The History of Baseball Cards in Annapolis, Maryland
Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 130 years and the history of these collectibles in Annapolis, Maryland goes back nearly as far. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced in the late 19th century featured stars from the major leagues, minor leagues, and even local amateur teams around Annapolis. Ever since those early tobacco cards of the 1880s and 1890s, the hobby of collecting baseball memorabilia has been a beloved pastime for many residents of the capital city.
The first baseball cards produced on a mass scale were included in packages of cigarette tobacco starting in 1885. Companies like Allen & Ginter and Old Judge used the novel promotional marketing technique of including a card with a photo and stats of a baseball player in their tobacco products. Many of the earliest baseball stars to have their likenesses featured on cards played for major league teams based in the Mid-Atlantic like the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Giants.
As baseball grew in popularity across America in the late 1800s, the minor leagues also expanded. Annapolis was home to a minor league franchise called the Annapolis Senators that played from 1886-1891. Some of the players on those early Annapolis teams had their own baseball cards produced. Names like pitcher Jack “Death to Flying Things” Boyle, catcher Dan “Stormy” Murphy, and third baseman Hugh “Smoky” McGarrigle became familiar to local baseball card collectors in Annapolis. While the cards of these local minor league stars are quite rare today, they represent some of the earliest baseball memorabilia directly connected to the city of Annapolis.
In the early decades of the 20th century, tobacco companies continued producing baseball cards as inserts in cigarettes and chewing tobacco products. T206 White Border cards from 1909-1911 and T205 cards from 1905-1911 featured the top players from all over the major leagues. Annapolis residents collected and traded these highly sought after cards featuring superstars like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. The demand for baseball cards was strong in Annapolis throughout World War I and the Roaring 20s as the pastime of collecting provided enjoyment for many in the city.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the production of baseball cards slowed significantly as tobacco sales dropped off. The most famous and valuable set from this era was the 1933 Goudey Gum Company issue. Only 105 different cards were included across 22 separate designs featuring individual players or teams. The cards were smaller than previous tobacco issues but featured bright color images. Sets including legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx were eagerly sought after by collectors in Annapolis looking for a reasonably affordable hobby during hard economic times.
After World War II, the baseball card industry began to boom once again. In 1948, Bowman Gum began their highly popular set that ran until 1955. These included the first cards for all-time greats like Jackie Robinson, Stan Musial, and Willie Mays. Topps Chewing Gum also entered the baseball card scene in 1951 with their iconic painted design that they produced until 1981. Annapolis saw a new generation fall in love with collecting as kids traded, swapped, and added to their collections throughout the 1950s. Local card shops and hobby stores started to pop up to meet the growing demand.
The 1960s saw the introduction of colorful action photos and multi-player cards. Topps remained the dominant baseball card producer but was challenged by Fleer and Post Cereals issues as well. Stars of that era like Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente gained huge followings among Annapolis collectors. In the 1970s, the rise of player contracts led to exclusive licensing deals between the MLBPA and card manufacturers. More specialized sets targeting certain teams or positions were also released. Cal Ripken Jr.’s rookie card in 1981 became a hugely popular addition for Baltimore-area collectors, including many in Annapolis.
During the 1980s collector boom, the values of vintage cards from the T206 and Goudey sets skyrocketed. Local hobby shops did booming business buying, selling, and grading vintage and modern issues. The junk wax era of the late 1980s saw overproduction that has lessened the value of many modern sets. It kept the hobby affordable and accessible for many new collectors in Annapolis. In the 1990s, the internet further expanded the community of collectors and increased set checklists. Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking career added to his legend and the value of his rookie card among local collectors.
Today, the hobby of baseball card collecting remains strong in Annapolis, Maryland. Local card shops like Showplace Cards and Collectibles cater to both vintage collectors and those opening modern packs. Online groups like Annapolis Area Baseball Card Collectors allow fans to trade, share information, and discuss the latest releases. While the cards and sets have evolved since those earliest tobacco issues, baseball cards still provide enjoyment and memories for collectors in the capital city. The history of this hobby in Annapolis spans over 130 years and multiple generations, cementing it as an integral part of the city’s sports culture and memorabilia scene. Whether chasing vintage stars or following today’s players, baseball cards continue engaging collectors in Annapolis.