T & L Baseball Cards has been a mainstay of the Hillsborough, New Jersey sports collectibles scene for over 35 years. Located right off Route 206 in Hillsborough Shopping Center, T & L is a local landmark for collectors across Central Jersey looking to buy, sell, or trade cards and related memorabilia.
T & L first opened its doors in 1984, founded by longtime friends and collectors Tom Werner and Lou Rehfuss. Both Tom and Lou had been avidly collecting baseball cards and other sports memorabilia since they were kids in the 1960s. By the early 1980s, the hobby was really taking off and becoming mainstream. Tom and Lou saw an opportunity to open a dedicated store where collectors in their area could congregate, compare collections, and conduct transactions.
They started small, renting a small retail space in Hillsborough Shopping Center to test out the concept. From day one it was a success, thanks to their warm welcoming of customers both young and old and their encyclopedic knowledge of the ever-growing hobby. Within a few years they were able to expand to a much larger storefront space, cementing T & L as the place to go for all things collecting in Central Jersey.
Over the decades, T & L has seen countless collectors come through their doors, from new enthusiasts just getting started to grizzled veterans who have been at it since the 1950s. They pride themselves on having friendly, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about helping collectors at all levels to grow and improve their collections. Whether customers are looking for advice on the latest hot rookie cards, assistance with valuing or selling a vintage treasure from their childhood collection, or just a welcoming place to spend a Saturday browsing, T & L delivers the perfect local shop atmosphere.
In addition to carrying an immense inventory of new release cards from the latest MLB, NFL, NBA, and other sports series in stock, T & L is also renowned for its extensive back stock of vintage cardboard. Going back wall to wall are long boxes organized by set and year chock full of treasures from the 1970s through the 1990s. Everything from classic Derek Jeter rookie cards to rare Wilt Chamberlain basketball issues to oddball finds like 1960s hockey or football are there waiting to be discovered.
But T & L is more than just a retail store – it’s a true community hub and gathering place. Every weekend during the spring and summer you can find collectors of all ages seated around the store enjoying lively discussions and card-show-like trading and dealing sessions. The friendly rivalries and camaraderie on display are a joy to witness. T & L also hosts frequent in-store events, from group breaks of the latest highly-anticipated products to guest appearances from retired player alumni.
Beyond just being a buying and selling destination, T & L works hard to give back to the hobby. They are strong supporters of the many local youth and amateur sports leagues in the area, frequently donating cards and merchandise to raffles and auctions to help fund equipment, uniforms, and scholarships. Tom and Lou have also been instrumental volunteers with hobby organizations like the Sports Collectors Hall of Fame, helping to promote the preservation of collectibles history.
After more than 3 decades in business, T & L Baseball Cards remains cherished by the Hillsborough and beyond community. In an era where even national chains have struggled, their personalized friendly customer service and deep roots in the area have kept them thriving while others have come and gone. Stop in next time you’re passing through Hillsborough to experience the magic – you’re sure to build fond memories and find treasure to add to your collection, just like generations of collectors before you. T & L’s legacy is cementing itself as a true local institution for sports cards and memorabilia enthusiasts of all ages.
