Bowman Baseball Cards – A Brief History and Where to Find Them Locally
Bowman Gum Company first started producing baseball cards in 1948 as a promotional item to include in their chewing gum packs. The cards featured current major and minor league players and helped drive sales of Bowman gum. Over the next few decades, Bowman established itself as one of the premier baseball card brands. They released highly collectible rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente during the 1950s.
In 1956, Topps gained the exclusive rights to produce baseball cards and Bowman was forced to stop including cards in their gum for several years. They resumed in 1961 with their “Post” set but without any player names or photos due to licensing issues. Bowman continued producing sets throughout the 1960s and 70s, though they never regained the same popularity level as Topps during this “Golden Age” of baseball cards.
In recent decades, Bowman has focused on releasing high-end hobby boxes and sets that target serious card collectors. Some of their most coveted modern issues include the Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects set (released annually), Bowman Chrome, and Bowman Sterling. These sets are known for featuring prospects and rookie cards of today’s upcoming MLB stars long before they make their major league debuts.
Bowman has also regained popularity due to their partnership with Major League Baseball which began in 2015. This allowed them to include player names and photos again. Their sets now carry the official MLB licensing and are considered the #2 brand behind Topps in terms of collectibility. Vintage Bowman cards from the 1950s are highly sought after by investors and remain some of the hobby’s most valuable issues.
So where can you find Bowman baseball cards for sale locally in your area today? Here are some of the top retail and hobby shop options to check:
Local Card & Comic Shops – Many cities and towns have independently owned collectibles stores that stock new and vintage baseball cards. Search online for “card shops near me” or check your local yellow pages. Be sure to call ahead to check inventory.
Local Sport Card & Memorabilia Stores – Larger hobby shop chains like Dave & Adam’s Card World or Steel City Collectibles may have locations near you that sell new Bowman product upon release each year.
Local Hobby Lobby/Michaels Stores – Check the trading card/collectibles aisles as these craft stores occasionally stock recent Bowman blasters/hangers/packs. Selection and stock varies widely.
Local Target/Walmart/Meijer – The trading card sections at big box retailers may have Bowman product mixed in with other sports offerings. Tends to sell out quickly after each new release though.
Local Card Shows/Conventions – Scheduled card shows and conventions in your region are great places to browse tables from dozens of vendors with chances to find older Bowman singles, sets and memorabilia for sale. Search online event calendars.
Online Marketplaces – If your local options come up empty, you can always check online marketplaces like eBay to find a wider selection of new and vintage Bowman cards available for purchase and delivery. Just be sure to check seller feedback.
With a little searching, baseball card collectors should be able to track down recent and past Bowman issues to add to their collections. The history and allure of these classic cards make them a staple for any fan looking to build their baseball memorabilia holdings. With a little patience and some calls to local shops, you may find a hidden gem or two from one of the hobby’s pioneering and prestigious brands.
