Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture for over a century, delighting collectors both young and old. Syracuse, New York has a long history with baseball cards dating back to the early days of the hobby. Located in central New York along the Erie Canal, Syracuse was a bustling industrial city with a strong baseball tradition, making it fertile ground for the growing baseball card craze that began in the late 1880s.
Some of the earliest baseball cards produced came from cigar manufacturers as promotional items included in their products. In 1886, a Syracuse-based cigar maker named Goodwin & Company issued sets of illustrated baseball cards as part of their tobacco products. These early Syracuse baseball cards featured individual player portraits on the fronts with advertisements or baseball factoids on the backs. Goodwin would go on to produce several series of baseball cards over the next decade, helping fuel the growing popularity of collecting in Syracuse.
During the 1890s, several new baseball card manufacturers set up shop in Syracuse to take advantage of the booming market. Syracuse-based company Mayo Cut Plug Tobacco began issuing colorful baseball cards with players’ photos and stats in 1891. Another Syracuse firm, Bijou Cigarette Company, produced sets highlighting star players from 1892-1895. These early Syracuse manufacturers helped establish the standard baseball card design still used today – a colorful illustrated portrait on the front with biographical information on the reverse.
As the 20th century dawned, Syracuse became home to one of the most prolific early baseball card producers – The Syracuse Stars Candy Company. From 1909-1911, Stars Candy issued over a dozen different series highlighting both major and minor league players. Their cards featured vibrant color illustrations and were included in candy packages sold across New York state. The Stars Candy issues are now highly sought after by vintage baseball card collectors.
During the great baseball card boom of the 1950s, Syracuse saw the rise of several new shops catering to the growing collector hobby. In 1952, Sy Krantz opened Krantz Sports Cards & Novelties on North Salina Street, one of the earliest dedicated sports card shops in the country. Krantz offered the latest baseball cards, supplies, and a place for collectors of all ages to trade and discuss the hobby.
Another pioneer Syracuse shop was Ernie’s Sport Cards, opened in 1956 by Ernie DiLorenzo on Butternut Street. Ernie’s hosted card shows, giveaways, and helped spark collector interest throughout Central New York. By the late 1950s, over a dozen sports card shops could be found around Syracuse, fueling a boom in local collecting. Major card manufacturers also recognized Syracuse’s collector base – in 1957, Topps held one of its first official “National Baseball Card Conventions” at Hotel Syracuse.
In the 1960s and 70s, Syracuse continued to be a hotbed for the baseball card hobby. Iconic shops like Sportscards Plus and Frank’s Sportscards opened their doors, hosting thousands of collectors over the decades. During the early 1970s junk wax era, Syracuse saw the rise of smaller local manufacturers like Syracusans Sports Collectibles, which produced oddball sets highlighting area minor league teams. These regional issues have also become highly valuable to collectors today.
Today, the baseball card legacy lives on in Syracuse. Iconic shops like Frank’s Sportscards (still open after 50+ years) and shows like the Syracuse Sports Card & Memorabilia Show keep the hobby alive. Newer shops like Dale’s Cards attract both vintage collectors and those pursuing the latest releases. The local scene remains active – from organized trading nights to annual baseball card and memorabilia expos at venues like the NY State Fairgrounds. Syracuse’s rich baseball card history, dating back over 130 years, cemented it as an East Coast hub for the hobby. Its legacy of pioneering manufacturers, shops, and collectors ensure the city will remain an important part of the story of American baseball cards.