Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century, tracing their origins back to the late 1800s. While the hobby has evolved significantly over the decades, it remains a beloved pastime for fans of all ages across the United States. The city of Edmond, Oklahoma has developed a vibrant baseball card collecting community of its own in recent years, with several local shops catering to card enthusiasts in the area.
Located just north of Oklahoma City, Edmond is home to over 90,000 residents. Like many American towns and cities, the popularity of baseball grew tremendously in Edmond throughout the 20th century. Local youth leagues and high school programs helped foster a love of the game for generations. Not surprisingly, baseball cards also gained popularity among kids in Edmond starting in the 1950s and 60s as the modern collecting era began.
Many lifelong Edmond residents still fondly recall visiting their neighborhood pharmacy or five-and-dime store, hoping to find packs of cards to add to their collections. Topps remained the dominant brand through much of this early period. Kids would eagerly swap, trade, and compete to complete full sets featuring their favorite players and teams. For some, this initial passion sparked a collecting hobby that has now lasted over half a century.
By the 1980s, the baseball card boom was in full swing nationwide. More companies beyond Topps entered the market, including Fleer and Donruss. Cards became significantly more collectible with the rise of stars like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. This golden era coincided with the opening of Edmond’s first dedicated baseball card shop, The Dugout, in 1984.
Located in the Town Center Shopping Center, The Dugout became a popular weekend destination for both kids and adults. In addition to carrying the latest wax packs, boxes, and sets from the major manufacturers, the shop hosted trading sessions and kept binders of duplicate cards available for swapping. Over the decades, The Dugout expanded its inventory to include other sports, non-sports cards, supplies, and memorabilia to cater to the evolving hobby.
Another local landmark, The Card Shack, launched in 1990. Owner Mark Williams had collected cards since childhood and wanted to share his passion for the hobby full-time. The Card Shack occupied a small space near the intersection of Covell and Broadway but made a big impact on Edmond’s card community. Like The Dugout, the shop became known for its friendly, family atmosphere and expertise to help collectors at all levels.
During the late 80s and 90s, the values of vintage and rare cards skyrocketed. This speculative boom, known as the “junk wax era,” correlated with the mass production of cards by multiple firms. While it glutted the market with common parallel sets, it also made the hobby more accessible and popular than ever before. For Edmond’s card shops, it was a golden period of business and new discoveries for collectors of all ages.
As the 21st century dawned, the baseball card market stabilized from its speculative highs. Fewer licensed MLB products entered the marketplace, and the sports memorabilia category expanded significantly. Both The Dugout and The Card Shack adapted by diversifying their inventories. In addition to carrying the latest releases, both shops built reputations for housing extensive vintage collections and offering appraisal services for valuable older cards.
Another key development was the rise of online selling platforms like eBay in the late 90s, allowing collectors globally to easily buy and sell. While this presented new competition, Edmond’s brick-and-mortar shops leveraged their expertise, relationships, and event spaces to still thrive in the digital age. The Dugout, approaching 40 years in business, and The Card Shack, now in its third decade, remain iconic local institutions.
In the 2010s, the city of Edmond saw another wave of population and economic growth. This corresponded with the opening of several new card specialty shops. Midwest Trading Cards launched in 2012 and focuses heavily on the high-end vintage market. The owner’s extensive inventory and expertise have attracted collectors from around the region.
In 2015, The Stadium Club opened as Edmond’s largest dedicated card store. In addition to stocking every new release, the shop hosts regular events like group breaks, autograph signings, and contests. Their massive retail space and inventory have made The Stadium Club a true destination and community hub.
From childhood memories to lifelong collecting passions, baseball cards remain deeply ingrained in Edmond’s culture and identity. The friendly competition and camaraderie within the city’s tight-knit card community has also endured across generations. With dedicated local businesses still thriving decades later, it’s clear Edmond will remain a hotbed for the hobby for many years to come. Whether chasing vintage stars or the latest rookies, collectors of all ages have found a home.
