About

Randy Cook

My name is Randy Cook, and my love for sports started like it did for many kids—through trading cards, box scores, and heroes on the field. Growing up in Joplin, Missouri, I was surrounded by St. Louis Cardinal fans, but I went in a different direction: Mickey Mantle and the New York Yankees became my guys. In 1964, I had the honor of meeting Mickey at his restaurant in Joplin. He signed my 1963 Yankees yearbook “To my Pal Randy, Mickey Mantle.” That autograph wasn’t just ink on a page—it was the beginning of a lifelong passion.

From Kmart Magazine to a Lifetime in the HobbyFast forward to the early 1980s… While walking through a Kmart in Omaha, Nebraska, I picked up a magazine called “Baseball Cards.” I had no idea that simple purchase would help shape the next several decades of my life. In 1991, while serving as Sales Manager at a Christian radio station in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area, I launched a once-a-week radio program on Sports and Sports Collectibles. That show opened up new opportunities, new relationships, and allowed me to blend my love for sports, broadcasting, faith, and people. My radio career continued into the 2010s. I am deeply thankful for my radio friends Gary Babb, Nick Marchi, and Todd Chase for their prayers, encouragement, and support along the way.

Doors Opened & Thrills Along the Way

Over the years, God has opened doors I never could have planned:
  • Broadcasting with my toes in the sands of Hawaii
  • Covering the NFL Unsung Heroes Banquet in Washington, D.C.
  • Sitting down with some of the greatest athletes in sports history
  • Spending an unforgettable day with Babe Ruth’s daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens
It truly has been thrill after thrill.

Randy Cook Sports Today

Today, in 2025, I take our Sports Collectibles Collection across the country, sharing it with all ages. My goal is simple:
  • To celebrate the history of sports
  • To honor the athletes and stories behind the memorabilia
  • To encourage and inspire people through faith, perseverance, and the joy of the game
From children seeing a classic card for the first time, to older fans reliving memories of their heroes, I count it a blessing to share this hobby with others.

A Word of Thanks

I would like to thank every one of you who has supported this work—From your prayers to your purchases, it all means more than you know. Special thanks to Mike Gardner, long-time hobby executive, for believing in my work. And to my wife Loyce—thank you for always being there for me. Love you, Honey!