'It really did change my life': Memorabilia store owner credits Griffey for inspiring care

MILL CREEK, Wash. -- Scott Mahlum didn't think baseball cards could translate to big business. But they made for a great hobby when he was barely a teenager.

Mahlum began trading and selling cards at 11 years old.

"It was a hobby," he said. "And I was hooked."

He started going to trade shows, where he could present his product to more people. But after he graduated from high school, he assumed he had to find a "real" profession. He headed off to the University of Washington, where he was preparing for a future in finance or accounting. He only continued card trading in spurts on the side.

But in 1988, Mahlum met Ken Griffey Jr., and suddenly saw a different path.

"It really did change my life," he said. "I don't know without him if I would have opened the store."

He did a signing with the young star in 1989, and the future felt a little different.

Looking at a young, energetic Seattle ball player seemingly bound for stardom, Mahlum believed he could make a living selling sports memorabilia. In 1991 he opened Mill Creek Sports, and has thrived ever since.

"And 25 years later it's all because of [Griffey]," he said.

"The two have done many signings together, and Griffey memorabilia remains a top seller to this day. Mahlum considers the now Hall of Fame ball player a good friend.

"He's a funny guy, really down to earth," he said. "We would do a signing, and then we'd play cards for four hours. It wasn't just a business with Ken, it was a friendship."

Seattle sports have never been the same. Mahlum believes Griffey helped keep the Mariners in the city during turbulent times, and opened the door for other Seattle teams, like the Seahawks, to find success.

He says he'll be in Cooperstown for Griffey's induction ceremony this summer, and he hopes to celebrate with the ballplayer who changed his life.

"He really changed everything," he said. "We owe him a lot."