Sports Card and Sports Memorabilia Collecting Encyclopedia

The Cardboard Connection Sports Collectors Collectopedia is a database of articles, resources, and information related to sports cards and sports memorabilia. Designed to benefit collectors of all experience levels, this resource is a constant work in progress.  In addition to what we add to the database we also welcome and appreciate writing contributions from our readers.

Card Grading Companies

  • Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
    The Beckett name carries a lot of name in the world of sports cards and collectibles thanks to the publications and price guides that have served the hobby for years. Seeking to lend the value of that name to the card grading business, Beckett Media created Beckett Grading Services (BGS) in 1999, and it has been one of the leaders in its field ever since.
  • Global Authority
    When card grading and authentication company Global Authentication (GAI) ran into financial trouble in early 2009, it attempted to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. But a judge threw out the filing, forcing it to find another option to continue operating. Part of the solution was to sell off the card grading arm, which was reborn under new management as a new business called Global Authority.
  • Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
    In 1991, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) was created with an eye toward quantifying the condition of cards, and the concept proved so popular that the company is currently the largest third-party authenticator in the industry.

Sports Card Manufacturers

  • In The Game
    Even a small company can have a big impact on the hobby of sports cards. In The Game has been proving that for more than a decade, blending creativity and innovation with a strong sense of history to make products that continue to excite hockey collectors.
  • Obak Tobacco
    One of the rarest and most popular of the famous T series of baseball cards was issued by Obak Tobacco who inserted cards depicting Minor League players in packs of their cigarettes from 1909 through 1911.
  • Panini America
    Panini America is a new name on the hobby scene, having just come into existence during the tail end of the first decade of the 21st Century. However, the Panini story really starts with that of long time industry staple Donruss.
  • Press Pass
    Press Pass is younger than most of the surviving sports card manufacturers, but it's managed to carve out a nice niche for itself by trying new things and steering clear of battling other companies for licenses in the biggest pro sports.
  • Topps
    This profile outlines the history of the Topps Company. From their humble beginnings in New York during the early 20th century, Topps has blossomed into a multi-million dollar corporate powerhouse.
  • Upper Deck
    When Upper Deck debuted on the baseball card scene back in 1989 they caused a frenzy in the hobby the likes of which had never been seen before.

Autograph Authentication

Hobby Events