Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors for over a century, and Lafayette, Louisiana has developed a thriving baseball card community of its own. From local card shops to collector meetups, Lafayette has become a hub for card fans in Acadiana to share in their passion.
One of the longest-running and most prominent card shops in the area is A to Z Sports Cards, located near the intersection of Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Kaliste Saloom Road. Opened in 1991 by owner Allen Trahan, A to Z Sports Cards began as primarily a sports memorabilia store but quickly expanded into the booming baseball card market. Today, the shop stocks thousands of packs, boxes, and individual cards from every baseball era imaginable. Allen and his staff are renowned for their expertise and customer service, having assisted collectors of all ages and experience levels in Lafayette for over 30 years.
Beyond selling new and vintage cards, A to Z Sports Cards also hosts many collector events. Their busiest times are typically around the releases of the new baseball seasons in spring and football seasons in fall, when the shop sees lines of eager kids and adults hoping to rip packs of the latest offerings. They also regularly schedule card shows, autograph signings, and release parties that bring collectors from across Acadiana and beyond. Some of the biggest names in baseball like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and Tim Raines have all made appearances.
Another staple of Lafayette’s baseball card community is Card Shack, located in the Oil Center. While smaller than A to Z, Card Shack has gained a devoted following since opening in 2004 for their deep inventory of vintage cards and lower prices. Owner Joey Dore uses his extensive personal collection and industry connections to keep the shelves stocked with everything from pre-war tobacco cards to late 90s inserts and parallels. Like A to Z, Card Shack hosts themed monthly meetups where collectors can buy, sell, and trade with one another.
Online, the Facebook group “Lafayette Baseball Card Enthusiasts” has over 1,000 members. Administered by collectors Donald Doucet and Tim Leger, the page serves as a digital marketplace and a way for locals to share photos of their newest pickups, ask valuation questions, and discuss the latest card-related news. They’ve also helped organize large card shows that bring vendors from across Louisiana under one roof. Some of the most anticipated yearly events are their National Card Day celebrations in February which feature special giveaways.
Lafayette’s rich baseball card culture extends beyond shops as well. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Edith Garland Dupré Library houses the James Domengeaux Baseball Card Collection, one of the most extensive assemblages of its kind in the region. Numbering in the tens of thousands, the collection includes rare 19th century tobacco cards, complete sets from the 1930s-60s, and stars from every era. While not available for purchase, it serves as an invaluable research resource for scholars, journalists, and collectors looking to learn about the history and evolution of the hobby.
For youth collectors, after-school baseball card clubs were once commonplace in Lafayette but have declined in recent decades. The Lafayette Parish Library continues its long-running Saturday baseball card programs each spring and summer that introduce children to the fun of the hobby. Experienced volunteers help kids organize and showcase their collections, learn about players and stats, and trade duplicates. For birthday parties or scouting events, local businesses like A to Z Sports Cards will also occasionally host baseball card-themed activities.
Overall, Lafayette’s vibrant baseball card community shows no signs of slowing. With dedicated local shops, a strong online presence, organized events, and passionate collectors of all ages, Acadiana has developed an enthusiastic following for the hobby. Cards continue bringing people together through their appreciation of America’s pastime and the thrill of the chase for the next great addition to a collection. Whether hunting for stars of today or yesteryear, Lafayette will remain a hotbed for baseball card collectors for years to come.
