Sunday, August 18, 2019, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

There is a lot of planning that goes into each show. I have too much stuff and can’t take it all to each show. So, I’m always trying to figure out what to bring to each show.

At the July Orland show, I did not sell much out of my display cases and initially thought I would not bring any display cases to the August show, just binders. Then I received a text from one of my “wipe-out artists,” which is someone who buys much the cards in my binders, pretty much wiping them out. It is nice to have a big sale from a wipe-out artist but they leave my binders empty which is a problem when I have a show the next week. I have a hard enough time keeping the binders loaded and the wipe-out artists set me back that much further.

To combat said wipe-out artist, I contemplated not bringing out any binders and just display cases. I went back and forth all week prior to the show trying to figure out what to bring. The night before the show, I decided I would bring out four display cases and most of my baseball binders. This particular wipe-out artists, likes to wipe out my football and hockey binders and I figured I would protect those ones this time around.

I woke up a little later than usual on Sunday morning and hustled to load my car. I was on the road around 7:15 a.m. The rain hit around O’Hare and I had to slow down to about 40MPH because visibility was terrible. It was some scary driving. It was raining so hard I could not see the road and could barely see the cars in front of me. When a truck shot gallons upon gallons of water onto my windshield I decided it would be best to get off the highway and take the regular roads.

I hopped off at Cermak and drove east, figuring I would hit LaGrange Road. I found Wolf Road and drove it south until it ended in some random neighborhood. I had to backtrack. I then found Route 171 which I thought turned into LaGrange. It was actually Archer Avenue and took me way west to Lockport where I figured out I needed to be much further east. In the Lockport the rain came back hard and I parked until it lightened up.

While I sat parked, I figured I would use the GPS on my phone to lead me to Orland Park. No such luck. My phone would not work! It was locked and would not do anything. I couldn't even shut it off. I then started to think that maybe I should just go home but realized I was in Lockport, Illinois, for the first time in my life and had no idea how to get home. I ventured on.

I took the next road east and drove through farm after farm. I had no idea that Lockport was farmland. Stuck in farmland, I lost my sense of direction and wasn’t sure if I was heading east or west. I saw that addresses on the farms were getting smaller so I figured I was heading east.
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I eventually found Orland Park through the back door and made it to the show around 9 a.m. This was my longest ride ever to Orland. As luck would have it, it was raining cats and dogs when I pulled into the Civic Center parking lot. I decided I would just bring in my bins of binders and leave the showcases in the car. It was raining too hard to pull the showcases out.

I exited the vehicle, pulled out five bins then my cart and received a thorough soaking. By the time I made into the Civic Center, water had pooled on top of my bins. I dumped some of the water out. I was a dripping wet mass of liquid as I traversed the Civic Center. At my tables, I grabbed a garbage can and dumped what seemed like gallons of water into it from the tops of the bins. I left quite a bit of water on the floor, my tables and chairs. I’m thankful nobody slipped in the water.

I was the last dealer to arrive. It looked like everyone made it into the show before the rain…. but me. I then spread the binders out onto the tables. I had a lot of empty space since I did not bring in the showcases.

After set up, I sat there sopping wet. It seemed like the air conditioning was cranked and I was wet then freezing cold. My clothes were sopping. I pulled out a wad of cash that was soaked. I pulled out my wallet, it was soaked. My shoes and socks were soaked. I was freezing.

Surprisingly, there were a lot of dealers and a good number of customers. Sales started off slow and I did not expect them to get any better because the rain continued. Then Will and Joe arrived with a hot cup of coffee. Man, I was thankful. I really needed that coffee. As I warmed up from the coffee, sales started to jump and kept jumping for hours. I ended up having a monster day. There was not one, but several wipe-out artists. My binders got hit hard but I went home with a pocket full of wet cash.

Paul lent me a hoody which saved me from shivering all day. Thanks Paul! It was nice and sunny by the time I was on the road home and found my way without getting lost. The only bummer was that many of my baseball binders are now empty.
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Next up is my show at the Salvation Army in Oak Creek, WI, on Sept. 7. I have no idea what to bring out for this show. The baseball binders from 1964 on back are about empty. I may just bring out my football binders and some showcases. I have a couple weeks to figure this one out. I sure hope it doesn’t rain on Sept. 7!!
 
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As many of you know, I used to set up at a card show or two every single weekend. These past several years, I've reduced my show appearances to three a month: (1) The Salvation Army Community Center in Oak Creek, WI; (2) Gonzaga Hall in West Allis, WI; and (3) the Civic Center in Orland Park, IL. There are times when I miss traveling the Midwest and spending the night in a flea-bag motel and setting up in places like St. Louis, Indianapolis, Canton, Dayton, Mason City, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, but most times I enjoy the off days and sleeping in my own bed. So my card show reports are now limited to my main three shows with an out of town show thrown in here and there for good measure.

For this blog, I am going to try and catch up on my three regular shows, since work, family, and prepping for the National have limited my blogging time as of late.

ORLAND PARK CIVIC CENTER

The Orland Park shows have been consistent. Each show seems to have real nice attendance. I am so appreciative that the show now has food. I think in my last Orland blog I complained about some of the customers. My complaint was that it seemed like most customers were there to buy my stuff for resale which is really frustrating. I am not a wholesaler. I don't move cards in bulk. I cater to vintage set builders. These are my people. Thankfully, I have seen a lot more set builders in Orland as of late. I had an absolutely monster Orland show in June, it was kind of like the old days.

The last Orland show, which occurred just a few days before the National in July, was a big surprise based on the number of dealers and the very large attendance. I didn't bring out my good stuff because I was saving it for the National. So, sales were naturally down and I think some guys were upset with me. The thing is, I was heavily invested in the National with both time and money and I needed to make sure I had decent sales at the National, so I didn't want to unload all my stuff just a few days before in Orland. I will have all the good stuff out this Sunday, August 18, 2019, in Orland. Come see me!!

SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY CENTER

The May and June shows were excellent. I had a huge dealer turn out for the May show with dealers from Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. My sales were excellent and, of course, I bought a ton of stuff.

The June show may have been the coolest show I have ever done as a promoter. Three former Packers -- Calvin Jones,  Diryal Briggs, and Gary Brown -- attended and signed autographs. The players could not have been nicer and I really enjoyed talking with them. Calvin Jones hung out at my table for a while and it was so fun to talk to him. He sent me a Thank You card afterwards. What a great guy!

David Lionheart, who was at the show with Gary Brown, stopped by my table as well. He was excited when I gave him two free packs of cards. He told me that he created a charity called Play For Your Freedom, of which Gary Brown is a participant. Their charity is a fundraiser for Veterans and David, Gary and a host of other former college and pro football players travel the country and play exhibition flag football games and hold fitness events to raise funds for Veterans. To learn more, go to www.playforyourfreedom.org. 

Pictured above is former Green Bay Packer Gary Brown, who was showing off his 1996 Super Bowl ring at the June 1, 2019, Salvation Army Sports Card Show in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

The June 1 show was held in the gym at the Salvation Army and was a perfect setting for a show and autograph signing. The folks at the Sal told me they will put us back in the gym whenever it is available. I'm not sure yet where we will be for the Sept. 7th show. I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

So I took a little break this summer and did not hold shows at the Sal in July and August. I know the break disappointed some folks. July is just the best month for me to take my family on vacation. As you all know, I am a lawyer in the real world and the courts are slow around the 4th of July. This year I took the week off of work and shows and took the family to the Wisconsin Dells. We stayed at the H0-Chunk Casino in Baraboo and had a blast -- except for when the kids put me in the stockade at the Pirates Cove Adventure Golf.

I have been going to the Dells regularly since the mid-1970's. I am amazed at how it has changed over the years but has always been a consistently fun place. Needless to say, I will not be holding a July show at the Sal next year and hope to be traveling somewhere fun with the wife and kids again. Now for August, that is a different matter. I could not hold an August show this year because it would have ran up against the National, where I was a vendor, more on that later. Next year, however, the National will be in Atlantic City which is about impossible for me to attend. So I will hold an August show at the Sal in 2020.

Okay, so I, like most everybody else, have been having Salvation Army Card Show withdrawals. I am happy to say that we will be back at the Sal on September 7 and then the first Saturday of every month through December. I need to get to work and hammer out my Sal show calendar for 2020. I will probably skip January again. Are you guys okay with that? Let me know.

GONZAGA HALL

The spring shows at Gonzaga were pretty good then attendance fell off over the summer. While my sales at Gonzaga may have slowed this summer my purchases have increased ten-fold. Oh man, I bought a TON of stuff at Gonzaga this summer -- a sampling of my summer purchases are pictured below.

THE NATIONAL SPORTS COLLECTORS CONVENTION

The National was held July 31 through August 4, 2019, at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Once again, I joined forces with Dave, Scott, Jim, Danielle and PJ, who was able to snare the same location we enjoyed in 2017.

Wednesday, July 31, was a really long day. I had planned to arrive at the show around 10 a.m. but overslept and did not get there till 1 p.m. The Stephens Center is always a nightmare for set-up and exit. This year did not disappoint. I parked at the North End of the convention center where I usually load in, only to be denied by several convention center employees. I did not yet have my vendor badge and the security would not let me load in. I was able to reach PJ on his cell phone and he directed me to a garage in the southeast corner of the building. I was able to drive into the garage and walk into the show without being accosted by security. The only bummer was that the garage was located much farther from my booth than the north-side entrance. 

It took three trips to load in. Once completed, I moved my car to the $15 parking lot across the street. I was exhausted by the time I got back to the booth. The show opened officially at 4 p.m., which gave me about two hours to set up before opening. I had to hustle. First off, Me, PJ and Scott had to figure out how to lay out the booth which was hampered by a bunch of crap our neighbors, PWCC, left in our space. We were able to get PWCC to move their stuff a little bit and set up began. I had a ton of space! I brought 9 card tables and was able to set up seven of them along with a couple of tables I think belonged to PWCC. I know PWCC is the subject of much ire in the card collecting community but they were actually a very good neighbor and gave us most of their tables because they were not using them.

I had purchased two new showcases for the show and laid them out along with five others. I then proceeded to layout my binders and tie them down, which is an excruciating process. I completed my set up shortly before 4 p.m. and was dead to the world. I may be getting too old for this. Thankfully, Dave had a sandwich for me. I was too tired to walk around the show and check it out. I figured I had four more days to see it. I just kind of sat there exhausted for the next several hours.

A steady flow of customers came to our booth. Dave, as always, was very busy. My sales were slow, unlike past Nationals where sales were strong on the first day. All in all, I was just happy to be done with load in and set up. 

Dave and I argued a bit over the controversy surrounded our neighbor PWCC. Dave has been a big supporter of PWCC these past several years and he took offense to the accusations that PWCC may have had knowledge that they were selling fraudulent high-grade cards in their eBay auctions. I have been regularly posting about this scandal on my Facebook Page. A great deal of evidence has been presented on www.blowoutforums.com. There has also been a great deal of debate on www.net54baseball.com.

The FBI is involved and I think sooner rather than later we will know the results of the FBI investigation. I personally think that some folks are going to jail a la Mastro. I also think there needs to be some government regulation of the third-party grading companies because collectors are getting screwed over and PSA, especially, just does not care. They just want your money. 

Anyway, I sort of expected some sort of riot at PWCC because they are at the epicenter of this scandal. Instead, I heard crickets at their booth all week long. So, no riot but I think collectors spoke loudly by generally avoiding the PWCC booth. 

PWCC aside, the first day of the National is a day to renew old acquaintances. I may not have sold much, but I was busy gabbing away. After the show, Scott, Jim, Danielle and I headed over to my place. They were spending the night. It was about 9 p.m. and I found that the City Barbecue in nearby Vernon Hills was open till 10 p.m. We had a much needed dinner. We were all pretty tired and went to sleep soon after dinner.

I was up early Thursday. I had to be in court and planned to get to the show as soon as I could. Scott, Jim and Danielle agreed to watch my stuff. I finally made it to the show around noon. Jim was a superstar and sold a ton of cards for me! Thursday was going to me a much better sales day than Wednesday.

With money in my pocket, I began to buy cards. Dave brought me a bunch of '57 Topps baseball. I also bought a box of Red Sox from the 1950's through 1960's from Junior. A couple of dealers tried to sell me stuff but they were asking retail prices. I never understand when dealers offer me cards at retail. I only buy cards to resell them for a profit. I can't make a profit if guys try to sell me cards for the same price or higher than I would sell them. I was perplexed.

Sales continued to stay strong as the afternoon went on. Guys were pulling piles of cards out of my binders. Then I saw Craig from Akron, one of my favorites. He is an autograph hound and may have the largest autograph collection out of anybody I know. I think Willie S. is a close second.

After the show on Thursday, I walked across the street with Craig and Jack from Milwaukee. We dined at the Five Roses Pub, located in the Rosemont entertainment district. Craig and I went with the Fish & Chips while Jack had a Chicken Pot Pie. The Five Roses' version of fish & chips consists of a large hunk of moist breaded fish, most likely cod. I found it delicious. Jack's chicken pot pie looked awesome, unlike the TV dinner chicken pot pies that I am used to.

Just outside the pub was a little festival with food and drink stands and a stage featuring a Pink Floyd cover band. I would have stayed and listened to the band if I wasn't so dead tired. I went home and passed out.

Friday, was much like Thursday. I had to go to court and represent clients on two cases. Again, I made it to Rosemont around noon. Sales were once again solid, beginning with the sale of my Pete Rose rookie. I walked a few rows of the show and marveled at all the memorabilia and pre-War cards. Though, I was pretty busy at my booth and could not spend much time away.

After the show, Dave, Paul and I went over to Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park, a short drive from Rosemont. I drove, having lived in the area for 10 years, I know my way around. If you are not familiar, an Italian Beef sandwich is a Chicago creation and staple. Guys like me, Dave and Paul, grew up on the stuff. The Italian Beef is also the subject of much discussion amongst locals. We are always debating on which place makes the best beef. For my money, it is Johnnie's in Elmwood Park. Johnnies is just a shack with no inside seating and a handful of picnic tables outside. It has been around since the 1940s and is much the same today as it was in 1947. We each went with the combo, which is a sandwich consisting both seasoned beef and Italian sausage piled high on a large Italian bun. I ordered my sandwich juicy, some places call it dipped or wet. I also like giardiniera (another Chicago creation featuring spicy marinated vegetables) and sweet peppers on my beef. 

With no place to sit, we stood at the counter facing North Avenue. I was still wearing my work clothes and was able to consume this delicious mound of goodness without dripping anything onto my clothes. Man, that was some good eatin'.

I had wanted to attend the Net54 banquet that night but we got back to Rosemont too late. So home I went, looking forward to spending a complete day at the National without stopping in court to handle a few cases prior.

Saturday, was great. I sold a lot of cards. I bought a few. I walked around the show. I talked with all sorts of folks. If there is a heaven, I hope it is just like the National, which is heaven for me.

Saturday after the show, Dave and I went over to the Rivers Casino and enjoyed the buffet which is absolutely delicious. I then played video poker for a few hours and won $158. Not bad.

We were actually very busy Sunday morning at the show. At past Nationals, Sundays have been dead. Tony S. bought a bunch of stuff from me. Thanks Tony! Then a collector from Phoenix bought a ton of stuff and I ended up having the best day of the five on Sunday. I was a little worried that I wouldn't reach my sales numbers from 2017 but ended up surpassing them.

Then loomed the dreaded load out. I don't think I had anyone at my table for the last two hours of the show. Another good friend named Paul hung around to help me, which was so much appreciated. I probably could have began packing at 3 p.m. but waited until after 4 p.m. By the time I finished packing up, Scott, Jim, PJ and Dave were long gone, leaving me with Paul and PWCC. I decided to load out through the north side. Thanks to Paul's assistance, I was able to get out in two trips. Most dealers were gone by the time I was ready to leave at 6 p.m. I got home at 7 p.m., another National had done come and gone.

​What a great week! I had so much fun. I sold quite a few Goudeys, a large number of 1972 Topps baseball, many, many Exhibits and at least one showcase full of cards. I also bought boxes and boxes of stuff. A sampling is pictured below.

Now many of my regular customers at my three regular shows do not attend the National. Every year I try to convince them to go. You don't have to buy anything to enjoy the National. The shear spectacle of the event is worth the trip alone. The amount of cards and memorabilia on display is mind-boggling. Then you get to hang out with tens of thousands of like-minded sports collectors. Man, it is so much fun. On Sunday, I was sad to see it end. It is a long wait until 2021 when the National returns to Rosemont. I hope to be there!!!

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing everyone in Orland on Sunday!!!

Sunday, April 14, 2019, Gonzaga Hall, West Allis, WI

It has been a busy time for me with the weekend in Strongsville, my show the following weekend, and Gonzaga the weekend after that... whew!

The April 14th Gonzaga show was phenomenal. My sales were excellent. Jason got things going with a purchase of a 1970 Topps Thurmon Munson Rookie. Then there is another regular customer who has the coolest Milwaukee Braves gear, he purchased some 1970's hockey and some Braves cards from the 1960's.

A new customer purchased some 1970's Topps baseball. Tim purchased a ton of stuff including my 1953 Topps Satchel Paige. A new customer picked up some 1950 Bowman baseball. Dean purchased some 1965 Topps baseball. George found some 1963s. Larry bought some 1954 Bowman football.

A regular customer purchased some 1954 Topps baseball. A new customer purchased some 1960 Topps baseball. A dealer, who is working on the 1970 Topps set, found a whole bunch in my binder. One of my autograph hounds purchased some 1964 Topps to send out for signatures.

A regular customer bought some 1959 Topps baseball, including an Early Wynn, and some 1980's football. I can't give away 1980's baseball but I seem to be able to sell 1980's football. And those of you reading this with a warehouse full of the stuff, I don't need any more, I have a warehouse as well!

A regular customer purchased some 1933 Goudeys. Robin purchased a 1968 Topps Al Kaline and Willie Mays. Andy was in town from Orlando and I don't think he was enjoying this cold Milwaukee morning. Though, he did purchase my T206 Hal Chase.

On the buying side, I took in quite a haul. I don't normally buy from the auction because it is difficult to man my tables and watch the auction at the same time. Though an auction for some old baseball gloves caught my attention and I ended up bidding and winning five gloves, including two Mantles. My glove collection is getting out of hand!

Someone showed up at my table with a 1969-70 Wilt Chamberlain, which I purchased. Then there is my regular guy who always brings me a box of vintage. Today he brought me a box filled with 1968 Topps baseball and a small bag of 1956 Topps pins. I probably paid a little more than I wanted to but I rarely see those pins and wanted them badly!

I also picked up a 1968 Topps Roger Maris from Scotty P. and a nice group of 1934-36 Diamond Stars from Jerry.

​Another amazing day at the Gonzaga show. I'm hopeful for more of the same at the Gonzaga show coming up on June 9. See you there! 

Ohio Sports Collectors Convention, March 29-31, Strongsville, OH

A few months  prior to the show, I was saddened to learn promoter Paul Fusco died. I was not sure whether the show would go on until I received an email from Paul's daughter stating she was running this year's show. She and her mother did an exceptional job and had a wonderful display at their table dedicated to Paul.

This was my third year at this show which is all vintage. No modern cards allowed. As a big fan of vintage, I absolutely love this show. However, the previous two years my sales had not been very good. This show is well attended so I figure I am just not doing something right. The first year, I brought out three display cases, eight or nine binders, my 50-cent boxes and some publications. The second year I brought out four display cases and the 50-cent boxes. This year, I decided to bring out all baseball binders. I only have six-feet of space so figuring out what to bring is difficult.

Leading up to the show, I feverishly reloaded my baseball binders from the 1950s and early 1960s along with my oddball binders. I set up with my buddy Dave McDonald and we have settled into a routine. I rent a car on Thursday, pick up Dave and we drive to Strongsville from the Chicago area. It is about a five to six-hour drive.

I think we arrived in Strongsville around 6 p.m. and went straight to the Holiday Inn, where the show is located. Load in and set was easy. Our neighbors Tim and his wife from Iowa were deep into their set up when we arrived. It is always great seeing those guys. Our other neighbors are Dave and his family. I believe they are from Akron. I also saw Mike, another friendly face, who was set up nearby in the same spot as the previous two years. This is a really great group of people who help make a pleasant weekend.

After set up, Dave and I checked into our hotel across the street. The past two years we stayed at the Holiday Inn but this year the room prices were off the charts and the hotel across the street was about a quarter of the Holiday Inn price. In addition to price, the Holiday Inn can be noisy. There were a ton of teenagers there for a hockey tournament at the rink across the parking lot. I bet the Holiday Inn was crazy noisy that weekend. Our hotel was fairly quiet accept for a car alarm going off in the wee hours of the morning Sunday.

Once we checked in, we went out for some grub and decided to eat at the B Spot, the burger place we went to last year. I brought my cheapy reader glasses for Dave because he always forgets to bring his along and can never read a menu. We ate some delicious burgers and marveled at the giant wall of beer cans. The pretty waitress told us the beer cans were nailed into the wall.

We were up early Friday morning and ate breakfast at the Holiday Inn. Most every table was set up. There is a dealer from Toledo who sells junk wax and off-grade vintage real cheap and he was just about the only guy who was not set up. The doors open at 10 a.m. to VIPs, so the room was real quiet until then.

I had quite a few sales but nothing big. My first customer purchased some 1970 and 1971 Topps Supers. Second customer purchased a 1970 Topps Ted Williams. My third customer was my show neighbor Tim who purchased a 1968 and 1970 Jerry McNertney. Tim said McNertney is his neighbor back in Iowa.

A guy wearing a Louisville Cardinals hat purchased some 1964 Topps Coins, and some 1964 and 1968 Topps. I remember him from last year. An older guy bought some 1959 Topps. Then I saw Charlie Wiggins from Milwaukee. I had told Charlie about the show and he said his family was going to be in Cleveland and he would stop in. Charlie bought some 1964 Topps Coins. Charlie is also a big pre-War guy and he absolutely loved the Strongsville show.

A guy wearing a Mackinac Island T-shirt purchased some 1953 Topps. I observed that a lot of folks were drawn to my vintage scorecard binder. Most people seemed to stop and look at it. A guy wearing a Pete Rose jersey bought some 1949 Bowmans. A second customer then stopped and purchased some 1949 Bowmans.

A guy with a mustache bought some 1964 Topps Giants and 1968 Topps Game. Chris from Cincinnati purchased some 1969's and 1970's. George and Christy came in from Milwaukee and purchased a 1959 Topps Phillies Team card. Overall there was a big crowd on Friday and I had many sales. Though, most sales were small. 

The Friday show goes until 8 p.m. The place seemed kind of dead from about 6 to 8 p.m. There was some excitement when Paul's wife announced that Leland's, an auction house, would be taking over the show. My initial reaction was sadness because I thought Paul's family did a wonderful job with the show in his absence. I have a lot of concerns about Leland's. First, is the show going to remain all vintage? Secondly, Dave, the guy Leland's assigned to handle the show has no experience promoting a card show. He is also not interested in sports cards. He told me he is into wrestling and regularly promotes signings with wrestlers. He seems like a good guy and I wish him the best of luck, I just hope he keeps the show as is.

As a show promoter myself, I know first hand that a show takes on the personality of its promoter. Paul Fusco was larger than life and he created an amazing show. I have a horrible feeling that the show is going to turn into a wrestling event. 

There was a lot of talk about the direction of the show that night at dinner. Dave and I met up with Mark, Greg and Craig at a pub called the Brewkettle in Middleburg Heights. I had an excellent burger and enjoyed a local craft brew. The best part of this show is hanging out with these guys.

We slept in a little later on Saturday. Again, we had breakfast at the Holiday Inn. My first customer of the day was from Detroit and he purchased some 1967 Topps. An older gentleman purchased some 1955 Topps. A guy decked out in Cleveland Browns gear purchased a 1963 Topps Tito Francona. Another gut purchased some 1967 Topps. 

George was back for the second day and purchased some 1960 Topps. He had some car trouble on the way out to Strongsville and ended up renting a car near Toledo. Dave from Leland's came by to talk, which I appreciated. He asked me what he could do to make the show better. I told him nothing. The show was perfect, don't change a thing.

​Usually this show is mobbed with OBC guys but this year it seemed like there was a lot less of them. One OBC guy purchased some 1976 Hostess from me. A father and son team purchased some 1960 Topps. A young guy purchased some 1964 Topps Coins. There were some kids in the room, which is nice to see, one purchased a 1963 Topps leader card. 

Then there was Jim from Pittsburgh, who made my show. Jim was my lone whale of the weekend and he purchased a ton of stuff including inserts and cards from the 1960's. I wish I had three or four more guys like Jim come to my table. Instead, I had a couple of brothers who purchased some 1969 Topps.

There was a guy with a thick beard that also purchased some 1969 Topps. A customer clad in Cleveland Indians gear purchased some 1955 Topps. My last customer of the day purchased some 1970 Topps.

In total, I brought out 23 binders. I figured I could probably fit six more binders or bring out one display case. A lot of customers were asking for star cards which I did not bring this time around.

After the show, we once again went out to dinner with Mark and Greg and met a couple of new dealers. We dined at a nearby steak house called the Brown Derby which was mobbed. My steak was pretty good. I enjoyed listening to stories about Michigan dealers and Michigan shows.

By Sunday, the final day of the show, I was ready to head home. We had been in Strongsville since Thursday. I never make much sales on the Sunday of a three-day show. Also, I had to be at work on Monday mornings, so Dave and I were planning exit strategy. 

I did have a few sales though the crowd was decidedly smaller than the past two days. A customer wearing an Indians shirt purchased some 1961 Fleer. An older gentleman purchased a 1957 Del Crandall. A father and daughter team purchased some 1970 Topps. 

An older gentleman purchased some 1949 Bowman. Then I finally sold a scorecard after just about every body at the show looking through the binder. A customer bought a St. Louis Cardinals scorecard from the 1930's.

Not much buying at this show. I had a lot more people show up at my table with stuff to sell the previous two years. The dealers around me did not seem to be buying as well. I went around the room on Sunday and purchased a few cards from the guy from Toledo. I also bought some Cleveland Indians scorecards from the 1940's and 1950's from a dealer I had not seen before.

Dave and I did not want to be the first dealers to leave so we waited until other guys started to pack up. We were on the road back to Chicago around 2 p.m. I think I got home around 8 or 9 p.m.

Overall, may sales were not all that great. About the same as last year. Though, I did have a lot of fun. I'm signed up again for 2020. Maybe I'll have a good show then!

If you remember my blog from last year's show, Dave had a sketchy transaction with some guy from out east. The guy wanted to take about 3K worth of Dave's cards and pay him via PayPal once he got home. I made sure Dave didn't give him the cards but against my advice, Dave put the cards on the side. Well, what do you know, the guy actually paid Dave and he shipped the cards. Also, at the National in Cleveland, the guy bought more stuff from Dave. I owe Dave a dinner.

Speaking of dinners, I think Dave paid for all of my dinners in Strongsville. Thanks Dave! Of course, he had an excellent show, as always. Dave is the man! Dave and I will be set up together at the National in Rosemont, Illinois, this summer. 

In the meantime, my show at the Salvation Army, 8853 S. Howell, in Oak Creek, WI, is coming up Saturday, June 1, 2019. I've got three former Packers signing autographs. I just reloaded my 1972 Topps baseball binder. It should be a great show, come on out!

When we last discussed the show I promote in Milwaukee, the blog featured my November show at the Four Points Sheraton -- an amazing show. Huge turn out.

The December show, pictured above, was not quite as large but still large enough where I had to reserve two rooms. The December show was my last one at the Four Points Sheraton. I decided to provide free doughnuts one last time, even though the fascists that run the Four Points Sheraton expressly forbade them. What were they going to do? They did nothing and the show went on without a hitch.

I was feeling a little melancholy that day. The show had gone on just about every month at the hotel for more than four years. It started out with a bang thanks to Mark Smith's assistance but started to fizzle out when Mark dropped out. The aforementioned doughnuts saved the show!

At the August 2015 show, very few customers showed up. I decided to give away doughnuts at the September show, also marking the first anniversary of the show. That show was a grand success and the show has grown from about five dealers at that fateful August show to 30-plus currently.

It has been well documented that the Marriott corporate folks, who own the Four Points, no longer wanted to host my show. Our major disagreement was that they wanted to be able to cancel my show when they could replace with an event that spent thousands of dollars on catering. I disagreed. 

The Four Points seemed to get a new manager every month. I thought maybe we had smoothed things over after Stefanie, the worst of the worst managers, left the hotel. I figured maybe I could book the hotel for 2019. However, the last manager I spoke to, told me that they no longer were booking events in advance -- yeah right!

I recently learned from a former employee that when Marriott came in at the end of 2017, they cleaned house by firing employees that had worked at the former Clarion hotel for 15 to 20 years. We're talking housekeepers that worked hard for low pay for years and they were kicked to the curb. The Marriott Corp. is about as foul of a company as they come.

Still, I was sad at that December show. I worked real hard at building a successful show, even though the Marriott Corp. tried their hardest to destroy my event. Perhaps it is a karma thing, but after essentially getting kicked out of the Four Points Sheraton, I landed on my feet at the Salvation Army Community Center in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. I am happy to report that the show is stronger than ever!

At the end of 2019, I booked just about a year's worth of monthly shows for 2019 at the Sal, skipping January, July and August. My main man at the Sal, Mark Lewis, has been tremendous. I've gone from having to deal with adversaries at the Four Points to getting a teammate in Mark at the Sal. 

Unlike the Four Points Sheraton, where management was asking what could I do for them, Mark has been asking what he can do for me. Did I say he has been tremendous? First off, he has been providing an awesome concession stand which is a win win for everybody. Hungry card show goers have food and all the money benefits the Salvation Army. 

Mark and I have worked together trying to figure out the best way to set up the room and the adjoining hallway. I think we finally figured it out at the April show and now have roomy aisles and room for the dealers behind their tables. I heard your complaints!

Pictured above is dealer Larry Larsen, left, helping customers at the February Salvation Army show.
​
The March show was not quite a large as the February show, which was easiest my largest to date. But the March show was still excellent. I had an amazing day selling cards and an equally as amazing day buying cards. 

I was able to take a handful of notes. Mark purchased some 1960 Topps football, a regular customer purchased some 1960 and 1961 Topps baseball. A new customer purchased some 1969 Topps baseball. Gary F. purchased some 1961 Topps baseball. A regular customer purchased some 1959s and a 1941 Double Play Arky Vaughan.

John purchased some 1981 Topps football. Kevin found the final cards he needed to complete his 1969 Topps baseball set. A regular purchased some 1934 Diamond Stars. Eric purchased my 1961 NU Scoops Mickey Mantle while a new customer purchased some 1969 Topps baseball.​

Pictured above is another photo from the March Salvation Army show.

​The April show may have been my largest show with 30-plus dealers and 50-plus tables. Unfortunately, attendance was down. If you missed the April show, you really missed a great show with all those dealers and a huge variety of sports memorabilia. Needless to say, I bought a ton of stuff!

I was too busy to take notes but did jot down a few of my purchases. I bought a collection that walked in the door featuring six or seven boxes of baseball cards from 1961 through 1977. I also picked up some 1948 basketball and some 1963 Fleer baseball.

Some dealers reported phenomenal sales while other were disappointed. To boost attendance for the May 4th show, I've spent a little more on advertising. I am currently picking up all sorts of wax to giveaway, including some 2019 Topps baseball and some 2015 Topps football. I have had a steady flow of dealers sign up, including John Arcand, who has a television show on the Big Ten Network where he travels the country, views Big Ten-related memorabilia collections, values them then makes an offer and often comes home with the collections. I've known John for years and you'd be hard pressed to find a better guy in this hobby. John used to own a card shop on the Northwest Side of Chicago and he regularly gave me tremendous deals on vintage cards at the shop. I am so thankful and happy that John and his wife Debbie are setting up at my show. Definitely check out their tables because they have items you won't see anywhere else.

Also, in the exciting news category, I will have three Super Bowl Packers signing autographs at the June 1st show. Midwest Sports Buffet LLC is bringing in Diyral Briggs, Gary Brown and Calvin Jones from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Autographs cost $20, all items, $10 each inscription, $8 JSA authentication, or you may purchase a VIP package for $59  that includes a custom jersey, 1 autograph on the jersey, inscription, stand up photo-op & JSA authentication -- only 10 available for each player. Photos, Jerseys & Mini helmets will be available for purchase.

So things are happening! All that trouble with the Four Points Sheraton is now in the rearview mirror. Great things are in store for my show at the Salvation Army Community Center. I've got lots of ideas and will have all sorts of fun surprises as the year progresses.

I hope to see everyone at the May 4th show at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, in Oak Creek, WI. Thank you for your continued support. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you guys. Let's rock it again on May 4th!​

Well, my last blog about the Orland Park show was in October. There have been about five shows I've attended since October and of course, I failed to take notes, so I don't have a whole lot to offer.

Some of my overall observations about the Orland show...

Each show appears much the same for me. I get to hang out with my pals Larry, Will, Joe, and Paul. I also see a lot of other friendly faces. There is now a concession stand which has me excited. 

On the down side, my sales have gone down. While attendance is steady at this show, for some reason my sales have taken a nose dive. I think one of the problems is that less and less collectors attend this show. It seems like most customers coming to my table want wholesale deals so they can resell my cards. I can't make money with these customers, I need collectors. Not just any collectors, I need some guys working on vintage sets and ready to spend a little dough. Where did all the Orland collector go?

I still get a handful of regular collectors who I really appreciate. You guys know who you are and a big thank you for your support! Overall, it seems like the amount of Orland vintage collectors has shrunk.

I don't even know what to bring out any more. I brought all of my display cases at the March show and sales were minimal. I didn't bring out my 1950's binders in March, I'll have those this month.

Buying, on the other hand, remains strong at Orland. I've bought quite a few cards these past five months at Orland and will probably continue to do so. 

As far as the thief goes, I told him in January to stay away from my table. So far, so good.

The next Orland show is Saturday, April 27, 2019. I hope to see a return of the hordes of vintage collectors. My baseball binders are pretty well stocked. I need to work on the others. Let me know if you are looking for anything special.

Today, I would like to report on the recent Gonzaga Hall shows. 

The January show was held the 13th which ended a long show layoff for me. I usually don't go more than a week or so without doing a show but since I did not schedule a January show at the Salvation Army, I had no show to attend for about five weeks. I cannot remember the last time I went more than two weeks without a show, let alone five. So I was rearing to go on January 13.

I woke up that morning at the crack of dawn as usual. I loaded up my car and was on the road to Gonzaga around 7 a.m. After about a half hour or so of driving, the electrical in my car started to go wacko. The car was shutting off and on the the steering was locking up. My electric steering light came on. I got a little freaked out and pulled off the road somewhere north of Kenosha. I texted dealer Gary George to tell promoter Keith that I was having car trouble and would not make the show. I also emailed Keith.

I got back on the highway and drove home. I went over to the Firestone by my house because I knew they were the only place open on Sunday. A mechanic checked out my car and could not find anything wrong. The wacky electrical stuff did not happen while he was futzing around in there. He sent me on my way. Of course, as I drove away, the wacky electrical stuff started again. I eventually had the battery replaced and now it is driving just fine. I am so sorry I did not make the January show. I hated to miss the show!!

At the February show, someone showed me the cards, pictured above. For the life of me, I cannot remember who it was. Anyway, I remember taking the photo because the cards are incredibly cool.

Pictured above are a handful of cards from the February deal. 

Pictured above are a handful of cards from the March deal.

The next Gonzaga show is Sunday, April 14, 2019. In the meantime, my next show at the Salvation Army, 8853 S. Howell, Oak Creek, WI, is just a few days away on Saturday, April 6, 2019. I'll have a ton of new stuff out at the show. Also, 27 dealers have signed up so far. As a result, I'll have 50-plus tables at the show Saturday. Be sure to come hungry and try some food at the concession stand. All concession sales benefit the Salvation Army. As usual, two free packs of cards for everyone who attends. I've picked up all sorts of wax to give away. No admission!! See you Saturday!!!

As someone who has a journalism degree and who has worked professionally as a newspaper reporter, I am the last guy to media bash but there is a first time for everything. Check out this story:

https://nypost.com/2019/02/07/babe-ruth-card-bought-for-2-could-be-sold-for-millions/

The gist of the story is that a guy who knows absolutely nothing about nothing, let alone baseball cards, purchased a Babe Ruth card at a card shop for $2. Numbnut now thinks he has a $2 million card and it is going to change his life. How in the world is this story spreading across the country? I can hear old Professor Carson advising us newbies in Journalism 101 to check our facts. Nobody involved in this train wreck bothered to check their facts.

First of all, a card shop owner, who is in the business of selling cards, is not going to sell a $2 million dollar card for $2. The shop owner knew all along that the card was fake but dishonestly told our hero that he couldn't find any information about it anywhere on the internet. A quick eBay search netted a listing of a lot of 100 fakes for $5.50 (at $2 a pop, that is a nice profit):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-CARD-LOT-BABE-RUTH-HERPOLSHEIMER-CO-BOYS-FASHION-SHOP-NY-YANKEES-ACEO/323678259860?hash=item4b5cba4a94:g:BPMAAOSwP61bSgE0:rk:32:pf:0

I actually purchased two similar cards at the Gonzaga show last year from a seller who professed he did not know whether they were real or not. My cards were not Ruths but Walter Johnson and Jimmie Foxx from the same set as the Ruth. I was skeptical but purchased them anyway for a few bucks. I studied the ones I purchased for a month or so, figuring they were fake but looking for evidence. I knew all along that the seller was not going to sell me a 5K card for a few bucks but the cards were in a group of others that I wanted because I knew those cards were real like a 1950 Bowman Johnny Mize and a 1951 Bowman Leo Durocher.

The cards I purchased were worn and tattered. They looked like they could have been printed in the 1920s. What I realized, after staring at them for a month, was that the print was not worn and tattered. Essentially, someone took some old-looking cardboard, probably they made it look old, then printed the Walter Johnson image and the back advertisement onto the old-looking cardboard. The forger failed to make the print look old. If he would have scratched it up a bit, maybe I would have believed I had a real card and then would have shipped it off to SGC for authentication (I hate PSA). 

Now the card that numbnut bought at the card shop is so obviously fake that I feel really sorry that he could be duped so easily. His card is perfect. The cardboard is whiter than white. No wear whatsoever. Sharp corners, sharp edges. Does such an authentic version of this card exist? Maybe but highly unlikely. The cards were collected by kids in the 1920s. Children that played with them. Brought them to school or the playground. Often in those days, they pasted them into scrap books. So finding one in pristine condition with not a single iota of wear or tear is next to impossible. The whiter than white cardboard is an easy giveaway. The white color should have at least a few smudges from dirty or chocolatey kid hands.

I regularly get presented with fake pre-War cards at shows. They are usually encased in those screwdown holders from the late 1980's/early 1990's. When I see vintage cards in screwdowns, I automatically assume they are fake. This guy's million-dollar Ruth is in a screwdown.

This story is so sad. If you watch the video, the guy is holding his kid and he starts crying when he talks about the millions he is going to get for the sale of his... obviously fake card in the screwdown holder.

I almost want to send him some cards for free. Real cards. I feel so sorry for him. It seems like his life is crap and he thinks that now it is going to be great because he is going to get millions for his... obviously fake card in a screwdown holder.

I am also concerned about the message that this story sends to the national public about our hobby. Yes, the hobby is racked with thieves and scoundrels. But for every thief and every scoundrel there are dozens of awesome people who love and enjoy a truly wonderful hobby.

Instead of glorifying a poor sod who purchased a fake card and how he is preparing for his new-found riches, the better story would have been a cautionary tale. Check your facts! Most importantly, don't count your chickens before they hatch!! It is so simple in 2019 to determine whether your vintage card is real or not. Put a little effort into finding someone with a little knowledge online -- it takes a matter of seconds.

​I wish this story would stop spreading!! Make it stop!!!!

I have been in a funk these past six weeks or so due to my diabetes. Because of the disease and the drugs to treat it, I have no energy. I really just want to spend all day in bed and some days I do.

However, last Sunday's show in Orland Park (January 27), gave me a much-needed energy boost. It seemed like most everyone who came to my table had read my last blog, even though I hadn't posted one in months. I saw so many friendly faces and had such a great time. That show really gave me a recharge and I really appreciate it.

Below is a blog I wrote months ago but failed to post due to said lack of energy. The blog is from my November show at the Four Points Sheraton in Milwaukee. 

Four Points Sheraton, Milwaukee, November 3, 2018

Over the weekend of the October show, the hotel manager, who does not actually work at the hotel but in an office in Schaumburg, Illinois, finally charged my debit card for the September show, after I made repeated requests to do so over the course of the month. Then the next day, she charged my debit card twice for the October show!

I immediately requested a refund for the over charge. She said no. We argued for a couple of weeks and finally agreed to use the second charge for the November show. She also agreed to give me the second room at half price.

Luckily, our own Mike Mahan, who deals in both vintage and modern cards, recently became employed by the hotel as its on-site sales manager. The off-site manager did not stick to our agreement and sold the second room to another event. Without Mike working at the hotel, I might have been in trouble but Mike took care of me and was able to put me in both the larger Mitchell and Concord rooms, at a price that did not break the bank, as I had a run of dealers call and ask for tables. Thanks Mike!
​
Turns out that this was my largest show to date with 21 dealers and 50 tables. There was also a tremendous turn out of customers. I went through a ton a wax for my giveaways, purchasing several boxes from wax dealers Roger Baehr and Brian Christopherson during the show. This may have been the most wax I’ve gone through. 

I just can’t say how cool it was to see so many dealers and so many tables at my show. I received a ton of compliments during the show from both customers and dealers alike, which I really appreciate. My philosophy as a show promoter is pretty simple – make a show that I, personally, would want to attend as a customer. I think I’ve done that by providing a friendly atmosphere, free admission, a great variety of dealers, and a free gift of wax packs, good wax packs, not just junk, for everyone who attends. There were two tables with kids selling Pokemon and other non-sports cards which is so incredibly awesome. This is a hobby for young and old and it is so rewarding when both turn out and have a great time.

Another great thing I observed at this show was the large amount of people hanging out all day at the show, socializing and having a good time. I think the social aspect is the most important part of my show. I want people to hang out, talk cards, sports, whatever, and have a good time. I’ve always felt that as a sports card dealer, I am sort of like a bartender at the neighborhood tavern where regulars come in, get to know everybody, and chat like family. I really enjoy talking with everybody who stops into the show. I learn something new about cards or the history of sports at every single show. What it comes down to, is that anyone can go online and buy a card, but it is so impersonal. At my show, you get to see the card in all of its paper glory before making the purchase and you get to talk with the seller and meet a ton of collectors. I consider everyone there my family and good friends. Many of the guys, both dealers and customers, I’ve known for years. It is such a tremendous atmosphere and I look forward to it every single month. When this month’s show was dying down and dealers were packing up, man, I didn’t want it to end! I could have stayed all night and talked cards, bought cards, sold cards.

Speaking of purchasing cards, I certainly bought some cards and other stuff at this show. Prior to the show, a couple of guys emailed, texted, and said they had cards to show me for potential purchase, so I came prepared with a pocketful of cash.

Larry hit me up very early during set up with a box of publications from the 1920s through the 1950s. I bought ‘em. It is tough to find a dealer more reasonably priced than Larry Larsen. Thanks Larry!

Then a new customer came in with his childhood collection. He had a binder filled with 1961 Topps including some stars like Koufax, Gibson, Aaron, Billy Williams rookie, and some high numbers. There was a smattering of other years including a 1959 Aaron and a 1966 Rose. He also had a Milwaukee Braves pennant from the 1950’s and a 1970 Brewers pennant. I made an offer and told him to shop the group around. He came back to me and I bought the cards and the pennants.

I picked up some 1954 Bowman football from Jerry. I purchased a couple of cards from Eric. I bought a Tony Perez rookie from new dealer Dave. I bought some good stuff from dealer Scotty P. I also bought about 40 publications from the 1940’s from Tom and Josh.
The funny part was I didn’t buy anything from the guys who I had spoken to prior to the show. We just couldn’t work out deals. Which is fine. It doesn’t always work for everybody. I’ve bought from them in the past and I am sure I’ll buy from them in the future.

On the selling front, I had a tremendous day. Unfortunately, I realized half-way during the show that I forgot to write down my sales. So I am not exactly sure of what I sold. All I know is that money kept going out of my pocket for purchases but was shortly replenished by sales. I went home with money in my pocket, which as a dealer who likes to buy, is not easy to do!

Let’s see what I can remember… Jerome as usual hit my newest reloaded binder, 1962 Topps baseball. Thanks Jerome! A regular customer purchased my 1959 Topps Mickey Mantle along with a handful of 1958 Topps which he said completes his set. Woot! I love being able to help someone complete their set. He also told me something very interesting. We got to talking about 1961 Topps and he told me that when he was a kid in 1961, the later series, the one with the high numbers, was never distributed in Milwaukee. As a result, he had to wait until he was an adult to complete his childhood set at card shows. I always assumed that the last series was distributed nationally but kids had lost interest by the time they came out in the fall.

Back to sales, Paul purchased some old hockey cards. John, who said he lives on Howell, the same street where both the Sheraton and the Salvation Army Community Center are located, purchased some 1970’s football. A regular customer purchased a T206. One of my regular autograph hounds, purchased some cards to send out in the mail for autographs. He told me there are still a handful of guys living from the 1949 Bowman set. He was happy to see that I had a nice selection of 1949 Bowmans.
​
Jim K. purchased some 1955 Topps baseball. I had quite a few new customers and if I may brag a little, my show seems to draw in folks who are interested in rejoining the hobby after years of being out. I had a bunch of new guys buy cards.

What a great show! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who participated, both dealers and customers. Man, you guys really rocked it this month!!

I am ecstatic that the show will be continuing in 2019 at my new location, the Salvation Army Community Center. Those folks are excited to have us come there. Their youth group is going to run a concession stand at each show as a fundraiser for the sports teams.

First show at the Sal, 8853 S. Howell, Oak Creek, WI, is this Saturday, February 2, 2019. We will smash my dealer record from the November Four Points Show with 27 dealers scheduled for Saturday! I'm supposed to go up tomorrow to set up the room, weather permitting. We may be in two rooms with around 60 tables. See you Saturday!

Once again, I've fallen way behind on my show blogs. It has become increasingly difficult for me to get it done. One of the problems is that I'm just beat after the shows. Then I'm just too busy during the week to get it done. Another problem is that if I don't take notes, I forget what happened at the show. I lost my short term memory years ago. As a result, I fall way behind on the blogs. I am going to try and lay some scattered thoughts here.

Sunday, October 21, 2018, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

So I have a limited memory of this show. I have been setting up at Orland Park for 20 years or so and they really all blend in together at this point. I started to take some notes early on but was distracted by the thief. I do remember that I was very busy at this show and the thief came to my table four or five times. I struggled to keep an eye on him. I think at one point I enlisted Will to shadow him. But alas, he got me. He kept looking at my 1953 Bowman football. Every time he left, I checked the binder to make sure the cards were still there. The last time he was at my table I was at the far corner helping a customer while the '53 Bowman binder was at the opposite end of the table. The thief held up some pages in the binder so I could not see what he was doing from where I was standing. I was unable to go over to him because I had a display case open and was showing high-end cards to a customer.

After the thief left, I was able to check the binder and saw that a bunch of cards were gone. I also looked for the thief and he was long gone. @#$%&!!! He got me. I probably lost $30 or so in cards. 

Thankfully, I had an excellent day selling cards and had a good time hanging with all the regulars, so I was able to put the theft out of my mind. I know I bought a bunch of stuff at the show but cannot remember exactly what I purchased.

Before the thief distracted me from taking notes, I jotted down a handful of sales. My main man Paul purchased some 1969-70 Topps hockey. A regular customer purchased a 1964 Topps Duke Snider and also pulled some cards from my Dollar Box.

Then there was this guy I have seen at all the Chicago-area card shows for years. He always asks me whether I have any 1970 Fleer World Series cards. In the past, I have always told him that I did not have any but he should keep checking with me. So, for the past two decades, he has diligently checked in with me to see whether I had any of those '70 Fleers. Well, just before this show, I finally put together a group of them and placed them in one of my odd-ball binders. I can't tell you how awesome it was to finally tell him I had the '70 Fleers. Oddly enough, he approached my table and didn't ask for the cards. Did he really give up after all these years? I stopped him and showed him the cards. In my head, I heard marching band music as I finally informed him that I obtained some of the cards and showed him the binder. He was pleased and purchased a bunch of them. Unlike most cards on my tables, I don't have a backstock of the '70 Fleers. I wonder if he will keep asking me for them? I do not know when I will obtain any more of them. They are not particularly valuable but you just don't see them at shows. I could probably find them online but I do very little online shopping. I find it too time consuming and frustrating. Most of my buying is done at shows with dealers and customers bringing me cards to purchase. At least I finally had the cards for this collector!

On a completely different note, I am saddened to report the passing of some amazing Midwest dealers. Indianapolis vintage dealer Wayne Johnson died on December 19, 2018. I first observed the mentioning of Wayne's death on Net54, a day or two after he died. I did not believe the report because I just saw Wayne in November at the Sun-Times show and we had a nice conversation about 1966 Topps baseball high numbers. As the days went on, I saw more and more chatter online of Wayne's death. Sadly, it was true.

I have known Wayne for a long time. Along with the Sun-Times show. I regularly ran into him at other shows in Indiana, Ohio, and the Pittsburgh show. He was always a warm and friendly face behind a phenomenal display of vintage cards. Wayne was one of those dealers that only has high-grade cards on his tables. His set up was always beautiful.

Some years ago, I oftened trucked down to Indianapolis for the monthly show at the La Quinta Inn. Wayne always had the back tables in the room. Many times I was fortunate enough to be set up next to him and really enjoyed his company. He was extremely intelligent and an incredibly knowledgeable sports card dealer. His stock was superior to anyone else at that La Quinta show. I was impressed that he even bothered to set up there. I am sure there were many shows where he did not make much in sales because it is tough to sell high-end expensive cards at small shows. But I learned that he didn't set up at that show to make money. Instead, he was there to support the young promoter which I thought was incredibly cool. They don't make too many like Wayne Johnson. My sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends.

Once again I learned of the passing of another dealer on Net54. Paul Fusco died on January 6, 2019. We had been emailing each other in December regarding the show he promotes -- the Ohio Sports Collectors Convention. Again, I was shocked to learn of his passing. Paul was so full of life and a character to boot. I always saw him at the National and at his show in Strongsville, Ohio, where I have been setting up these past few years. When I first asked for dealer space at his Strongsville show, he responded that I had to prove to him that I was a vintage dealer. He hated modern cards and his Strongsville show is vintage only.

Thanks to this website, it was fairly simple to show him that I am a vintage dealer. Like Paul, I do not have any interest in modern cards. Next to the National, Paul's show is the best one around. It is just so awesome to be in a large room filled with vintage cards and memorabilia.

When I would see Paul at the National, he was soft spoken and mellow. Very friendly. At his Strongsville show, he was very animated. He would inspect all the dealer tables to see if anyone was displaying modern cards. If he viewed modern cards on a table, he would demand that the dealer remove them. I found it so entertaining. One time, after I watched him berate a dealer to having modern cards on his table, he come over to me and stated that he hated modern cards and called them a "cancer." I loved it, he was a show within the show. 

Man, I am going to miss Paul Fusco. He treated me so well and I absolutely loved his Strongsville show. My condolences to his family and many, many friends.

Shows just are not going to be the same without Wayne and Paul. The passing of these guys has left a huge void in the hobby. I was lucky to have known them.

I just learned, again on Net54, that the man I consider as the grandfather of card shows in the Chicago area, Bruce Paynter, died on January 20, 2019. I am so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Any time I hear the name Bruce Paynter, I am pulled back into my childhood. A flood of great memories, some of which I'll share here.

My golden era of collecting was from 1975 to 1980, about age 8 through 14. When I was a lad, I discovered baseball cards in an aisle at the pharmacy blocks from my house. In those days, most neighborhoods in the Chicago area had a pharmacy before places like Walgreens moved in and put them out of business. The pharmacy in my neighborhood was an awesome place. Seems like as soon as I could walk, I would walk the few blocks from my house and purchase bags of candy. Eventually I started buying Wacky Packages and other decals that came with sticks of gum. 

It was in 1975 that I bought my first pack of baseball cards. The wax pack cost 15 cents. I spent a ton of time in the candy aisle of the pharmacy that summer of 1975. I remember that I constantly pestered my mother for 15 cents.

This was also pre-strip mall days. The pharmacy was a stand alone building. On one side was a gas station on the other side was a house. Next to the house was a place called Convenient Food Mart. The Convenient was a mini-general store. We didn't have a grocery store in my neighborhood and my mother often dragged me to the Convenient to pick up this or that. Well, that summer of '75, I discovered that the Convenient sold cello packs and rack packs, which were not available in the pharmacy. The cello packs cost a quarter while the rack packs were 50 cents. 

I was amazed at the cello packs because they contained more cards than the wax packs and you could see the top and bottom card. Naturally, I searched for Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson and local heroes Dick Allen and Bill Madlock. The problem was that the Convenient was run by this mean old couple. Any time I picked up a cello pack or started looking over a rack pack, they screamed bloody murder. If I was there by myself, they would kick me out of the store. When I was with my mother, I could hand her a pack while they screamed at me. So I wasn't ever really able to search the packs like I wanted.

I blame that crochety old couple for my inability to obtain a Jim Willoughby card in 1975. I also seemed to pull hundreds of Larry Christainson minis. I hated pulling minis. I wanted the regular size cards to complete my set. Oh, and there are always some know-it-alls at the card shows who tell me minis were not available in Chicago in 1975. What? I pulled tons of them. Yes they were here in Chicago!

Another great thing about collecting cards in 1975 was that every freakin' kid in the neighborhood and every freakin' kid in school collected cards. So there was a lot of trading going on. Nobody had Jim Willoughby!!!

I think it was in 1978 that I discovered Sports Collectors Digest which at the time was absolutely amazing. It must have been 100 -pages thick back then. I think it was in SCD where I learned about the Chicago Sports Collectors Association. Though, my memory is a little hazy. I may have learned about CSCA from my friend Chuck's dad, who was a sports card dealer.

As an aside, Chuck's dad Jeff was a complete dick. He held several garage sales in the summer where he just sold cards. I bought tons of cards from him. In the summer of 1980, I was about 12 cards away from completing the set. I purchased tons of cards that summer but there were those 12 that alluded me. I went over the Chuck's house to see of Jeff had the 12 cards. He took me down into his basement where there were hundreds of thousands of cards all boxed and shelved. It took him an hour or so to find the 12 cards to complete my set. The whole time he bitched at me and told me to never do this again. First of all, I was 14, he was a grown man and a sports card dealer! Why wouldn't I ask him for the cards? Well, I never purchased any cards from Jeff after that.

Now it may have been Jeff who hooked me up with the CSCA because he was a dealer at the three shows Bruce Paynter and his CSCA put on every year in the late 1970's. I just can't remember.

Anyway, I joined the CSCA in either 1978 or 1979. Bruce Paynter was the president. He sent me an ID card showing that I was a member. I also received regular news letters from him.

Getting to those three yearly CSCA shows held at the Hillside Holiday Inn was difficult because I was too young to drive and my pops thought spending money on baseball cards was a waste. So I had to beg and beg to be driven to Bruce Paynter's shows. Often my dad would drop me off in the morning, go to work, come back and get me at the end of the show. Sometimes he stayed with me at the show which sucked for me because he didn't want to stick around. After he would make me leave, he took me to work with him at his office in Downtown Chicago where I would be stuck until the evening. I would sit in a room and just stare at the cards I purchased for hours.

But those days that he dropped me off were some of the best I can remember. It seemed like a lot of parents dropped off their kids at the shows and left us there all day long. I made a ton of new friends at Bruce Paynter's shows. Kids that lived in different suburbs and went to different schools. We would meet up at each of Bruce's shows and trade amongst ourselves. Some guys sold stuff. I remember one kid had a box of cards signed by Joe DiMaggio. He wanted just 10 bucks for one. I forked over 10 bucks when I only had 20 to spend for the day. I remember regretting spending the 10 bucks on the DiMaggio autograph. The more I thought about it, I wondered how this kid had a box full of DiMaggio autographs. He told me DiMaggio was a family friend. I felt like I had been duped. It was not until recently that I learned that the DiMaggio autograph was real! I finally had it authenticated at one of the Nationals a few years back. I wish I could find that kid again!

Anyway, being a member of the CSCA and going to those Hillside Holiday Inn shows fostered my love of vintage cards that 40-some years later still rings true. I really owe it to Bruce Paynter and am so sad to learn of his passing. RIP.

On a lighter note, my first show at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, in Oak Creek, WI, is slated from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 2. 2019. I have had a tremendous response from dealers thus far with 22 planning on setting up. This may be the most dealers I have ever had and we are still two weeks away... more may sign up. I am stoked for this show!! I'll try and post another blog sooner than later. Cheers!