Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors for decades. From the early tobacco cards of the late 1800s to the modern era of inserts, parallels and autographs, people of all ages enjoy amassing collections and learning about the sport through these small pieces of cardboard. The Chicagoland area is home to many passionate baseball card collectors and dealers, and the village of Lisle in particular has emerged as a hub for the hobby in recent years.
Located just west of Naperville and about 30 miles outside of downtown Chicago, Lisle is a suburban community with a population of around 25,000. While not a huge town by any means, Lisle has developed a reputation within the baseball card community as a premier destination for collectors. This is largely due to the presence of several high-quality card shops that have helped foster a strong local scene.
Classic Collectibles is perhaps the most well-known baseball card shop in Lisle. Opened in 1995, Classic Collectibles was an early pioneer in bringing the hobby directly to collectors in the western suburbs. Over the past 25+ years, the store has built a loyal customer base and participated in the growth of the sport and the industry. In addition to a massive inventory of new and vintage cards for sale, Classic Collectibles also hosts regular events that draw collectors from around the region. These include group breaks, autograph signings, release day parties and annual card shows.
Another prominent Lisle shop is Sports Cards Etc, which opened its doors in 2005. While a bit smaller than Classic Collectibles, Sports Cards Etc maintains an excellent stock of new sealed product as well as individual cards available for purchase or trade. Like its competitor down the road, Sports Cards Etc also schedules signings, mini-shows and other special events to bring the community together. Both Classic Collectibles and Sports Cards Etc are destinations for collectors of all ages and interests, from the casual fan to the serious investor.
A relative newcomer to Lisle’s card shop scene is The Card Collector, which launched in 2015. Owned and operated by a longtime hobbyist, The Card Collector has quickly earned praise for its personalized customer service and extensive vintage inventory. While focusing more on higher-end vintage cards than the other two major shops, The Card Collector still caters to collectors of all budgets and builds. It has become a popular spot for appraisals, consignments and one-of-a-kind vintage finds.
Beyond the brick-and-mortar stores, Lisle’s baseball card community is strengthened by events organized within the village. Each July, Classic Collectibles and Sports Cards Etc team up to host the annual Lisle Card Show, one of the largest and most anticipated shows in the Midwest. Held at the Lisle Community Park District’s Community Building, the Lisle Card Show brings in over 100 tables of dealers from across the country as well as special guests, autograph sessions, prize drawings and more. The 2019 show marked the 15th anniversary of this premier summertime tradition.
Another major annual tradition is the Lisle Baseball Card Showdown, a friendly competition between collectors of all ages held each February. Organized by a local collector’s group, the Showdown challenges participants to build the best team rosters within set parameters using only cardboard from their personal collections. Prizes are awarded in multiple age divisions and it’s a fun way for the community to come together early in the new year.
While the hobby has seen ups and downs over the decades, Lisle’s baseball card scene has remained strong thanks to the passionate local collectors and shop owners who keep the spirit of the pastime alive. Cards continue to be a bridge that brings collectors of all backgrounds together, and Lisle exemplifies how a tight-knit community can blossom around this classic hobby. Whether searching for vintage gems or joining in on the latest releases, collectors always find a warm welcome in the shops and events of Lisle, Illinois.
