Baseball cards have been popular collectibles for over a century, entertaining fans both young and old with memories of the game and players from different eras. The Pittsburgh area has a rich history with baseball and its cardboard companions, from the glory days of the Pirates dynasty to the thriving hobby shops still found throughout the region today. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just starting your journey, here are some of the top spots to find baseball cards near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
One of the most well-known and long-running card shops in the area is Blowout Cards in Robinson Township, located about 15 minutes south of downtown Pittsburgh. Owned and operated by the Smith family since 1984, Blowout Cards has over 37 years of experience in the hobby. Spanning over 5,000 square feet, their massive store contains an immense inventory of new and vintage baseball cards from the earliest T206 tobacco issues to the latest 2021 releases. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to assist with purchases large and small. Beyond cards, they also stock supplies, memorabilia, and offer a robust online marketplace. Blowout Cards has survived and thrived through numerous industry booms and busts by maintaining exceptional customer service and competitive pricing.
Another prominent multi-generational card shop is Pinnacle Sports Cards, located in nearby Moon Township. Opened in 1992 by Gary and Dave Miller, Pinnacle has built a loyal following through fair dealings and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. While their inventory emphasizes new sealed wax boxes and packs perfect for casual collectors, they also house a deep stock of vintage commons and stars from the sport’s early decades. Pinnacle is a Pittsburgh-area staple, known for generous community support like donations to local little leagues and the annual “Touch a Truck” fundraiser. Stop by for the latest releases or to peruse their extensive back issue selection spanning the entire arc of baseball card history.
A bit farther north but well worth the drive is A&J Sportscards in Verona, a suburb along the Allegheny River roughly 30 minutes outside city limits. Owned by the Affinito family since 1983, A&J has a reputation as one of the finest vintage card sources in the Midwest region. In addition to carrying all of the newest products, they maintain a mammoth inventory of pre-1980s cardboard that includes complete team and player sets, oddball issues, and true gems. A&J also runs a popular online store and regularly ships worldwide. For serious collectors seeking key cards to upgrade PC’s or start new collections, this shop should be at the top of any Pittsburgh-area list.
For those interested in the local nine, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a dedicated clubhouse of sorts at Stadium Card and Memorabilia located downtown along the North Shore. Opened in 2012 by owner Chris Krepps, Stadium Card serves as a shrine to Black and Gold fandom with walls covered floor to ceiling in Bucs collectibles. In addition to housing a massive stock of vintage and modern Pirates cards, they stock exclusive team-branded accessories, autographed memorabilia, and event tickets. Stadium Card also partners with the team for exclusive signings and special releases, satisfying diehard Black and Gold collectors with one-of-a-kind pieces of Pittsburgh baseball history. Their downtown location makes it a perfect stop for fans attending a game at PNC Park.
No discussion of baseball cards in the Pittsburgh area would be complete without mentioning the legendary Showcase cards, founded in 1980 by the Sklar brothers and headquartered in nearby Carnegie. While they closed their retail storefront years ago, Showcase remains a household name in the hobby, renowned for their high-quality on-card autographs, memorabilia baseballs and uniforms, and elaborate parallel and insert sets featuring the game’s biggest stars. Even after being acquired by Panini America in 2018, Showcase continues producing some of the most coveted modern issues for collectors worldwide. Their long association with Pittsburgh makes them an iconic part of the region’s rich baseball card heritage.
For those willing to venture a bit farther afield, a couple other notable shops exist on the outskirts of the Pittsburgh metro. In nearby Greensburg, which was once home to the Pirates’ Single-A affiliate, D&B Sports Cards has served the Westmoreland County area for over 35 years. With a friendly, low-key atmosphere, D&B is a solid stop for the basics as well as their stock of oddball regional issues from Greensburg’s minor league era. And in New Castle, about an hour’s drive northwest of Pittsburgh, Steel City Cards offers a wide range of new and vintage inventory in a spacious storefront alongside memorabilia, supplies, and the occasional show or special event.
Whether you’re looking for the latest 2021 Topps release, a key vintage rookie to upgrade your PC, or simply browsing for nostalgia, the greater Pittsburgh area remains rich with options for baseball card collectors. Multi-generational shops, dedicated sports memorabilia stores, and the legendary brands that got their start locally all contribute to the region’s rich cardboard culture. With so much history and variety close at hand, it’s no wonder Pittsburgh continues fueling the hobby for fans old and new.
