Baseball cards have been a beloved pastime for collectors of all ages for over a century. From the early tobacco cards of the late 1800s to the modern era of licensed sports cards, people have enjoyed amassing collections, trading with friends, and learning about their favorite players through these small pieces of cardboard. The mountain town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has become a mecca for baseball card collectors and enthusiasts, with several shops catering specifically to the hobby.
One of the largest and most well-known baseball card stores in Gatlinburg is Topps Cards located at 914 Parkway. Spread across two floors and totaling over 5,000 square feet, Topps Cards boasts an immense inventory of cards from all eras of the game. Walking through the doors is like stepping back in time, with walls of vintage tobacco cards and rows of boxes organized by set, year, and player. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to help collectors find that elusive rookie card or complete a set they’ve been working on. Beyond just cards old and new for sale, Topps Cards also hosts frequent trade nights, group breaks of unopened boxes, and appearances by former MLB players.
A staple of Gatlinburg’s baseball card scene for over 30 years, Sports Cards Plus can be found downtown at 521 Parkway. While smaller in size than Topps, Sports Cards Plus packs a big punch with its selection. In addition to carrying all of the latest releases from Topps, Panini, Leaf, and more, the shop has a highly organized collection of vintage and modern singles taking up nearly every inch of wall space. Owner Jerry Foust prides himself on having fair prices and a friendly, low-key atmosphere for customers. Sports Cards Plus is also renowned for its consignment program, allowing collectors to sell teams, collections, or individual high-end cards.
Both Topps Cards and Sports Cards Plus draw visitors from all over the country who come specifically for Gatlinburg’s baseball card shops. The town has another unique attraction for those interested in the history of the hobby – the Sports Card Hall of Fame museum. Located downtown at 544 Parkway, this small but mighty museum pays tribute to the legacy of baseball cards through informative displays, one-of-a-kind artifacts, and a video chronicle of the industry. Visitors can see rare T206 Honus Wagner cards, uncut sheets from the most iconic sets, prototypes, and more. The Hall of Fame also hosts special events like induction ceremonies, question and answer sessions with legends of the business, and card shows.
While the big shops and museum are must-visits for serious collectors, Gatlinburg has additional local gems as well. At The Sports Card Place in the Traffic Light District, a cozy space packs in cards both common and obscurely rare into every nook and cranny. The friendly staff are more than happy to pull cards from their personal collections to show off as well. Just down the road, All Star Sports Cards & Collectibles offers a family-friendly atmosphere and deep selection of supplies, memorabilia, and cards for all major sports in addition to baseball.
During the warmer months, Gatlinburg’s baseball card scene truly comes alive. In addition to the shops being open daily, the town plays host to some of the largest and most prestigious card shows in the Southeast. Events like the Gatlinburg Card Show in May, Summer Slam in July, and Fall Frenzy in October draw hundreds of vendors and thousands of collectors from across the country to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Showgoers can spend the weekend browsing tables upon tables of cards for sale at competitive prices, meet professional athletes, enter prize drawings, and more. For serious collectors, it’s truly a baseball card lover’s paradise.
Whether seeking out a rare T206 Wagner, stocking up on the latest releases, learning about the history of the hobby, or simply enjoying Gatlinburg’s small town charm, the town has firmly established itself as a baseball card mecca. With knowledgeable shop owners, a dedicated museum, and large scale shows, it attracts aficionados all year long. For over 30 years, Gatlinburg has been a special place where the love of the game and love of collecting baseball cards can be shared among enthusiasts near and far.
