatically entered in each open standard giveaway. Favorite team, franchise, player, or character matches can add chances without creating extra entries, and eligible social follows can add chances to the Grand Prize drawing. A clearly labeled special promotion may have different free participation instructions.

How often can I win?

After your household accepts a prize, you will not be eligible to win another prize here for one year. You can decline a particular prize and remain eligible to win another one; if you decline, I'll choose a different winner for that giveaway.

If I win, do I have to pay for shipping and handling?

No. I'm covering all shipping and handling costs.

Do I need to manually enter every giveaway?

Not for standard giveaways. Once you create your account and verify your email and mailing address, your household is automatically included in each open standard giveaway for which it is eligible. A clearly labeled special promotion, such as a prediction contest, may require its own free submission.

How will I know if I win?

I'm hoping to do 1 or 2 weekly drawings live on social media so make sure to follow and watch. You'll also be contacted through the email address connected to your account and also I'll send you a text message if you added your Phone #.

How long do I have to accept or decline my prize?

You have 72 hours to claim or decline your prize. After that, the prize may be offered to a new winner.


Business
Can I sponsor this project?

No, I'm not looking to make any money here. I'm looking to lose money, lol. The only thing I'm thinking is that perhaps once my entire collection has been completely given away, if a card shop or social account wanted to donate cards to give away on Phil-Good Cards, it could be something like "This Giveaway is brought to you by XYZ Card Shop". That is something I'd consider. Feel free to Contact Me if you have any thoughts...

How can I help / participate?

First, share this site with your fellow collectors!
Second, I don't like being on camera or making videos, etc so one thing I'm considering is having live streamers choose a winner randomly for me on their channel. So if you have a YouTube channel or social media account and want to pick and announce a winner during a live stream (and I direct everyone to watch your stream), Contact Me and we can discuss. Still not sure what I want to do here.