Collecting Stories: The Priceless Value of the Topps 1986 #114 Mike Brown Card

Mike Brown’s baseball journey may not have filled the pages of history books, but it left its mark. An outfielder who spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels, his career offered flashes of promise before injuries rerouted his path. A player like Mike Brown reminds us of the ups and downs of baseball (and life)—a game of hope, resilience, and sometimes just being part of the story.

To most collectors, his 1986 Topps card might not even be worth the penny it was printed on. But to me? It’s priceless. Why? It’s not about stats or scarcity—it’s about stories. My dad’s name is Mike Brown, and this card sparked countless tales growing up. We had a running joke that he played for the Pirates but had to retire after a "Tommy John surgery" (thanks to the BB gun scar on his arm). Did anyone believe us? Sometimes. Did it matter? Not at all.

This card has lived in my old room at my parents' house for over three decades. It’s worn, beaten, and absolutely perfect. It’s a piece of my story—a bridge between baseball, family, and imagination.

That’s what collecting means to me. It’s not about the biggest hit or the rarest pull. It’s about connection.

Every card has the potential to carry a story, a memory, or a moment worth keeping alive.

So, wherever the “real” Mike Brown is today, he may never know the value this card holds. And that’s the beauty of collecting—it’s deeply personal, a way of gathering pieces of life and holding them close.

What’s the story behind your favorite card? Let’s share our collections of stories. ???

Card Info: Mike Brown - 1986 Topps #114