Baseball Cards in Salem, New Hampshire: A Rich History of the Hobby
Salem, New Hampshire has a long and storied history with baseball cards that spans generations. Located just outside of Massachusetts’ North Shore, Salem sits in close proximity to Boston and its major league teams, fueling local fandom and interest in the hobby from a young age. With its plentiful card shops and shows over the decades, Salem developed into a hotbed for collectors in Southern New Hampshire. Whether hunting for vintage gems or staying up to date on the newest releases, Salem consistently delivered opportunities to feed the baseball card passion.
One of the earliest card shops to call Salem home was Bob’s Sportscards, which first opened its doors in the 1970s. Located on Main Street in downtown Salem, Bob’s became the premier destination for anyone looking to buy, sell, or trade cards. Owner Bob Johnson was an avid collector himself and took great pride in stocking his shelves with the best vintage and modern cardboard available. His deep knowledge of the hobby allowed him to help newcomers and seasoned veterans alike with their collections. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Bob’s Sportscards hosted many memorable trading card shows that brought collectors from across New England together under one roof.
When the baseball card boom of the late 80s/early 90s hit, several new shops popped up around Salem to capitalize. Places like Diamond Cards on Route 28 and Sluggers Sportscards in the Rockingham Park Mall gave collectors even more local options. The increased competition also led to innovations like in-store promotions and special collector incentives. Diamond Cards, for example, was famous for its “Mystery Pack” promotions, where buyers would receive a random assortment of stars and prospects for a discounted price, with the chance of landing a coveted rookie card. These creative marketing tactics kept the hobby thriving in Salem throughout the boom years.
As the baseball card market contracted in the late 90s, some shops in Salem unfortunately had to close their doors. New businesses also emerged like Showcase Cards on South Broadway to fill the void. Showcase established itself as a destination for higher-end vintage cards, with a large inventory of pre-war tobacco issues and 1950s/1960s stars. Their monthly card shows at local VFW halls and fire stations became a staple on the Salem calendar. Meanwhile, Bob’s Sportscards continued operating strong into the 2000s by expanding into sports memorabilia and focusing on service.
Salem’s card scene gained renewed energy in the 2010s with the opening of popular new shop Game Used Sports Cards on North Broadway. Owned by lifelong collector Mike Goulet, Game Used specialized in authenticated game-used memorabilia alongside a robust selection of modern rookies and parallels. Their social media presence helped expose new generations to the hobby. Meanwhile, Showcase Cards thrived under new ownership focused on maintaining the shop’s reputation for high-quality vintage. Both stores hosted some of the largest and best-attended card shows in the region.
Today, Salem remains an active hotbed for baseball card collectors and enthusiasts. In addition to Game Used Sports Cards and Showcase Cards, the Rockingham Mall is now home to D&R Sports Cards, carrying the latest releases and supplies. Local card shows like the annual “Salem Summer Spectacular” at Rockingham Park continue drawing crowds. Meanwhile, the pastime is passed down through generations, as kids get hooked on the hobby alongside parents and grandparents. With its rich history and dedicated local businesses, Salem looks primed to remain a New England hub for baseball cards for many years to come.
