Dave’s Vintage Baseball Cards: A Los Angeles Institution for Collectors

Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall in East Los Angeles sits an unassuming storefront that few people passing by would notice. But for decades, Dave’s Vintage Baseball Cards has been a mecca for collectors from around the world seeking some of the most rare and valuable baseball cards ever printed.

Stepping into Dave’s is like traveling back to a bygone era. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with cardboard boxes stuffed with thousands upon thousands of cards in pristine condition. Behind the counter, owner Dave Martinez presides over his domain with a smile, ready to pull out card after card to show customers his vast inventory.

Dave first opened his shop in 1979 after amassing a huge personal collection. “I’ve loved baseball cards since I was a kid in the 1950s,” he recalls. “I started collecting seriously in the 1960s and just never stopped. After awhile I had so many duplicates and extra cards that I decided to open a store and share my passion with other collectors.”

In those early days, the hobby of collecting vintage baseball cards was still in its infancy. Most people simply threw cards away after the baseball season ended. But Dave recognized they had lasting value, both monetary and historical. He began scouring flea markets, estate sales, and old attics for forgotten collections he could add to his stock.

Word quickly spread in the small but growing collector community about Dave’s treasure trove of cards. People would travel from all over Southern California just to browse his selection in person. Soon collectors from further afield were contacting him by mail to inquire about rare cards. Dave meticulously filled orders from all 50 states and several countries.

As the decades passed, Dave’s collection and reputation only grew. He became renowned for having some of the most pristine early 20th century T206 and E90 sets in existence, including legendary cards like the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, the premier holy grail of the hobby. While the Wagner is not currently for sale, Dave takes it out to show customers in protective sleeves. He can discuss the card’s history and significance at length.

Beyond his encyclopedic knowledge, Dave’s personal touch is what keeps customers coming back. “I love helping people find that card they’ve been searching for, sometimes for decades,” he says. “When someone finally gets to add their childhood hero to their collection, it’s really rewarding.” While large online retailers now dominate the market, Dave prides himself on providing that lost art of personalized service.

The store has also become a meeting place and local hub for the Los Angeles collecting community. On Saturdays during baseball season, collectors can often be found conversing over their latest finds or trades. Kids also stop by with their parents to look through Dave’s inexpensive commons boxes and pick up their first cards.

At 79 years old now, Dave has no plans to retire. He puts in 10+ hour days, 6 days a week to maintain his collection and ensure every customer leaves satisfied. His son occasionally helps out as well. While the internet poses a challenge, Dave sees his physical storefront as an asset, allowing for the browsing and bonding experience that online retailers can’t replicate.

Through changing trends, Dave’s Vintage Baseball Cards has endured as a mainstay. It serves not just as a business but a time capsule transporting visitors back to baseball’s early decades. For loyal customers young and old, it remains a special place to kickstart or fuel their passion for the hobby’s history. As long as Dave’s around, his little shop on the outskirts of LA will continue introducing new generations to the magic of vintage baseball cards.