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BASEBALL CARDS MORTON GROVE

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The small suburban town of Morton Grove, Illinois may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the history of baseball cards. This quiet North Shore community played an unexpected but significant role in the early development of what would become America’s favorite hobby.

It was in the late 1800s that baseball cards first began appearing as promotional inserts included in packages of cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Companies like American Tobacco saw them as a clever way to market their products to young boys who were increasingly taking up the new national pastime of baseball. Early stars of the National League like Cap Anson and Pud Galvin had their likenesses featured on these cardboard advertisements.

In Morton Grove, several immigrant families had settled in during the late 19th century wave of European immigration. Many worked at the large meatpacking plants on the outskirts of nearby Chicago. One such family was the Schorrs, German Jews who had come to America seeking opportunity.

The enterprising Max Schorr opened a small corner grocery store in downtown Morton Grove in 1892 to serve the needs of the growing neighborhood. Seeing potential to expand his business, Schorr struck a deal with American Tobacco to be one of the regional distributors for their baseball card promotions.

Schorr’s Grocery would be among the first retailers in the entire Midwest to stock packs of cigarettes and chewing tobacco containing the coveted cardboard players. Local boys would flock to his store, hoping to add to their growing collections. Schorr himself became something of an expert on the early stars of baseball depicted on the cards as he got to know his young customers.

Word of Schorr’s supply of “cardboard ballplayers” as they were called then spread beyond Morton Grove. Collectors from as far away as Chicago’s north side would make the trek to his store, drawn by rumors of unopened packs containing rare and elusive cards that could complete sets. Schorr’s small grocery was transformed into a hub for the nascent hobby in the entire Chicagoland area in those early baseball card boom years of the late 1800s.

As the new century dawned, Schorr decided to capitalize fully on the emerging baseball memorabilia trend. In addition to his grocery business, he opened an adjoining shop in 1901 solely dedicated to the sale of baseball cards, bubble gum, and other sports collectibles. Called Schorr’s Sporting Goods, it became one of the first stores in America focused exclusively on servicing the growing ranks of baseball card aficionados.

Schorr imported inventory from all the top tobacco companies as well as smaller regional manufacturers. His shop’s shelves were stocked with an astonishing array of card options, from the most obscure local independent league players to the game’s biggest stars in the National League and upstart American League. Schorr also pioneered selling loose, individual cards and complete commons sets in addition to packs of cards inside tobacco products.

Word of Schorr’s Sporting Goods and its unparalleled selection spread far beyond the Chicago area. Collectors from St. Louis, Milwaukee, Detroit and beyond added a special trip to Morton Grove to their annual buying excursions, knowing they could find almost any card in Schorr’s well-stocked store. He shipped orders all across America via the U.S. Postal Service as the hobby started attracting adult collectors as well.

By the 1920s, Schorr’s had become a national institution for serious baseball card investors and enthusiasts. The store’s prominent advertisement in the fledgling Sporting News guide helped cement its reputation. Schorr even developed relationships with the players themselves, having some send autographed cards back to Chicago to sell to hungry fans. Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson were among the legends who helped promote Schorr’s over the years.

When the Great Depression hit in 1929, it nearly spelled doom for Schorr’s and the entire baseball card industry. Demand for the tobacco products containing cards plummeted as discretionary spending dried up. Schorr had to lay off employees and narrowly avoided closing his doors entirely. He persevered through those dark times, keeping his store and Sporting Goods shop running on a shoestring budget.

The industry began to rebound in the late 1930s as the economy improved. Schorr’s was still going strong, now in its fourth decade of serving collectors. By this time, three generations of the Schorr family had worked in the business founded by Max Schorr back in 1892. A new generation of players like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Stan Musial adorned the cardboard that still brought collectors into Morton Grove from far and wide.

The post-World War II boom years of the 1950s saw Schorr’s hit new heights of popularity. Television was bringing baseball into more homes than ever before. The store was inundated with orders as the hobby boomed with a new generation of young fans. At its peak, Schorr’s was shipping thousands of cards nationwide every month out of its small storefront in Morton Grove.

By the late 1950s, the Schorr family decided it was time to sell the legendary business they had nurtured for over 65 years. The new owners maintained the Schorr’s name but started expanding the company’s reach. Additional shops were opened in other Chicago suburbs and the company transitioned into a full-fledged mail order business shipping supplies nationwide.

The Schorr’s name remained synonymous with baseball cards for collectors across America well into the 1970s. Even after going through multiple subsequent owners, the Morton Grove location retained a special nostalgic allure for many lifelong fans of the hobby. It remained the site paying homage to where it all began for Schorr’s and the entire baseball card collecting phenomenon over a century ago.

While Schorr’s is no longer in business today, its pioneering role in popularizing and commercializing the baseball card industry remains an important part of both the hobby’s history and the small town of Morton Grove, Illinois. From those humble origins as a neighborhood grocery over 125 years ago rose an enterprise that helped transform local boys’ passion for the game into a national collecting phenomenon. The legacy of Max Schorr and his family lives on in the memories of millions of fans whose childhood collections still connect them to the roots of America’s favorite pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS DOWNERS GROVE

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The history of baseball cards in Downer’s Grove, Illinois spans over a century. Some of the earliest documented baseball card collecting and trading took place in Downer’s Grove in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While the origins of organized baseball card collecting are often traced to larger cities like Boston and New York, Downer’s Grove played an important role in the early development and popularity of baseball cards across the Midwest.

Some of the earliest known baseball card collectors and traders in Downer’s Grove emerged in the 1890s as cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter and Goodwin & Company began inserting lithographed cards depicting baseball players into their tobacco products. Young boys in Downer’s Grove would eagerly collect and trade these early tobacco cards, hoping to assemble complete sets showcasing the biggest stars of the day like Cap Anson, Cy Young, and Honus Wagner. Many of these early Downer’s Grove collectors would keep their treasured cards in shoeboxes or dresser drawers at home.

In the early 1900s, the rise of gum and candy companies like American Caramel, American Tobacco, and Bazooka bubble gum ushered in a new golden era of baseball card production and collecting. Stores in Downer’s Grove were soon stocked with products containing the colorful new cardboard baseball cards that depicted star players from teams like the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals. Downer’s Grove boys could be seen trading and comparing their cards on street corners, at the local drug store, and even during baseball games at Downer’s Grove’s own minor league stadium that operated from 1902 to 1915.

By the 1920s, organized baseball card collecting had really taken off as a mainstream hobby among children and teenagers in Downer’s Grove. Local shops sold specialized penny albums and binders that collectors could use to carefully organize and store their growing baseball card collections. The Downer’s Grove Public Library also began an extensive baseball card clipping archive where fans could research the latest statistics and biographies of their favorite players. In the summer of 1928, over 100 young collectors from Downer’s Grove entered a local baseball card contest sponsored by Topps Chewing Gum, making it one of the largest card showings in the country at the time.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Downer’s Grove was home to some of the earliest grassroots baseball card collector clubs and organizations. In 1933, a group of eight avid teenage collectors founded the Downer’s Grove Baseball Fan Club, which met weekly during the summer at the local YMCA to swap duplicate cards, discuss the latest baseball news, and stay up-to-date on the rising values of rare vintage cards. Their meticulous meeting minutes and transaction records from this era provide historians with a unique window into the early dynamics of baseball card collecting. Other Downer’s Grove card clubs followed, like the Grove Grove Boys Club which hosted an annual Old Card Night every September that drew collectors from across the Midwest.

The post-World War II economic boom of the 1950s was a golden age for the baseball card hobby in Downer’s Grove, as card production exploded to keep up with growing demand. Iconic 1950s sets from Topps, Bowman, and others could be found in local drug stores, candy shops, and even the brand new suburban supermarkets that were popping up all over town. Downer’s Grove also became home to some of Chicagoland’s first dedicated hobby and card shops that catered specifically to the growing collector scene. Stores like Downer’s Sportscards and Collectibles offered the latest wax packs, supplies, and also served as important community gathering spots for local collectors.

In the 1960s and 1970s, as interest in collecting extended to other sports like football and basketball, baseball card collecting remained deeply entrenched in Downer’s Grove youth culture. The rise of expensive star cards of the era, like the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie and 1975 Topps Frank Robinson error card, fueled dreams of discovery and riches among collectors. Teenage collectors supplemented their allowances through after-school and weekend jobs so they could purchase complete high-dollar sets from the local card shops. Downer’s Grove also became home to some of the earliest large-scale baseball card shows and conventions that further cemented the area’s importance to the booming hobby and business.

In recent decades, historic baseball card collections from Downer’s Grove have achieved high prices at auction. An unopened 1948 Leaf Baseball Wax Pack that had been stored in a Downer’s Grove attic for 70 years was sold for over $25,000 in 2015. And in 2021, a complete 1933 Goudey Baseball Set that had been assembled and handed down through three generations of a Downer’s Grove family sold for a record $657,000. Today, Downer’s Grove is still home to the largest vintage baseball card shop in the Midwest, paying tribute to the area’s rich history with the hobby. Its well-documented legacy as an early hotbed of baseball card collecting lives on, ensuring the area’s place in hobby history for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS GROVE CITY OHIO

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Baseball Cards in Grove City, Ohio: A Rich History of the National Pastime

Located just south of Columbus in Franklin County, the city of Grove City, Ohio has a rich history with America’s favorite pastime of baseball. Throughout the 20th century, Grove City residents young and old have enjoyed collecting baseball cards depicting their favorite players and teams. These small pieces of cardboard helped fuel passions for the game and created connections between generations.

Some of the earliest baseball cards collected in Grove City date back to the late 1800s during the early years of printed baseball imagery. Sets from companies like Goodwin Champions and Old Judge depicted stars from the day before professional leagues existed. While production quality was still developing, these vintage cards captivated local boys and started lifelong collections. Places like W.H. Smith’s Drug Store and J.J. Newberry’s 5 & 10 Cent Store sold loose packs of these early cards.

In the early 1900s, the advent of tobacco cards inserted in cigarette and chewing tobacco packages made collecting much more widespread. Brands like T206 White Border Fatima cigarettes and Hassan Turkish cigarettes contained single player cards that could be acquired randomly. General stores in Grove City kept stocked with the tobacco products hoping to get young customers hooked on the emerging card hobby as much as the smoking. Sets from this era featuring legends like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson and Honus Wagner remain highly coveted by collectors today.

The rise of dedicated gum and candy cards in the post-World War I era truly exploded the baseball card phenomenon. Topps Chewing Gum began their long run of annual sets in 1938. Their colorful designs and bubblegum prizes were a perfect combination for kids. In Grove City, drugstores and corner markets stocked the latest Topps series and Grovewood Pharmacy even had a “Baseball Card Club” where boys could trade and discuss their collections. Stars of the 1930s-50s like Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial and Jackie Robinson became icons to Grove City youth through these affordable cards.

In the 1950s, a new competitor emerged as Bowman Gum entered the market. Their photographic style was a step up in production and appealed to slightly older collectors. The ‘52 and ‘53 Bowman sets are considered some of the most aesthetic and valuable of the post-war era. In Grove City during this time, the local Dairy Queen and A&W Root Beer stands were ideal places for kids to congregate, enjoy a cold drink and flip through their newest cardboard pickups between games of stickball in the streets.

The 1960s saw baseball cards truly explode into the mainstream. More people than ever followed the national pastime and collected the accompanying cards. Topps and Fleer battled it out annually to depict the biggest stars and best rookies on the diamond. In Grove City, card shops like Al’s Sportscards and Larry’s Baseball Memorabilia opened to cater to the booming local hobby scene. TV shows like “This Week in Baseball” and the rise of sports on national cable helped fuel passions even further. Grove City Little League teams often traded and discussed cards of the day’s MLB heroes between games at local fields.

The 1970s saw the hobby boom continue as new stars like Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose and George Brett captivated collectors. In Grove City, card shows began popping up regularly where fans could buy, sell and trade with others. The ‘75 Topps set featuring the debut of future Hall of Famer George Brett is considered one of the most iconic of the era. In Grove City, Brett’s rookie card was a coveted commodity among youth. Stores also began carrying binders, plastic sheets and team sets to better organize collections that were growing exponentially.

In the 1980s, the arrival of Upper Deck in 1988 shook up the industry and redefined production quality and design. Their innovative holograms and embossed logos set a new standard that Topps and Fleer had to match. Stars of the era like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens became the new targets for Grove City collectors. The rise of sports memorabilia also took off, with signed balls and bats joining alongside cards as prized baseball possessions. Stores in Grove City sold complete team and year sets to make collection building easier for fans.

The modern baseball card era arrived in the 1990s with inserts, parallels and autograph cards adding immense variety for collectors. Rookies of Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr, and Derek Jeter took the hobby to new heights. In Grove City, the rise of internet commerce allowed for easier trading worldwide. Online message boards and early trading card sites gave local collectors a new platform to show off their collections and find coveted needs. The sport’s increased national popularity was reflected in Grove City as youth participation in travel ball and high school programs boomed.

Today, Grove City remains an active hub for baseball card collectors and the memorabilia industry. Local shops like Buckeye Cards and Collectibles and Franklin County Sports Cards host regular trade nights and showcase the latest releases. Online groups on Facebook provide an active local community. While the industry has seen ups and downs, the connection between Grove City and baseball cards has lasted over a century. These small pieces of cardboard have fueled passions for the game, created bonds between generations and become an integral part of the community’s cultural history. Whether collecting the latest rookies or vintage stars of yesteryear, the baseball card tradition in Grove City looks to continue engaging fans for years to come.

BASEBALL CARDS ELK GROVE

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The history of baseball cards in Elk Grove, California dates back to the late 19th century when the hobby first began gaining popularity across the United States. Like many other American towns and cities at the time, children in Elk Grove started collecting and trading baseball cards as a fun pastime. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced in the late 1800s featured stars from the National League and American Association like Cap Anson, Pud Galvin, and Buck Ewing. While these vintage cards are extremely rare today, they helped spark the beginning of what would become a beloved tradition for many youth in Elk Grove.

As baseball grew in popularity during the early 20th century, so too did the production and collecting of baseball cards. The most iconic early sets included T206 White Border (1909-1911), E90 Allen & Ginter (1890s-1910s), and T205 Gold Border (1905-1911). While it’s unknown exactly when the first baseball card shops opened in Elk Grove, the trading and discussing of players certainly continued among friends and at school. Sets from the 1920s and 1930s like Goudey Gum Company and Play Ball increased the excitement locally for both major and minor league players.

World War 2 presented challenges for the baseball card industry as production was limited due to rationing of supplies like paper, ink and gum. Post-war sets in the late 1940s/early 1950s reignited passion in Elk Grove. Bowman, Topps, and Leaf released innovative designs that featured vivid colors and photos on the fronts of cards for the first time. Iconic stars like Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and Stan Musial were hot commodities among collectors. Baseball card shops started popping up in Elk Grove to meet growing demand, such as Bob’s Baseball Cards on Elk Grove Boulevard which opened in 1951.

The 1950s were the golden age of baseball cards in Elk Grove. Topps secured the exclusive rights to produce modern cards in 1952 and launched highly successful annual sets each year that are still sought after treasures today. Their innovative designs paired with the rising televised popularity of the sport created a perfect storm. In Elk Grove, little leagues flourished and kids could be found trading, discussing, and playing with their cards between games. Iconic stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron were the most coveted. Shows dedicated to trading cards also started in Elk Grove during this decade at venues like the Elk Grove Community Center and local VFW halls.

The 1960s saw continued innovation and increasing rarity of vintage cards from the early decades that drove more interest among collectors. Topps remained the dominant brand but new competitors like Fleer and Post emerged to challenge them. Their experimental wax packs and color photography pushed the hobby forward. In Elk Grove, new card shops opened like Gary’s Baseball Cards on Elk Grove Florin Road in 1966. Teenagers and adults started joining the collecting scene as appreciation for the history and scarcity of early 20th century cards grew. The first organized card shows specifically in Elk Grove also took place at hotels during this decade, drawing hundreds of collectors.

In the 1970s, the popularity of baseball cards in Elk Grove reached new heights. Production values increased with foil stamping, action photos, and team logos. Stars like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Tom Seaver were featured prominently. But it was the arrival of the rookie card of a young phenom that had the biggest impact – the 1975 Topps card of Reggie Jackson which skyrocketed in demand. The rise of direct sales also took off, with companies like Sportflics selling sets directly to consumers. This led to the proliferation of many new baseball card shops in Elk Grove like Sports Card World. Shows in the city regularly drew over 1,000 attendees, and the first annual Elk Grove Card Show was held at the fairgrounds in 1976.

The 1980s saw both the peak and a downturn for baseball cards in Elk Grove. Production exploded with licensing and promotions between card companies and teams/leagues. Stars of the era like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Ozzie Smith had extremely popular rookie cards. The overproduction of common cards diluted scarcity and led to a crash. The rise of speculators and investors also changed the dynamic of the hobby locally. But Elk Grove remained a hotbed, with the city hosting one of the largest and oldest running annual shows each October that still draws thousands today. Iconic stores like Elk Grove Sportscards opened and thrived through the 1990s resurgence sparked by stars like Ken Griffey Jr.

In the 2000s and 2010s, baseball cards in Elk Grove transitioned to the modern era. With the rise of the internet, online sales boomed while local brick-and-mortar shops consolidated. The 2008 financial crisis also had an impact. Appreciation events and the popularity of stars like Bryce Harper helped maintain interest among collectors. Elk Grove continues to be home to passionate collectors, as the annual baseball card show celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026. Vintage local collections from the early 20th century have also gained new prominence, selling at record prices and showcasing the history of the hobby in the city.

The history of baseball cards in Elk Grove reflects both the growth of the sport nationally and the evolving local hobby scene over generations. From simple late 19th century cards to modern innovations, it remains a beloved tradition. While online has impacted local retail, the camaraderie of collectors and passion for the vintage remains. Elk Grove’s shows and dedicated collectors will likely ensure the rich history continues to be celebrated.