Baseball cards have been a beloved American pastime for over a century, allowing fans to collect pieces of the game they love. The city of Greenville, located in eastern North Carolina, has long been a hotbed for baseball card collectors and shops catering to their hobby. With a rich history of the sport and proximity to major league teams, Greenville provides the perfect environment for local card fans.
One of the longest running and most prominent baseball card shops in Greenville is All-Star Sportscards, located on Evans Street just a few blocks from downtown. Opened in 1988 by owner Mark Johnson, All-Star has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. Walking through the doors is like stepping back in time, with rows upon rows of boxes filled with cards spanning all eras. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking for that one elusive card to complete a set or a young fan just starting out, All-Star has what you need.
Beyond supplying the latest packs, boxes and supplies, All-Star also hosts frequent events that bring collectors together. Their busiest time of year is during the annual National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City each summer. All-Star rents a van and makes the drive to New Jersey, providing a fun social outing for local hobbyists. They also run “National Card Day” promotions every first Saturday, with in-store specials, guest signings and prize giveaways. All-Star truly caters to collectors of all ages and interests.
Another longstanding Greenville staple is Sportscards Etc, located in the Greenville Mall. While smaller than All-Star, Sportscards Etc packs a big punch with their meticulously organized inventory and knowledgeable staff. Like All-Star, they carry all the latest releases but also focus on moving older vintage inventory, perfect for collectors looking to fill out sets from the 1950s through the 1980s.
In addition to cards, Sportscards Etc sells a wide array of related memorabilia like autographed balls, bats, photos and jerseys. Every few months they bring in special guests for in-person autograph signings, a real treat for local fans. Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Kent Tekulve, who grew up in nearby Williamston, has been a regular signer over the years. With affordable prices and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sportscards Etc is a fun shopping destination any day of the week.
While All-Star and Sportscards Etc have long reigned as Greenville’s top card hubs, in recent years some new kids have come to town as well. In 2017, former minor league baseball player Zach Plesac opened Zack Attack Sports Cards in the Wintergreen Plaza. Specializing in the latest releases and chase parallels, Zack Attack brings a youthful energy that has resonated with Greenville’s growing younger collector base.
Plesac’s playing connections give the shop unique access to guest signings as well. In 2018, they hosted future Cy Young winner Shane Bieber just a month after he was drafted. Events like these are a big draw and help foster community among Pitt County card fans. Meanwhile over in Winterville, The Card Shack opened in 2020 and quickly made a name for themselves with unbeatable prices on boxes, singles and supplies. Owned by longtime collectors Jeff and Katie Strickland, The Card Shack has the small town charm of a hobby shop from yesteryear.
Of course, no discussion of baseball cards in Greenville is complete without mentioning the deep roots of the sport itself. Eastern Carolina is steeped in baseball tradition, and Pitt County in particular has seen its share of talent on both the amateur and professional levels. Future MLB all-stars like Tekulve, George Bell, Jeff Conine and current Atlanta Brave Adam Duvall all grew up playing in the area.
Even today, the Greenville Reds minor league team and ECU Pirates D1 program continue cultivating new generations of players. With pro teams like the Durham Bulls also nearby, eastern North Carolina will always have a strong baseball culture. And wherever there is baseball, you’re sure to find avid card collectors not far behind, keeping the hobby alive in cities like Greenville for many years to come.
