MARGATE CITY -- The Discovery Channel has a new hit television series on their hands, and they've managed to uncover a star right here in South Jersey.

It's the ultimate dream, to have the opportunity to turn a childhood passion into a hobby, a hobby into a career, and have the chance for your career be aired on television for the world to see.

Well that dream has become a reality for Margate City, resident John Taube.

"No one is more astounded or surprised by what have become of this crazy hobby I have of collecting baseball bats," said John Taube.

John has been collecting sports memorabilia for 25 years, but now he does more than just collect.

Professionally John buys and sells game used bats, but it's his services as a recognized authenticator that's landed him a spot on the Discovery Channel's new television series "All-Star Dealers."

"I love seeing John on television. I mean he's a star at home and he's a star on television, I mean we are all proud of him," stated Brenda Taube, John's wife.

"I don't know if you can say I'm a television star," added John. "Our authentication services are kind of unique. It grew out of a collecting passion years ago."

Just 12-years-ago, John made a career change from working in the hotel industry to the wonderful world of sports, and began bargaining full-time.

It's a decision he has not regretted one bit.

"It's a gift because I truly get up, go to work and do something I love and earn a respectable living at it and more importantly have the time to spend with my family and my young daughter Ellie," said Taube.

"He's doing what he loves to do it's a passion of his and he very fortunate to be doing what he loves," said Brenda. "They always say find something you love doing and you never work a day in your life and that's my husband."

Not only is John proud of what he's accomplished professionally, but he's proud that his part in the series will also help showcase what drives a collector to do what they do.

"I think the information that I have given to you has come to light for collectors as sharing and being part of their hero's because they were my hero's that is where my passion came from," John said.

John has already filmed 8 episodes of "All-Star Dealers" for the Discovery Channel making him one of South Jersey's most famous television stars.