Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 130 years, documenting players, teams, and the evolution of America’s pastime. While many associate baseball card collecting with large cities like New York or Boston, the hobby also took root in smaller communities across the country, including Medford, Oregon. From the early 20th century to today, baseball cards have been a part of the local culture and memories of generations of Medford residents.
One of the earliest mentions of baseball cards in Medford comes from a 1907 article in the Medford Mail Tribune. It notes several young boys trading and discussing the recently released “T206” series from American Tobacco. Produced from 1909-1911, the iconic T206 set featured stars like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson. Despite Medford’s population being just a few thousand at the time, it seems these early mass-produced cards made their way into the hands of local youth.
Through the 1920s and 30s, several Medford drugstores and general stores sold wax packs of cards as a side business. Brands like Goudey and Play Ball were popular, with owners noting the cards often sold out quickly. Many Medford kids recall trading duplicates in school yards or at the local park. While the Great Depression slowed collection for some, the hobby provided an affordable pastime during tough economic times. By World War 2, baseball cards were firmly cemented in Medford’s recreational culture.
The post-war years saw two major developments in Medford’s card collecting community. The first was the opening of Medford’s first dedicated hobby shop, Bob’s Baseball Card Corner, in 1950. Located downtown, it gave collectors a dedicated place to browse, trade, and stay up-to-date on the latest releases. Bob’s helped foster Medford’s small but vibrant card collecting scene for decades. The second big change was the arrival of Topps in the mid-1950s. Their innovative modern design and larger player images were an instant hit with Medford kids.
Through the 1960s, Medford saw card collecting really take off in popularity locally. With over 20,000 residents by 1960, the community had grown significantly. This allowed for the rise of youth baseball card shows and conventions at local schools and churches. It was also common to see kids riding their bikes around town, visiting stores and asking if any new packs had arrived. Medford’s love of the San Francisco Giants also made local players like Willie Mays extremely popular. In the pre-internet era, cards were also a key connection to Major League players for Medford’s young fans.
The 1970s were a golden age for baseball cards in Medford, as the hobby reached new heights nationally. Local shops like Bob’s and Medford Cards & Comics stayed busy keeping up with demand. Series like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss featured colorful new designs and statistical information that resonated with collectors. Expos were also common in Medford during this decade, with hundreds of kids and adults packing gymnasiums and community centers to trade. Regional stars like Rick Monday and Dave Kingman found many admirers in Southern Oregon.
While the 1980s saw some contraction in the paper card industry, Medford’s scene remained robust thanks to the rise of the independent/regional card show circuit. Promoters like Greg Johnson helped bring some of the largest West Coast shows directly to Medford. Events like the annual Medford Sports Collectors Show in the late 80s regularly drew thousands from across Oregon and Northern California. This helped expose the next generation to the enduring appeal of baseball cards. The arrival of the internet in the 90s also connected Medford collectors to the wider hobby.
Today, while the physical card shop presence has declined, Medford’s love of the hobby remains as strong as ever. Cards provide a tangible connection to the history of the game for many in the Rogue Valley. Regional stars like Mark McGwire, Barry Zito, and Brandon Crawford remain popular in local collections. Online groups like Medford Sports Collectors Club have helped maintain a sense of community. And the annual Medford Card & Memorabilia Show, now in its 4th decade, continues to be a popular tradition. For generations of Medford residents, baseball cards have been intertwined with memories of summers past and the simple joy of the national pastime.
