Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for generations, allowing fans both young and old to collect pieces of the game’s history. In Franklin, Tennessee, the baseball card scene is thriving, with several dedicated shops catering to collectors in the area. Whether you’re looking to build your childhood collection or start a new one, Franklin has plenty of options for finding cards of your favorite players from throughout the decades.
One of the most well-known and longest running baseball card shops in Franklin is Franklin Sports Cards, located in the historic downtown area along Main Street. Owned and operated by the Crenshaw family since 1987, Franklin Sports Cards has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. Inside their cozy store, you’ll find rows and rows of boxes organized by sport, team, set, and year, allowing collectors to easily search through to find the cards they need. They also have a large glass display case showing off some of their higher end vintage and rare cards.
Behind the counter, knowledgeable staff like owner Randy Crenshaw are eager to help customers of all experience levels find what they’re looking for. Randy got hooked on collecting as a kid in the 70s and has been around the hobby his whole life. “It’s really rewarding to see someone, especially a young person, get excited about finding an old card of their favorite player,” Randy says. In addition to buying, selling, and trading individual cards, Franklin Sports Cards also carries unopened boxes and packs from current sets for those wanting to rip packs.
A bit further down Main Street is another baseball hotspot – Franklin Card Shop. Owned by lifelong collector Brian Cummings, Franklin Card Shop opened in 2016 and has quickly become a go-to hangout for the city’s card community. Walking into the bright, open storefront, you’re immediately greeted by protective cases full of high dollar vintage cards, including rare finds like a mint condition ’52 Topps Mickey Mantle. Brian and his staff are diligent about properly grading cards to ensure customers know exactly what they’re buying.
In the back of the store are long tables where customers can often be found sorting through boxes, making trades, or just chatting about the latest baseball news over a cup of coffee from the keurig machine. “I wanted to create a space where people could really enjoy the hobby together,” Brian explains. Regulars at Franklin Card Shop have formed tight knit friendships and even started local card shows and break nights together. Whether you’re a first timer or a veteran collector, the welcoming environment makes it easy to strike up conversations.
While the downtown shops cater more to serious collectors, families with kids can find baseball card treasure troves at local hobby stores like Franklin Hobbies. Located in the Cool Springs area, Franklin Hobbies carries all the latest packs, boxes, and supplies while also stocking a wide selection of vintage at affordable prices. Kids can trade and play with their cards during visits while parents dig through discounted dollar and dime boxes.
Owner Mike Weber has been in the hobby business for over 30 years and keeps a keen eye on stocking items that will excite both newcomers and longtime collectors. “Baseball cards are how I bonded with my son over our shared love of the game. It’s really special to see new generations getting hooked the same way,” Mike says. Events like pack war tournaments and group breaks are also hosted to foster community among the store’s young clientele.
For those wanting to liquidate or find rare vintage gems, several local card shows take place throughout the year as well. Some of the biggest and best attended are the Franklin Card Show held biannually at the Cool Springs Marriott and the Midstate Card Show held each fall at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park. Dozens of tables of vendors from across Tennessee and beyond gather to offer thousands of individual cards and complete sets spanning all eras.
It’s not uncommon to spot one-of-a-kind collectibles change hands for thousands of dollars at these events. But browsing is free and even budget-conscious collectors can often find steals in dollar and quarter boxes. Shows are a social experience where lifelong friendships in the hobby are made over shared passions. Whether you’re a new collector just starting out or a seasoned veteran, Franklin’s thriving baseball card scene has something for everyone to enjoy.