ST. LOUIS – Pokémon isn’t just for kids. Well, I guess it’s about perspective, since Addison Russell is just 23 years old. The Cubs shortstop may be a father, but that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy Pokémon as well.

Earlier this year during spring training, some sleuthing Redditers noticed a sheet of Pokémon cards hanging behind Kris Bryant during a television interview. They actually belonged to Russell, who happily showed off his collection on the Cubs’ Snapchat.

While the Pokémon Go fad of summer 2016 seems over, Russell is all-in on the cards.

“I got into it early on this past offseason,” Russell told me. “I started with a little starter pack and next thing you know I’m buying little packs and trading with my cousins and nieces.”

Russell decided it’d be fun to get some cards signed by professional athletes and there was no better place to start than his own clubhouse.

“It’s just kind of the description of the card,” Russell said when I asked how he decides which card to pair with each player. “Each card is different and each player is different and brings something unique to the plate. I analyze, see what I see and pick out some rare cards. The only cards I get signed are the rare ones because I think we’re all rare players. So I get them to sign whichever one I feel is a good fit.”

Russell had Bryant sign his first edition Charizard, which Russell said was “pretty cool.” Anthony Rizzo signed a Pikachu.

“It’s not rare, but I’ve never seen a Pikachu like it,” Russell shared.

Russell even got the 38-year-old John Lackey to sign a Mega Houndoom EX, which apparently is a very rare card.

“He’s a vet,” Russell said. “I’m the youngest guy in the clubhouse, so obviously I’m the kid. It’s cool that I get to talk about that with guys like Jon Lester and Lackey and make an impression on them.”

I can only imagine Russell discussing the merits of Pokémon cards while Lackey and Lester listen in captivated silence. So far at least, Russell has yet to get anyone else trying to catch ‘em all, though there appears to be interest.

“I know a couple other guys wanted to start collecting,” Russell said. “But right now it’s just kind of my thing.”

Russell has started to move on from Cubs players and is having the opposition sign his cards as well. During the team’s final few spring games in Houston, Russell had the clubhouse attendant take some cards to the Astros side to get a few autographs. He said he planned to do the same his final day in St. Louis. So if you see a Rapidash signed by Carlos Martinez or “Carlos Correa” emblazoned on a Machamp, you’ll know where it came from.

(Cover photo via Instagram)