Out & About with Linda – January 2025
When my Grandson, Yosi, told me he was collecting baseball cards, I was determined to share that experience with him. I mean, I’m his “Bubbie.” What’s a grandmother supposed to do?
He told me of a special “card” place in his neighborhood, but I wanted to find something local in MY neighborhood, where we could go easily during his visits. So, I did my research and WOW!!! did we hit the jackpot with our discovery of Sportscard Playground in Hatboro. Not only good for him, but ALSO good for his sister, Goldie!!!
It started on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. Yosi and Goldie were staying overnight at Bubbie’s. We were slated to go for baseball cards as part of Yosi’s birthday present. Open until 7pm, the three of us approached the small shop in a non-descript strip center along County Line. We opened the door and WOW!!! (again!) We were hit with the most unbelievable inventory of everything baseball, Pokemon and more. Boxes upon boxes, yet to be unpacked, made moving around an adventure. The three of us were drool- ing in anticipation. especially Yosi!
Sportscard Playground is the brainchild of brother-sister team, Steve and Heidi Gerber. Entering the store, one is immediately wel- comed by the booming hello of Heidi. She’s the marketing maven who wants to know specifics; what you’re collecting, how long, etc. She and Yosi connected right away, sharing his growing interest in baseball cards. Clearly he knew more about what he was looking for than me. Heidi was filled with guidance in what direction he should go, what he should look for. Very sweet! Steve knows where everything can be found among the heaps of product. Well organized, one still needs assistance figuring out how to grow your collection, especially if you’re a newbie.
They carry anything and everything you need to get your collection started and then take it to the next level. Covers, holders, scrapbooks with sleeves, single packs, multiple packs, every team, EVERYTHING. In the display cases you can find cards that are collector finds, well protected and quite pricey. These are the kind of cards that solicit phone calls from seasoned collectors.
P.S. There’s also a big selection of Pokemon cards for those youngsters starting a Pokemon collection. I remember searching far and wide for Pokemon cards for Yosi. If only I had known about Sportscard Playground I could have made a quick visit for just the right cards… if only! And not to forget the young girls in your life They have these “Mystery Balls.” If you haven’t seen these, you’re missing out on something. Goldie picked up three balls, each having miniatures inside. You select your choice of desired miniature. You can find miniature food, movie characters anything miniature. Goldie was thrilled with her options. AND, they were quite affordable. Great little gift for your great little girl. They also had stuff for “My Little Pony.” Heidi and Steve did not forget the sisters of those sports fanatics coming in to their store! LOL!!
What’s best about Sportscard Playground is the level of education both Heidi and Steve provide. It might not be so important to the practiced collector, but to someone, like Yosi, who is embarking on his collection, their attention is critical. Enter their sportscard “haven” and you are not left alone. For this Bubbie, their assistance was invaluable.
Upon leaving that evening, Heidi shared a raffle event happening on Friday, after Thanksgiving. I could see Yosi’s ears perk up. And yes, we did return on Friday to participate in what was happening. On our Friday return we could see a loyal customer base shopping early for holiday gifts. We could see people checking in for their favorite sports cards and materials. Clearly, Sportscard Playground provides a watering hole for all things sports. Wonderful!
However, even more wonderful was the welcome Yosi received as he walked through the door that Friday!! Yup! It was Heidi’s welcom- ing voice for the young man she helped two days earlier. Right on target, she asked Yosi how he worked out with the cards he pur- chased. She even pointed out some of the things he missed when he reviewed his cards. Turns out, some of them were more desirable than he thought! He had been welcomed to the select “club” at the “Playground.”
I could say more about Sportscard Playground. The best thing I can do is encourage you to visit this very special sporstscard shop. They will have whatever you are looking for baseball, hockey, football and more. Young, not-so-young, girls, boys and more can be satisfied. And you’ll have access to two special resources in Steve and Heidi who will guide you through whatever collection you’re starting. Just remember to mention this Bubbie and her grandson, Yosi, when you stop by I think it will give them a smile!
Generally, Wawa has a good reputation for good food, good service, smiling faces, etc. I’d like to add another adjective to describe them: kind. I’m blessed with a Super Wawa right near my house and yes, this act of kindness occurred during my grandson’s recent vis- it. (He provides great material for my columns!!!) Visiting this Wawa is part of his visit to Bubbie’s and dare I say, this time we wanted to use one of the vending machines. Credit card, debit card, cash Help! We just couldn’t figure things out. Special thanks to Laura at the Hatboro Wawa for helping us wade through modern-day technology. This Wawa is definitely the place to go!!!
Speaking of Hatboro, a new Greek restaurant opened up on York Road. The Greek Korner, conveniently located in the heart of Hatboro, with easy parking, is busy polishing up its menu. I stopped by to see if I could get my favorite Greek dish, moussaka. Yahoo! They had one piece left from a busy day. Layered high with chopped beef, eggplant, potatoes, etc., it was all I was hoping for. My takeout platter included a fresh garden salad and vegetables. They have a “soft” menu right now. We’ll re-visit when they have they’re Grand Opening. But until then, stop in and say Hi! Tell them we sent you it’s a busy family operation and you know how we like to support “Mom & Pop.”
That’s it for now Not sure where Yosi will take me this month. Stay tuned. Need to put on my running shoes!!! LOL!
Sportscard Playground
299 W. County Line Road
Hatboro, PA 19040
Phone: 215.675.6644
www.sportscardplayground.com
Super Wawa
York Road, Hatboro
The Greek Korner
133 S. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040
