This summer turned into one of the coolest experiences we’ve ever had at Magic City Collectibles. As shop owners and lifelong collectors, we’ve been part of some exciting deals, but nothing quite like helping a professional ballplayer track down his own grail card.
It all started when we pulled Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone’s 2025 Bowman Chrome Superfractor 1/1. Like any big hit, our first move was to post it on Instagram to see what kind of offers might come in. We weren’t immediately thinking, let’s get this into Jac’s collection. But the hobby has a way of connecting people, and before long, the right eyes were on it.
We’ve done a few card deals with Royals infielder Nick Loftin before, and as it turns out, Nick and Jac both saw the post. Nick passed along our info to Jac, and that’s when the conversation started about making something fun out of a potential trade.
The plan was to meet Jac at Kauffman Stadium to make the trade, but just a few days before the trip, Jac followed up to let us know he was being sent down to rehab in Omaha. A quick Google Maps search later and we realized Omaha was less than three hours from KC… So naturally, we changed a few flights, rented a car, and hit the road. Honestly, it worked out perfectly. The change of plans gave us more one-on-one time with Jac at Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers, which was a blast.
Not only did we get to talk about how he got into collecting (he’s a legit hobbyist, not just a player chasing his own cards), but we even ripped a few packs together. When the deal went down, it wasn’t just a simple swap like the photo we posted might suggest. Sure, the picture shows Jac handing over a signed game-worn jersey in exchange for the Superfractor, but there was a lot more to it: signed game-used bats, balls, and some other awesome pieces. Plus, the experience itself was worth more than anything.
When Jac held the card for the first time and said, “This is my grail now,” it really hit us how special the moment was. It wasn’t just giving a player their own card, it was helping a fellow collector land a once-in-a-lifetime piece. Knowing the card found its forever home in Jac’s personal collection made the whole thing that much sweeter.
And the trip didn’t stop there. We even did a trade with MJ Melendez while we were in Omaha. Then, the very next day, we were back in Kansas City and made trades with Bobby Witt Jr. and Nick Loftin during fielding practice before the game. It felt like the perfect cap to an already unforgettable weekend.
For any collectors dreaming of an experience like this, our advice is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out. If you’ve got a card you think a player might want, shoot your shot, but be realistic about the value and make it worthwhile for both sides. Not every athlete is into cards, but for the ones who are, the hobby can create some truly incredible moments.
This hobby is all about connections, and this summer proved it once again. From pulling the card to changing flights, to trading with players on the field, it’s a story we’ll be telling for a long time.