Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture since the late 19th century. As the national pastime of baseball grew in popularity across the United States, so too did collecting and trading baseball cards. To this day, baseball cards remain one of the most popular collectibles in the country. In the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, Nevada, baseball card collecting remains a beloved hobby for people of all ages.
Located just outside of Las Vegas in the sprawling Las Vegas Valley, Henderson has emerged as one of the fastest growing cities in Nevada over the past few decades. With a population of over 300,000 residents as of 2022, Henderson is the second most populous city in the state after Las Vegas. While Henderson is known primarily as a bedroom community for Las Vegas, it also boasts its own distinct culture and businesses. Several shops in Henderson cater specifically to baseball card collectors and traders.
One of the largest and most prominent baseball card shops in Henderson is Topps Cards, located in the Galleria at Sunset mall. Topps Cards has been a fixture in the Henderson baseball card scene for over 20 years. The shop occupies around 2,000 square feet of retail space and stocks an immense inventory of new and vintage baseball cards. Visitors will find rows upon rows of card boxes organized by player, team, and year. Topps Cards also sells unopened packs, boxes, and cases of modern card sets from Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other manufacturers.
In addition to an expansive retail storefront, Topps Cards in Henderson hosts regular events that draw collectors from across Southern Nevada and beyond. Every other Saturday night is designated for trading cards, with tables set up around the store and a bustling atmosphere as collectors browse stacks, make offers, and strike deals. The shop also holds monthly autograph signings with retired MLB players, providing a unique opportunity for collectors to meet their favorite ballplayers and get memorabilia signed. Topps Cards is truly a one-stop-shop destination for all things baseball cards in the Henderson area.
Another popular local spot is A&J Sports Cards, located in a strip mall on East Lake Mead Parkway. While smaller than Topps Cards, A&J Sports Cards maintains an impressive inventory within its 1,200 square foot store. In addition to new and vintage baseball cards, the shop sells supplies like magnetic holders, toploaders, and binder pages. Every Friday night A&J Sports Cards hosts “Friday Night Lights,” a lively trading event similar to Topps Cards’ bi-weekly sessions. Store owner John has been in the baseball card business for over 30 years and takes pride in his friendly, family-run store.
In recent years, online groups and social media have further strengthened the baseball card community in Henderson. One of the largest is the “Henderson Baseball Card Collectors” Facebook group, which has attracted over 1,000 members since its creation in 2015. Administered by local collectors, the Facebook group serves as a digital marketplace for trades and sales. It also helps spread the word about upcoming card shows, signings, and store promotions in the area. Other online forums like Sports Card Forum and Blowout Cards also have an active Henderson subgroup where collectors can seek valuation help, show off recent pickups, and discuss the latest releases.
When it comes to live card shows and conventions, Henderson collectors have access to some of the biggest and best events in Nevada. Two of the largest are Cardfest Las Vegas and National Sports Collectors Convention Las Vegas. Both multi-day extravaganzas are held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center, just 20 minutes down the road from Henderson. Dozens of professional dealers from around the country set up booths stocked with thousands of cards available for trade or direct sale. Along with cards, the shows feature autograph sessions, memorabilia displays, and panels discussing the business of sports collecting. It’s truly a sports collector’s paradise.
For younger collectors or those just starting out, Henderson is home to several youth baseball organizations that encourage card collecting as a fun side hobby. Little League, Pony League, and other rec baseball teams will occasionally hold baseball card break nights, where players can trade or open new packs. Local card shops also run introductory classes on organizing, valuing, and caring for a collection. As the popularity of baseball grows amongst new generations of Henderson residents, local hobby shops and groups strive to nurture the next wave of passionate collectors. Whether hunting vintage gems or joining a bustling Friday night trade session, the vibrant baseball card community in Henderson shows no signs of slowing down.
Baseball card collecting remains a beloved pastime for people of all ages throughout Henderson, Nevada. With large local shops like Topps Cards and A&J Sports Cards along with a tight-knit online community, Henderson offers collectors abundant resources to feed their hobby. Residents also benefit from easy access to some of the largest and most prestigious card shows in the country. Through dedicated local businesses, youth organizations, and an engaged collector base, the rich tradition of baseball card collecting will surely continue to thrive in Henderson for many years to come.
