During this summer's National Sports Collectors Convention, Rick Limpert visited with collector/dealer Mel Lundgren, who brings a mini version of his hobby shop's "card bar" to the show. It's a place to sit, open packs, go through cards and talk about sports, the hobby or anything else. The concept is actually the signature feature of the Maryland store he opened in August of … [Read more...]
Bel Air Cards Brings Sports Bar Concept to National Convention
Bel Air Sports Cards in Bel Air, Md. has successfully combined the sports bar and card shop concept at home in Maryland, so they thought they would take it on the road. That's why when you come by booths 257 and 259 on the floor of the National Sports Collectors Convention, the first thing you will see is a nicely constructed wood bar with colorful bar stools. It's the … [Read more...]
Notes: 30 Years for MN Shop; Gehrig Contract; BoSox Bats Featured; Hugs for Homers
It’s one of the longest continuously operating sports card stores in the country. The Ballpark, a fixture in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since 1988, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Owner Calvin Havercamp moved his shop once, but that was 17 years ago and he remains entrenched in Apple Valley, MN. The Ballpark is popular with old school collectors … [Read more...]
Notes: New Milwaukee Shop; Cup Sticker Craze; The “Walking Superstar”; Puck Collector
A new sports card and memorabilia shop recently opened in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis. Owner Brian Boyer brought in a couple of former Brewers for his grand opening over the weekend--during a snowstorm, no less. Boyer calls the business "E-5 Sports"--a jab at his Little League experience as a defensively challenged first baseman. He talked … [Read more...]
Indianapolis Shop Inspired by Young Cancer Victim’s Story
Conrad Brunner, who spent decades covering Indiana sports for the Indianapolis Star and hosted a radio sports talk show in the city, has a new job. He’s the owner of a new vintage-oriented sports card and memorabilia shop in suburban Noblesville. A long-time collector, Brunner had been setting up at shows in the area but has now expanded into a brick-and-mortar business … [Read more...]
Q&A: Fond Memories Spur New Florida Hobby Shop
Collectors on the east coast of Florida have a new hangout. Long-time collector Ron Gustafson has opened a new shop in Sebastian, between Vero Beach and Melbourne. Originally from Brooklyn, Gustafson opened MVP Sports Cards and Collectibles this fall. In the latest of our ongoing series of Q&A sessions with sports card store owners, he discussed his … [Read more...]
Notes: Indy Shop “a Safe Place”; New Store in NH; Beckett Moves, Joe O Q&A
You may buy the bulk of your cards online but one thing the internet can’t duplicate well is the sense of community that a good hobby shop can offer. Whether it’s sharing information, participating in a trade night or special event, playing in a fantasy league or just talking with other collectors, shops can make collecting a more personal experience. The Dugout in … [Read more...]
Astros Success a Boost for Houston Shop
If you were a Houston Astros fan at the beginning of the decade, you knew you were going to need some patience. The once-proud franchise suffered through six straight losing seasons, capped by an “unforgettable” 51-111 campaign in 2013. It was a rebuilding effort that never seemed to end, but the improvement was evident by 2015 and this year, the Astros won 101 … [Read more...]
Notes: Device Helps Blind Collector; Jumbo Wagner History; Ichiro Signing; Cal Cards
You may have read our story last year on Denver area collector Jake Cohen, a youngster with a passion for sports, sports cards and music. Jake lost his sight a few years ago but has continued to collect. Now, a scanning device is helping him identify cards without having to see them. The i.d. mate Galaxy is a portable “all-in-one” talking bar code scanner that aids … [Read more...]
Notes: Maris MVP Award Also Stolen from Mall
Fargo, North Dakota police have released surveillance pictures of the person believed to have stolen Roger Maris’ 1960 American League MVP award and 1961 Hickok belt. Both were taken during a smash-and-grab burglary early Tuesday morning. Early media reports indicated only the belt had been taken but police now say the MVP plaque was also taken by someone who broke … [Read more...]