Baseball cards have been around since the late 1800’s. In the early 1900’s, baseball cards were packaged with chewing tobacco, Cracker Jacks, and chewing gum. The first modern baseball cards were produced by Topps in 1952. Boys who collected baseball cards would frequently trade them with each other. Another popular use was to attach baseball cards to bicycles to make a muffler noise while riding. Many men now regret doing this, as baseball cards have skyrocketed in value. Who would have thought that pieces of cardboard with pictures on them would be worth hundreds and even thousands of dollars? With the popularity of baseball cards rising, manufacturers began producing trading cards for other sports including basketball, football, and hockey. This site will help beginning collectors and experts find cards to purchase. There are links to major card manufacturers and independent dealers.
Sports Trading Card Manufacturers
Donruss entered the baseball card market in 1980, and was the first company to feature a rookie set. In addition to baseball cards, Donruss now makes football cards, and produces baseball and football cards with the Leaf candy company. Site includes an application for direct dealership with Donruss.
Fleer makes sports and entertainment trading cards. Site includes a description of each set and its special edition cards. There is also a calendar showing the release date of future Fleer card sets. Enter your zip code to find stores near you that sell Fleer cards.
Pacific specializes in football and hockey cards and memorabilia. Cards are innovative and feature many special editions. Some cards are designed to fit into a 9-pocket protective sheet. When displayed in this manner, the backs form images of certain players.
Topps has been making baseball cards for 50 years. For many years, Topps included a stick of bubble gum in every pack of cards. Today the company makes cards for baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. Special trading cards are made for Pokemon, Lord of the Rings, and other forms of entertainment. Topps also makes Bazooka gum.
Score makes football cards and entertainment cards. Site includes collections checklists for 1999-2002. A convention calendar indicates where one can buy Score cards.
Upper Deck came on the scene in the late 1980’s and has been a force ever since. The cards were sleek and glossy, and their popularity forced other companies to redesign their cards. In addition to trading cards, Upper Deck sells autographed memorabilia, game used equipment, and entertainment cards and memorabilia.
Minor League Baseball Card Manufacturers
Just Minors specializes in minor league baseball cards, but also sells mini-helmets autographed by Major League stars. Sets are not as large as Major League collections, but come in several different styles.
Team Best has produced Minor League Baseball cards for several years. While Team Best did not issue cards in 2002, checklists are still available for 1996-2001 on this site.
Sports Trading Card Websites
1952 Topps Baseball Cards
Site includes a history of the first modern baseball card set. There are descriptions of certain cards and reasons why some players were not included. This set is most famous for its Mickey Mantle rookie card.
Baseball Card Shop Online Store
Purchase baseball football, basketball, and hockey cards online. Complete sets are available as well as individual player cards. Other supplies such as card holders and protective sheets are available.
Beckett
Considered the leader in sports price guides, Beckett is best known for its Beckett Baseball Card Monthly. Included in each issue are up-to-date price guides, articles, news, and collectibles show calendars. Must register in order to purchase items online.
Baseballology
Site includes information on baseball cards, books, and movies. There are descriptions of special edition cards that can be found in some factory packs.
Chris’ Baseball Card Warehouse
Includes a searchable database of baseball cards in inventory. Great place to search for single cards to complete a set. Also includes Beanies available for purchase.
DCS Sports Cards
In addition to major sports trading cards, DCS Sports Cards sells collectibles, bobble head dolls, and other memorabilia. Individual baseball and hockey rookie cards from 2001-2002 are also available.
Screaming Baseball
One can purchase unopened baseball card packs from 1980-Present. Make offers on cards of your favorite players. Includes a limited amount of memorabilia for sale.
Trading Card Source
One can purchase complete sets of cards from the major sports, as well as novelty cards such as Star Wars. One can search using the drop-down menus by Sport, Brand, or Year of issue. Must register in order to purchase items online.
Tuff Stuff is another sports card collection and memorabilia magazine. Each issue includes commentary and opinions on the sports card industry and dealer listings. Subscriptions are required to read online articles.