October 4, 2020, Hyatt Woodfield, Schaumburg, IL

Back in August, my pals Donny and Lou told me they were setting up at the Hyatt Woodfield show and encouraged me to attend. On the morning of the August show, I just couldn't get out of bed. With the diabetes, I have a lot of sleep issues. After the show, Donny told me how he sold Junior a bunch of Hank Aaron cards really cheap -- that was all I needed to hear, not even diabetes could stop me from attending the September show.

I still had a tough time waking up for the September show and got there close to noon. Thankfully, all the dealers were still set up. I was impressed that all the dealers and customers were wearing masks. I was also impressed that all the dealer tables were spread out between two rooms and a hallway, all socially distanced.

It was so great to see Donny, Lou, Tom, Dell, Skip, Karl, Cigar and the host of other people I knew at the show. I love these guys and had missed them while isolating the past six months.

I ended up buying a box of 1957 Topps baseball from Tom and a box of 1960's Cubs and Sox from Eric. Tom introduced me to the promoter Joe and I booked two tables for the October show, not knowing the Salvation Army was about to allow my show to start up again.

I was concerned about booking tables at this show being a vintage dealer. I had never been to the show before September, thinking it was just a modern-card show. I really struggled with what to bring.

Then, when the Salvation Army called, I was stuck doing two shows that weekend. In my younger days, two shows were not a problem, but as I've aged, lost my hair, sport a beer belly and suffer from diabetes, two shows in one weekend is very difficult for me to handle. However, there has to be some honor amongst dealers. I booked the show and it is my responsibility to attend! And attend I did!!

I was placed in the first room with Tom, Lou and Donny. After posting a blog that I was going to bring out my vintage baseball mitts, cheapy boxes and smattering of display cases, which I brought out to Oak Creek, the day before, I called an audible and decided to bring out six display cases, because I knew from experience that six would fit on two 6-foot tables. I could have done eight if I placed the cases on their side but it is difficult to deal with that type of set up. So I opted for an easy set up with just six display cases and nothing else. As most of you know, I have 70 or 80 binders stuffed with vintage cards on top of 15 display cases filled with stuff when I am at my max display.

I am amazed at how many people read this blog. I had a bunch of guys ask about my 1954 Bowman set that I started in March and have been blogging about. Then a bunch of guys at the Hyatt show called me out for not bringing out the cheapy boxes and the mitts. You know, sometimes when I write these blogs, it is just me talking to myself and I forget that thousands of folks all over the country are reading these musings. I have to be more careful!

And wow! My blog followers showed up for me at the Hyatt show. I am so thankful that so many guys came out to the show just to see me!! You guys rule!! Prior to the show, I felt I would be lucky to make table fee but I had table fee and more after the first hour of the show. Then the sales kept coming. Thank you guys!! I had a tremendous show. I booked tables for the November 1 show. Now what to bring out November 1st? I'm thinking binders but don't hold me to it, I may change my mind!!

​I can't believe I've never set up at this show! I am looking forward to the November 1st show.

October 3, 2020, Salvation Army, Oak Creek, WI

I never expected such a long lay off with my last show being March 7, 2020. Seven months later with a lot of planning and a lot of work, I was able to make it happen with a lot of help from the kind folks at the Salvation Army.

COVID has made this the craziest of times, not to mention all the other events occurring in the U.S., making this not only the craziest of times but also the most trying of times. I really want to get back to some sort of normalcy. In July, I started bothering the Salvation Army and was told they would not allow the show to occur in August and September.

Just when I was ready to give up on 2020, I was contacted by the Salvation Army in early September and told that they had an administrative meeting about the show, they came up with a plan and I could hold the October show. Woot! They had the whole thing mapped and charted out. I was impressed. Their plan called for one entrance to the gym and a separate exit. They also decided on one-way traffic through three rooms, with dealer tables separated by at least six feet. Everyone had to wear a mask. Hand sanitizing stations would be placed throughout the show.

I quickly agreed and set about the momentous task of determining the dealers for the show. I had been in sporadic contact with my regular dealers over the past seven months and had received a lot of inquiries from new dealers. I decided to start with all the dealers that confirmed for the April show, which was cancelled. I found that I did not have contact information for everyone and did my best to get in touch with as many as I could. If I never contacted you and you would like to set up at the November 7 show, send me an email at abrandongordon@hotmail.com. 

Several guys expressed a concern for COVID and did not want to set up, decisions I totally respect. I think it is a wise move for anyone with pre-existing conditions that would make them susceptible to COVID to stay away. For me, I am pretty sure I had COVID back in March but was unable to get tested at that time. As you may recall, tests were not widely available back in March. It took months for tests to be available for the general public at large. I am hopeful that I have some sort of immunity but I am also confident in the restrictions in place. I really don't see a big difference between going to a show and going to a grocery store. 

As for my mental health, I really needed to attend a show. Actually not only just my mental health but I needed to attend a show for my soul. I can't deal with being cooped up for so long!!

I had to really put the pedal to the medal to get this thing together. I had to contact 40 guys that booked for April than another 25 or so more that had asked for tables. It was crazy. Guys would commit one day than drop out the next. I had all of these back and forth phone calls, texts, emails and Facebook messages. Ugh! On top of it, I'm extremely busy at work. I almost lost it when a bunch of guys cancelled at the last minute and I had to contact a bunch of people on my waiting list the night before the show when I was burnt out from a rough day at work. This affair did not help my diabetes.

Then I had to deal with endless phone calls, texts, emails and Facebook messages from folks that wanted to attend the show but had all sorts of questions. There is one question that I regularly receive and I really hate to answer: Are any of the grading companies going to be grading cards at the show? NOOOO!! The grading companies have never, ever, never, ever, been to Wisconsin. I don't ever foresee them coming to Wisconsin in the future. You have to contact them and submit your cards, through the mail, directly to them in California, Texas or Florida. They aren't in Wisconsin! Unless Joe Orlando gets wind of our amazing Sloppy Joe, he is not coming to the Salvation Army in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

I totally understand folks that contacted me to confirm the show and don't mind those inquiries. It is the stupid questions that drive me nuts. How many dealers? How many tables? Do they have toilets in the building? Can I bring my dozens of 1988 Topps sets and try to sell them to the dealers?

I am just one person and I can't answer all these questions. I try my best but I can't get back to everybody. Just come out to the show and see it for yourself! This is a tremendous show with tremendous dealers. If you collect cards and sports memorabilia, you are missing out by not attending this show. I am in awe at how the show has grown and increased in quality. We had some dealers on October 3 with inventories that rival any dealer at the National. Did you guys see Tommy Larsen's table? Oh my! I think he had 15 Gehrigs, 30 Cobbs, five or six Ruths, Christy Mathewson, Shoeless Joe -- Amazing!!

Amazing cards aside, if you have never run a card show, or run one with 40-plus dealers, you have no idea what a cluster@$%# it is to do. The worst part is the no-shows. I had two no-shows on the day of the show which drives me absolutely nuts because once someone commits to setting up, I expect them to set up. I also turn dozens of people away each show because I don't have enough dealer space for everybody. It just sucks that someone who wants to set up can't because some jerkoff reserved a table then doesn't even bother to show up. 

I might have to start making every dealer sign a contract, pay in advance then file a lawsuit against these people that don't show up. It is just not right. These folks need to take an iota of responsibility and call me if they can't make it. Give me a chance to fill the space. Don't blow off the show if you registered to set up!

I apologize to all the guys that wanted to set up but could not get a table because I thought I was sold out. I wish I could have everyone set up who would like to but I just don't have the space... especially now that we are social distancing all the dealers. I thought about moving the show to a larger venue but then I would have to double or triple table fee and most importantly I would lose the best partners in the world -- the Salvation Army. I can't say enough about Mark and everyone at the Sal. They really went the extra mile. They had to set up three rooms, place arrows on the walls and the floor, and make sure everyone wore a mask.

For the most part, the crowd was pretty good at keeping their masks on. I had a few complaints from dealers and customers who observed other dealers and customers not wearing their masks. I asked a couple of guys to put their masks on. They said they could not breath with the mask. I get it, I have trouble breathing with it on as well but I find that the longer I wear it, the easier it is to breath. 

Then there was one dealer that was militant about not wearing his mask. I told him before the show that he had to wear a mask and he did not protest. I then put a list of rules on every dealer table, including the one about everybody wearing a mask. He was fully informed that he was required to wear a mask. Why be a dick and not wear one?

Here is my main issue with the guys who won't wear a mask at the show -- the Salvation Army will shut down the show if everybody is not mask compliant. I, for one, want the show to continue every month. I think it would just suck if the Salvation Army shuts it down because one or two guys are absolute jerk-offs. Don't set up and don't attend if you have a problem wearing a mask!

Also, attendees who observe folks not wearing a mask, please ask them kindly to put on their mask. Making your complaints to me requires me to leave by tables to enforce the mask rule. I would prefer to be able to stay at my tables during the show.

More about masks. I don't care about the politics regarding masks. I just want to have the show! So wear your freaking masks so we can have the show!!! My card show is not the place to protest the mask edict. Do it somewhere else!!

Despite that one jerkoff, I had a really great day. Turn out was tremendous. It was so great to see everybody after such a long lay off. A few guys brought some cards over to my tables to sell. I bought a bunch of hockey with several Bobby Orr cards.

My sales were much better than expected. I had paired down my set up because I only had two 6-foot tables. Plus, I had some cards stolen at the March show so I did not want to leave anything high-dollar out on my tables as I can't man them the whole show. Little "fires" erupt during the show and I have to leave my tables to put them out. I also have to collect table fee from all 40 dealers and keeps me away from my tables for part of the show.

As a result, I kind of had a junky set up while the show was filled with some superstar dealers. Did you guys see all the Mantles in Mike Slinkman's case? Wow! You modern dealers and collectors are going to have to tell me the cool stuff on the modern tables. I have no knowledge about that stuff other than what I have read about concerning exploding prices for modern cards.

As far as vintage goes, this was by far the best vintage show I have had since I started the show in September of 2014. If I wasn't so busy, I probably would have dropped some serious coin.

So everyone who attended had to enter through the west door, go into the gym, into the back meeting room, then into the chapel. While I wanted to give myself the best tables in the house, the ones facing the entrance, I thought the right thing to do was to take the tables closest to the exit. I observed that it took awhile for folks to venture through the gym, meeting room and into the chapel where I was set up. We had some amazing stuff in the chapel and it filled up by late morning.

I brought out my cheapy boxes and they saw quite a bit of action. I brought out three display cases and sold quite a few cards. I have 15 display cases total and can fill them all up with cards, so three was a huge reduction for me. I did not have a whole lot of room for binders and just put out my 1970's binders for baseball. Surprisingly, the binders saw a lot of action. I also brought out a few sets and Bruce was kind enough to purchase my 1976 Topps baseball set. Thanks Bruce!

I was surprised I was even able to set up. I initially gave my tables away to another dealer who ended up cancelling at the last minute. I'd be surprised if there are extra tables for me at the November show. If there are, I don't know what to bring out. As I said, I suffered a theft at the March show. Someone took out all the Milwaukee Braves from my 1962 Topps baseball binder and did not pay for them. It was only around 30 bucks, but still, the fact someone would steal from me, really dims my enthusiasm for setting up when I can't be there to watch for thieves. There are some kind folks who have offered to watch my tables for me but I really need an experienced dealer who has an eagle-eye for thieves. It is amazing how bold some of these thieves are.

Another bummer about the show was no Sloppy Joe. The folks at the Sal felt with COVID, they shouldn't serve anything other than bags of chips and soda. I understand but was really hopeful that I'd get a few Sloppy Joes.

I stopped off at some place called the Charcoal Grill after the show on Howell. Decent place. I had a Rueben which was pretty good. I was also able to watch some college football on a big screen.

I did not get home until 5:15 p.m. It was a long day. I know I complain. I like to complain. I think I am very skilled at complaining. But despite my complaints, I had a great day and am looking forward to the November 7th show. Since I was stuck in the chapel for most of the show (is someone trying to tell me something?), I would love to hear your stories about the show. Most every dealer reported excellent sales. What did you guys do or see at the show? Let me know!

Pictured above is new dealer Maria Kuhn at the October 3, 2020, Salvation Army show. Maria's table was located in the Chapel, one of three large rooms with dealers at the show.

Wow!!! I am overwhelmed by the interest for the October 3 show, set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, in Oak Creek, WI. I have been overrun with phone calls, texts and Facebook messages. I am slowly trying to get back to everybody. Please be patient, I am just one person and I have a business to run on top of the show. Did I say I was overwhelmed?

So I am doing my best to get back to everybody but as we get closer to the show, I probably won't have time to deal with all these phone messages. Sorry!

A little more info about the show. Entrance will be on the west side of the building, next to the playground. There will be one-way traffic through the show, starting through the gym then into the back room and out and up through the hallway to the front doors which will serve as an exit only. Everyone must wear a mask! Dealers will be set up in the gym, back room and hallway.

Dealers!! Your booths will be set up six-feet apart from one another. That space must be left bare. No card tables! All dealers must wear a mask.

I am not doing my usual pack giveaway. I'm going to wait until COVID ends before I have folks digging through boxes again. 

I really appreciate the response and interest in the show. I am still ironing out the dealer line up. Looks like dealer tables are sold out. I wish I had a staff to respond to everybody but it is just me. So please don't get angry if I don't respond to your inquiry, I just can't get to everybody. See you at the show! Tony

I just received word from the Salvation Army that they are going to allow the October 3rd card show, with restrictions. The show is going to be held in multiple rooms with dealer tables social distanced. I may have to limit dealer space to two tables and I am going to have to do away with table fee discounts to make sure I have enough funds to pay for the event. Everyone who attends the show must wear a mask. You can't enter without a mask and you will be asked to leave if you remove your mask while in the building.

Dealers interested in setting up, please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks! Tony

 I think it has been about seven months since I last attended a card show. Well, Lou and Don have been urging me to attend the show at the Hyatt Hotel in Woodfield, Illinois. So this past Sunday, September 6, 2020, I dragged myself out of bed and ventured out to the show. 

Now this show has been going on for years at several different locations. Most people remember it as the Rolling Meadows show that was held for decades at the Holiday Inn, which is currently being torn down. I think the show moved to the Hyatt about a year ago. 

The Hyatt is snazzy. I made sure to wear my mask and observed that everyone at the show, both customers and dealers, were all wearing mask. I saw one guy wearing gloves. The show was spread out between two rooms and a large hallway. All the dealer tables were social distanced apart.

I was impressed with both the number of dealers and customers. It was also great to catch up with everybody. Lou and Don had the first tables in the first room. It was great to see those guys. Next to Lou and Don on one side was Eric Unglaub and on the other side was Jeff P. Across the way was vintage Tom. There was one other dealer in the room who I did not know, he was selling reprint pre-War. It was nice to see everyone in that room after such a long lay off. I purchased some cards from Tom and Eric.

In the hallway, Del had the space to himself. It is always great to see Del, whom I've known forever. In the second room, which is much larger than the first room, there were a dozen or so dealers. I only knew a handful of them like the Zeigerts, Karl, Skip, and Nick. It was great to catch up with everybody.

Everybody seems to be waiting for my show, Gonzaga and Orland to return to action. Well, it does not look like these shows are returning any time soon. Jeff was saying there is a limit to 50 people in a room in Illinois. We agreed that there is no way to keep Orland at just 50 people in the room.

There was some chatter about some other shows. Some had set up at the last Schererville show in Indiana over the summer and said it was tremendous and they are waiting for the promoter to announce another one. I saw that one listed and I just wasn't ready to brave the pandemic yet to go to a show.

Others mentioned the Madison show with mixed results. I used to set up at that show regularly and it was always hit or miss. The promoter Darin is a great guy and if you are near Madison, I recommend that show. I thought about going but Madison is more than a two-hour drive for me. I just don't have the patience to sit in the car that long.

I know there is a show this coming weekend at the Cherry Vale Mall in Rockford, Illinois. That show is also a long drive for me. I probably won't go. Then there is a show coming up in Woodstock that a lot of people were talking about. I need to check with the promoter to see if there are tables.

A few mentioned a show in New Berlin, Wisconsin, but this show seems to be geared toward bobble collectors. There just isn't much happening right now between the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor. I have mentioned the flea market at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wisconsin. I haven't made it out there yet. Maybe I'll check it out next weekend.

Boy it sure was fun going to that show at the Hyatt. There was not a whole lot of vintage there but I did manage to buy some stuff. The Hyatt show is well-known as a modern show -- which is why I blindly reserved two tables for the October 4th show. I don't expect a whole lot of sales but I will enjoy the company and just being at a card show, any show!

I don't plan to bring my usual set up on October 4 because I did not see a whole lot of vintage buyers. There seemed to be a lot of dime boxes at this show so I'll bring out my vintage cheapy boxes. I have been growing my vintage baseball glove collection these past few years and would like to bring out some gloves. 

Other than Don's cool WHA programs, I did not see a whole lot of publications at the Hyatt show, so I'm thinking about bringing out a couple boxes of publications. I have a smattering of modern cards I need to dig out. It will freak people out seeing that stuff on my table but I need to make some sales!

I will bring out three display cases and have a limited display of vintage stars. I just don't want to bring out the regular stuff because I don't think it will sell. I think I'll bring out some vintage lots. I also have some 1990's lots and sets that I may bring out. With the tables being just 6-footers, I don't think I'll have space for much else.

I don't expect there to be any vintage set builders at the show. If you are a vintage set builder and are planning to attend, shoot me a line and let me know what years you want me to bring out.

It will be a weird show and I'll have a weird set up because this is a modern show. I think I only saw two vintage dealers when I was at the show last weekend. Traditionally, this show only gets one or two vintage dealers, unlike other shows where vintage dealers are plentiful.

Some guys relish being the only vintage dealer in the room. I do not. I always like there to be many vintage dealers because with more vintage dealers you get more vintage collectors/customers. Looking around the rooms on Sunday, I only saw two guys tops who have purchased vintage cards from me in the past. 

I am going to bring some money to spend, so if you are selling vintage (1969 and older), stop by my tables!!

​I am looking forward to setting up at the show. It has been way too long!!

May 15, 2020

Today the search is for Mickey Mantle. I have attempted to filter out reprints but of course all sorts of reprints show up. There are 69 cards. I am going to see if I specify the year 1954 whether more reprints are filtered out. Yes, that brought it down to 27 cards but I still see some reprints. Ugh!

I love the guys who sell "novelty" cards. It seems like a novelty card is just a reprint made to look real. I am not a fan. Anyway, only one of the 27 cards posted today is not fake or overpriced. The card is a PSA 2.5 auction. It had one bid for $15 and ends in six days. I am going to throw down $200. I'm high bidder at $15.50. Based on my observation over the past month or so, this card will probably end up going for $400-plus. The card is way off-center and probably creased. I'm not going above $200. I'll wait for another one.

I think I will try Willie Mays. Initially 92 cards pop up but I need to filter out the reprints. That brings it down to 64 but I still see reprints. I have now specified the year 1954. Forty-eight cards. I am tempted to bid on one for $150. It is way off center but seller says no creases. There is a lot of surface wear, however, and I will pass.

Okay, like Mantle, prices for the Mays are all over the board. There are a bunch of them at $150 with dings, some scuffing but no creases. The problem with these cards is that they are all horribly off-center, so I am going to hold off.

June 8, 2020

Well, that Mantle PSA 2.5 where I bid $200, ended at $500. I have been checking eBay, here and there, for the cards I need. No luck. I also took Chris's advice and checked Sportslots. I was impressed with the way Sportslots had all the cards from 1954 Bowman organized and found it easy to navigate. Unfortunately, I did not have any luck with the cards I need. 

I also checked some major auctions. I believe it was Huggins and Scott that had a low grade 1953 Bowman Mantle and a low grade 1954 Bowman Mantle in one lot. When I factored in the buyer's premium, shipping and sales tax, the price was too high. Another auction house had a complete set that was only at $800 with a few hours to go. I thought about it but I just want four cards, not the whole set. Though, I'm starting to think that it may be cheaper to buy a complete set then to purchase the final four cards I need as singles.

Today, I will give eBay another try. I need Mantle, Berra, Mays and Hodges. I'll check Mantle first. After applying six filters, I got it down to 31 cards but there clearly are some reprints in there. Prices are all over the board. A seller from Milwaukee has an auction for an SGC 3.5. Current price is $425.  Probstein sold one at auction for $461 in March. I'll throw down $430... and just like that I am high bidder. I'm going to sit at $430 and not go any higher.

I see a nice-looking raw Mays for auction, currently at $51 with a day to go. Unfortunately, the seller does not state whether the card is creased, he says to check the scan which is so lame! The back has some lines that may be creases so I'm going to hold off. All the others are over-priced. I would like to be around $150 for this card... not $800.

Greg Morris has one ending in six days. I'm not going to bother to bid on that one. The others up right now are either too low of a grade or priced too high. I would like to be around $100 for a Berra. Greg Morris also has a couple of Hodges up but he does not state whether they are creased or not. The statement of "Look at the Scan" does not cut it for me. How hard is it to state "crease" or "no crease"?

That's all for today. Let's see if I win that Mantle! 

June 12, 2020

Holy Smokes! That SGC 3.5 Mantle from the other day where I bid $430 and figured it would sell between $450 and $500, actually sold for $988! There is a PSA 3.5 currently up with high bid around $500 with two days to go. I'm feeling a little bit too defeated to even place a bid. 

I think I will focus on the other cards I need. I checked Sirius Sports Auctions yesterday. He had a few '54 Bowmans up but none that I need. I saw on eBay that he has a raw Hodges in a BIN at $29.25. The card looks nice, just some centering issues and a wax stain. I would like to buy it but Sirus does one of those charts explaining his grades and states that this card is VG-EX which may have a slight crease. 

I see a seller has the same freakin' Hodges card up twice at two different prices. Gotta love eBay. Greg Morris has one up for auction at $4.25 with two days to go. The only description for the card states: The card in the scan is the card you will receive. As I have said previously, I hate this statement. I can't tell from the scan if the card has flaws. It looks like it may but I really can't tell. I just can't bid on these cards.

I decided to go back and place $460 on that Mantle. I'm high bidder! Woot!

Next up, Yogi Berra. I'm not even going to look at the Greg Morris listings. So does SMR price mean anything? The graded Yogis are well-above SMR. All the raw cards are creased and sellers are looking for 50 bucks for a creased Yogi. Not!

Lastly, Willie Mays. Again, everything is way over-priced. Lastly, I'm left wondering what that Mantle will end up at.

June 16, 2020

Oh my! Finding the last four cards I need at a decent price and in decent condition may be impossible!

That PSA 3.5 Mantle, the one where I placed a bid of $460, ended at $685, not nearly as high as the SGC 3.5 that went for $988 the previous week. Okay, today, I see a batshite ugly Mantle for $63 with eight hours to go. I'm going to throw down $75. Immediately outbid at $76. This card is sooo phugly that I can't bid any higher. Oh, I see that I am not the only one following Mantle prices. It seems like all the sellers upped their prices. Pass.

I just checked the Willie Mays cards up on eBay and I don't like anything I see there. I see a Berra that does not look too bad for $100. Seller says no crease but there seems to be quite a bit of surface wear. Pass. No other Berra's are worthy of a bid or BIN.

As for Hodges, I see one on first glance that looks good. Second glance shows writing on the back. There are no other Hodges worthy of a bid or BIN. The search continues....

June 26, 2020

The phugly Mantle sold for $174.50. I can't drop that much money on such a phugly card in good conscience.

"Phugly" seems to be the theme lately. Probstein currently has two extremely phugly Mantles up for auction. I am going to guess they will end between $175 and $250. Again, I can't pay that much for a phugly card in good conscience.

I see a Mantle that looks okay in the scan but there are a lot of red flags. First off, the card is scanned while in a toploader, so it may have creases but it is hard to tell for sure when the card is covered in a toploader. The toploader itself is scratched up. Secondly, the seller has about 380 feedback. I am not a fan of low feedback. Lastly, seller states he knows nothing about cards and purchased a storage locker where he found the card. I've seen this statement before and find it troubling. I am going to pass.

Greg Morris has one up for auction with seven days to go. He states the card is low grade and it is already up to $240. Pass. Now I see a whole bunch of phugly Mantles all priced way too high. Sheesh! The nicer Mantles are priced through the roof.

Let's see what's out there for Willie Mays. May not, all priced too high. Berra? Oh, I see Kit Young has one up. I haven't bought anything from Kit Young in a long time. Kit Young is one of the few dealers that has been around since I first started collecting vintage cards in the 1970's. Unfortunately, he is one of those eBay dealers that has the grading chart. The Berra is listed VG-EX which according to the chart may have a slight crease. Pass. All the others I see are overpriced or at least priced higher than I am willing to pay.

Now for Hodges. Man, all priced too high. Another day of no bids. I am just not going to overpay for these cards. 

July 6, 2020

The Pandemic Set Build is now going into July. I did not think it would take so long when I began this thing some four months ago. I am down to just four cards: Mantle, Berra, Mays, and Hodges. I have watched the Mantle prices jump these past four months. Originally, I wanted to pay around $400 for a card with no creases but some corner and edge wear. These cards appear to be going between $600 and $1,000. 

The first Mantle I see is clearly fake but being auctioned as an original. The wear is obviously face and the back has that red-yellow tint that I see on all the fakes. The card is at $170 with three days in the auction to go. Somebody is going to get burned.

Creased up Mantles are going between $300 and $500. I can't pay that for a creased card. The Battersbox has one that looks VG for $587 BIN. They rate it VGEX. I can't tell from the scan if it is creased and they don't mention it in the description. They do the lame chart. So according to their chart, a VGEX description could have a slight crease. Pass. Would have bought it if they said "No Crease" in the description. Why is that so hard to say? Just say "crease" or "no crease." Come on vintage card sellers, stop being so lame!

An outfit out of Dayton, OH, has one up for auction for $600, no bids, three days to go. The condition is exactly what I am looking for. It has some corner wear and is slightly off-center. They even say "no creases." However, the price is about $200 more than I would like to pay. Though, the reality of the situation appears to be that $600 is now the going rate for this card in this condition. I am going to suck it up and throw down $600. Oooh, that kind of hurt.

Next up Mays. Like the Mantle, I'm looking for a card with no creases. I'm okay with corner, edge wear and centering issues. The seller from Dayton has one creased for $160. I'd like to be at $150 with no creases. No luck today. I may have to adjust my numbers for the Mays as well.

Let's see about Berra. I'd like to be between $50 and $100 on the Berra for one with no creases and corner/edge wear and possibly centering issues. No luck today. All the cards under $100 are creased. Again, I may have to suck it up and go up to $150.

Hodges? COMC has one for just 18 bucks BIN but they don't say whether it is creased or not and I can't tell from the scan. It almost looks like someone drew in the card number in pen on the back. Pass.

May favorite seller Dean's has one with two pieces of tape on the front for $22. Seems like all the other BINs have been there for a while. I'd like to be between $25 and $50 for a no-crease card. None up today.

The only thing to do now is to wait three days and see if I won that Mantle for $600. 

September 1, 2020

Sorry I have not blogged for awhile. Work has been crazy busy. Also, without shows, I sort of lost my motivation. I am back now. Spark has been relit. I have been searching eBay for the cards I need but have not had any luck. I lose every card. I have even placed some bids with private auction houses and lost those as well.

I am encouraged that my friend Andy found a '54 Bowman Mantle for his set on eBay. Let's give it a try today:

Right off the bat I see a fake listed as an original.

I was first tipped off by the perfect centering. It is pretty tough to find a perfectly centered original '54 Bowman. Next tip is the grainy texture. Original '54 Bowmans have a smooth texture. I have also seen a lot of fake vintage cards with the shellac-like back, another tip off. The seller has it listed at $600 BIN, hopefully nobody gets duped. Ebay is so disappointing. There are so many fakes and so many rip-off artists on there.

All the other Mantles I see today are overpriced. Ugh! As for Mays, all the ones I see are either terribly miscut or overpriced. Ugh, again. I found a Berra PSA 4 at $54 with a day to go. I threw down $60 and am high bidder. I won't get my hopes up, though. Maybe I was too quick to bid on that card because I just found a PSA 4 for $80 BIN (plus $5 sales tax) from a seller I think I know. I purchased the PSA 4 from I think, Big Tim, who reads this blog. Tim! I also need a Mantle and a Mays. What do you have?

The purchase was made easier when viewing endless PSA 2s listed at $80. Tim is reasonable. Thanks Tim!

Well, down to just two cards!!! Will I ever get the Mantle and the Mays?

Anyway, it is good to be back. Still no shows to speak of. Today is September 1 and I have not set up at a show since March. I wish that Covid vaccine would be out already!! Anyway, I'll try to blog again soon.

I was just informed by the Salvation Army that my September 5 show is cancelled as well as the August 1 show at the Sal in Oak Creek, WI. I get it but doesn't mean I like it! I'm dying here!!! I need a show!!!

It has now been five months since I set up at a show. Where is that Covid Vaccine?!!

I do have to say, I may have trouble waking up early once the shows resume. I have been enjoying sleeping in every weekend. I have also been enjoying the extra time to load my binders. I was not aware at just how empty they were. When I'm in full show mode and setting up most every weekend, I usually bring out one reloaded binder to each show. It is that reloaded binder where I make all my sales. As a result, just about all my binders were empty before the world shut down for Covid.

After five months of no shows and time spent reloading, I have turned a corner and most of the binders are now filled to the brim with cards. I've just about reloaded all of my baseball binders, 1949 to 1981. I still have a lot of work to do with football, basketball and hockey but have been busy reloading those binders as well.

I have made some nice vintage card purchases during these past five months as well. One seller came to my house to sell me some cards. I met another at a Portillo's in Addison, Illinois. Several guys have stopped into my office in Palatine, Illinois, to sell me some cards and publications. Then I've purchased a bunch of stuff at online auctions. 

While I am very happy with these purchases, I still prefer to purchase cards at card shows and am waiting patiently for them to resume. I do not know yet whether the Salvation Army will allow the October 3 show to occur. I guess I can only hope.

Stay well everybody. We will get together again soon!!

Tony

I can't say how disappointed I am but the Salvation Army cancelled the August 1 show. I do not know yet whether they will allow the September show.

I am not angry with them. I get it. We are in the middle of a deadly pandemic and I had been wondering if running the August show would have been reckless and irresponsible. The lawyer in me is thinking of liability issues. But the card dealer/collector in me is so ready for a show!! It has been four months since I last set up at a show!!

I was planning to give out face masks at the show and have disinfectant stations throughout the room... which I think I will do if I can ever run the show again. I am wondering if I should just throw in the towel for 2020 and shoot for 2021 when, hopefully, we will have a Covid vaccine.

The flea market in Kenosha is open. I might just set up there. I'll let you know. Did I say I am disappointed? 

- Tony

Hey Guys:

I decided to cancel the June 6 show. I don't think we are out of the woods yet with this Covid virus. While Wisconsin does not appear to have it all that bad, the virus is rampant where I live in work in Illinois. A lot of people I know have had it and a few of their elderly parents have died. Many have lost their jobs. It is a sad state of affairs.

Right now the August 1 show is a go. I recommend that everyone wear a mask to the show. I will try and provide hand sanitizer.

Stay safe!

​Tony

May 5, 2020

Well, I did not get a chance to check out eBay yesterday but I am rearin' to go today. Recap:

I lost that autograph lot at $24.05. I am currently losing a PSA 7 Slaughter at $30. I am not going to up my bid.

Today I see a PSA 5 Slaughter for $40. Pass. I see a raw Slaughter with one bid at $6.50. Listing states EX+ and no creases. Surface is scuffed and corners are bad. This card is certainly not EX+. I would like one that is actually EX+. Probstein has a PSA 4 Mantle currently at $507.77.

I see a Mantle, perfectly centered with what appears to be fake corner wear. Natural corner wear has a frayed quality to it. Fake corner wear has a flattening effect, like someone pushed the corner down onto a table. Ahhh, the description states the card is a reprint. Why not say reprint in the headline?

Someone is selling a GMA 1 reprint Mantle for $1. The card is covered in mold. Why? Just why?

Well that is all for auction. Let's see what there is in BINs:

What is the deal with all the Mantle reprints today? Okay, I just filtered out reprints. Now I see a Hodges for $29.99. Seller says card is EX and he calls the card high grade. He is silent on creasing but to his credit provides some high resolution and close-up scans. There is some staining on the lower back edge. The back also seems to show a hairline crease, mid-way down, starting from the left edge and heading right about an inch or so. Pass.

Someone make Dean's and COMC go away! Ugh, how did a reprint Mays get in there? I just filtered out reprints!! Maybe if I hold my breath, I can get through the Dean's and COMC minefield quickly. I'm seeing a bunch of listings for 1954 Bowman Power For Peace Airforce non-sports cards. I wouldn't mind purchasing some of these but they are a little expensive for non-sports, anywhere from $3 to $10 per card.

I see an 8-lot with an Erskine and other minor stars for $80. Pass. There is a Slaughter for $35. Seller says EX with no creases. I see some wear and something that looks like a hairline crease on the back. Pass, though I am tempted. I'd be willing to drop $25, not $35.

I have seen Siriussports around forever and have bought some cards from him in the past. I am disappointed to see his listings featuring trimmed cards for $7 to $8 each. A little too high for trimmed cards. Wow! Another seller has a PSA 2 Williams for $800. Tempting. I see a PSA 3 Mays for $150. Too high. There is a Mantle 3.5 for $600. Too high.

I spoke too soon about a PSA 3 Mays for $150 being too high. Some dillweed has a PSA 2 up for $260. Okay, that is all for today. Another disappointing day. I need just six cards. I may have to start looking outside of eBay to complete the set.

May 7, 2020

I was really disappointed on May 5 when it seemed like all the listings on eBay were shoddy. Then I arrived home from work and had four or five packages waiting for me. Receiving the packages is the fun part. I received the Reynolds from 707. Free shipping means regular envelope and card in a top loader, no other protection. The Reynolds was dinged up which I found disappointing for a $12 card. Luckily, I won another Reynolds in a six-lot which was much nicer than the one I received from 707. I was able to upgrade a bunch of cards from that six lot. I received my Al Robertson complete with a big crease that I could not detect through the scan and the seller was silent as to creasing. Man, eBay sellers are flat out nasty! Can we have card shows yet?!!!

Anyway, my set is really shaping up and it is fun to flip through the binder. I received my Pesky PSA 6 and placed the seller's business card in the slot in the binder. I think I am going to try and obtain a raw Pesky. I don't really want to crack this one out of the slab. I'll just keep it until I can obtain a raw card.

I took a day off because I had already viewed all the cards ending yesterday. Let's see what is up today on FleeceBay:

Probstein's Mantle that I observed the other day ends tonight and is up to $568. Some outfit called Southernfriedcards with just 36 feedback has a waterlogged Mantle, clearly fake, with five bids at $34. Someone is getting scammed. In the description, the seller says he is selling it as a reprint but does not know for sure. Yeah right! I recommend avoiding that seller.

I see an eight-lot with an Erskine. I have had nice luck with upgrades from my small lot purchases. The eight-lot is starting at $15.50 and ends in two days. I am going to throw down $30. There is a Beckett 5 Mantle for $800. Pass. Now I see an absolutely trashed Bob Friend for 75 cents plus $4.05 shipping. See below. Who in their right mind would purchase this card? The bigger question may be, why even post this on eBay? I think I would throw that card in a quarter box for a card show.

That's about all for auctions. Now for BINs. Lot's of Mantle reprints. I love the guys who post upside down scans. I see a Hodges for $35. I may have seen this one already. Clearly a crease on the back scan. Pass. There is a Slaughter for 50 bucks. I can't drop 50 bucks on a Slaughter. I might be willing to do $30.

Someone is asking $1,650 for a PSA 6 Mantle. Pass. There are a ton of autograph listings in the BINs today. Oh there's the Dean's and COMC minefield. I just won't buy from these folks. Dean's is too high and COMC does not offer any description whatsoever and rarely includes a back scan.

I see a beat-up Yogi for $60. Pass. Here's another listing that just makes me wonder. See below. A trimmed Adcock for $2 plus 55-cents shipping. I wouldn't take that card if it was free. As a seller, I don't think I could ask more than a dime in good conscience.

The Battersbox has a chewed up Berra for $22.50. Pass. I am amazed at the many different types of reprint Mantles. Well, that was disappointing. Pretty much nothing in the BINs. Maybe I'll get some luck with that Erskine lot. I really don't think I am going to be able to complete this set on eBay.

May 14, 2020

Took some time off again. I received those five lots and was able to upgrade some cards. I think my best purchases have been the lots because the overall price per card is much cheaper than my single purchases and I have been able to use some of the cards as upgrades.

I won that 8-lot with Erskine from May 7. I am still waiting for it to arrive. I am down to just five cards and have started to do individual searches for these cards. It does not make sense to weed through all of the 1954 Bowman listings when I just need the five cards.

Let's see what I can find today. I am going to start with Slaughter. There are 114 cards up. I see one with a corner crease for just 8 bucks. Tempting but I want one without a crease. COMC has one that actually included a bunch of scans. They grade the card Poor to Fair. Pass.

I see one that looks like it has some paper loss on Enos's cheek. Pass. Most cards are low grade, high priced. Wow! I see a listing where the seller is either posing as Greg Morris or just flat out swiped his listing. Here is a link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-Bowman-Set-Break-62-Enos-Slaughter-VG-VGEX-GMCARDS/402089320659?hash=item5d9e6420d3:g:A5sAAOSwYA5eRLmQ. I don't know how long the link will be active but you gotta see it to believe it. Look in the heading where it clearly states "GMCARDS." This guy ain't GMCARDS. Man, fraud is incredibly pervasive on eBay!!

Okay, I found one that I would like to buy but there are some problems. First off, the seller has some negative feedback. I'm hesitant to purchase anything from someone with negs. Do you guys buy stuff from sellers with negative feedback? Second problem, no mention of creases. There does not seem to be any creases from the scans but I can't tell for sure. I didn't think the Al Robertson I purchased was creased and it arrive with a huge crease across the middle of the card. I just can't pull the trigger unless the seller specifically states that the card is not creased. I hate when guys say "check the scan." The scans do not show all of the creases. Pass!

I found one that I have placed in my cart and just may purchase. Price is $14 plus $3.75 shipping. Card is off center but has sharp corners and edges. Seller says EX+. In my opinion, a card cannot be EX+ when it has centering issues. Seller is silent on creases and I just can't tell from the scans. If I can't find anything else, I will take a chance on this once.

Siriussports has one for 24 bucks. Looks like there is a scratch. Pass. Okay, I don't really like what I am seeing. Prices are way too high. More sellers with negative feedback. I am going to purchase that one I placed in my shopping cart. Woot! Down to four cards!!

That's all the time I have for today. Maybe I'll check out the Mantles tomorrow.