Tempe, Arizona has a rich history with baseball and baseball cards dating back to the 1950s when spring training first came to the area. Some of the most iconic baseball franchises like the Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, and Chicago White Sox have all held spring training in the Phoenix area for decades. This proximity to Major League Baseball has helped cultivate a vibrant baseball card collecting community in Tempe.
Some of the earliest baseball card shops in Tempe opened in the 1960s as the hobby started to take off across America. Stores like Tempe Sports Cards and Collectibles gave locals a place to trade, sell, and admire their growing collections. During this era, the main sets that were popular included Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. Kids would flock to these stores hoping to find rare rookie cards of their favorite players testing their skills in nearby spring training games.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, several larger card shop chains set up locations in Tempe. Collector’s Edge and Sports Card Trader both had prominent storefronts where people could browse long boxes of newly released cards. The increased competition led to more product being available and special promotions like group breaks, autograph signings, and contests. This helped expand the customer base beyond just young collectors. Adults started to get back into the hobby as valuable vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s really began appreciating in value.
Some of the most iconic players to wear an Angels, Athletics, Giants, or White Sox uniform have roots in the Tempe area. Players like Tim Salmon, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Frank Thomas all hold a special place in the hearts of Arizona baseball fans. Finding their rookie cards from sets like 1987 Topps, 1986 Fleer, or 1989 Upper Deck is a thrill for collectors in Tempe due to this regional connection. Stores stay on top of what cards are hot for each organization and make sure to stock extra of players like this.
In the 2000s, the baseball card market underwent several changes. Mega stores like Card Collector’s Heaven closed some locations as online retailers captured more sales. The rise of autograph and memorabilia cards also shifted some collectors’ interests. Dedicated hobby shops in Tempe like The Dugout and All Star Cards & Comics found ways to adapt. They hosted release parties for new sets, specialized in vintage inventory, and provided an enjoyable social experience. This commitment to community helped the local scene survive.
One of the biggest events on the Tempe baseball card calendar is the annual National Sports Collectors Convention. Held each summer in nearby Cleveland since the early 1980s, the “National” brings collectors from around the world together. Many Tempe shops do group trips to the show floor to hunt for deals. Returning “National” vets also look to sell valuable doubles from their collections to upgrade or fund new prospective. Attending this iconic expo is a bucket list item for serious collectors in the Phoenix area.
In the 2020s, the rise of online groups on Facebook and Reddit opened new avenues for collectors in Tempe to connect and trade. While the internet changed how many buy and sell, the local brick and mortar shops remain essential hubs. Places to meet in-person, get cards graded, or learn about the latest releases. Events like group breaks are also a big draw. With spring training still going strong and baseball nostalgia always in fashion, the future remains bright for baseball card collecting culture around Tempe, Arizona. New generations are now taking the reins of the hobby inspired by the rich history and tradition in the community.
