Baseball cards have been around for over 150 years and remain one of the most popular sports collecting hobbies. Whether you’re just starting your baseball card collection or have been collecting for years, there are a wide variety of supplies needed to properly store, organize, and protect your cards. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the most important and commonly used baseball cards supplies that are available for sale.
Storage and Organization:
One of the most essential supplies for any baseball card collector are storage boxes. There are several different types of storage boxes available in various sizes to accommodate collections of any size. For starters, card collectors can purchase basic plastic storage boxes that hold 500-1000 cards each. These stackable boxes have sliding lids and keep cards safe from dust and damage for short-term storage.
For longer-term storage and organization, collectors will want to use higher quality cardboard or plastic boxes. Ultra Pro, BCW, and Baseball Card Display are popular brands that make durable storage boxes specifically designed for baseball cards. Their boxes hold anywhere from 500 to over 10,000 cards each and have reinforced corners, acid-free materials, and sliding lids or trays for easy access. Within the boxes, collectors can further organize their collections using index card sheets, top loaders, magnetic sheets, or custom made baseball card pages.
Index card sheets are thin cardboard sheets that hold multiple cards in plastic sleeves. They are perfect for organizing sets and teams within storage boxes. Magnetic plastic sheets allow collectors to display cards and move them around easily. Top loaders are clear plastic sleeves that protect individual premium cards during storage and transport. For long-term storage and display, custom baseball card pages hold cards in plastic sleeves much like a baseball card album. Pages come blank or pre-printed with team logos.
Protection Supplies:
In addition to proper storage and organization, collectors must protect their valuable baseball cards. Plastic sleeves, also called penny sleeves or holders, are essential for protecting all cards during regular handling. Ultra Pro is a top brand that makes penny sleeves available in various sizes. For prized vintage or valuable modern cards, collectors will want to use higher quality magnetic or top-loader sleeves.
Collectors should also have acid-free paper sheets or savers on hand. These neutral ph sheets absorb acid from cardboard boxes over time and help prevent damage. Other protection supplies include small screw-top vials for loose autographs or memorabilia, mylar sheets to encapsulate autographed balls or jerseys, and magnetic one-touch holders for slabbing valuable autographed cards.
Display Supplies:
While proper storage boxes keep collections safe long-term, collectors also enjoy displaying prized cards. Baseball card display cases, stands, and frames allow showcasing individual cards or entire team sets. Ultra Pro, BCW, and Baseball Card Mounts make acrylic risers, stands, and display cases in various sizes. Collectors can choose from wall mount, table top, or portfolio style displays.
For protective display of entire sets or runs, collectors turn to custom made baseball card albums. These hardcover books hold cards in protective plastic sleeves like a photo album. Many collectors commission custom made albums printed with their favorite team logos to proudly showcase complete collections. Penny sleeves are still needed inside albums to protect cards during regular handling.
Grading Supplies:
Professional grading through services like PSA, BGS, and SGC adds tremendous value to vintage and valuable modern cards. Collectors looking to grade and authenticate their cards will need submission holders and shipping supplies. Standard submission holders are made of thick plastic and hold a single card. Higher end holders like magnetic one-touches or slab savers provide extra protection for valuable submissions.
Collectors also need shipping supplies like cardboard submission boxes, foam padding, bubble wrap, and tracking to safely transport cards to grading services and back. Many popular online card shops make grading submission kits with all needed supplies at discounted bundle prices. Collectors can also purchase empty slabs and sleeves from grading companies to resubmit graded cards for upgrades.
Accessories:
Beyond the essential storage, protection and display supplies, collectors enjoy other fun accessories. Magnetic card stands, value guides, magnifying glasses, inventory books, and loupes help collectors better enjoy and care for their collections. Card sleeves come in various colors and styles beyond basic clear sleeves. Collectors can add flair with specialty sleeves featuring holograms, foil, or team logos. Display stands shaped like baseball bats or gloves let collectors show off hits in creative ways.
Whether just starting out or a seasoned veteran, today’s baseball card collector has access to an amazing variety of supplies to properly care for and enjoy their collections. Online card shops and hobby stores stock everything from basic supplies to high-end custom options. With the right supplies, collectors can store, organize, display, protect and showcase their baseball cards for years of enjoyment.
