Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors for decades, with kids and adults alike enjoying the thrill of opening packs in hopes of finding rare and valuable cards. The city of Des Moines, Iowa has long had a vibrant baseball card collecting community. From local card shops to major shows and conventions, Des Moines offers plenty of opportunities for fans to buy, sell, trade, and learn about their favorite players through these iconic pieces of memorabilia.
One of the most well-known destinations for baseball cards in Des Moines is Gameday Sports Cards, located in the Beaverdale neighborhood just west of downtown. Gameday has been in business for over 30 years and is owned and operated by lifelong baseball fan Randy Johnson. Walking into Gameday is like stepping back in time, with rows of boxes filled with individual cards and packs lining the walls and showcase cases displaying some of the most valuable vintage and modern rookie cards. Whether you’re a casual browser or a serious investor, Gameday has everything from commons to high-end autographs and relics available.
In addition to its impressive retail selection, Gameday is also a hub for the local card collecting community. The shop regularly hosts tournaments, group breaks, and meetups so fans can interact, trade with each other, and stay up to date on the latest releases and happenings in the hobby. Every other Sunday the shop transforms into a bustling marketplace as collectors from around the state gather for its weekly baseball card show. Vendors fill tables with boxes of cards spread out in organized rows, and the energy in the room is electric as deals are made and cards change hands. For those looking to liquidate large collections, Gameday also buys entire collections outright or takes cards on consignment to sell.
Another long-running destination is the Baseball Card Shop, located just off Highway 5 in Johnston since 1985. While smaller than Gameday, the Baseball Card Shop punches above its weight with a carefully curated selection focused on vintage and high-end modern issues. Owner Mark Dietzen takes pride in only stocking authentic, high-quality merchandise and has earned a sterling reputation among the area’s most discerning collectors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a loyal customer, Dietzen’s encyclopedic knowledge of the hobby and passion for the game shine through in every interaction. The shop also hosts occasional shows and events throughout the year.
In addition to their brick-and-mortar locations, Des Moines collectors are also served by several online retailers. Iowa Card Shop, run by Jeremy and Emily Meyer out of Waukee, is one of the largest sports card distributors in the Midwest. In addition to carrying all of the latest releases from Topps, Panini, Leaf and more, Iowa Card Shop also sells singles, supplies, and vintage wax on their website and eBay store. They’re active members of the local card community, regularly donating prizes to charity auctions and events. Another respected online outlet is Vintage Card Collectibles, owned and operated by lifelong Des Moines resident Adam Smith. In addition to singles for sale, VCC produces informative YouTube videos and a popular podcast focusing on the hobby.
Of course, some of the biggest shows that draw collectors from across Iowa and beyond take place in Des Moines as well. Every January, Gameday Sports Cards hosts the Winter Classic, a massive two-day extravaganza that takes over the entire Iowa Events Center. Hundreds of tables of cards, memorabilia, and related items are available for buying and trading. Concurrent memorabilia auctions and guest signings with former MLB players are also a big draw. In the summer, the Iowa State Fairgrounds play host to the Midwest Sports Collectors Convention, featuring major dealers, autograph sessions, and activities for the whole family. These large-scale events are a true celebration of the hobby that collectors look forward to all year.
For aspiring young collectors or those just starting out, Des Moines has plenty of youth baseball programs and Little League organizations that include baseball cards as a part of the experience. Many teams and leagues run group breaks, raffles and prize packs to get kids excited about collecting while bonding over America’s pastime. Local card shops also host free youth days and beginner classes to teach fundamentals like identifying players, understanding stats, and properly caring for a collection. With a solid support system for collectors of all ages and interests, it’s no wonder baseball cards remain a treasured tradition for so many in Des Moines and the surrounding communities. The friendly faces and wealth of resources in the local scene have helped foster passion and enthusiasm for the hobby for decades.
Between its vibrant retail scene, large-scale shows and events, online presence, and active local community, Des Moines has long been an oasis for baseball card collectors in Iowa and the Midwest region. Generations of fans have grown up enjoying the thrill of the hunt for their favorite players through cards in Central Iowa. With dedicated hobby shops, a knowledgeable network of collectors, and opportunities to buy, sell and trade, Des Moines looks to keep the tradition going strong for many more years to come.
