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The Ball Park Sports Cards

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 13:41 GMT by KSTP-TV
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The Ball Park Sports Cards: A Local Treasure in Minnesota’s Collector Community

In a heart‑warming feature that aired on KSTP’s Minnesota Live segment, the network spotlighted one of the state’s most beloved card shops: The Ball Park Sports Cards. Nestled in the bustling downtown district of Minneapolis, the shop has been a gathering spot for collectors, athletes, and families for more than two decades. The article, available at the KSTP link above, takes viewers on a tour of the store’s storied past, its current operations, and the future plans that promise to keep the business thriving in an increasingly digital market.

A Brief History

The piece opens with a quick recap of the shop’s founding. Established in 2001 by former minor‑league baseball player Marty “Maverick” Collins, the store was originally a modest 300‑square‑foot space on 5th Avenue. Collins, who had spent years in the minor leagues, wanted a place where people could relive their childhood love for baseball and other sports without the high price tags of big‑box retailers.

Over the years, The Ball Park Sports Cards grew into a regional hub for collectors. The shop became famous for its carefully curated selection of vintage cards—especially rare 1970s baseball sets and early‑1990s basketball cards. In 2010, after Collins retired, he passed the keys to Lisa Nguyen, a local high school history teacher who shared his passion for sports memorabilia. Nguyen expanded the inventory to include hockey, football, and even niche items such as early video game cards.

The Store Today

According to the KSTP coverage, the shop now occupies a 1,200‑square‑foot space on 6th Avenue and features multiple aisles of card stock, a rare‑item corner, a dedicated autograph section, and a small “Card of the Month” showcase. In addition to cards, the store stocks sports jerseys, helmets, and signed memorabilia.

The article includes an exclusive interview with Nguyen, who explains that the shop’s core mission remains the same: “We’re not just a retail space; we’re a community center for people who love sports and the stories behind the numbers.” She also highlights the shop’s involvement in the local sports card scene. For example, The Ball Park Sports Cards is a founding member of the Minnesota Sports Card Association (MSCA), which hosts monthly card‑swapping events and a yearly card‑show in downtown Minneapolis. The KSTP piece links to the MSCA’s website at https://msca.org/, where readers can view a calendar of upcoming events and sign up for the association’s newsletter.

Community Engagement

The KSTP article goes beyond the shelves and explores how the shop has become an integral part of the Minneapolis community. Nguyen has partnered with the Minneapolis Public Library to run a weekly “Card & Coffee” club, where collectors of all ages can bring their cards to trade or simply chat over a latte. The store also hosts “Family Card Night,” a monthly event where kids can learn about the basics of card collecting while parents shop for rare items. The segment shows footage of a recent “Card & Coffee” session, with children excitedly pulling up a rookie card from a box of 2000s baseball cards.

Another highlight in the feature is the store’s partnership with the local youth baseball league. Nguyen has agreed to provide discounted card sets for the league’s rookie programs and to offer a “Card Spotlight” in the league’s newsletters. A link to the Minneapolis Baseball League’s website (https://minneapolisbaseballleague.org/) is embedded in the article, offering additional background on how the partnership benefits local young athletes.

Adapting to a Digital World

The feature also addresses the evolving nature of sports card collecting, especially with the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, TCGPlayer, and the recently popularized “Fanatics Card Store.” Nguyen acknowledges that the online world offers convenience, but she believes that the tactile experience of physically flipping through a card stack cannot be replicated through a screen. In a recent interview, Nguyen shared that her store now offers a limited online ordering system that mirrors the in‑store experience—customers can place an order on the shop’s website (https://ballparkcardshop.com), and a staff member will personally pack the items for them. Nguyen sees the online presence as a “bridge” rather than a replacement.

Looking Ahead

The KSTP segment ends on an optimistic note. Nguyen is preparing for the upcoming Minnesota Twins “Card Night”—an event scheduled for the next home game on August 12, 2025. Fans attending the Twins’ game will receive a free card pull from a box of 1970s baseball cards. In the feature, the Twins’ official site is linked (https://minnesotatinns.com/) to provide fans with game schedules and ticketing information.

Additionally, Nguyen is planning a “Collector’s Expo” in early September, featuring local and national card dealers. The KSTP article notes that the expo will include workshops on grading, authentication, and investing in sports cards, as well as a “Rare Card Auction” with proceeds going to a local charity that supports under‑resourced youth sports programs. A link to the expo’s preliminary page (https://ballparkcardshop.com/expo2025) is included for those who want to learn more or register.

Bottom Line

The KSTP feature paints a vivid portrait of The Ball Park Sports Cards as more than just a retail outlet—it’s a living, breathing community hub that preserves the legacy of sports memorabilia and passes that legacy on to the next generation. Through thoughtful community partnerships, a commitment to the tactile experience of card collecting, and forward‑thinking adaptations to the digital age, Nguyen has ensured that the shop will remain a staple of Minneapolis culture for years to come.

For readers who want to explore further, the KSTP article offers direct links to the shop’s website, the Minnesota Sports Card Association, the Minneapolis Public Library’s “Card & Coffee” program, the Twins’ official site, and upcoming event pages. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the world of sports cards, The Ball Park Sports Cards represents the heart of Minnesota’s collector community—and KSTP’s coverage is a testament to why it matters.