Baseball Card Connection

I was very excited to check this shop out, there are very few shops in the southern Illinois area and this one had good reviews. It might be the cleanest shop that I have ever been in, and there is tons of wax options to choose from. I, myself am a vintage set builder and I was disappointed by the pricing. They do have a lot of vintage cards but prices were tough. Owner also didn't seem to want to negotiate much, so that was disappointing. The hours are also tough, this shop isn't open much and it can be tricky to get there when it's open. It does seem like a super kid friendly shop, so I will say it is a solid shop for the overall hobby.

Amazing shop!! Well organized. Friendly staff, willing to help or let you peruse at your own pace. Worth the drive to shop here, we will be back!

I drove down from Milwaukee to visit the Baseball Card Connection. The owners provided great service, are super friendly and even had their adorable granddaughter visiting the store today. I was able to find some Ryne Sandberg cards that I needed and was able to pick up quite a few 1976 Topps baseball cards to get me close to finishing my set. Jon and Lisa went out of their way to bring me Sandberg cards to look through that they hadn't had time to sort yet plus pulled boxes of 1976's from their Beckett online store to let me pick through. The prices were more than fair! This store has something for everyone, older cards, new cards, unopened, sets, graded, ungraded, sports, non sports, memorabilia, team gifts. I highly recommend a visit!

I can say with sincerity that The Baseball Card Connection is an absolute gem. This isn't just a store; it's a true haven for anyone who loves the hobby. ​From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with an incredible sight: thousands upon thousands of cards, meticulously organized. The selection is truly fantastic, with everything neatly sorted into teams, players, and separated by sport. You could spend hours just sifting through the bins filled with specialty cards and rare inserts, each one a potential treasure. On top of the cards, there's a phenomenal amount of memorabilia that makes the whole place feel like a living museum of sports history. ​But what truly elevates this store is the owners. They are some of the coolest, most wholesome people you'll ever meet. While I was there, I watched them politely and kindly ask a younger kid to put some cards back that he had left out. There was no fuss, just a calm and genuine approach that showed how much they care about their store and the community. It’s clear they run their business with a deep respect for the hobby and everyone in it. I also noticed their massive online inventory behind the counter, which proves they are serious about what they do. ​I can't recommend The Baseball Card Connection highly enough. It’s the kind of local shop you dream of finding—a place where the passion for the game is just as important as the product. Whether you’re hunting for a specific card or just looking to enjoy the atmosphere, you will not be disappointed.

On my second pilgrimage (3-hour round trip) to what can only be called the midwest mecca of sports memorabilia, I can definitely say I was not disappointed. Sometimes I go somewhere and get blown away during the the first trip, then follow-up visits just don't live up to the last. Well, that is not the case with Baseball Card Connection. While the surprise factor was no longer there, it was replaced with deep appreciation. Added to that feeling of appreciation was when one of the owners, Lisa, immediately recognized my wife and remembered their conversation from the last time we were there. So impressive! I have worked in retail for most of my life, and to remember customers, especially after only one visit, is a special skill. Although we don't know them that well, we can tell Jon and Lisa are definitely special people, and amazing retailers. They seem to truly enjoy their work, and it shows in so many ways. On this last trip, I spent a solid couple of hours digging for set-building single cards in boxes, stocking up on supplies, and just taking in every square inch of the store. The amount and breadth of their meticulously displayed inventory is hard to fully appreciate without spending a better part of an afternoon inside the shop. So, if you live in driving distance of Effingham, or if you just happen to be passing through the area - AND you like sports cards or memorabilia, make sure you take some time and visit Jon and Lisa at Baseball Card Connection. No matter how many times you go, you will not be disappointed!