What a Card

Slater’s Sports Cards & Collectibles Welcomes Hobbyists and Enthusiasts Alike

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Mark Slater, owner of Slater’s Sports Cards & Collectibles, is thoroughly enjoying his dream job.

He’s been into sports cards for a long time, and now he gets to run a business that lets him pursue his passion. He loves coming to work every day.

Slater is also excited about the future of his new business, and he has been enthusiastically talking with customers since he opened his doors. They tend to match his excitement level regarding cards and collectibles.

“I started on December 13,” Slater says. “Our grand opening was January 22, when we did our first show.”

He’s had a steady flow of customers ever since.

Slater says he knows his merchandise. He’s been interested in it for a long time. When he was 13, he started buying and selling sports memorabilia. It was a hobby that grew into a successful business.

“I started setting up at card shows again about four years ago, and it got to the point where I needed a brick-and-mortar location,” he says.

Slater found a perfect location that fits in with his busy schedule. He has also been spreading the word about his wide variety of merchandise.

Slater buys, trades and sells sports cards, supplies and collectibles.

“I’m amazed at some of the collections that have walked through the doors,” Slater says. “We buy single cards, entire collections and everything in between. We have a big variety of supplies including boxes, top loaders, penny sleeves, magnetic one-touch, etcetera. We have all the supplies for your card-collecting needs.”

Slater has hundreds of cards in glass cases that his customers enjoy perusing.

“It’s mostly sports cards but we also, from time to time, purchase non-sports-related cards, memorabilia and autographs,” he says.

Slater says he has a lot of cards from the 1980s, as well as the 1960s and 1970s.

“I’m what they call the vintage guy,” Slater says. “Most of what I personally collect are cards from the 1950s to 1980s, but we offer everything from pre-war cards to the current era.”

Through the years Slater has sold some valuable cards, and he still has a lot of them.

“Mickey Mantle, Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson are some of the bigger offerings we have at the shop,” he says.

Slater also has a lot of noteworthy collectibles that will catch customers’ eyes.

“We have autographs, signed bats, balls, UFC and boxing memorabilia,” Slater says.

Slater has enjoyed steady and loyal customers since he started. Many of them enjoy talking about players from way back when, or current athletes. Others are looking for their next big find to add to their card collections.

“Our doors weren’t even open before we officially started the business, and we were already getting a crowd,” he says.

Slater also stays busy with another business.

“I am the owner and promoter of Colosseum Combat,” he says. “It’s a professional, mixed martial arts promotion based out of Kokomo.”

Slater plans to have monthly card shows with sports figures, including mixed martial arts fighters, boxers and others.

“Stay tuned for special guest signers to be announced very soon,” he adds.

Slater’s Sports Cards & Collectibles is located at 150 South Reed Road, Suite A in Kokomo. For more info, call 765-553-5388 or visit facebook.com/slaterscards.