Baseball is America’s pastime and a sport deeply ingrained in our culture. For baseball fans, their love of the game is a year-round passion. Whether it’s watching games on TV, following stats and scores, or attending live games at the ballpark, baseball is always top of mind. So for a baseball fan’s birthday, what better way to show you care than with a baseball-themed birthday card? Here are some ideas for meaningful baseball birthday card messages and themes that any diehard baseball lover is sure to appreciate.

A card celebrating their favorite team can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge their fandom on their special day. You can’t go wrong with a card featuring the logo of their beloved home team. Write a message inside telling them to enjoy their birthday and hoping their team has a winning season. If you know their favorite player, you could mention wishing them a birthday as great as a home run from that star athlete. Team-branded cards with current rosters are easy to find online or at sports stores and card shops.

For the stat geek in your life, a card focusing on baseball numbers and facts will show you understand their passion for the stats side of the game. Write the card in a fun baseball broadcast style, mentioning their age in “years played” and wishing them a season with great “batting average” and “OPS.” Cite fun facts like what famous players also have their birthday. Retro baseball cards also make thoughtful inserts that any fan will appreciate.

Kids who love the game will get a kick out of more playful baseball birthday cards. Look for cards with illustrations of home runs, strikeouts, or sliding into bases. Write a message about hoping their birthday is a “grand slam” and they “score” lots of presents. For older kids, cards with current MLB players can be a fun way to acknowledge shared fandom.

Nostalgic baseball fans will cherish a card celebrating classic ballparks, old-time players or historic baseball moments. Mention hoping their birthday is as memorable as a World Series walk-off home run. Include vintage photos as inserts to tap into their love of baseball history. Hand-drawn cards recreating retro baseball imagery can be a thoughtful homemade option.

For the all-around baseball fan, general baseball-themed cards allow flexibility to write a personalized message without focusing on one specific element of the game. Look for designs with baseballs, bats, gloves or other gear. Mention inside how they “knock it out of the park” every year and wishing them a “grand slam” birthday. Foil or embossed baseball card designs make a polished statement.

Food is always a big part of the baseball experience, so cards celebrating ballpark cuisine can be a fun route. Write about hoping they “score” a birthday as tasty as hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jack. Retro baseball food packaging images make charming inserts. You could also include a gift card to their favorite ballpark concession stand.

For the fan with a green thumb, cards highlighting spring training or linking baseball to nature are fitting themes. Mention how their birthday flowers are “in bloom” like opening day or wish them a season as “blossoming” as their favorite young prospect. Inclusions of pressed flowers, leaves or seeds in team colors add a nice natural touch.

Whether you’re shopping for a lifelong baseball fanatic or newer enthusiast, the options for thoughtful baseball birthday cards to express your well-wishes are endless. By acknowledging their love of America’s pastime on their special day, you’re sure to score a “home run” and make any baseball buff’s birthday one to “remember forever.” Have a wonderful birthday season and here’s hoping for many more great years rooting for our national pastime. Play ball!