The city of Scottsdale, Arizona has a long and rich history with baseball cards and the sport of baseball itself. Located just east of Phoenix, Scottsdale is considered one of the forerunners in the development and promotion of baseball cards as a collectible item.

Some of the earliest history between Scottsdale and baseball cards dates back to the 1930s when card companies began issuing regional baseball cards specifically featuring minor league players and teams located in Arizona. Companies like Diamond Products issued sets highlighting stars from the Arizona State League, which had teams based in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson and other cities at the time.

One of the earliest notable sets was the 1936 Diamond Products Arizona State League set, which featured 80 players over 8 teams including the Scottsdale Indians club. Notable players featured from that Scottsdale team were Harley Payne and Art Houtteman. While production and distribution of regional minor league sets was small, they helped promote the baseball talent and teams within the state of Arizona during the early 20th century.

As the growing popularity of baseball cards exploded after World War 2, Scottsdale began cementing itself further as a baseball town. In 1947, the Chicago Cubs moved their spring training operations to the city, constructing the original Scottsdale Stadium. This gave local residents and collectors the chance to follow and obtain cards of big leaguers from a beloved major league franchise on a yearly basis during spring workouts.

Spring training in Scottsdale also coincided with the golden era of baseball cards from the 1950s. Iconic Cubs stars featured on these early post-war cardboard releases like Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Ferguson Jenkins practiced and played exhibition games in the city before heading north for the season. For a youngster living in Arizona, these cards from stars seen locally in spring had extra significance and collector value.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Scottsdale furthered its reputation in the sports card industry by hosting some of the earliest and largest card shows and conventions. Pioneering events like the Winter Card Show gave vendors a chance to display and dealers the opportunity to buy, sell and trade emerging products as the hobby exploded beyond the realm of bubble gum packs. Major companies exhibited forthcoming releases and offered promotional materials to convention attendees.

Some of the most prominent sports card personalities and pioneers got their start in the hobby through involvement in these early Scottsdale shows. Collectors from around the country sought out the events in Arizona to experience the bustling and growing trade before national super-shows developed. The city essentially became a mecca hosting some of the formative marketplace experiences of the industry during the golden age.

In addition to conventions, Scottsdale itself has been featured on many notable baseball cards over the decades. From 1986 Donruss to 2013 Topps, cards highlighting spring training action from the facilities in the city have shown up frequently in sets. Notable examples include a 1979 Topps Traded Scott Traill card showing him batting at Scottsdale Stadium and a 1990 Upper Deck Barry Bonds with the San Francisco Giants training in Arizona.

Perhaps no player is more recognizable on a baseball card taken in Scottsdale than Mark Grace. A hometown favorite who grew up in the city and starred for Mesa’s high school team, over 20 different Grace cards from 1988 Fleer onward depict him at spring batting practice or in a game at the Cubs’ facility. Nearly every photo takes place in the distinctive Arizona setting with mountains in the background.

Modernization and fame has not led the city to lose touch with its roots. The Cubs and other teams like the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels still train annually in state-of-the-art complexes in Scottsdale. The city continues hosting some of the most prominent sports card, memorabilia and autograph shows each year drawing hundreds of thousands nationwide.

Independent baseball still thrives as well, with organizations like the Arizona Winter League and Freedom Pro Baseball using local venues. Their players and games are frequently captured on today’s premium prospects cards. That long thread from 1930s regional minor league issues to present day remains active with Scottsdale at the forefront. The city proudly wears the mantle as one of America’s most significant locales profoundly intertwined with baseball cards.

As the collectibles industry expands globally, the history, passion, and events first nurtured in Scottsdale will always be remembered as formative to the rich traditions still enjoyed by millions. Whether hunting vintage Cubs cards from spring training camp or tracking down the latest autographed gems from the national convention, this heritage town proudly wears its imprint upon the beloved hobby of baseball cards.