Baseball cards have been a beloved pastime for collectors across the United States for over a century. In Naples, Florida, a sunny Gulf Coast city known for its beaches, golf courses, and retirement lifestyle, baseball cards remain a popular hobby for locals and visitors alike. With a long history of the sport and some dedicated local shops, Naples has developed a vibrant baseball card collecting community.
Some of the earliest baseball cards were produced in the late 1800s as promotions for candy, gum, and tobacco products. The modern era of baseball cards began in the 1950s when Topps gained exclusive rights to produce cards featuring major league players. Since then, the hobby has grown exponentially with millions of Americans enjoying the thrill of the chase to complete sets and find rare, valuable cards. Even in the current digital age, there remains something special about holding an actual cardboard trading card in your hands.
In Naples, the love of baseball and collecting cards was nurtured by the warm weather climate that allowed year-round outdoor activities and the many snowbirds who spent winters in the area. Some of the first organized card collecting groups formed in the 1970s as baby boomers seeking leisure activities discovered the nostalgia and competition involved. Local card shops also started to pop up to serve this new customer base.
One of the longest running and most well known card shops in Naples is Paradise Cards, Collectibles & Memorabilia, located in the Naples Towne Center plaza off Tamiami Trail North. Founded in 1982 by lifelong baseball fan Jim Taylor, Paradise Cards has become an institution for local collectors. Inside the shop, collectors of all ages can browse extensive inventory of new and vintage baseball cards, organize trades, and talk shop with Taylor and his knowledgeable staff. Paradise Cards also hosts frequent card shows, autograph signings, and tournaments to bring the community together.
Another top destination is The Card Collector, located in Mercato shopping center along U.S. 41. Owned by lifelong Naples resident Tony Dimatteo, the shop has been serving collectors since 1994 with a huge selection of new release boxes, packs, and supplies as well as vintage cards in excellent condition. Dimatteo prides himself on fair pricing and is always willing to help collectors track down needs to complete their sets. The Card Collector also hosts monthly meetups for the local card club.
While most transactions take place online today, local card shops continue serving an important role in Naples by providing a space for the social aspect of the hobby. Collectors of all ages enjoy perusing the latest inventory, searching for deals in vintage collections, and networking with their fellow card aficionados. The shops also give collectors a chance to see cards in person before buying and allow for easy trades to progress sets.
Beyond the shops, Naples collectors have organized clubs and leagues to foster community. One of the most prominent is the Paradise Cards Collectors Club, which meets monthly at Paradise Cards to trade, discuss the hobby, and hold tournaments. Members range from casual collectors to serious investors chasing rare vintage gems. The club has been a staple of the Naples card scene for decades.
Of course, the main draws for any baseball card collection are the rare and valuable vintage pieces. Being situated in Florida, many Naples collectors have amassed impressive collections focusing on the early years of the sport before integration. Keys to any great vintage collection are vintage T206 tobacco cards featuring early 1900s players, early 1950s Topps cards, and rookie cards of all-time greats from the 1950s and 60s. Some especially big ticket Naples collections are said to include rare Honus Wagner T206 cards, Mickey Mantle rookie cards, and complete vintage sets in pristine condition.
While the current record prices are set by national auctions, Naples does see its fair share of valuable vintage baseball cards change hands locally each year. One of the most famous was a rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card that sold at Paradise Cards in 2006 for $96,000. Other Naples area sales of note include a near-mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle that brought $50,000 at The Card Collector in 2018 and a complete 1959 Topps set that sold for $35,000 between two Naples collectors. For dedicated local investors, Naples can provide opportunities to buy collections and find the next big score.
Of course, most Naples-based collectors are simply enjoying the hobby they’ve loved since childhood. Whether pursuing vintage sets, following current players, or just appreciating the history of the game, local collectors keep the tradition alive through their clubs, shops and collections. With the warm weather and retiree population, Naples looks to continue supporting its vibrant baseball card community for many years to come. The city’s card collectors ensure the nostalgia stays alive from one generation to the next.
