Hawkeye Baseball Cards (4.2 ⭐)

Independent collector notes and community insights below.

πŸ† About

Specializing in old sports cards and memorabilia

πŸ’¬ Collector Notes

Independent editorial assessment

This is a true “Brick and Mortar” experience with several critical logistical quirks. Payment Note: As of late 2025/early 2026, the shop remains a cash-only establishment; they do not typically accept credit or debit cards, so visit the ATM on Jefferson St before you arrive. Inventory Highlight: If you are a fan of the Burlington Bees (or local history like the 1890s Burlington Hawkeyes), Pat often has rare local minor league pieces that you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Customer Experience: While Pat is widely praised for his expertise, he is a “purist”β€”one reviewer noted he can be very discerning about what he buys or even looks at if it doesn’t fit his niche of vintage quality. Pro Tip for 2026: If you can’t make it to the physical store, Pat is highly active in the Midwest trade show circuit and maintains a strong presence on Facebook where he posts daily new arrivals of high-end vintage finds. Condition Warning: This is a “don’t touch without asking” shop; many items are authentic antiques and are treated with the care of a gallery.

Who this shop is (and isn’t) for

βœ… Best For

  • Sports card collectors
  • Vintage collectors
  • High-end / investment collectors
  • Sealed wax buyers
  • Hobby box and graded card buyers

β›” Not Ideal For

  • PokΓ©mon/TCG collectors
  • Kids & beginner collectors
  • Prefer quiet browsing
  • Looking for deep singles inventory
  • Seeking investment-grade cards

⭐ Review Summary

Hawkeye Baseball Cards in Burlington is a premier destination for “The Thrill of the Hunt,” specializing in museum-quality vintage sports memorabilia and cards. Owned and operated by Pat Armstrong since the late 1980s, the shop is a cornerstone of the Midwest collecting community. Pat is a legendary figure in the industry, known for traveling extensively to source rare items from the late 1800s through the 1950s. Unlike modern “card shops” focused on shiny new wax, this is a treasury of sports history: you’ll find leather football helmets, vintage bobbleheads, antique baseball gloves, and original bats alongside baseball cards from every era. Pat’s encyclopedic knowledge of values and history makes this an educational stop for any serious collector, though his focus is decidedly on the “old school” rather than the ultra-modern TCG or 2020s sports card market.

Google Reviews Rating: 4.2
Total Reviews: (22)

πŸ“ Location & Contact

  • Address: 419 Jefferson St
  • Phone : (319) 753-5585

⏰ Store Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 AM-5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM-5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM-5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM-5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM-5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM-5 PM

πŸ“£ Media Mentions

πŸ—£ Shop Owner Insights

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