Scottsdale Baseball Cards is one of the largest and most respected baseball card dealers in the world. Operating since the late 1970s, Scottsdale has built an impeccable reputation through their authentic products and dedication to customer service. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Scottsdale offers something for everyone through their extensive baseball card listings, auctions, and yearly card shows.
Some history – Scottsdale Baseball Cards was founded in 1977 by Michael Gidwitz, who started the company as a small dealer and supplier of cards. From those humble beginnings, Gidwitz turned Scottsdale into a leading retailer and brought tremendous legitimacy to the hobby during its infancy as a mainstream interest. Through their early auctions and shows, Scottsdale helped facilitate steep increases in the values of vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s as demand rose.
Today, Scottsdale continues to be run by the Gidwitz family and has expanded significantly. Their main headquarters and offices remain in Scottsdale, Arizona where they house and manage an inventory of tens of millions of baseball cards valued at well over $100 million collectively. Some of their vast stock includes complete flagship sets in pristine condition from the 1970s and 1980s, as well as one-of-a-kind vintage rarities.
Product authenticity – One of Scottsdale’s primary commitments is ensuring all cards being sold are legitimate, accurately graded and in the condition represented. Their team of hobby experts thoroughly analyzes every card going through their auctions and marketplace to verify authenticity and catch any restoration, forgery or other doctored issues. Cards suspected of impropriety are removed to protect collectors. This strict vetting process gives buyers confidence that cards purchased from Scottsdale are as described.
Grading standards – Scottsdale uses respected third party authenticators like PSA, BGS and SGC to professionally grade cards to standardized criteria. They have been influential in helping shape industry standards for assessing physical properties like centering, corners and edges, as well as surface issues that determine numerical condition grades. Buyers know what to expect with a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 designation. Scottsdale also discloses full photos and details of any flaws or problems with each card so customers can make informed judgments.
Competitive pricing – By virtue of their massive stock and turnover, Scottsdale is often able to offer baseball cards at prices that undercut similar listings from other major retailers and individual sellers on the secondary market. Their ability to buy and sell in bulk usually leads to better costs for collectors large and small. This is backed by transparent “no reserve” auctions which let the market determine final sale tallies rather than artificial minimums that can artificially prop up prices. Buyers consistently find valuable cards worthy of their collections through Scottsdale auctions.
Service and support – Part of what customers appreciate beyond just the cards themselves is Scottsdale’s attentive customer service. They have a dedicated team to handle orders, answer questions, research items and resolve any issues that arise. Cards are expertly packaged and shipped securely. Return policies are also generous and aim to keep customers happy. The company maintains the gold standard when it comes to after-sales assistance for the lifelong hobbyists who rely on them year after year.
Reputation in the hobby – No organization carries more historical prestige and recognition for quality in the baseball card industry than Scottsdale. Founder Michael Gidwitz helped build the modern collectibles sector into a multi-billion dollar marketplace and his company remains synonymous with trust, authenticated memorabilia and fair dealing. Any avid collector will attest to Scottsdale’s sterling reputation earned through transparency and putting the customer first for decades. They set the bar that others have tried to reach.
Unique collectibles – While their core business focuses on individual card sales, auctions and holdings, Scottsdale also offers one-of-a-kind rarities for the most ardent enthusiasts. Examples include complete vintage sets still in original wax packs, game-used jerseys with swatches or signed items, unopened cases of old boxes and complete team collections. They have facilitated record-breaking private transactions and continue finding unique accoutrements for dedicated collectors with means.
Overall, Scottsdale Baseball Cards has established itself as king of the hobby through integrity, service and an unparalleled inventory accessed by collectors globally. For reliable deals on authenticated cards, a fair marketplace and the backing of a steadfast institution, they are a can’t-miss resource for any true baseball card investor or fan. Few other outfits can match their sustained dedication to quality and customer satisfaction over nearly half a century in business. Scottsdale’s stellar reputation will surely continue to grow with future generations discovering the joy of these small pieces of diamond history.
