The history of baseball cards in Texarkana dates back over 100 years when the earliest baseball cards first started appearing in the late 1800s. Some of the earliest documented baseball cards found in Texarkana collections include cards from sets such as Goodwin Champions from the 1880s and 1890s featuring baseball stars of that era such as Pud Galvin, Buck Ewing, and Kid Nichols.
During the early 1900s, baseball cards began appearing frequently in cigarettes and candy as promotional incentives. Brands like Fatima Cigarettes and Caramel included cards featuring current major leaguers inside packs. Sets from this era found in Texarkana include T206 White Border cards from 1909-1911 and more rare sets like E90-1 Sweet Caporal. Locals would save and trade these early tobacco era cards, helping grow the hobby in the region.
In the 1920s, gum and candy companies took over production of baseball cards. Most notable were the iconic 1924 strip cards produced by American Caramel. Sets like 1933 Goudey and 1934 Goudey included photo portraits of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and other stars of that era. Texarkana residents eagerly collected and traded these early modern cardboard issues. Stores in Texarkana also sold wax packs of cards alongside gum and candy to consumers.
The 1950s saw the rise of the modern baseball card era as cards became firmly entrenched in the youth culture of the time. More children in Texarkana were collecting cards, riding their bicycles around town to local shops, hoping to find their favorite players. Iconic sets like 1952 Topps and 1957 Topps were hugely popular among collectors in Texarkana during this time period.
In the 1960s, the baseball card boom continued to grow. Texarkana saw the rise of new brands like Fleer and Post that challenged Topps’ dominance. Notable rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Seaver and Johnny Bench further increased interest. Texarkana card shops did booming business selling wax packs to local youth. Regional card shows also started popping up where collectors could buy and trade with others.
The 1970s was arguably the golden age of baseball cards in Texarkana. More kids were collecting than ever before and regional card shops thrived. Iconic stars of the era like Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, and George Brett had their rookie cards released. Texarkana collectors eagerly sought stars of the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros in particular. The rise of special promotion and parallel sets from brands also increased collecting excitement.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the baseball card market in Texarkana began to change. More collectors shifted to pursuing vintage cards of the pre-war era instead of modern issues. The increased production of modern cards also led to drops in resale value. Still, regional card shows remained popular gathering spots. Notable rookie cards released included Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr., keeping interest high among local collectors.
Today, the baseball card hobby remains popular in Texarkana, especially among vintage collectors. Local card shops have shifted focus to supplies, memorabilia and higher-end vintage cards. Online groups help connect collectors across the region to buy and sell. While the market has changed, the legacy of baseball card collecting lives on in Texarkana, preserving the history of the game and memories of an iconic American pastime for future generations. The rich history of baseball cards in Texarkana spans over a century and shows no signs of slowing down.
