Trading Card Pro Jumps into Pickleball Craze: CJ Breen, a Divine Child High School graduate from Livonia, has made a name for himself in the world of professional pickleball by spearheading the creation of its first trading card.
Breen’s forward-thinking approach, which operated out of Dallas-based Leaf Trading Cards, paved the way for the introduction of pickleball trading cards to the market. This bold move not only distinguished Leaf in a crowded industry but also established a unique niche.
The inaugural card, unveiled in November 2022, showcased top-ranked pickleball athletes Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau. Leaf’s latest offering, the Leaf Metal Pickleball collection, launched on May 24, featuring autographed cards to elevate the excitement.
The surge in pickleball’s popularity among athletes of all ages in recent years has fueled the demand for these cards. Breen attributes this trend to the sport’s growing appeal, which allows Leaf to secure exclusive deals with athletes unhindered by the complexities associated with major leagues like the NFL. Consequently, Leaf stands as the premier destination for pickleball trading cards on a large scale.
“I signed the number one and number two pickleball players in the world and we did an online release with 500 cards,” Breen said. “It sold out within two minutes, and we had over 2,000 people camped out on the website. The reaction was crazy. Now we’re known as the pickleball trading card company.”
Pickleball has since become one of Leaf’s flagship offerings, paving the way for other distinctive cards featuring athletes from bowling to bull riding. Among Breen’s favorites is a pickleball card shaped like a pickle jar.
“I think people can really relate to pickleball,” he said. “Everyone from your grandmother to your sibling can go play pickleball. Not everyone can throw a fast ball or run down the field, but everyone can play pickleball.”
For Breen, working in such a specialized industry is a dream realized. Leveraging connections forged during his tenure as a Division I baseball player, he landed a role as director of marketing and licensing at Leaf, seamlessly merging his passion for sports with his career.
“I’m kind of able to live out my dream and combine work with sports,” he said. “Everyone who is involved in sports never wants to give that up, and I don’t have to.”
News in Brief: Trading Card Pro Jumps into Pickleball Craze
CJ Breen, a Divine Child High School graduate, pioneered professional pickleball trading cards with Leaf Trading Cards. This innovative move carved a unique niche in the market, capitalizing on pickleball’s surging popularity. Breen’s strategic approach, showcased through the Leaf Metal Pickleball collection, propelled Leaf as the go-to destination for pickleball enthusiasts. His role as director of marketing and licensing seamlessly merges his passion for sports with his career, embodying the dream job for this trading card aficionado.
Stay Updated with the Latest Pickleball News.
