Baseball cards have long been popular collectibles among both casual fans and serious hobbyists. For over a century since the late 19th century, kids and adults have enjoyed trading, collecting and evaluating physical baseball cards. The growing digitalization of media and online commerce has led to the rise of “online baseball cards” – digital versions of classic cardboard collectibles that can be obtained, stored, traded and enjoyed virtually.

While physical cards still have nostalgic appeal and remain popular, online baseball cards have several advantages that have fueled their growth. Chief among these is convenience – fans no longer need to carry bulky binders or boxes full of cards, as digital collections can be accessed from any internet-connected device. Storage and organization is also easier digitally compared to the challenges of physical boxes or binders getting damaged, disorganized or lost over time. Online cards also never face the risk of damage from environment factors like humidity or being bent/folded that physical cards are susceptible to.

Major online platforms that offer digital baseball cards include Topps BUNT, Upper Deck e-PACK, Panini Instant and Card Pool. These apps allow users to browse virtual card packs, complete sets and compete in a variety of in-game modes and leaderboards. The core collecting experience of hunting for rare relics, autographs or rookie cards remains intact in a digital form. Fans can build personalized virtual binders to show off complete sets and prized singles acquired over years of collection.

Topps is widely considered the pioneer and market leader in digitizing the baseball card experience. Since 2012, Topps BUNT has accumulated over 20 million downloads across iOS and Android devices. The app’s core mode involves virtual “card breaks”, where users spend in-game currency or real money to “open” digital packs in search of stars from today’s MLB as well as legends of the past. Cards have ascribed rarities just like physical issues, from common “base” cards to ultra-rare 1-of-1 autograph parallels.

Topps pioneered the incorporation of blockchain technology into their online cards starting in 2018. Through a partnership with digital asset company Dapper Labs, Topps created digital MLB, NFL and NBA “moments” as verifiable collectibles on the Flow blockchain. These highlight specific real-life gameplay moments captured as officially licensed NFTs (non-fungible tokens). By recording transactions transparently on blockchain, Topps solved issues of duplication or forgery that had impacted some previous online collectible initiatives. Major League Baseball also entered the NFT space through Topps, licensing highlighted plays and artifacts from MLB’s historic video vault.

While Topps leads in online cards through BUNT and their pioneering use of NFT tech, competitors like Upper Deck and Panini have grown their own thriving virtual communities as well. Upper Deck’s e-PACK app launched in 2016 and allows players to fill digital binders with basketball, football, hockey, soccer, baseball and League of Legends cards. The app regularly debuts new seasonal sets and promotions. Meanwhile, Panini’s “Instant” app focuses on real-time card releases centered around current sporting events. Users can join random pack “breaks” happening worldwide to try and pull hits linked to contests as they unfold.

For serious collectors, online platforms allow convenient tracking of full virtual collections and the ability to easily scan and manage desired “want lists.” Trading cards digitally with other users worldwide has also become easier than ever. Platforms like Topps Tradr and Bunt Trader enable fans to propose and accept swaps of singles, sets or even entire digital collections with a few taps. Virtual groups even host regular digital “card shows” for enthusiasts to congregate, socialize and facilitate trades in real-time online.

While still in their relative infancy compared to the century-old physical card industry, online platforms are only growing the reach and popularity of digital collectibles. As technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality and blockchain continue advancing, baseball card companies are pioneering new immersive ways to engage fans both physically and virtually. Whether cardboard or digital, collecting America’s pastime in any form remains a cherished hobby for millions worldwide. Online cards in particular have ensured baseball memorabilia can be appreciated and shared globally now more than ever before through the connectivity of internet platforms.