Baseball Cards in Greensboro, NC: A Rich History of Collection and Community

Greensboro, North Carolina has long been a hotbed for baseball card collecting and memorabilia. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, Greensboro collectors and shops have played an integral role in growing the hobby and connecting generations of fans. From the earliest tobacco era cards to modern day hits, Greensboro continues to foster a vibrant baseball card culture.

One of the earliest known baseball card collectors from Greensboro was Samuel Leroy “Sam” Jones, born in 1897. As a young boy growing up in the booming tobacco town, Jones became enamored with the baseball cards that would come in packs of cigarettes or candy. He amassed an impressive collection throughout the 1910s and 1920s, focusing heavily on stars of that era like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Babe Ruth. Jones was known among his peers for his vast knowledge of the players and teams. He would often organize trading sessions with other local boys, helping grow the hobby in Greensboro. Jones kept his collection intact his whole life, passing it down to his children upon his death in 1981. Pieces of his original collection remain in Greensboro to this day.

In the post-World War II era, Greensboro saw a resurgence of baseball card collecting popularity. Stores like Belk’s 5 & 10 and Kress 5 & 10 Cent Stores began selling wax packs of cards. This helped spark new generations of collectors. Brothers Billy and Tommy Thompson began their collection in the late 1940s, amassing stars of that time like Jackie Robinson, Stan Musial, and Roy Campanella. They kept meticulous records of their growing collections in notebooks. Both brothers remained avid collectors well into their senior years. Their collections now reside in the Guilford County Museum, where they continue to educate local children about the history of the hobby.

In the 1960s, Greensboro saw the rise of its first dedicated baseball card shop – Topps Cards, located downtown on Friendly Avenue. Owned and operated by local legend Herb “Herbie” Johnson, Topps Cards became a gathering place for collectors of all ages. Johnson was a wealth of knowledge, always helping collectors complete their sets, find rare vintage cards to purchase, and stay up-to-date on the latest releases. Topps Cards hosted signing events, giveaways, and organized the city’s first annual baseball card show in 1969. The shop remained a staple of the community until Johnson’s retirement in the late 1980s.

Through the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, Greensboro saw numerous baseball card shops come and go. Stores like The Baseball Card Shop, Card Kingdom, and A&M Sportscards gave collectors places to trade, purchase new releases, and stay active in the hobby. The 1990s boom brought unprecedented interest that helped grow the collector base. It was during this time that two of the largest modern hobby stores in Greensboro opened – Sports Cards Plus and All Star Sports Cards. Both shops continue to thrive today by catering to collectors of all eras and experience levels. Their vast inventory of new and vintage cards, as well as knowledgeable staff, keep Greensboro collectors dedicated.

In the 2000s, Greensboro saw a new wave of mom-and-pop specialty card shops open to serve burgeoning collector demand, including The Card Shop, Topps Cards (a revival of the original under new ownership), and Stadium Cards. While the industry saw contraction in the late 2000s, Greensboro’s shops adapted by focusing on personalized customer service and curated vintage inventory. The 2010s brought the rise of online selling, but Greensboro’s brick-and-mortar shops remain relevant through their community involvement, hosting annual card shows, giveaways, autograph signings with former players, and youth educational programs.

Greensboro continues to produce world-class collectors as well. Local legend James “Jim” Bauguss amassed one of the finest vintage collections ever assembled, including uncut sheets and prototypes. Upon his passing in 2020, Bauguss’s immense collection was donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, cementing his legacy. Modern day star collectors like Jason Massey and Chris Kouvaris have built collections valued in the millions of dollars. Their dedication to the hobby helps inspire new generations.

From its earliest days to the modern era, Greensboro, North Carolina has played an integral role in growing the baseball card collecting community. Through dedicated collectors, shops, and events over the decades, Greensboro has fostered connections between cards, players, and fans that will continue for generations to come. The city’s rich history and vibrant present make it clear that Greensboro and baseball cards will always be intertwined.