I think it’s about feeling a connection to and appreciate for a particular player. That's why I collect Jim Abbott. We are from the same town and about the same age. I began to hear about the guy when he was in junior high. He attended the University of Michigan (I'm an alum) and he played for Team USA for two summers which is probably why I now have over 25 Team USA jerseys.

It was mentioned earlier, to each his own. That’s the beauty of collecting, you can customize your collection for you and no one else. Great thread.