Temecula, California has become a hotspot for baseball memorabilia collectors in recent years, particularly those interested in vintage baseball cards and unique bobbleheads. With its location just over an hour from San Diego and Los Angeles, Temecula draws many fans and collectors to its shops specializing in these collectibles.
One of the most well-known stores is All Star Sports Cards and Memorabilia, located in Old Town Temecula. All Star Sports Cards has been in business for over 20 years and stocks a massive inventory of cards from the early 1900s up to the present day. They also have an extensive bobblehead collection on display. Store owner Bob Johnson is considered a leading expert on vintage baseball cards from the T206 and E90 sets in particular. He enjoys meeting with collectors and appraising their stashes of old cards. In the back room of the store, Johnson also holds informal seminars on card grading and storage best practices.
Another top spot is Temecula Sports Cards and Collectibles, situated right off the 15 Freeway. While a smaller store than All Star, Temecula Sports Cards punches above its weight with surprisingly rare finds. Owner Mark Wilson attributes this to maintaining close relationships with collectors who sell off prized individual cards to him. In the glass display cases, it’s not unusual to come across game-used jersey cards still in impeccable condition from decades past. Wilson also works with local sports memorabilia auction houses to acquire entire collections that may have been sitting dormant in attics.
For bobblehead aficionados, one of the best places to visit is Temecula Bobblehead Paradise. Located in a nondescript industrial park, the sheer volume of bobbleheads crammed into every nook and cranny is a sight to behold. Owner Cindy Baker started the store in 2010 after amassing her own huge collection. She found that selling bobbleheads was a natural next step. The selection includes every major and minor league team as well as niche bobbleheads commemorating television shows and movies. Baker also produces limited run custom bobbleheads on demand for collectors.
Aside from the brick and mortar stores, the Temecula Valley is home to two large memorabilia shows annually that draw vendors and buyers from across Southern California and beyond. The Spring Training Card and Bobblehead Show is held each April at the Pechanga Resort and Casino. Over 150 tables of merchandise populate the exhibit hall as collectors browse for deals. Top draws include autograph appearances from former MLB stars signing memorabilia. Each September, the Fall Classic Show takes over the same venue with even more vendors and activities like a bobblehead designing contest. Both multi-day events are a must-attend for any serious collector in the region.
While the stores and shows cater specifically to baseball, other sports are represented in Temecula as well. At the Temecula Valley Sports Collectibles Shop, the expansive inventory focuses more on football, basketball and hockey alongside baseball. Owner Eddie Reyes loves sharing his passion for collecting going back to his childhood in the 1970s. A fun browse through his stock often turns up rare game-worn jerseys and equipment alongside vintage trading cards. The Temecula Valley area has also produced several notable professional athletes over the years in various sports. Local memorabilia from stars like Brandon Weeden, Aundray Bruce and others can be found throughout the shops.
Temecula’s position as a baseball and sports memorabilia destination is only growing stronger. Young collectors are joining the scene and fueling demand. The stores continue expanding their offerings online as well. Events like the annual shows also draw greater crowds each year. For collectors nationwide, Temecula has emerged as a premier place to both buy and sell prized pieces of sports history. With the thriving community of aficionados and knowledgeable dealers, a trip to this Southern California region is a must for any true memorabilia enthusiast.
