Best of 2000: Best Baseball Cards

CJ's Sports Cards & Memorabilia
5143 Waring Road,
Allied Gardens
(619) 229-2505

CJ's Sports Cards specializes in Padres merchandise and is so connected to the team that players such as Tony Gwynn do autograph signings at their retail store. Other in-person sessions, featuring stars such as Pete Rose and Charger Lance Alworth, are common and the shop walls and showcases are filled with autographed photos, jerseys, signed balls, pennants, programs, and valuable trading cards. Shop specialties include helmets, cleats, jerseys, and autographed collectibles like baseballs (signed Tony Gwynn World Series Practice Ball, $150) and bats (Louisville Slugger signed by Joe DiMaggio, $2900). New and vintage football and basketball cards are also sold, individually or in packs and sometimes as a complete year's set. Collection appraisals can be done by one of the shop's buyers.