Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors for decades and the city of Lake Charles, located in southwestern Louisiana, has developed a vibrant baseball card community of its own over the years. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or trade cards, Lake Charles offers several great local shops that cater to card collectors.
One of the most well-known and longest running baseball card shops in Lake Charles is Bob’s Baseball Cards, which opened its doors in 1985. Owner Bob Landry fell in love with collecting as a kid and wanted to create a place where other collectors could come together. Over 35 years later, Bob’s Baseball Cards remains a staple in the Lake Charles card scene. Visitors will find rows and rows of boxes organized by sport, league, set, and year filled with individual cards and complete sets available to buy. Bob is also eager to look through people’s personal collections and give cash offers or work out trade deals. He takes pride in having fair prices on both buying and selling.
Another excellent local shop for all things sports cards is Sports Cards Plus, located just off Broad Street. Brothers Ryan and Cody Mouton took over the business from their father in 2020 and have worked hard to expand inventory and build a fun, welcoming store environment. Sports Cards Plus stocks new sealed boxes and packs from the major card companies like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck, as well as a supply of individual vintage and modern cards. They also hold weekly Friday Night Magic events for fans of collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering. Drop in to check out their extensive selection or have a casual game with other enthusiasts.
For baseball card collectors looking to buy in bulk, Big Al’s Sport Cards and Memorabilia is a can’t-miss destination. Located in Sulphur, just 20 minutes west of Lake Charles, Big Al’s boasts over 5,000 square feet dedicated to sports collectibles. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are stuffed with boxes organized by set and year, allowing buyers to dig through to build complete sets or search for specific players and teams. Individual vintage and rare cards can also be found in magnetic holders. Big Al works hard to get his hands on large collections being liquidated so there is always something new coming through his doors. It’s a treasure trove for anyone with the time and patience to sift.
While the above shops focus primarily on buying and selling cards, the Lake Charles Public Library also offers resources for those simply interested in learning more about the history of the hobby or researching card values. Their collection includes guidebooks, price lists, and hobby magazines to better understand the marketplace. For a more hands-on experience, the library regularly hosts free card-crafting workshops where attendees can bring their duplicates and supplies to create displays, frames, or unique works of art. It’s a fun, creative activity for both kids and adults.
In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, the Lake Charles area baseball card community stays connected online through local Facebook groups. Lake Charles Sports Cards Buy/Sell/Trade has over 1,500 members actively posting photos of their latest pickups, collections for sale, and inquiries about certain cards. Administrators work hard to ensure scamming does not occur through verification of sellers. It’s a great digital marketplace for making connections. Similarly, SWLA Sports Card Enthusiasts provides a forum for discussion about the latest industry news, ideas for local card shows and tournaments, and questions from newcomers.
Speaking of shows, two of the biggest annual events for collectors in the region are the Lake Charles Card Show held each spring and fall at the Civic Center. Dozens of vendors from across Louisiana and Texas bring tables loaded with new and vintage inventory spanning all major sports. It’s an exciting weekend to browse, negotiate deals, and catch up with familiar faces. Admission is low to encourage the whole family to spend the day hunting for treasures. Snacks and drinks are also available to purchase on site.
While the rise of online selling has impacted brick-and-mortar businesses nationwide, the local card shops of Lake Charles continue to thrive through great customer service, fair prices, and building community. From beginners just starting out to lifelong collectors with rooms full of organized sets, this pocket of Southwest Louisiana offers everything needed to enjoy the hobby for years to come.
