New Study Reveals the States That Are Most Obsessed with Baseball

Ahead of the 2026 MLB season, a new analysis from DuelBits has revealed the most baseball card-obsessed states in the country. In order to obtain results, DuelBits analyzed annual Google search volume for 52 baseball card-related terms. These included searches for each MLB team’s card, the top manufacturers, and the most valuable cards in circulation. The results were then adjusted for population to create a per-capita index score.

Nevada Is the Most Baseball-Obsessed State in the Country

Nevada claimed the number one spot with an impressive 13,8882 baseball card searches per one million residents, earning a perfect index score of 10 out of 10. While Nevada generated 45,360 total searches—ranked 27th nationwide—its population adjustment sets it apart from other states. Nevadans searched for “baseball cards” 19,200 times last year; and the state’s most-searched individual card was the legendary Honus Wagner T206, which drew 3,120 searches. Mickey Mantle and Ryan Nolan each followed with 1,080 searches each.

Vermont ranked second overall with 12,953 searches per one million people. The Green Mountain State recorded 8,400 total searches in spite of its comparatively slim population. South Dakota followed in third place with 12,718 total searches for baseball-related terms.

New Hampshire ranked fourth with 12,519 searches per one million citizens, and Maine followed with 12,470. Pennsylvania, at number six, had the highest volume of searches of any state within the top 10. Last year, the state generated a massive 158,400 searches for baseball-related terms. This is roughly 12,111 searches per one million people. Kentucky came seventh with 12,057 searches, and Washington took eighth place with 11,596. Missouri (11,183) and Delaware (11,180) rounded out the top 10.

The Memorabilia Industry Is Having a Major Moment

The study arrives at a time when the sports collectibles market is booming. The global sports trading card industry is now valued at roughly $13.5 billion, according to the study, with rare cards demanding particularly high prices. The iconic Honus Wagner T206 card recently sold for a whopping $5.12 million, while a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded 9.5 fetched an unprecedented $12.6 million. Even a fairly common 1968 Nolan Ryan Topps rookie card has exceeded prices of $600,000, which underscores the striking demand for MLB memorabilia.