Dean’s Baseball Cards: A Cincinnati Institution
Dean’s Baseball Cards has been a staple of the Cincinnati sports card and memorabilia scene since it first opened its doors in 1976. What started as a small hobby shop run by owner Dean Kinney out of his home has grown into one of the largest and most well-known card shops in the Midwest. For over 45 years, Dean’s has been the go-to place for collectors in the Cincinnati area and beyond to find rare and valuable cards, meet with other enthusiasts, and participate in the vibrant local card collecting community.
Dean had always been a huge baseball fan and card collector himself. In the early 1970s, the hobby of sports card collecting was taking off, especially among baby boomers nostalgic for their childhoods. Dean saw an opportunity to combine his passion for the game with the growing market, and decided to start his own business selling cards out of his basement. Word quickly spread among the local card collecting scene about this new shop in town. Before long, Dean’s collection had outgrown his home and he needed to find a commercial space.
In 1976, Dean opened the first official Dean’s Baseball Cards location in a small storefront in suburban Cincinnati. Right from the start, it was clear this would be much more than just a store – it would become a true gathering place and hub for the city’s collectors. People would flock not just to buy and sell cards, but also to meet up, look through each other’s collections, and talk baseball. On weekends especially, the shop would be packed with enthusiasts of all ages bonding over their shared hobby.
Over the decades, Dean’s Baseball Cards has grown right along with the sports memorabilia industry. The shop has had to relocate to larger spaces multiple times to accommodate its expanding inventory and customer base. In 1990, Dean’s moved to its current location – a spacious store in the heart of Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood. Spanning over 5,000 square feet, this flagship location features walls of cards and collectibles as well as ample room for events and meetups.
While the online marketplace has greatly impacted brick-and-mortar card shops in recent years, Dean’s has adapted and thrived and remains the premier local destination. In addition to its massive selection of new and vintage cards available both in the store and on its website, Dean’s has established itself as the place to go for special releases, exclusive signings, group breaks, and large conventions that draw collectors from across the region. Some of the hobby’s biggest stars have made appearances at Dean’s over the years.
The store also prides itself on its knowledgeable and passionate staff. Many employees are long-time collectors themselves who can provide expertise on valuing collections, tracking down hard-to-find items, and discussing the latest news and trends. For novice collectors just getting into the hobby, Dean’s offers a welcoming environment to learn the ropes. Whether you’re a casual fan or a serious investor, the friendly staff is always happy to help customers at any level.
Beyond its retail operations, Dean’s has played a major role in cultivating the local card collecting community. It has sponsored and hosted numerous leagues, tournaments, charity events, and annual card shows that bring together thousands of attendees. The shop also runs a highly active website forum where collectors can buy, sell and trade with one another online as well as stay up-to-date on the latest Dean’s news. For loyal customers, it truly feels like a second home.
After over four decades in business, Dean’s Baseball Cards remains family-owned and operated by Dean Kinney and his family. As one of the longest continually running card shops in the country, it has become an institution and a staple of Cincinnati sports culture. For generations of collectors young and old, Dean’s holds a special place in both their collections and their memories. Whether you’re a new fan or a loyal customer since the beginning, Dean’s doors will always be open with friendly faces, stacks of wax boxes, and stories to share about America’s pastime.
