Billings, MT – On a quiet side street of Lynn Avenue, longtime collector Jeff Soelter has turned his personal garage into a community‑focused sports‑card destination. The space, open on weekends, invites families, young enthusiasts and seasoned hobbyists to explore shelves lined with cards ranging from a few dollars to high‑end packs that typically sell for hundreds.
A hobby rooted in local baseball history
Soelter’s love of cards began in 1987 while working as a bat boy for the Billings Mustangs. “I got my first package of cards from them and it just kind of went from there,” he recalled. That first pack sparked a collection that has grown over nearly four decades into a sizable personal archive now displayed for public enjoyment.
More than a business – a place for kids
While the garage does generate modest sales, profit is not the primary goal. “I want the kids to collect,” Soelter said. “Some of these big dealers could probably come in here and buy my whole collection, but I’m not here for them. I’m here for the kiddos.”
One of those young collectors, 12‑year‑old Tayin Harsha, visited after his father saw the garage’s Facebook post. “My dad saw it on Facebook and I’m really into card collecting, so we came here to see if we could find anything,” Harsha explained. He left with a one‑of‑a‑kind Dak Prescott card and a big smile, saying, “I feel good about that. I’m happy. I hope I can come back.”
Community ties and future hopes
Soelter’s longtime friend, Jason Gallus, joined the hobby only months ago but quickly recognized its deeper appeal. “Childhood memories,” Gallus said, “Wishing that I would have done more of it when I was a kid myself. When their eyes light up, that’s the enjoyment.” Both men see the garage as a peaceful retreat where collectors of all ages can share a common passion.
The modest operation has already attracted buyers from neighboring states, including North Dakota, and the duo hints that a future storefront could be on the horizon. For now, they remain focused on creating a welcoming environment. “I like to see the bicycles out here in the alley and that kind of stuff,” Soelter added. “For us, that’s what it’s about.”
Sports‑card market context
The hobby has surged in recent years, with a secondary market now worth billions of dollars and online sales continuing to draw collectors nationwide. Soelter’s garage offers a local, affordable alternative to the high‑priced online marketplace, allowing families to experience the joy of discovery without breaking the bank.
Anyone interested can stop by on Saturdays or Sundays to browse the collection, chat with fellow enthusiasts, and perhaps walk away with a treasured card of their own.
Original reporting: KTVQ Q2 Billings (local) — read the source article.
