Sunday, July 13, 2025, Concorde Banquets, Kildeer, IL

When promoter Costa Sampras contacted me and asked that I set up at this show, I initially said yes, even though the show was scheduled for the day after Oak Creek and I knew I'd be very tired. However, I live just 10 miles away and was kind of excited for a show close to home.

Then I learned that table fee was $75 for a six-footer and I quickly soured on the show. Other negatives I thought of was that this was Costa's first show and it was on the same day as the nearby Schaumburg show that is very popular and has been going on in various iterations since the 1980's. I also thought the $5 admission fee would be a deterrent.

Yet, Costa was persistent and I relented and booked just one table because I was concerned whether I would sell $75 at this show.

When my alarm went off on Sunday morning, oh, I so desperately wanted to hit snooze but knew I needed to get my butt out of bed and go to the show. It was so nice to drive a mere 20 minutes to a show -- that hasn't happened in years. Upon approaching the venue, I realized I knew the place and had driven by it many times in the past as I explored Route 12 for lunch spots, as it is very close to my office.

I arrived around 8 a.m., parked in back, as instructed and loaded in through the kitchen. All the tables had the dealer's names on them -- thank you! So it was very easy finding my table.

Nice room. Probably more suited for a wedding than a card show. 

I was pleasantly surprised that I was located between two sports card dealers. I thought I would be stuck between two Pokémon dealers. While I have nothing against Pokémon dealers, per se, I have had some bad experiences in the past being stuck in the middle of Poke-land and having their customers stand in front of my tables all day, blocking it from view from potential vintage sports card buyers.

None of my neighbor's customers stood in front of my table blocking it from view from potential customers today. Thank you! If anything, my customers blocked their tables. Sorry!

The dealer on my left was old friend Chicagoland Sports Card Shop located in nearby Buffalo Grove. I've known owners Les and Mark for years. No Les today but Mark was there with his kids. I don't think Les has set up at a show since Gonzaga shut down. Too bad. He would always bring doughnuts to share when he would set up at Gonzaga or Orland back in the day.

Mark did not have any doughnuts but he showed me some amazingly cool cards that walked into the shop recently including four 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards, a 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig, a 1934 Goudey Lou Gehrig and a 1933 Delong Lou Gehrig. So cool!

Mark was asking a little over $100K for the cards. Tony D. offered $80K. Mark is firm at $100K. Wish I had $100K to drop on the cards! Who wants to loan me some money?

It was so nice being set up next to Mark all day. Also, the young guy from the shop who largely covered the tables was super friendly.

On the other side was a dealer from Huntley, Illinois, and he had two tables of modern sports. Nice guy, as well.

The show had two rooms. I think around 150 tables or so in total. A couple autograph guests were there as well. I know Dennis McKinnon was one. Not sure who the other was. The autographs were located on the second floor.

I brought out just three display cases and one discount box. I've done so many shows that I know only three cases comfortably fit on a six-foot table with some room leftover for a shoe box.

I had just two display cases out in Oak Creek on the day prior so I knew if some of my Oak Creek customers came to the show they would see a lot of new cards in my third case along with the discount box which was new for this show.

My fastest set up ever! I've done shows with just one six-foot table in the past. I used to get one six-footer in Strongsville and was able to jam five display cases on there by bringing a small table to put behind the six-footer and placing four cases on their side, leaning off the table. One small case would also fit on the end. That old Strongsville set up was tough and I don't particularly like it, so I went with the easier three-case set up and one discount box.

I finished setting up at 8:20 a.m. and dealers were still arriving. I tried to find some coffee but the concession stand had not opened and I observed that coffee was not even on the menu.

I recalled seeing a Starbucks on my previous travels down Route 12. I locked up my cases, placed the discount box on my chair behind the table and alerted the young guy from Chicagoland Sports that I would be gone for 15 or 20 minutes.

There was a Starbucks real close by on Lake Cook Road. I got an extra-large iced coffee and returned to the show quickly.

Not much doing at the show early on, so I just caffeinated for a while. Not too many people took advantage of the early VIP entry that cost $10. The place started to fill up at 10 a.m. By 11 a.m. there was quite a crowd and I was impressed.

Steve from Jim and Steve's Card Shop in Waukegan was my first customer. Steve purchased my 1969 Topps autographed Billy Williams card along with a few other things to start my day right. Thanks Steve!!

Then I had a steady stream of guys for the next few hours. Most of them I had never seen before. I love new customers! I was surprised how busy I was at this show. My old pal Chuck stopped by to see me and purchased some cards. Thanks Chuck!

A young guy who lives nearby in Vernon Hills who I first met him in Oak Creek stopped by. Young Eric who lives in nearby Libertyville and who helped me at the National last time it was in Chicago stopped by. A new customer pulled out just about all of my 1959 Topps from my discount box and at least half of the '59s I had in my case. Woot! Derek came out to see me and purchased some cards. Thanks Derek!

I ended up having a really good day! I was shocked. Shows you what I know. 

Along with good sales, excellent attendance, I really liked the fact that this show had waiters walking around. I put one of the waiters to work bringing me diet Cokes all day. I also ordered a hamburger which was delicious.

On the buying front, nothing, nada, zilch. There was the requisite kids offering me crappy modern cards. One guy showed me some vintage cards, mid 1960's stuff, lots of stars but they all had paste marks on the back. I told him I would be interested in purchasing the cards but I don't pay much when they have paste on the back of them. I think he thought he had gold and declined to sell me the cards. Good luck with those!

Regardless, I really want to set up here again. However, the next show scheduled is a three-day show in the middle of December. Not sure I can do that one. Also, I don't really want to set up here for three days but after having such a good show, I just might do it.

Up next for me is the Peewaukee show on Saturday, July 26, and Orland on Sunday, July 27. I will have a near set of 1962 Topps football available next weekend. I am still working on reloading my 1961 Topps baseball and don't think I'll have it done by next weekend.

Next Oak Creek show is on August 9, the second Saturday of August due to the National being on the first Saturday.

Come find me and my pal Scott Ziegert at the National from July 30 to August 3 at the Stephens Center in Rosemont, IL. We will be in booths 3816 and 3717. I have been pricing a ton of cards for the National and should have some really neat stuff at the show.

Then on Saturday, August 23, 2025, I am running an all-vintage show in Oak Creek. Vintage cut-off is 1986 Fleer basketball. No dealers should have anything newer on their tables. Tables are cheap and can be reserved by contacting me at [email protected].

The next MegaShow is September 20 at the Milwaukee Sports Complex in Franklin, WI, and will feature 450 tables. Tables are available and interested dealers can contact me at the above email.

I have some other stuff in the works and will announce more shows soon!

A big thank you to Costa for running an excellent show!! I also appreciate everyone who purchased cards from me at the Kildeer show. Thank you!

​Hope to see you this weekend in Peewaukee and Orland!!

Saturday, July 9, 2025, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

When I say the July show was hot, I mean it literally was hot. Stifling hot.

​Sorry!

I had no idea that the air conditioning would be out in the gym. Ugh!

I was there Friday night for set up and there was no issue with the AC. Though, shortly after I got home after set up, a crazy lightning storm hit that lit up my whole backyard. Apparently lightning hit the Salvation Army and knocked out the air conditioning -- it took us a while to realize it.

I was receiving complaints about the temp in the gym around 8 a.m. Saturday when the AC was not on anywhere in the building. I talked with Ken, who makes our wonderful sloppy Joe and manages the concession stand, who told me the AC is set on a timer and will probably kick in around 9 a.m. Well, at 9, the AC kicked in everywhere except the gym. 

Then Major Dana, who is in charge of the whole place, stepped into action. Unfortunately, the AC system in the building is rather complicated. It is not like the AC in my house where I just have to flip a switch and it kicks in. At the Salvation Army, you have to plug a laptop into the system and do some computer functions to get it going.

Major Dana plugged in her laptop and attempted to ignite the AC. Unfortunately, it would not turn on, so she called her AC repair guy to come on out. The technician was able to determine that lightning had knocked out the system the night prior. He was able to get it on in the gym around 11 a.m. but the doors to the gym were open and it took a while for it to cool off.

Unfortunately, it was absolutely horrible in the gym most of the day -- hot and humid.

Major Dana went around the gym and passed out some cold bottles of water. Not much else we could do. Sorry everybody!!!

It was a tough day for the folks in the gym. I was afraid to go in there 'cause I thought I'd get yelled at.

I felt guilty in the comfortably cold Chapel where my sales were excellent. I sold a ton of cards. Jeff purchased a pile of 1961 Fleer Greats of the Game and some 1961 Post Cereal. One of my Madison guys came down and purchased a pile of 1960 Topps baseball. I sold all sorts of other stuff as well. 

I brought out all of my baseball binders and two display cases. I was surprised that I only sold a couple of cards out of the display cases.

I quickly turned all the cash into cards. It was a buying frenzy at my tables. Eddy started things off by selling me some 1953 Bowman football. Thanks Eddy! Someone sold me a bunch of 1967 and 1968 Topps stars, I can't remember who! I also can't remember who sold me the stack of 1958 and 1959 Topps baseball!! I blame my lack of memory on the heat in the gym.

I do remember that Phil sold me a box of 1973 Topps baseball. My guy who sells me slabbed cards had a whole stack of stuff for me this month. I actually haven't seen him in a while. 

Then John sold me a near set of 1968 Topps baseball. Thanks John! I also worked out a deal with Shawn for some 1954 Bowman football cards. Thanks Shawn.

Quite a haul!! Thanks everybody. So fun to buy cards!!!

I kind of felt bad for having so much fun in the Chapel while everyone suffered in the gym. I am so sorry guys! I hope the AC works for the August 9 show!!

I think the heat set off some tempers in the gym. There were a few conflicts between dealers. Hopefully, we can all go forward and be kind to one another!

Speaking of hotheads, I do have a few rants...

I have been having a problem with newer dealers setting up then leaving without paying me for their space. To nip it in the bud, I put out a newsletter last month noting that any dealer that leaves without paying will be banned from the show.

Well, what do you know? One numbnut left last month without paying for his space. He showed up this morning wondering where his spot was. I told him there was no spot because he did not pay me last month. He gave me all sorts of crap arguments. I told him that he must be responsible enough to pay me before he leaves the building and if he can't do that, he can't expect space at the next month's show.

I was nice to him and found him a spot. I had one n0-show dealer this month and was able to insert numbnut into the no-show spot. I expect an argument from no-show guy next month when he sees his spot occupied by someone else. Still not sure if I will have space for numbnut next month. I expect further arguments from him. 

Another problem I observed occurred when I arrived at the building around 6:45 a.m. and saw customers already in the building. Not cool. Show opens at 9 a.m. and customers should not be in the building prior.

There are a couple of problems with early arrivals. I, for one, hate dealing with customers while I am setting up. It slows down my set up and sometime prevents me from having all my wares out when the opening bell rings, resulting in lost sales.

Second problem -- if there are any early morning thefts while dealers are setting up, these early-arriving customers will be the first to be accused. So please do not arrive to the show before 9 a.m. if you are not a dealer with a spot reserved at the show.

Another issue at this month's show was the large number of new show promoters raiding my show. Seems like new show promoters are growing like weeds and they attack my show like flies to shit.

I have a few rules for new promoters trying to ride my coattails. First, they have to ask my permission to promote their event at my show. If they are set up as a dealer, then I don't mind if they leave flyers on their own table -- if they want to leave them anywhere else, they need to ask. Second rule is that they must take some of my flyers and distribute them at their show. If you are going to come into my show to promoter your event, it is only fair that I get something in return, like simply leaving my flyers at your show. Is that too much to ask?

Most show promoters have a degree of common sense and courtesy and ask me prior. I did see one show promoter this morning walking around without my permission and promoting his event.  This dude was walking around my show at 7 a.m. trying to recruit dealers. What a dickhead move!! 

It amazes me all the bullshit I have to put up with. 

In the 11 years I have been operating my card show, I have watched dozens of other card show promoters come and go. I strongly suspect this dooshbag, who was there at 7 a.m., won't last very long.

Now, I have nothing against other shows. Anyone can promote a show if they want. I might even set up. I really like when other show promoters ask me to set up. Actually, I love setting up at shows but some weekends I can't find a show. So there is room for more shows -- just don't be a dickhead about it is all I ask.

Speaking of new shows, I was set up at a new show on Sunday. The promoter of this new show in Kildeer, Illinois, is a stand-up guy. Young Costa Sampras contacted me months ago and asked that I set up at his show. I agreed. He asked if he could hand out flyers in Oak Creek. No problem. Then he announced my September 20 MegaShow over the loud speaker in the middle of his show -- much appreciated.  

There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Those that have success, do it the right way. 

Another show promoter that I absolutely love is Lake Country Cards. I am setting up at their Peewaukee Show on Saturday, July 19. Then there is Rich, Karen, and the crew that operate the Orland Park show. I can't tell you how much I appreciate and love those guys. I will be set up at their show on Sunday, July 20, at the Orland Park Civic Center.

Next Oak Creek show is August 9. Once again we will be on the second Saturday of the month due to the National being down I94 during the first Saturday of August. Come find me and my pal Scott Ziegert in booths 3816 and 3717 at the National from July 30 through August 2 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

I really don't know how to get the word out to everybody that the July and August shows are the second Saturday, instead of the usual first Saturday. Several older guys told me that they came on out on July 5 expecting the show. Sorry!

Hopefully, they will come to some of my new shows. I have a unique show scheduled for August 23 in Oak Creek -- an all vintage show. No modern, no Pokémon allowed. My cut-off for vintage is 1986 Fleer basketball. No one should have anything newer on their tables. Dealer tables are available, send me an email at [email protected].

Tables are also available for my 450-table MegaShow slated for September 20 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, WI. Send dealer table requests to the above email.

Sorry again about the horrible heat in the gym. We should be good to go next month. Thanks for attending the July 9 Oak Creek show. We had 1,055 through the door. Much appreciated.

​Now for some photos from the July 9 show:

I have made so many wonderful friends in my sports card journey that began way back in 1975 and continues to this day. While I cherish and appreciate them all, the one person that stands out the most is Dave McDonald. 

Dave and I have set up together at so many shows that I considered him my partner of sorts. For the past 25 years, anytime I was set up at a three-day show anywhere in the country, Dave was at my side.

Years and years of fun. Though, at times, admittedly, we really got on each other's nerves. One bone of contention was Dave's refusal to join the modern world and obtain a cell phone -- it drove me nuts! But really, I was nuts about Dave, an amazing friend.

I owe it all to Bob Downing, one of the funniest guys you will ever meet. If Bob wasn't so damn funny, I would have never met Dave.

Here's the story:

In the late 1990's and early 2000's, I used to set up at George Johnson's three-day Chicago Sun-Times shows in Rosemont, Illinois. I would reserve one space in which an 8-foot table was provided. I would bring in two card tables and place them behind the 8-footers and fill all the space with binders.

Sometimes I would bring out some display cases filled vintage sports star cards. In those days, I had one aluminum case and two butterfly display cases. Well, I was doing a lot of shows and my inventory was growing by leaps and bounds. I needed another case.

In stepped my dad, a legendary picker, and he had purchased a homemade gun display case at a garage sale in the sticks in southwest Michigan. He gave me the case to use for the card shows.

The backwoods gun guy who built the case, made a wood frame, hammered it onto some particle board and lined it with wood shelves, then installed a window on top. The window slid in and out of the frame.

I took out the shelves and started to bring the case to card shows and used it to display cards.

I brought the gun case out to a Sun-Times show around the year 2000 and just by chance was set up next to Bob and Dave, who used to set up at all the Sun-Times shows together. Back then, Bob and Dave worked together at a company in Broadview, Illinois.

Being by myself and not getting much action at my tables, I found myself watching Bob and Dave, who I did not know at the time. I think they had split two spaces. I observed that there was this weird guy standing in front of their tables, talking to them, just about all day. I remember thinking, I would not be happy if that guy stood in front of my table all day blocking my cards from customer view.

I did have a few customers. Some who wanted to see the cards in the gun case. Anytime I had to pull cards from the case, I had to slide the top window out, sometimes pulling it completely out then struggling to get it back in. Needless to say, it was not a very good case and a pain in the ass to use. It eventually disintegrated and I tossed it in the trash a few months later. I then started purchasing aluminum cases from Levi at the Sun-Times shows.

Back at that first show where I met Bob and Dave, Bob was intrigued with the gun case and started asking me about it. I explained how I obtained the case and how it worked. Bob thought the case was one of the craziest things he had ever seen at a card show.

My goofy display case was a conversation starter. I spent the rest of that show chatting with Bob and Dave.

One of the first things Bob said to me was how he had this maniacal plan to corner the market on 1969 Topps Football Dick Shiner cards. Bob showed me a stack of them he had purchased at the show. He said he had thousands of them. He told me how, for laughs, he stuck some inside a friend's kitchen wall while they were rehabbing the kitchen.

The more Bob talked to me, the more I just started laughing. From that day on, Bob has kept me in stiches. 

I remember spending that whole show talking with Bob and Dave and realizing that these guys were awesome. We three became lifelong friends after that first Sun-Times show. 

We set up together at all the Sun-Times shows for the next 10 years or so and started setting up together at the National.

Those shows with Bob and Dave were pure joy. I had so much fun with those guys, even though my sales at the Sun-Times shows were lousy back then. I used to do much better at the small shows like Orland rather than at the Sun-Times.

Dave was the alpha dealer of the group. Bob and I spent a lot of time just watching Dave sell cards. With nothing doing at my tables, I ended up helping Dave with his sales. Dave would hand me his calculator and stack of cards that someone wanted to purchase, and I would add them up.

Dave was on another level as a sports card dealer. He was the most successful dealer that I knew. We basically sold the same stuff but the difference was that all of his cards were high grade while I did not care, still do not care, about condition. My only criteria for cards is that they have to be old.

Dave had an amazing eye. He could spot flaws in cards that I never could see. He had some reliable sources where he could purchase bushels of high-grade vintage cards. He always talked about his buddy Bob from Berwyn, not to be confused with our buddy Bob who had cornered the market on Dick Shiner. Bob from Berwyn seemed to supply Dave with endless amounts of high-grade vintage cards. I even got to meet the legendary Bob from Berwyn a few times.

With the best selection of high-grade vintage sports cards at any show, folks flocked to Dave whenever we were set up together. It was remarkable to watch. I did not like many of his customers because they would scoff at my lower grade cards. Though, there were some gems that shopped at Dave's table like Larry from Aurora, Chris from Cincinnati, law professor Sandy and a few others.

Eventually, Dick Shiner Bob obtained a better job at a major company in Skokie while Dave stayed behind at the company in Broadview and eventually retired. Bob was onto better and bigger things. His new job took him all over the world and he could no longer set up with us. I think it was around 2009 and it was just Dave and I now at the Sun-Times show, then we took in additional guys to join us at the National.

Dave and I worked well together at the big shows. We would send customers to each other. We would help each other when one got busy and the other was slow. We would watch each other's cards while one of us went on a bathroom or food break.

At one point, we decided we should do some shows outside of the Chicago area. I got on the waitlist for the Strongsville Ohio Vintage show and eventually obtained two tables. Dave and I started setting up in Strongsville every year beginning around 2010. We tried other big shows together like Pittsburgh, the Moeller show in Cincinnati and traveled to places like Atlantic City and Cleveland for the National. We also did many one-day shows together in Chicago and Wisconsin.

For the past 25 years, I never went more than a month or two without setting up with Dave at a show.

We had a routine that if we were doing a show out east, I would pick him up the day before the show at his house. If we were doing a show up north, Dave would pick me up at my house.

In the last few years, we started taking some extra days during our trips to the National or Strongsville, making mini-vacations out of it. It was fun. We stopped off at museums and casinos on our way to various out-of-state card shows.

Dave loved to drive... or maybe he just didn't like my driving, because he usually drove while I enjoyed being a passenger.

Once in the car, we chatted like old friends who had not seen each other in years. We always talked about cards, the characters we met at card shows, food, rock music, antique automobiles, motorcycles, boxing, the Blackhawks and the Cubs. If the Blackhawks or the Cubs were playing, we had them on the radio.

Man, we had so many good times. In Pittsburgh, Dave put me to work adding up the price of his cards while a big national buyer purchased thousands of dollars of cards from him. Dave bought dinner that night.

In Strongsville, we loved going to dinner with Mark Smith and Hockey Greg. One night in Strongsville, Dave surprised us with a random story about Ed Bouchee, a journeyman ball player from the 1950's. Dave asked us if we knew why Bouchee had a baseball card in 1957 and 1959 but not in 1958. None of us knew. According to Dave, Bouchee was arrested in the 1950's for exposing himself to several young girls. Bouchee went to jail in 1958 and therefore did not have a card that year.

A lot of jokes about Bouchee followed, then for the next several years at the Strongsville show, Mark and Greg would send someone to Dave's table who would ask him for Ed Bouchee cards. Every time it would happen, we would look over across the room at Mark and Greg and see them cracking up. 

Jokes aside, Dave had incredible knowledge about 1950's baseball and baseball cards, especially the 1953 Topps set which was his specialty. You could name a player in the 1953 set and he could instantly tell you the card number. He knew which cards were difficult to obtain. Which cards were never centered. He was remarkable.

At each show, we would discuss our purchases. I valued Dave's opinion and advice and would often run potential deals by him before I made the purchase.

I usually did not offer much criticism to Dave. However, there was one Strongsville show where I thought he was going to lose several thousand dollars and I tried to stop him but to no avail.

A customer had spent an hour or so at Dave's table pulling cards. He ended up pulling a few large stacks of cards. I think I added them up and it came out to around $3,000. The customer then told Dave that he ran out of money earlier at the show and asked if he could take the cards home to Maryland and mail Dave a check.

Neither Dave nor I had ever seen this guy before. He did not offer any references.

Dave said sure, I don't know you from Adam but take $3,000 worth of my cards and go back to Maryland and mail me a check to Chicago.

Okay, he didn't really say that but that is what happened.

I said no way! Dave, no!!

I told the guy to pay Dave via PayPal. The guy said he did not have PayPal. This was on a Saturday and I figured local banks were still open. I told the guy to go to a bank and come back with the cash.

Dave waved me off. He gave the guy his address and let him walk away with $3K in cards. We argued about it for the rest of the weekend.

Dave grew tired of my criticism. I was certain Dave had just been ripped off. Dave offered me a wager that if the guy does not send a check by the National, he would buy me a steak dinner. If the guy did send a check, I would buy Dave a steak dinner.

To my shock, I ended up buying Dave a steak dinner. That freakin' guy sent Dave a check. The check was good. We even saw him again at the next Strongsville show.

Amazing. Dave always amazed me. We always had good times.

I've got so many stories, I don't know where to stop. Please bear with me.

Seems like most of my stories are from Strongsville.

Several years ago, one of my doctors placed me on four or five new meds to combat my high blood pressure right before a Strongsville show.

I took the meds before I arrived at Dave's house. Then once in Ohio, we stopped off at a Burger King for lunch. I took some insulin and ate my Whopper. I think the Whopper was the first thing I ate that day. Apparently, I did not need the insulin and once back on the road I went hypoglycemic. I asked Dave to pull over so I could get some candy and raise my blood sugar. 

I downed some candy and no longer felt hypoglycemic but something else started to happen. I don't know exactly what it was, maybe a reaction to the new meds, but I started to shake uncontrollably and my head started to pound. I tried to fight through it but only felt worse. I asked Dave to take me to a hospital.

At the hospital, they checked my blood sugar which was through the roof. Guess I ate too much candy. They sent me back to the waiting room where I continued to feel awful. At one point I went to the bathroom and passed out. Dave grew concerned and found me, revived me and helped me back to a chair in the waiting room.

​After about an hour in the waiting room and the hospital failing to attend to my high blood sugar and additional symptoms, I decided the best thing for me would be to leave and take some insulin I had in the car. 

Dave helped me to the car. He almost had to carry me. I took some insulin. We made it to the hotel in Strongsville where I hydrated after feeling severely dehydrated. Dave went to set up while I recovered in the room. I kind of felt lousy all weekend but not as bad as I did on the drive to the show.

Dave went and got me some much-needed Gatorade and Tylenol. I am so thankful he was there to help me, even though the hospital did nothing. Hospitals suck. You are better off taking care of yourself and it helps to have a friend like Dave.

So many good times, some crazy, with Dave in Strongsville. When new promoters took over the Strongsville show and raised the table fee several years ago, Dave did not want to do the show any longer. It has been a little scary driving out there by myself, knowing I could go hypoglycemic or worse with nobody to help me.

I've come to rely on Dave for so much more than just being my pal at card shows. It is going to be extremely difficult going forward without Dave. 

Dave died the morning of July 6 from cancer. He only recently learned he had cancer, it happened so quick.

He had several other health issues these past couple of years and I was concerned. I last saw him at the Kane County show in May and he did not look well and did not have much energy. He packed up early, placed his usual brown boxes and three display cases on his old blue cart and walked out. 

He said, "Goodbye Tone."

For some reason, I just knew that would be the last time I would see him. I was sad but tried to hide it for the rest of the show.

I was so heartbroken when his wonderful wife Cindy called to let me know about Dave's cancer diagnosis. I was crushed when Cindy texted two weeks later to let me know Dave passed surrounded by family.

This just hurts.

We lost a special person. One of my best friends ever. My card show companion.

I can't say how much I appreciated my friendship with Dave and all the good times. There are some special people out there that make your life better -- Dave was one of those people.

​Rest in peace my amazing friend. Thank you for all the fun times. My sincerest condolences to Cindy and sons Andy and Bill.  

A memorial gathering for Dave will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 10 a.m., followed by a service at noon, at Steuerle Funeral Home, 15 W. Park Blvd. Villa Park, IL.

Bob, Tony and Dave at a Sun-Time show. Bob reminded me how Dave always had a bag of pretzel rods at every show and would make us some amazing sandwiches.

Sunday, June 29, 2025, IBEW Local 364, Rockford, IL

Every few months or so, I forget to set my alarm clock or set it at the wrong time on the night before a show. I forgot to set my alarm clock the night before the Rockford show. I normally wake up at 6 a.m. for this show. I randomly woke up Sunday morning and looked at the clock on my nightstand and observed the time at 8 a.m. Still time to make the show but I would be late. I hate being late! Ugh!

How come every time I am late and racing to get somewhere I hear in my head "Mrs Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel?

Doot to doot to do

I still had to grump, shower and load the car before hitting the road at 8:45 a.m. I think I made it to the show around 9:35 a.m. Luckily, I was able to make it into the venue with just one load.

The place was packed while I was setting up. Promoters Mike and John were cool with me being late but I hate when dealers are late to my show, so I hate doing it to other promoters.

Anyway, I brought out all of my baseball binders and two display cases. I finally finished setting up around 10 a.m. when Paul sat down in front of my binders and told me he was looking for me all morning.

Sorry!

Pictured above is Paul, who came down from Madison to go through my binders. Paul is an interesting character. While chatting with him at the Rockford show, I learned that he is a published author and writes books about family lineage. He said he is going to bring me a book at the next show.

​Early on at the Rockford show, I was a little out of sorts and stressed by being so late. I felt much better upon hearing some 1970's disco music coming from an Alexa supplied by the dealers behind me. I explained to them that I grew up in the disco era and really like the Bee Gees. The guys programmed some Bee Gees for me. Thank you!

I was next to Kurt today. Tom was on the other side of Kurt. Big Mark was in the back of the room.

Much better sales this time in Rockford than my last show here. Paul spent a good hour pulling cards from my binders. Thanks Paul. Gary G. purchased some cards. Thanks Gary! My Janesville guys came out and purchased some cards. Thanks guys! I sold a few odds and ends and was pleased at the improved sales.

On the buying front, nothing walked up other than young guys and kids trying to sell me their modern cards of which I have no interest. When things died down at the end of the day, I took a walk around the show. Brad G., who my wife likes to call "Brad Pitt," offered me a few vintage cards including a 1959 Topps Baseball Thrills Willie Mays, a 1959 Topps Ernie Banks All Star and a 1969 Topps Willie Mays. Brad gave me a nice deal and I purchased the cards. Thanks Brad!

What started out as a hectic day turned out well in the end. I enjoyed myself. A big thank you to Mike and John who always run excellent shows.

My next Rockford show will be on August 24. Mike and John have a new location for that one, it will be held at the Rockford Christian Performing Art Center, 1401 N. Bell School Road, in Rockford.

Up next is the Oak Creek show on July 12. As usual, dealer space is sold out and my waiting list is just out of hand. I honestly wish people would stop requesting to be added to the list. The wait for space is around two years.

New problem with the waiting list is that guys keep asking me where they are on the list. I don't have time for this and am going to stop responding. I'll let them know when space will be available but it won't be any time soon.

On a sad note, I am sorry to report that Debbie Lewis passed away on July 4. I met Debbie shortly after meeting her husband Mark around 7 years ago. Mark is in charge of events at the Salvation Army and we have become great friends. Debbie was such a kind person and I was lucky to know her. My condolences to Debbie and Mark's family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Debbie will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, Oak Creek, WI. Visitation at 9 a.m., service at 10 a.m. There will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Glen Oak Cemetery, 5401 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL.

Sunday, June 22, 2025, Civic Center, Orland Park

I try to bring something new, different to every show I set up at so folks who see me at multiple shows can find something new on my tables at each and every show. For the June Orland show, I broke out my pennant collection. I have been collecting pennants since I was a kid in the 1970's and most of the pennants I brought out to Orland date back to that time.

The older guys set up on my right, noticed the pennants right away. A few others throughout the day looked at them but not a whole lot of action. I think they're cool. I have a bunch of older ones I have not priced yet. Not sure when I'll bring them out again.

Also new for this weekend's set of shows was my 1960 Topps baseball binder, a 1969 Topps baseball high number binder, and 1961 Fleer Greats of the Game.

Slow arriving crowd today. No one was at my tables early on, so I decided to walk around. The father and son team that sells vintage on the opposite wall had some interesting stuff including a 1960 Fleer Greats of the Game complete set. As usual, Steve's table was crowded early and I couldn't see what he brought out.

Gil was the first customer at my table today. I knew he would go straight for the new 1960 book. He ended up pulling a nice stack of cards. Thanks Gil! A few other guys found some cards for their sets but like last month, not a whole lot of action at my tables. I haven't seen the customer I lovingly dubbed "the sweaty guy" for the last two shows. Some of my other big spenders like Pat or the guy putting together a '50 Bowman set have not been around in a while either. I need to change some things around for next month to spike some sales.

On the buying front, I was not eager to purchase anything after spending so much money yesterday in Madison. Well, I just can't help myself.

One of the old guys on my right had a poster on his table of the 1970-71 Chicago Bulls that he said he picked up at a game in 1970. He said he had it up on his bedroom wall in the 1970's which explained the tape marks on the corners. I purchased it for $10 for my personal collection. I need to find a frame and put it up in the card bunker.

Then a long-time customer/attendee to the Orland show brought me 200 1967 Topps baseball cards with some minor stars and semi-high numbers. I had to buy it. I also picked up a few cards from Walt including a 1964 Topps Yogi Berra and a 1967 Topps Ernie Banks. Nice haul.

I was really tired today because I did not sleep very well the night before so I skipped the sub shop and went home and hit the sack.

I was disappointed that I could not find a nearby show to set up at for Saturday, June 28. My only options were a three-day show in Joliet or a show in Peru, Illinois. I just don't like the Joliet shows because they are too crowded from every angle. There is not nearly enough space for dealers and not nearly enough space in the aisles for customers. I just can't bring myself to set up there again because I know I'll be absolutely miserable.

So glad I did not attend the Joliet show. I heard it was disaster with no air conditioning and poor attendance.

I also considered setting up at a newer Peru show on Saturday but after talking to my pal Jim, who has attended this show, I decided against it as Jim said it is 80 percent Pokémon. It was nice to sleep in on Saturday.

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, I was back in Rockford. Rockford blog coming soon. 

Next Oak Creek show is July 12.

Announcing the formation of the Oak Creek Vintage Sports Collectors Club!

Anyone can join. I hope to have meetings every month at the Salvation Army in Oak Creek in addition to my regular monthly show. The meetings will essentially be a vintage-only card show. Tables cost $35. First meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025. We will be set up in Fellowship Hall. Free admission. I think the Salvation Army may run their concession stand during the show. Anyone interested in tables, send me an email at [email protected]

The next Wisconsin MegaShow is slated for September 20 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, WI.

I have a few other things in the hopper and will report back once I have some solid dates.

​I might set up at the Wilmot Flea Market on Sunday, July 6.

Saturday, June 21, 2025, Alliant Center, Madison, WI

While I look forward to every show I do, there are some that elicit an extra element of excitement. I felt that extra element of excitement prior to the Alliant Center show, which is an expansion of the monthly Madison show that has been housed at the Sheraton Hotel for several years.

The Alliant Center show had 250 tables with one room for Sports Cards, another room for Pokemon, and a third room for a mixture of both.

I liked how dealers were able to pre-register and pick their location. Initially, I wanted a wall spot but I was too slow on the trigger and took two tables in the back of the room. Generally, I do not really care where I am located at a show. I have found that my sales are the same no matter where I am located. It is just nice to be on a wall spot so you don't have to mess with another dealer behind you.

Luckily, I had the same dealer behind me at the Alliant Center who is behind me at the Sheraton. I wish I knew his name. He is a super nice guy and sells mostly modern sports cards but has a few vintage bangers in his display case like a 1952 Topps Willie Mays. Nice guy and it is always a pleasure being set up behind him.

The aisles at the Alliant Center were wider than the Sheraton and it seemed like I had a least a foot or so extra space behind me. We had a nice crowd in the sports room, not too crowded, thanks to the Poke people being in another room. It was really pleasant in there all day long.

Also, load in was so much easier at the Alliant Center than the Sheraton. It was so nice not having to deal with the elevator and with plenty of space to move around. I much prefer the Alliant Center to the Sheraton.

So, Beau, the Madison promoter, is going to rotate the show monthly between the Sheraton and the Alliant Center. Next Sheraton show is July 26. Of course, I goofed, and booked a show in Naperville that day, so I'll have to miss that one. I'll be back at the Alliant Center for the August 30 show.

New venue but the same pattern of sales for me as the Sheraton. I had my usual busy morning with quite few set builders, though, some regulars were noticeably absent. Overall, sales were okay. I had quite a few sales but most were for low-dollar amounts.

On the buying front -- MONSTER DAY! Madison has become one of my best buying shows whether at the Sheraton or the Alliant Center. Prior to this show, I worked out a deal with my pal Rod, who I've known for decades. We met years ago at the old Gonzaga show and have been doing several deals every year since.

It was so nice to see Rod and his wife Caroline, two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Rod sold me a great group of 1956 Topps baseball that included Ted Williams, Sandy Koufax, Ernie Banks, Warren Spahn, and more.

Later, my neighbor at this show, Shawn, hooked me up with a Pokémon dealer Alex who was selling some vintage sports cards for a family member. Shawn picked up some bangers from Alex like a 1955 Topps Jackie Robinson but he was not interested in a stack of T206's and sent them my way. Thank you Shawn! I picked up 10 slabbed T206s! Woot!

I also purchased a couple of 1954 Bowman football cards from Shawn then found a 45 of the "Super Bowl Shuffle" on some random dealer's table -- the purchase of the day!

Needless to say, I was pretty freakin' happy after the Alliant Center show. My one complaint was that the concession stand was kind of gross. You know you are in for some bad food when the hot dogs are cooked on rollers. Reminded me of the food at the Strongsville show. I gotta remember to bring sandwiches to the August show.

Load out was easier than loading in, despite the crazy heat. I had a really great day. Big Tim spent much of the day at Shawn's table, so I got to hang out with him. Heard Gary G. could not get a table. I know Gary reads this blog. Gary, if you are ever in that situation again, send me a text and I'll give you one of my tables!! Gotta have Gary at the show!!

Also, want to give a shout out to East Coast Tom, who was a staffer for Beau at the show. I appreciate Tom watching my table so I could take some bathroom breaks. Thanks Tom!

I really enjoyed this show and can't wait for the next one at the Alliant Center. While I like the show at the Sheraton, the extra space and the layout at the Alliant Center makes this show special. I see good things ahead in Madison!

This was a double-bill weekend with Orland on Sunday. Orland blog coming soon.

Up next for me is Rockford on Sunday, June 29.

Next Oak Creek show is July 12. Next MegaShow is September 20.

​Hope to see you guys in Rockford!

​Below are some of the cards I purchased at the Alliant show. I hope to have them priced and ready to go by the National.

Saturday, June 7, 2025, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

I had a little extra work this month as many regular dealers had to skip the June show causing me to work the waiting list. I am always amazed when waiting list dealers do not respond -- why get on my list? Anyway, we had a bunch of new dealers at the June show which is always fun.

What is not fun is prepping for the Oak Creek show which is just a ton of work. I am always trying to figure out ways to make this thing easier. Along those lines, I stopped holding space for dealers if they miss a show. It is extra work for me when a dealer misses a show because I have to contact five to 10 people on the waiting list until someone agrees to set up and fill the spot. Then I just don't want to kick the new guy out for the next month's show. We need new blood and it is easier for me to keep the new guy instead of letting the old guy back in. 

So I started moving dealers to the top of the waiting list after they miss a show. Sometimes I can get them back in the next show, sometimes not. If a dealer misses multiple shows, it is extremely difficult to place them in their old spot. So I started moving these guys around.

There is a pushback from some dealers on this but in the long run it simplifies the immense amount of work I must do each month prior to the show. I am also being very nice about it. I could easily tell the noisy dealers who miss shows that they are out because I have such a huge waiting list. They don't seem to get it. I don't know how much longer I can be nice.

All the work I have to do prior to the show is not fun and it is not nice. In addition to making sure all 191 spaces are filled with dealers, I must map out each room. It was sad to delete Dell from the Fellowship Hall map this month. During the show, I was amazed at how many people stopped me to ask where was Dell? There really is no one quite like Dell, who was a regular at shows across the country. Dell's death is a huge loss to the hobby. 

Reminder: A Celebration of Life for Dell Heyn will be held at 5 p.m. on July 6, 2025, at the Cornerstone Church, 2 Shermer Road, Glenview, IL.

Can I complain about the dealers a little more? But first I must state that most of the dealers are awesome and I absolutely love them but there are a handful of the 130 regular Oak Creek dealers that are a real pain in the ass. Unfortunately, it is usually the newer dealers that are trouble. I have had a rash of new, younger, dealers leave the show without paying for their table space. I do require some to prepay but it is such a hassle and extra work to fight with the dealers to get them to prepay, so I don't really bother. It amazes me that dealers leave every show without paying for their space. It is always a newer dealer.

So I gave out a newsletter to all the dealers prior to the June show and stated that dealers who leave without paying will not be invited back. Guess what! I had a dealer leave without paying after the June show!! I could hunt him down for the table fee but I'd rather just give him the boot and add someone new for the July show and hope they can pay for their table before they leave the show. Unreal!!!

Health Update

I have been hyper-focused on managing my blood sugar lately which has been out of control for far too long. I actually felt pretty good at this show. Maybe the best I have felt all year. Many folks sort of complimented me saying that I did not look as shitty as usual. Thanks guys!

I was set up on the stage on the Chapel again. Most dealers do not want to set up there, so this may be my regular spot for a while. I actually had a much better show in June than May. Again, thanks guys! Sales were excellent. Buys were excellent! Good show for me.

However, the best part of the June Oak Creek show was the appearance of Big Tim. Wow! What a sight for sore eyes!! Tim was a regular visitor to the Oak Creek show until the Pandemic hit and he disappeared. He had some sort of illness and said he is feeling better. So great to see Tim. Welcome back!!

I also want to give a shout out to Tommy Larson aka Daddy Warbucks. Man, Tommy makes everybody's show. He buys, buys and buys. Thank you Tommy!!!

It was also nice to meet Tony Lehman, who flew in from Atlanta for the show. Tony was looking for Brewers Police sets. Quite a few guys brought out sets for him including Bruce Folger who dropped off a set at my booth and I gave it to Tony. Thanks Bruce!! 

Well, we had a nice string going without a theft. Mike Johnson reported that his son had a Pokémon card stolen in the gym. I talked with Mike's son who said he had the card in his display case but had the case open as several customers at once wanted to see cards and later he realized that someone swiped the card.

Below is a picture of the stolen card. Please be on the lookout for this card. Any info would be appreciated. You can contact me, Mike or our police officer John.

We had nice attendance at the June show with 1,095 through the door. Summer months can be tough so I was pleased with the turn out.

Now I have a couple of tough things to talk about. I am collecting prayers for my friend Dave McDonald who is battling some serious health issues. Dave is one of my best friends. We have been partners at the National since 2008. We started setting up at the Sports Spectacular together around 2000 or 2001. We have done so many shows together and have had so many good times. I can't imagine a world without Dave. I don't know if Dave will be able to read this but if you do, I want you to know that I love and appreciate you. Our friendship has been absolutely wonderful. You are amazing and have made this hobby more enjoyable and my world a much better place. I'm hoping for a miracle. I need my pal Dave! 

Next, I want to talk about David Greenwood. Most of you know that I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and am a huge Chicago sports fan. The Chicago Bulls were born the same year as me -- 1966. I have been a rabid Bulls fan my whole life. I remember going to games in the 1970's when Dick Motta was coach. I have always closely followed the Bulls.

While it sucked that the Bulls missed out on Magic Johnson in the 1979 draft, I was happy they drafted David Greenwood with the Number 2 pick. The Bulls needed a power forward. They were set at center with Artis Gilmore and shooting guard with Reggie Theus. Greenwood would help them reach the .500 mark and the playoffs.

However, I never expected David Greenwood to show up on my doorstep! I was 12 years old when I met David Greenwood. He walked into my house and shook my tiny hand with his huge paw. 

This is where it pays to have a pretty blonde for a sister. She met David Greenwood at the nearby grocery store. She was in the canned vegetable aisle and accidentally dropped a can of peas. David Greenwood picked up the can. Later he was at my house shaking my hand. Apparently, he lived in a nearby townhouse.

I can't remember if it was the summer of 1979 or 1980 that he was regularly at my house. I ran to talk to him every time he came over. Often at night, he found me on the driveway sitting in my dad's car talking to my friend Andy on the CB radio in the car. Andy lived in the neighborhood behind David Greenwood's townhouse.

David was into CBs as well. I even had him talk to Andy!

What a super nice guy. I was so lucky to know him. I was crushed to learn he died recently. Much too young. Much too nice. I am still pissed the Bulls did not keep him around in the 1980's. I'm also pissed they got rid of Artis Gilmore and Reggie Theus. I really enjoyed those Bulls teams.

Anyway, rest in peace David Greenwood. Thanks for making 12-year-old me feel special and for talking to Andy on the CB!!

Now for some photos from the June 7 Oak Creek Show:

I am taking a rare weekend off. No shows for me this weekend. I'm driving out to Michigan to hang out with my folks. I'll be back at it for the huge Madison show on June 21. Then I am back in Orland on June 22.

Next Oak Creek is show is July 12, NOT July 5. I decided to push the show back a week because I did not want to be stuck setting up a show all night on July 4. Also, the August show will be on the second Saturday as well -- August 9 because on August 2, I'll be set up in booths 3816 and 3717 at the National in Rosemont, IL.

Happy 50th Birthday to dealer Ray Aukes!!

​Have a Happy Father's Day everyone! 

Saturday, May 31, 2025, IBEW Local 364, Rockford, IL

Man, am I glad to see the end of May! One word describes May -- SLOW. My set builders seemed to disappear this month. While the Rockford show had a really nice crowd, my set builders did not attend. Few vintage set builders translates into few sales for me.

I had been chugging along nicely this year but starting with the May Oak Creek show, my sales have suffered every single weekend.

There was some really nice vintage in the room in Rockford this past Saturday. There was one dealer on the back wall, who I have never seen before, and he had some great vintage. Big Mark from Iowa was also set up back there and he always has some tremendous vintage. 

Speaking of great vintage dealers, a shout out to my vintage buddy Tom Mularz, who was my neighbor in Rockford this past Saturday. I really enjoyed hanging out with Tom, who always has great cards and memorabilia along with terrific stories. I really enjoy his tales from working as an Andy Frain usher at Wrigley Field in his youth.

​With nothing doing at my tables, I just watched Tom sell cards and tell tales. I was impressed with a little kid, maybe 10 years old, who had his eye on Tom's 1956 Topps Ted Williams. The kid had price graphs and charts on his phone and was a pro negotiating the price with Tom. Kids these days are so much smarter than in my day.

Anyway, even with slow sales, I did enjoy myself. Though, I was really surprised that my sales were down because last time I was set up in Rockford there seemed to be a lot more vintage collectors in attendance. Also, last time, there was a lot more vintage walking into the show. I did not buy anything this time around. I hate when I don't buy anything.

Oh well, there is always another show.

I am setting up at the next Rockford show on June 29. I should have my 1961 Topps baseball binder reloaded by then. Hey, all you vintage set builders and collectors come on out to Rockford on June 29!! I will have some good stuff and there are always several other dealers with great vintage.

Flea Market Sunday

On Sunday, my son and I trekked out to Wilmot, Wisconsin, for the Wilmot Flea Market. While I love setting up at the flea market, one major drawback is waking up before sunrise.

I immediately hit the snooze when my alarm went off at 4 a.m. It took me a good 45 minutes to get out of bed. Good thing I packed the car after Rockford. We still made it to Wilmot by 6 a.m. and received a really good spot and had a ton of space.

I have a completely different set up at the flea market than the one I have at card shows. I brought out unopened wax from the late 1980's through 2020. I sell single packs and unopened boxes. 

I brought out my hockey binders on a request from my buddy Bill. I also brought out some late 1980's - early 1990's complete sets. I sold a 1988 Topps complete set. Woot! I also had some publications, old baseball gloves, toys, clothes, CDs, DVDs, VHS, stuffed animals, jewelry and assorted bric-a-brac. Kolby brought out his Funko-Pops.

We did not get rich but we sold some stuff and had a nice day. The weather was absolutely perfect. There was a steady flow of customers.

The best part of the Wilmot Flea Market is that I always see a bunch of people I know. J.R. was set up in his usual spot near the restrooms. Frank and his wife stopped by. I saw Dobie Maxwell. Donny stopped by as well. Then there were a few guys I regularly see at the card shows, whose names escape me.

I'd like to talk a little bit about Donny -- a unique character, who I met years ago at the old Fred Copp shows. Donny collects jerseys and publications. He is a huge old-time ABA fan along with being a Dodgers fan but hockey is his sweet spot. Donny is a major hockey fan. He regularly goes to the big card show in Toronto every April in search of hockey jerseys and WHA items.

Sunday at the Wilmot Flea Market, Donny was telling me some great stories. I'd like to share one tale that starts maybe 20 years ago while Donny was attending Chicago Wolves hockey games.

Donny got to know some Wolves players and staffers back in the day. Donny is really personable and extremely knowledgeable on all things hockey.

Back in the early 2000's, Donny was collecting videos of hockey fights. Apparently, he has a legendary collection of hockey fights on video. Word of Donny's collection got out to former NHL enforcer Darcy Hordichuck, who had a brief stint with the Wolves.

Donny said that one day while he was sitting at home, his phone rang and it was Darcy Hordichuck on the line. Donny thinks that someone from the Wolves gave Darcy his phone number.

Anyway, Darcy wanted to view Donny's collection of hockey fights featuring current players. So, Donny and Darcy met up and Darcy studied all of Donny's hockey fight videos to give himself an edge on future fights on the ice. The videos helped Darcy whoop some ass. As a result, Donny and Darcy became great friends, a friendship that continues to this day, long after Darcy retired from the Edmonton Oilers in 2013.

Donny told me that Darcy flew him out to Phoenix last week, where Darcy currently lives with his wife and kids. They hung out all week in Phoenix. Darcy showed off his sports card collection and asked Donny to sell it for him.

Low and behold, Donny brings me Darcy Hordichuck's sports card collection while I was sitting under the trees at the Wilmot Flea Market on Sunday. How cool is that! I ended up purchasing a stack of cards including a 1959 Topps Ernie Banks. Thanks Donny!

I ended up having a really nice day in Wilmot and may set up again next weekend... if I can wake up.

Next up is Oak Creek on Saturday, June 7, 2025. I will probably be set up on the stage in the Chapel. I have two binders of 1969 Topps baseball ready to go. I may have a new binder of 1960 Topps baseball but am not sure if I will get it done by Saturday.

As a special treat, Donny is setting up with Anthony Georgetta in the Chapel Saturday in Oak Creek with the remainder of Darcy Hordichuck's sports card collection for sale!! Come check it out!!

​Below is a photo from the Rockford show on Saturday. Really great crowd.

Sunday, May 25, 2025, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

I brought out binders again along with publications and a few complete sets and various vintage lots. Nice crowd this morning.

Chris, who I met at Orland about 25 years ago, was one of the first guys at my tables today. Chris loves cards and is always a pleasure. Currently, Chris is battling some health issues and my thoughts and prayers are with him. 

There was some talk about Dell and Willie this morning. I can't believe those guys are gone. As much as I enjoy buying and selling sports cards, the best part of card shows are the amazing people I get to hang out with every weekend. I need you guys. Stay healthy!!

I'm sending positive vibes to everybody. Back to the job at hand: Gil stopped by early and was working on 1968 Topps today. Rick purchased some cards. A customer who was disappointed that I did not bring out the binders last month was rather pleased this morning.

My one guy working on 1969s was happy to see my new '69 binder. Will arrived with coffee, sausage McMuffin and started to work on 1955 Bowman football.

I got to talking to Mike and Will about the large amount of 1974 Topps baseball cards in my inventory. I said the only card I was missing was Hank Aaron. After Mike completed his purchases with me he then found a 1974 Topps Hank Aaron on another dealer's table and gifted it to me. Thanks Mike!!

A new customer purchased my 1983 Topps baseball set. Nice group of guys at my tables early but it quickly dissipated. Seemed like a lot of my regular set builders were not there which was understandable with it being Memorial Day weekend. I ended up with a rare slow show in Orland.

Other dealers I talked to said they had excellent shows. I need those set builders or it is a long day for me.

However, Orland did not disappoint on the buying front. A young guy sold me a 1969 Topps Larry Csonka rookie PSA 7. I purchased a 1964 Topps Eddie Mathews from Jim. Then Jeff sold me a nice pile of baseball commons from 1954 through 1959. Thanks guys!! It is always fun going home with a pile of cards!!

Larry showed me a box of Exhibits that he said walked up to his table at the MegaShow. Nice group of the 1939 - 1944s, including a Joe DiMaggio.

After the show, Will, Joe and I went to the sub shop. I dined on a steak sandwich. Love that place.

Next up is Rockford on Saturday, May 31, 2025. I'm bringing binders again. My second '69 binder with the high numbers should be completed by then. I doubt I'll get anything else done but I am working on other binders, even if it does not look like it when you see me at a show. I had one guy go through my 1970 Topps baseball binder in Orland and he said there was only one card in it. I had to laugh. I am trying. Eventually, I will fill them all.

Weather permitting, I plan on setting up at the Wilmot Flea Market on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Next Oak Creek show is coming up fast and slated for June 7. Oak Creek is sold out as usual and my waitlist is growing. I need to work on my MegaShows to fit all these people in! 

Anyway, hope to see you next weekend... stay healthy!!!! 

Saturday, May 24, 2025, Peru Mall, Peru IL

It has been a while since I last set up at the Peru Mall and I forgot how long of a drive it takes to get there -- two hours through a ton of road construction!

I brought out binders today along with my publications. My big sale of the day was to an older gentleman who purchased all of my 1970 Kellogg's baseball cards. I had one set builder purchase some cards. Mike drove down from Orland and purchased a bunch of cards to send out for autographs. Thanks Mike! Not much else doing. I sold one old Sport Magazine.

While more sales would have been nice, the real reason I set up at this show is that the buys are normally very good -- except for this day. Nothing walked up. However, there were far more vintage dealers today than I have ever seen at this show. I was close to pulling the trigger on a few cards off dealer tables but the price just wasn't quite there.

There was some very nice vintage at the show. One dealer had some beautiful 1934 Goudey commons but was priced too high. I saw some T206s. Another dealer had a 1954 Bowman Willie Mays that I should have purchased.

I was delighted to see that the Asian restaurant was still in business in the mall while it seemed like there were a few less stores. I enjoyed a tasty chicken and mushroom stir fry.

Not much else to report. I am not sure when I'll hit this show again. I saw that someone else is running a show in Peru at the end of June. In the summer, I prefer to spend Sundays at the Wilmot Flea Market. If the weather is bad, I might try that new show in Peru.

This was a double-bill weekend. I was set up in Orland on Sunday -- blog coming soon.

Next up for me is Rockford on Saturday, May 31, 2025. I'm bringing out binders again. I should have my second of two 1969 Topps baseball binders completed by Saturday. I am slowly working on a 1960 Topps baseball binder and am getting ready to create a new 1961 Topps baseball binder. I also have 1962 Topps football in the on-deck circle. 

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I am planning on hitting the Wilmot Flea Market in Wilmot, WI. I bring an entirely different inventory to the flea market like junk-era cards, toys, books, so if you want to see anything out of my regular show inventory, let me know. If the weather is bad on Sunday, I may try to get a table or two at the Willowbrook show.

Next Oak Creek show is June 7. Tables are sold out as usual. Please note that the July and August Oak Creek shows are on the second Saturday of the month -- July 12 and August 9, respectively.

​Have a great week everybody!