Baseball Cards in Lansing, Michigan: A Rich History of Collecting
Lansing, Michigan has a long history of baseball card collecting and hobby shops catering to collectors. Located just an hour west of Detroit, Lansing developed a strong baseball culture influenced by the nearby Detroit Tigers. For decades, local card shops like Ace Hobby and Sportscards Etc. have been destinations for collectors across mid-Michigan to buy, sell, and trade their baseball cards.
The hobby first took off in Lansing in the late 1950s as the modern era of mass-produced cardboard cards began. Topps, Fleer, and other companies started including more statistics and player photos on their cards, fueling demand among young collectors. Many of Lansing’s oldest and most dedicated collectors cite being given their first wax pack as children in the 1950s or 60s as what sparked a lifelong passion. The rise of organized youth baseball leagues in the postwar era also contributed to the growth of baseball cards as a popular pastime among kids.
By the 1970s, dedicated hobby shops started opening in Lansing to cater to the booming market. Pioneer card shop Ace Hobby opened its doors in 1973 and is still considered the premier destination for collectors in the area today. Founder Al Kowalski saw the potential early on to build a business around serving the needs of the growing collector community. Ace Hobby hosted early card shows and became the first place many collectors went to find rare and valuable cards to add to their collections.
During the peak popularity of the hobby in the late 80s, it was estimated that over 10% of Lansing residents actively collected baseball cards. Brand new releases from Topps, Donruss, and Fleer would sell out instantly at local shops. The 1989 World Series earthquake brought national attention to Lansing and coincided with one of the hottest periods ever for the hobby. Excitement was high around the hometown Detroit Tigers, fueling even more interest among collectors in the area.
The early 1990s recession took some wind out of the sails of the booming hobby. But dedicated shops in Lansing like Ace Hobby and Sportscards Etc. (which opened in 1990) helped keep the local collecting community vibrant. They hosted ongoing card shows, buy/sell/trade events, autograph signings from former players, and more that kept the social aspect of the hobby alive. This helped Lansing avoid some of the downturn other regions experienced once the initial collector frenzy died down.
In the late 90s and 2000s, the rise of the internet both helped and hurt Lansing’s brick and mortar card shops. Ebay made it easier for collectors worldwide to find even the most obscure vintage cards. But it also took business away from local hobby stores. Shops adapted by expanding their inventory of supplies, memorabilia, and higher-end vintage cards that were harder to find online. They also focused more on cultivating a knowledgeable staff and friendly community atmosphere to keep collectors coming back in person.
Today, Lansing’s card shops continue thriving despite the challenges from online sales. An entire new generation of young collectors has been inspired by increased baseball card openings on YouTube. Both Ace Hobby and Sportscards Etc. report being busy throughout the pandemic as people rediscovered the hobby. They work to stay on top of current trends while also catering to collectors pursuing vintage Detroit Tigers, Lansing Lugnuts minor league, and Michigan State University players. Signature tournaments and giveaways help drive traffic.
Lansing’s deep baseball card collecting roots have now spanned over 60 years. Multiple generations of families have passed down their passions. Local shops play a vital role keeping the social aspects alive through ongoing events. With new releases, the rise of sports card investments, and dedicated local collectors, Lansing’s hobby shops don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. The city’s rich baseball card history looks poised to continue well into the future.
