Nation, we’re again with one other spherical of Fan Cave Battles — and Episode 12 introduced the warmth from each angle.
From a museum-grade assortment in Whittier to deep-cut memorabilia in Texas, and a Bakersfield bar cave that blends historical past, soul, and good vibes — this week’s competitors was one of many hardest so far.
Let’s break down the three standout submissions from Episode 12.
Augie Menchaca — Whittier, CA
Representing Southern California with over six many years of devotion, Augie Menchaca turned his love for the Boys in Blue right into a full-blown Leisure Middle and a secondary Museum — sure, you learn that proper.
Augie’s assortment contains over 250 bobbleheads, signed jerseys, authentic World Collection pennants, and autographed baseballs that cowl each inch of the room. There’s even a canvas signed by Pee Wee Reese, 2020 World Champion participant playing cards, and a framed photograph of Augie getting Don Drysdale’s autograph in individual.
From Vin Scully tributes to a blue Christmas tree decked out with ornaments, this setup is pure ardour wrapped in nostalgia.
Maxwell Mathiason — Austin, TX
Every little thing’s greater in Texas — together with baseball ardour. Maxwell Mathiason introduced a refreshingly distinctive twist to his fan cave with a deal with uncommon and private gadgets, particularly lineup playing cards from Dave Roberts, Travis Barbary, and the Oklahoma Metropolis teaching employees.
Toss in signed baseballs from Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, and Justin Turner, and also you’ve obtained a clear, curated house that screams baseball mind. Maxwell’s cave is for the fan who not solely watches each pitch — but additionally research the dugout card prefer it’s gospel.
Chris Heasley — Bakersfield, CA
After which there’s Chris Heasley, the proud founding father of the now-iconic O’Heasleys — a bar-cave-meets-museum situated in Bakersfield. What started in 2020 as a distant instructing house developed right into a shrine of Blue glory.
Chris’s setup options signed cleats, catcher’s gear, baseball playing cards, and -colored sneakers posted proudly subsequent to the TV. A U.S. Historical past instructor by day, Chris honors Jackie Robinson all through the cave with framed tributes and memorabilia that spotlight the impression Jackie made on and off the sphere.
There’s a signed Steve Sax Blue Crew hat from a childhood Albertsons run, retro baseball video video games from Hideo Nomo to Tommy Lasorda, and even love proven to Bo Jackson, Ken Griffey Jr., MJ, Bob Marley, and Carlos Santana. O’Heasleys is greater than a fan cave — it’s a vibe, a time machine, and a celebration of sport and soul.
And the Winner Is…
Each entry introduced the hearth, however one cave hit all the appropriate notes — with memorabilia, originality, coronary heart, and hospitality.
Your Fan Cave Licensed Champion for Episode 12 is… CHRIS HEASLEY of Bakersfield, CA!
O’Heasleys wins not simply because it’s loaded with artifacts, however as a result of it captures the very spirit of Nation: household, fandom, and that unbeatable sense of dwelling.
Chris — we’re taking you up on that invite. Hold the beer chilly and the retro console powered on.
Suppose your fan cave has what it takes? Submit your setup now at Nation.com/FanCave and you might be featured in a future episode!
Ensure to subscribe on , comply with us throughout social, and keep locked in for the subsequent spherical of Fan Cave Battles — the place the one factor louder than the décor is the love for Blue.