Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles has long been known as a hotspot for baseball card collectors and enthusiasts. Stretching over 20 miles from Woodland Hills to Studio City, Ventura Boulevard is lined with numerous independent baseball card and collectibles shops that have been fixtures in the community for decades. Whether you’re a casual browser or a serious investor, these shops offer a treasure trove of cards from baseball’s past and present for fans of all ages.
One of the most well known and oldest shops is Beckett’s Cards & Collectibles, located at 16733 Ventura Boulevard in Encino. Beckett’s first opened in 1979 and is named after baseball card authority and price guide publisher Beckett Media. Walking into Beckett’s is like stepping back in time, with rows upon rows of boxes filled with cards neatly organized by set, year and player. Beckett’s prides itself on having an immense inventory that spans the entire history of the hobby, from vintage tobacco cards to the latest 2021 releases. Beyond cards, they also stock an array of collectibles including autographed memorabilia, bobbleheads, magazines and more. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and can help enthusiasts find that elusive card to complete a vintage set or locate a specific parallel variation from the modern era.
Just a few miles east is Barry’s Baseball Cards, situated prominently at 16743 Ventura Boulevard in Encino since 1983. Barry’s is renowned for its pristine condition vintage cards, many of which are graded by authentication services like PSA and BGS. They maintain one of the finest Mint and Near Mint vintage collections in Southern California. Whether you’re looking to add a legendary T206 Honus Wagner to your collection or simply browsing commons from the 1950s and 1960s, Barry’s extensive vintage stock offers something for every budget. Beyond cards old and new, Barry’s also holds monthly trading card shows in their spacious back room that attract collectors from across the region.
Continuing west down Ventura Boulevard takes you to Sherman Oaks, home to Sportscards Plus at 14733 Ventura Boulevard since 1985. Sportscards Plus prides itself on being a true local hotspot, hosting frequent in-store events, giveaways and signings with current and former local professional athletes. Their spacious storefront maintains an impressive selection of cards from the last several decades as well as a large supply of unopened wax boxes and packs from modern sets for those seeking their next chase card. Beyond cards, Sportscards Plus also carries an array of related collectibles, memorabilia, equipment and apparel from various sports. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help enthusiasts of all ages grow and care for their collections.
Just a few minutes further down Ventura Boulevard is LJ’s Sports Cards & Memorabilia, situated at 14125 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks since the early 1990s. LJ’s is renowned throughout the hobby for their immense vintage stock, with entire rows dedicated solely to pre-war tobacco cards, 1950s and 1960s issues. Their vintage organization is second to none, with meticulously maintained sets spanning over a century of the card collecting hobby. Beyond their formidable vintage selection, LJ’s also maintains a deep modern inventory along with a large supply of unopened wax boxes and packs. They are also a premier destination for signed memorabilia from some of the game’s all-time greats, with rare autographed items on display throughout the store.
As you continue west towards Studio City, Ventura Boulevard is home to another baseball card institution – Stadium Sports Cards, located at 12533 Ventura Boulevard. Stadium Sports Cards first opened in 1989 and since then has built a national reputation for maintaining one of the finest vintage collections in the country. Their meticulously organized vintage stock spans over a century and features true condition rarities across all sports at reasonable price points. Beyond their renowned vintage selection, Stadium Sports also stocks a massive modern inventory along with unopened boxes and packs. Stadium Sports Cards is also renowned for their high-end memorabilia and autograph selection, with one-of-a-kind signed items from legends on display.
These are just a few of the premier independent baseball card shops located along the stretch of Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley. For over four decades, these shops have served as invaluable local institutions and gathering places for collectors of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just starting your journey, Ventura Boulevard offers a treasure trove of cards, collectibles and memories from baseball’s storied past and present.