About Us
A Central Valley Legacy: The Story of Bases Loaded
Back in 1989, two high school brothers, Marc and Chris, turned their passion for collectibles into an after-school job. With the unwavering support of their family, they opened the doors to Bases Loaded at the Farmers Market shopping center on Tulare and Divisadero.
They didn’t just sell cards; they helped build a community. Teaming up with their dad, Mike, they launched M&C Cards to promote local sports card and collectible shows. Their very first event was a fundraiser that brought in $1,200 for their childhood church’s new Sunday School building.
Within two years, Bases Loaded had outgrown its original home, prompting a move to the Foodmaxx center at Shaw and Feland. For a wonderful 25 years, that location served as the heart of the business, supporting both Marc and Chris’s growing families before the shop eventually relocated to its current home at Marks and Shaw.
In 2020, after decades of dedication, the brothers made the tough decision to close up shop, even kicking off a going-out-of-business sale. The news was devastating to Marc’s son, Thomas, who had grown up dreaming of one day taking the reins of the family business. After heartfelt discussions and prayer, the family found a new path forward: Chris stepped away to enjoy a well-deserved retirement, and Marc decided to keep the legacy alive with a brand-new partner—his son, Thomas.
They enthusiastically signed a new three-year lease, but just two days later, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden two-month shutdown. Despite that terrifying start to their new chapter, the father-son duo weathered the storm. Today, Bases Loaded isn’t just surviving; it’s flourishing, packed with exciting new arrivals several times a week.
Decades after two brothers started a small after-school job, Bases Loaded is incredibly proud to stand as one of the longest-running collectible stores in the Central Valley.
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Phone
- 559-225-9321
Address
- 2745 W Shaw Ave STE 111, Fresno, CA 93711
Hours
- Mon-Sat 12PM - 5PM
- Closed Sunday