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BASEBALL CARDS MALL OF AMERICA

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The Baseball Card Company has been a staple of the Mall of America for over 30 years, delighting collectors of all ages with its vast inventory of new and vintage baseball cards. Located on the upper level near the food court, this 6,000 square foot store is a sports fan’s paradise, housing one of the largest collections of baseball cards in the Midwest. Whether you’re a casual browser or a serious investor, The Baseball Card Company has everything you need to fuel your passion for America’s pastime.

Stepping into the store is like taking a trip back in time, with rows upon rows of cardboard boxes filled to the brim with cards from the early 1900s up to the present day. The vintage section alone contains treasures dating back over a century, including rare Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, and Ty Cobb cards that could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Even common cards from the early 20th century hold nostalgic value, allowing customers to relive baseball history with each flick through the wax paper packaging.

For the more modern collector, there are entire sections dedicated to the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Fans can find rookie cards of legends like Mike Piazza, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Derek Jeter, as well as complete sets from favorite childhood years. Whether you collected as a kid and want to revisit your past pulls, or you’re just starting your collection, The Baseball Card Company has you covered with an unmatched stock from every baseball era.

In addition to individual cards, the store also sells factory-sealed wax packs, boxes, and cases from different time periods. There’s something thrilling about ripping open that cellophane and digging through the stacks of cardboard in search of your favorite stars. For those looking to build full sets, the unopened product ensures cards stay in pristine condition. The selection includes everything from vintage 1950s packs selling for hundreds to the latest 2021 series available for just a few dollars.

For serious investors, a special VIP room in the back houses the true crown jewels – game-used memorabilia cards that could fetch tens of thousands at auction. Some of the rarest items include a Babe Ruth model bat card from the 1930s, a Mickey Mantle jersey card from 1952, and a Tom Seaver signed bat card. While most customers won’t have the budget for these high-end investments, it’s a thrill just to glimpse some of the most valuable baseball collectibles in the world.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a card-carrying collector, the knowledgeable staff at The Baseball Card Company are always happy to help customers find exactly what they’re looking for. Staff members can pull up individual card prices on their computer system or offer appraisals for vintage collections. There’s no pressure to buy – browsers are welcome to peruse the aisles and flip through boxes at their leisure. Young collectors will enjoy the kid-friendly section near the entrance stocked with affordable packs, boxes and memorabilia geared towards new fans.

After over three decades in business, The Baseball Card Company remains the premier sports memorabilia destination at Mall of America. With such a massive selection, customers are guaranteed to walk out with new treasures to add to their collections or gift to fellow baseball enthusiasts. It’s no wonder the store continues to attract collectors from across the Midwest seven days a week. For any fan of America’s pastime, a visit to this oasis of cards is a must anytime you’re at the mall.

PLAY BALL AMERICA BASEBALL CARDS

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Play Ball America was a brand of baseball cards produced between 1982 and 1994 by Topps. The sets celebrated youth baseball in America and featured action shots of young players from across the country.

Topps launched Play Ball America in 1982 as a throwback to classic postcards depicting Americana. The sets were designed to highlight the grassroots nature of local Little League and Babe Ruth League teams. Rather than focusing on big league stars, Play Ball America celebrated the kids playing ball in their hometowns every summer.

The 1982 inaugural set featured 126 cards including players from 18 different states. Some of the states highlighted were California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York. In addition to action shots of players at bat or in the field, the backs of the cards provided facts about the teams and leagues. Things like how long the team had been around and past accomplishments were noted.

In the early 1980s, Topps produced Play Ball America cards at a rate of about one set per year. The mid-1980s saw the frequency increase to two sets annually. During this peak period in the brand’s popularity, sets ranged between 150-200 cards each. More states and summer baseball organizations were spotlighted with each new release.

Play Ball America cards retained a consistent basic design scheme throughout the brand’s run. Vivid color photographs dominated the fronts with large player names below. The backs provided statistical details about achievements and hobbies. A ribbon graphic at the top of the back paid homage to the all-American pastime.

In the late 1980s, Topps expanded Play Ball America to acknowledge the growing popularity of girls’ softball programs. Sets from 1987 onward allocated a portion of their checklists to highlight young female athletes. Front pictures transitioned from baseball action shots to softball as well. Headers on the back recognized players’ positions in fastpitch competition.

Throughout much of its production period from 1982 to 1994, Play Ball America cards were available via direct purchase from the Topps company. Sets retailed for $1.49 per pack with consumers able to order multiples directly from Topps. With no big league stars on the rosters, availability in traditional retail outlets was limited. However, Play Ball America remained a popular niche brand.

By the early 1990s, Topps began paring down the frequency of Play Ball America releases. The brand which once saw multiple sets per year was scaled back to an annual showcase by 1994. That final set highlighted programs in Arizona, Montana, Delaware and Connecticut before production ceased. Play Ball America cards had celebrated youth baseball’s grassroots spirit for over a decade since the inaugural 1982 release.

While no longer in contemporary production, vintage Play Ball America sets remain popular with collectors today. With over 15 years of catalogs highlighting youth programs in every region, the brand created a visual time capsule of baseball’s participation levels across small town America. Players, coaches, and families still enjoy looking through the sets to see if their Little League made the national showcase in a particular year. Over 35 years since the first packets hit the marketplace, Play Ball America cards continue preserving memories of summers playing ball.