Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for collectors for over a century. Orange County, California has long been a hotbed for baseball card collecting and trading. With its large population and proximity to Los Angeles, Orange County has supported thriving local card shops and conventions that have fueled the passion of collectors for decades.
One of the first major card shops in Orange County was Sports Collectibles in Costa Mesa. Opened in the 1970s during the boom of baseball card collecting, Sports Collectibles became a destination for collectors far and wide. They stocked the latest packs, boxes and supplies for collectors of all ages. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Sports Collectibles hosted large monthly shows that attracted hundreds of vendors and thousands of customers. Some of the rarest and most valuable vintage cards changed hands at these Orange County shows.
As values skyrocketed in the late 80s and early 90s, fueled by the entry of big investment dollars, Orange County became ground zero for the sports memorabilia industry on the west coast. Stores like Just Sports Cards in Anaheim and Pacific Trading Cards in Huntington Beach became major retailers, buying and selling cards by the case. High-end auction houses like Heritage Auctions set up Orange County offices to cater to the booming local market.
The rise of internet selling impacted brick and mortar card shops in the late 90s and 2000s, but Orange County remained a center of activity. Stores adapted by hosting card shows more frequently, some going weekly. These bustling weekend markets gave collectors a place to browse, buy, sell and trade in person. Iconic shops like Sports Collectibles and Just Sports Cards kept their doors open through the 2000s thanks to loyal local customers.
As values cooled in the late 2000s recession, the sports card industry contracted significantly. Many shops closed or downsized. However, Orange County maintained a solid collector base and the remaining stores thrived with a dedicated local following. Places like Huntington Beach Sports Cards and Anaheim Sports Cards found ways to engage collectors through social media, rewards programs and special events.
Today, Orange County is experiencing a renaissance in baseball card collecting. With rising values in the late 2010s, a new generation of collectors has emerged. Shops like Huntington Beach Sports Cards have expanded their inventory and services, catering to collectors of all eras. They stock high-end vintage as well as today’s hottest prospects. Online selling also remains big, with many Orange County residents selling on platforms like eBay.
Shows also remain a major part of the Orange County scene. Events like the Orange County Sports Collectible Show in Costa Mesa are huge monthly extravaganzas. Held in a large convention center, they attract over 150 tables of vendors alongside special guests, autograph signings and prize giveaways. Thousands of collectors flock to browse and do business, keeping Orange County’s card trading network vibrant.
The future remains bright for baseball card collecting in Orange County. With the local population continuing to grow alongside general interest in the hobby and sport, shops and shows will have customers for years to come. Orange County’s central location also makes it ideal for hosting larger national and international conventions and events. As one of the historic cradles of the modern sports memorabilia industry, Orange County looks set to remain a leader in the baseball card world.
