Saturday, March 30, 2024, Sheraton Hotel, Madison, WI

What do you do when there are two shows on the same day and you want to set up at both of them? Both the Madison and Rockford shows were scheduled today. I chose Madison over Rockford because my sales in Madison have been strong and consistent while my Rockford sales seem to be fading. Though, I'll be back in Rockford eventually. I have had many good shows in Rockford over these past several years.

I seem to get a lot more set builders in Madison than I do in Rockford lately. As usual, the set builders were out in force today. I was busy all morning then things died out around noon, which seems to be the pattern for me in Madison.

So, for a good three hours today, I was swamped, trying to help several people at once. My discount boxes got a heavy work out today. A new customer just about cleaned out my two 50-cent boxes. Later I talked with dealer Harry L. who advised that discount boxes are a must these days. I agree! Folks love those discount boxes. 

I also brought out two display cases and filled them with my graded cards and some raw Exhibits. Eddie made the drive up to Madison from Orland and purchased two T206s. Thanks Eddie. My pal Kevin was there as well and purchased one of my 1936 National Chicles. Kevin also found some cards out of my 1966 Topps baseball binder. Thanks Kevin. The father and son team that are usually way too early, actually arrived at my tables after I completed set up. The father did not purchase any cards but the son found a few.

I was off and running today! A new customer pulled a nice pile of 1953 Topps baseball. Ken purchased some 1965 Topps baseball. A new customer purchased a huge pile of 1969 and 1970 Topps baseball. One of my regular customers pulled a large pile out of the 1966 binder. John purchased some of my non-sports cards. I sold some 1971-72 Topps basketball. I sold a handful of football cards. Kevin and Tina were there and they purchased some cards. Thanks guys! Then everyone and their mother were pulling cards out of the discount boxes.

Honestly, I was a little worried that Rockford would affect my sales. Turns out I was worried for nothing as sales topped last month.

On the buying front, it was a weird day. Several guys showed me some cards but wanted to trade, not sell them. I don't trade. Then several more guys showed up with cards to sell but wanted above comps. Really? Don't they know I can look up the recent sales of these cards? Why offer me a card for more than it is selling for? I won't buy it and I doubt anyone in the room will buy it! Then there were two teenagers that came repeatedly to my tables. They started out by offering me a 1990 Donruss Cal Ripken. I declined. The last time they came by they had the 1958 Topps Mantle-Aaron card, but it was beat. I got on my phone and saw that beaters of this card were selling around $75. They initially said I could have the card for $60 but when I started to dig some twenties out of my wallet, they took the card and said they want to show it to their grandpa first -- that was the last I saw of them. Why show me a card, give me a price then walk away when I pull out some money? Weird!

The end result was that I did not buy any cards. I even brought extra cash with me today so I could do some buying. Seemed like everybody wanted retail or above retail for their cards. I tried to explain to them that I only buy for resale and I need to make a profit on the deal. The profit does not have to be huge but there must be a profit. One guy offered me three 1968 Topps test football team cards. Two of the cards were VG, the third was Poor. I looked them up and saw that cards in like condition recently sold for $43 to $44. The seller wanted $50 a piece!

Another seller showed me a box of cards with retail price tags on them. No discounts. I passed on the cards. Then he wanted one of my more expensive cards at a huge discount. Not gonna happen. 

In the end, I was very happy with my sales but disappointed with my lack of buys and dooshy guys who kept offering me over-priced cards.

Overall, a pretty great day in Madison. I saw Troy from Mears Auctions. I also ran into Nick, who used to set up next to me in Orland. I always enjoy talking with other dealers like Mark and Eric. Kudos to Beau for another excellent show in Madison.

Next Madison show is April 20. Unfortunately, I cannot make that one as I'll be in Strongsville, OH, for the annual vintage show. I will set up at the May 25 Madison show which Beau said runs simultaneously with Brat Fest. Woot! The dealer set up next to Mark today, whose name is Ray, plays in a band that will be performing at Brat Fest -- they open for the Village People!

Up next for me is Oak Creek, home of the crazy long waiting list. There were guys in Madison asking me for tables today. You guys got to get on my list!

​See you in Oak Creek on Saturday, April 6!!!

Saturday, March 23, 2024, Peru Mall, Peru, IL

I had a rough week after the Sports Spectacular. I think it was due to some new meds. I always struggle when I am placed on new meds. I am actually starting to feel better today.

So this was my first time at the show in Peru. I tried to book it once before, maybe seven or eight years ago but it was sold out. Thankfully, they had a spot for me this weekend. Setting up at card shows every weekend is not only great fun, but therapy for me. It gives me a chance to focus on something else other than my ailing health. The only show I could find for this weekend was the one in Peru. I think others felt the same way as I saw fellow Oak Creek dealers Dave K. from Wisconsin, Tom K., and Juan R., all set up in Peru. Jeff T. was there walking around buying inventory. Actually, there were quite a few dealers set up at this show, most I have never seen before. The young couple set up next to me have a card shop in Bloomington, IL.  On my other side was a local grandfather with his grandson.  All very nice folks.

Prior to the show, I mapped out my route from Lake County, IL, to Peru, IL. It seemed the drive would take about two hours. I woke at 5 a.m. and took longer than usual getting ready. I was on the road at 6:30 a.m. I was worried I would be late.

My route took me down I294 and all that road construction to I55, which had some heavy traffic and onto I80 and more road construction. There was only one lane open and I was stuck behind a truck going 35 m.p.h. I decided I would find an alternative way home.

Even though my drive was extremely annoying, I seemed to get to the Peru Mall much quicker than I had originally thought. Upon arrival, the mall looked abandoned. Empty box store fronts and all the doors were locked. I drove around it a few times and did not see any dealers loading in.

Eventually, Dave K. arrived, so I knew I was in the right place. We figured out that we were both early. We assumed the show began at 9 a.m. like most shows when this show does not open until 10 a.m. We had a good time commiserating until all the other dealers arrived. I don't think the doors to the mall opened until 9:30 a.m. I should have slept in!!! 

I saw Tom K. inside and he directed me to promoter Dave Marvin, who was wearing a very cool Franco Harris jersey. Dave showed me my tables and I loaded in. I brought out some discount boxes, one display case and most of my baseball binders, all of my basketball binders and a few football binders. I finished reloading my 1966 Topps baseball binder on Friday night -- that thing is busting with cards!

I really had no idea what to expect at this show. I hoped there would be some set builders. I ended up with just one, a bearded fella working on 1956 Topps baseball. My '56 binder is kilt. I hope to reload it soon.

It took a good hour or so before I had a sale which was surprising because I thought the show was well attended... just no vintage set builders. Most of my sales came from the discount boxes. A lot of folks checked out my display case but no one pulled the trigger on anything.  I thought I might have a nice sale when an older guy asked for a price on my entire Post Cereal binder. My price was $300. He offered $150. I declined. Though, he did purchase a large amount of cards out of the discount boxes. I think if I had a whole table of discount boxes, I would have done much better at this show. It is a discount-box kinda crowd.

With not much happening at my tables, I had time to walk the show. I thought there was a nice variety of dealers. Five or six guys had vintage. Most had modern. There was Pokémon as well. The ones that were busiest were selling comic books.

The mall itself is really, really sad. Most store fronts are empty. No food court. The lone restaurant was Chinese. I ordered some orange chicken. It was tasty.

Jim and Cindy stopped by. I always like chatting with them. Jim grew up nearby and told me that the mall was once filled with shops and customers. I grew up with shopping malls and hate to see the sad state that most are currently suffering from. 

Back in the day, before shopping malls died, there used to be quite a few card shows in them. I hated those shows because you were required to set up from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It was a long day with few sales. These days, the mall shows generally have normal show hours. I am starting to like mall shows and think that they might be the future for card shows as hotels and other venues are very difficult for show promoters to deal with. Seems like the malls really need us right now.

I did like the show at Peru Mall despite my slow sales. I was able to make a nice purchase of some Post Cereal cards. See Picture below. I would definitely do this show again, just not bring any binders. 

The next Peru Mall show is slated for May 25, 2024. I can't make that one as I will be set up in Madison that day. Madison has become one of my best shows. I am setting up there next Saturday, March 30, 2024. I am leaning towards bringing out binders but after a slow day with them in Peru, I may bring out display cases. What do you guys want me to bring to Madison? I plan on loading up 1955 Topps All American football cards this week.

The Peru Mall show ended at 3 p.m. I was on the road home around 3:30 p.m. I hopped on I80 but then went north on I39, instead of continuing on to busy I55. I hopped off at Route 50 and took it to I88, then 355/53 into Buffalo Grove. It took about two hours to get home. It was a much longer drive but far more pleasant with no road construction and a lot less traffic.

Oak Creek is coming up fast on April 6. I am so far behind in responding to all of the messages. I just did not feel well last week and took a break from life all week. I hope to respond to everyone this week. Sorry!

​Please come out and see me in Madison on Saturday!!

Friday through Sunday, March 15-17, 2024, Chicago Sports Spectacular, Rosemont, IL

I cannot remember exactly when I first started setting up at this show, it may have been in the 1990's -- it has definitely been between 25 and 30 years. Over this time I have developed a routine. I set up my extra tables and display cases on Thursday, including cleaning all the display cases, then bring my cards in on Friday morning and fill my display cases.

This time around I was considering bringing my cards and opening up for business on Thursday after viewing my neighbors, Elite Sports Cards from Schaumburg, engage in a brisk business on Thursday at the November show.

However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I could not physically handle it due to the amount of energy I would expend in the operation. After having great physical difficulty in Strongsville last April, again at the National last summer and again at the November Sports Spectacular, I needed to reconsider my whole approach to save some energy so I could make it through the weekend in my present gimpy state.

I decided to just bring in my tables and display cases on Thursday, then clean and load the display cases on Friday. I realized that if I stuck to my original plan, I would have to load in then move my car across the street then walk back to the venue on a trek that now seems like 100 miles. That walk from the parking lot to the venue just kills me these days which is so weird because it never affected me in anyway when I was younger and healthier. So disappointing!

I was actually starting to stress out about this whole affair and wondered how I was going to physically handle it. As luck would have it, young Eric texted me on Wednesday and offered to help me! I met Eric several years ago at the Schaumburg show. He is a very nice kid, around 24 years old, I am guessing.

Eric showed up at my house around 3 p.m. Thursday and helped me load my car. We arrived at the Stephens Center around 4 p.m. and I was able to find a parking spot. We were lucky enough to obtain one of the venue's large carts and stacked tables and display cases on it. We also stacked some display cases on my hand cart. Eric pushed the large cart while gimpy me pushed the little cart.

Boothmate P.J. was already there and just about finished setting up. Eric helped me place out three tables and 15 display cases. We covered everything with tarps and went back to my house. The whole venture took about an hour and a half and I expended minimal energy, preserving myself for Friday which is always long and tiring, even when I was in the best of shape.

I slept like crap Thursday night, ugh! I eventually made it to the parking lot across from the venue around 10:30 a.m. I knew the walk from the parking lot to the venue while pushing my bins on the cart would be difficult due to my high blood pressure which causes me to overheat easily and lose strength and energy quickly. I was weezing pretty bad during the walk and was glad there were not too many people around in that passage-way across River Road to hear me huff and puff.

Once I arrived at the booth, all I wanted to do was lie down but there was no place to do so. Plus, the VIPs would be coming in at 1 p.m. and I had to get ready, so I started wiping down all the display cases. My legs were a little wobbly while I loaded my cards into the cases. I had priced quite a few cards these past few months in preparation for the show. I had a bunch of new stuff to show off. 

I had brought along a large jug of coffee and had finished it long before I completed set up. Once I was ready to go, I walked over to the concession stand and spent 10 bucks on a crappy hot dog and another six bucks on a large Diet Pepsi. Oh man, it felt great to sit down and eat and drink, even if the price was highway robbery. I was interrupted a few times by folks wanting to check out my cards. I also noticed that if I stood up too quickly, my wonky blood pressure caused my center of gravity to fluctuate. I almost fell over a few times. Boy, that would have been embarrassing.

It did not take long for a nice crowd to fill the room. There were so many more people in attendance than November. Woot! Prior to the show, I was really worried that we would have a repeat of November and I would have to rely on dealers to make sales. The dealers that made my show in November stopped by but did not purchase anything. I was a little concerned. 

As the afternoon went on, my sales started to pile up. I can't even remember what I sold but I had quite a few sales and ended up having a really nice first day. P.J. sent over a guy collecting Cubs and he spent quite a bit of dough on some Bowmans. My sales on Friday were not quite as good as November when I had those dealers drop some coin but much better than expected. P.J. had a good day as well.

P.J. said he did not sleep very well on Thursday either. We were both drained when the show ended at 8:30 p.m. I really struggled with that walk back to the parking lot. I could barely get into my car. My feet and my legs were throbbing.

I decided to take the long way home and stopped off at Taco Bell which is pretty much the only place for late-night dining near my house. Taco Bell did the trick and I passed out around 10 p.m.

Unfortunately, I woke up at 4 a.m. and could not fall back asleep. Ugh! Somehow, I made it to Rosemont around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and filled all the empty spots in my display cases then was groggily ready for Day 2. 

Big crowd on Saturday. I was soooo busy all day! A dealer I met in Madison a few months ago started me off with some big purchases, including my 1956 Topps Jackie Robinson, which I have had for a while. I'll miss that card!

I was surprised that I did not sell any graded cards on Friday. That situation was remedied as I sold quite a few including some T206s and a 1966 Topps Ernie Banks. I also brought out some publications this time around, largely Sport Magazines from the 1940's through the 1970's. My old pal low-ball Lonnie found me and offered me pennies on the dollar for several publications. I let him have a beater that I had priced at $5 for three crumpled and smelly dollar bills. Lonnie then wanted my mid-1960's Sports Illustrated with Pete Rose on the cover for $10. I had it priced at $20 and was willing to sell it to him for $15. He still wanted it for $10. He said I should sell it to him for $10 because he almost died recently. I cannot remember the gist of his story but there was something wrong with his leg. I said no. Later, a customer purchased it for $20. Ha!

Despite my dealings with Lonnie, I had a really nice time and was visited by many friendly faces like Donny, Willie, Anthony, several guys who share the name Mike, Chris, Milan, several guys who share the name Jim, Scott Z., Scott S., Scott W., Al, Bawby, Derek, Record Store Steve (Dave, Steve wants you to call him), Tony, Rocky and Shannon, Alyssa, Mark and Deb, Bill from Indiana, Lou from Grand Rapids, Ray, Craig, Tim P., Tom D., Dom, Kevin, who is the strongest man in Brown Deer, WI; I met Kevin's girlfriend Tina, Curtis, Andrew, Lorena, Eric from Lake Bluff, Tim from Palatine, Larry the forest ranger, Larry the accountant, Gary, Jeff P., Jeff T., Eric U., Dennis, Mikey, Gary G., and young Tyler, who told me he planned to go to Ricobene's in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood after the show. Tyler discovered Ricobene's online. I discovered Ricobene's as a kid and have been eating there for most of my life -- great food. They are known for their breaded steak sandwiches. I also like their chicken vesuvio sandwiches and their pizza. I warned Tyler that the neighborhood is not safe at night and that Chicago has been experiencing a rash of car jackings lately. I gave him my phone number in case he had any issues. I have not heard from him and am assuming he made it there and back to Milwaukee in one piece. I would have volunteered to accompany him there but I was soooo tired after the show.

I really enjoyed talking to folks I have known for decades along with those I met for the first time like Justin, who is from my hometown of Northbrook, Illinois, and who purchased several 1933 Goudeys, including my Lefty O'Doul. Thanks Justin!

Then I talked to a ton of guys who I have known for years but cannot remember their freakin' names! Like the guy I met years ago at the Fred Copp shows who collects schedules. Quite a few of the Fred Copp crowd visited me, all wondering if Fred was going to ever run any shows again. Fred, if you are reading this, time to get back to it!

I enjoyed talking to the guy from Detroit who owns a card/comic book shop and has the best set up at the show. You guys know him, he sometimes wears a top hat. He purchased some hockey cards from me. Wish I could remember his name! 

Then I had an embarrassing moment with Tom D. Apparently, he knows the guys from Elite Sports Cards, who were set up next to me. Tom asked me what I thought of them. I said they were very nice guys but have had a box of Twinkies behind their table all weekend and did not offer me one. Tom got a good laugh and unbeknownst to me, told them. Later, one of the Elite guys walked over with a Twinkie. I was embarrassed and told him I was joking, as I stuffed that Twinkie down my gullet. It was actually true, no joke, I was eying that box of Twinkies the whole weekend! Oh, and the guys from Elite Sports Cards are top notch! They had one display case filled with Mantles!!

I too had a really nice display and a nice variety of vintage cards at this show. I received quite a few compliments which were much appreciated. Many folks also complimented me on the success of the Oak Creek show which was also appreciated. Folks also approached and asked for table space at the show. My phone also rang off the hook all weekend with folks looking for tables. I have quite a few messages I need to return. I'll get to you guys soon!

Anyway, sales were excellent on Saturday. I was close to my sales from November. 

Later, there was a little buzz in the room as some knucklehead was selling cards depicting Adolph Hitler. Shannon, who is in charge of the dealers, received quite a few complaints and had some trouble finding the guy and eventually asked him to remove the Hitler cards. He complied. I don't think there was a racist intent behind the display of the Hitler cards as the seller was African American. I think he was just trying to make a buck.

So this got me thinking. What would I do if one of my Oak Creek dealers was selling Hitler cards at the show or something else that was offensive. After pondering the situation I decided that I would advise the seller to remove the offensive material from his table, like Shannon did at the Sports Spectacular. My general rule is that if a guy purchases the space from me, it is up to him to decide what to sell -- but Hitler cards? Come on, you gotta have more brains than that!

The show ended at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Normally, I head for the casino but was way too tired. Instead, P.J. and I went over to Russell's in Elmwood Park for some barbecue. I took P.J. to Russell's several years ago. With Russell's, you either love it or hate it. I am so glad P.J. loves it because Russell's is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I've got a handful of old-time Chicago places that I have been eating at my whole life and just love like Ricobene's and Russell's. Some other places include Johnny's Beef, Hackney's, Manny's Deli, Pizzeria Uno and Due, Jimmy's for pork chop sandwiches, Ron of Japan, along with Northbrook favorites Little Louie's, Ira's (now called Josh's) and Barnaby's.

Once I arrived home from Russell's, I fell right to sleep. I set my alarm for 8:30 p.m. because I had to pick up my daughter from work at 9 p.m. Then I was up until 1:30 a.m. Ugh! I did not get a good night's sleep the whole weekend!

I was really late getting to the show on Sunday morning, though, I was not too worried about it as I was expecting a light crowd, like we had in November. Turned out that I was wrong. Big crowd on Sunday. Prior to the show I thought I would have time to walk around on Sunday but I was busy most of the day and only got to walk a few aisles late in the afternoon.

I saw some really high prices on many of the vintage dealers' tables. Customers complained to me all weekend about the high prices. I also noticed that there were a ton of low-ball Lonnies all weekend long, especially on Friday. It is an automatic no when these guys offer me half of my sticker price. Come on now! I don't need to sell any of this stuff and am happy to bring it home. Man, the lowballers came out of the woodwork this weekend. Thankfully, there were plenty of folks with reasonable offers and I ended up with my best show at the Sports Spectacular in quite a while.

On the buying front, I purchased a few things, not much. Most of the people that offered me cards were way overpriced.  

P.J. had a good show as well but we were both tired by the end of the day Sunday. My young friend Eric helped me pack up and load out. Thanks Eric!!!

While I was tired and my feet hurt, I did not feel nearly as bad as I have been. I tried to sit whenever I could to preserve my strength. I think if I did not have to make that walk to and from the parking lot, I would be in much better shape. I might have my wife drop me off in the circle drive in front at future shows.

When I arrived home on Sunday after the show, I was way too tired to unload my car. I tried to unload on Monday but could only get half way through it. I finished unloading on Tuesday. It sucks being so gimpy! I have been having a rough week recovering from the show.

Anyway, despite my limitations physically, I was able to survive and had a really great time. I am soooo disappointed that the folks that run the Sports Spectacular have moved their summer show from Rosemont to Detroit. I had a really good show at their last one in the summer of 2022. While I really like Shannon and I thought they did a much better job at promoting the show, I do not have a whole lot of confidence in these guys pulling off a show in Detroit. As a result, I decided to set up at the Midwest Monster in Indianapolis that weekend in June. This will be my first time at the Midwest Monster and the first time I have set up in Indy in about 10 years. I am looking forward to it!!

In the meantime, no rest for the weary! I am setting up at the Peru Mall this Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Peru, Illinois. This will be my first time setting up at this show. Do any of you guys attend this show? I am probably going to bring out binders. I hope there are some vintage collectors there!

Next Oak Creek show is coming up on April 6 and once again I have a huge waiting list. Many folks asked me at the Sports Spectacular if I was considering moving my show to a larger venue as I could easily fill 300 tables or more. However, I do not want to deal with a 300-table show! 185 tables is hard enough. I cannot imagine dealing with more! Plus, I freakin' love the Salvation Army. Those folks are superstars who treat me like family. I could never leave!! So my show is staying put at the Salvation Army in Oak Creek forever!!

A huge thank you to everybody who came to see me in Rosemont. I really had a great time!

Now if some of you guys would come out to Peru...

Below are some photos around my booth at the Sports Spectacular.

Sunday, March 10, 2024, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

One lesson that I learn over and over is to never have expectations prior to setting up at a show. My sales in Oak Creek are usually excellent but my sales were off this past show on March 2, even though 1,100 attended the show. Then on March 9, I was set up in Kane County where 1,300 people attended the show -- again my sales were off. Then on Sunday, March 10, I was set up in Orland with maybe just 300 people through the door but my sales blew away Oak Creek and Kane County combined.

Actually, I do come to expect a good show in Orland which is generally consistent for me and has been consistent for the past 25 years. However, after poor sales in Oak Creek and Kane County, I was a little nervous for Sunday in Orland. Silly me!

Oh my, was it difficult to wake up Sunday morning after losing an hour to day-light savings time. With my car still loaded from yesterday at Kane County, I had an easier time getting on the road. I was out the door around 7:30 a.m. and made it to Orland around 8:15 a.m.

With more space at this show than Kane County, I added an extra display case, another discount box, and one bin of football binders and all of my basketball binders. When I arrived, I observed that my tables were kind of mashed together and overlapping each other, so I asked the dealer on my left, who had a huge open space to his left, if we could move his tables down a few inches. He was a bit hesitant but complied. Unfortunately, he did not realize that he had a box of cards on the crack between two of his tables and they spilled to the ground when I went to move his end table. He was pissed at me. I apologized and was truly sorry and helped him pick up the cards. 

Later, I overheard him bitching to his buddies about me. I did not intend to knock over his box. I knew one of his buddies who told the guy it was no big deal. I did notice that the box contained a handful of 1986 Sportflics. I don't think he appreciated my comment on those.

As the show progressed, he seemed to mellow out and even joked with me as I chimed in when the buddy admitted that he accidentally mistook a 50-dollar bill for a 5-dollar bill and gave it away to a customer as change, thinking he was handing over a fiver. That customer sucks for not returning the 50. I did not admit it then but I have done the same thing, maybe even a few times.

It took me a little while to set up and I had customers at my table before I could complete set up. As you know, I just love that. Once, I completed set up, I noticed that there were guys at my discount boxes. Man, those things have been such a hit this year. I may have to make those a permanent feature to my set up.

Some of my favorite regulars helped get things going like Andy, Mike, Gil, Chris, Will and Tony. A few other guys showed up with lists in hand (my people!) and pulled cards for their sets. Quite a few guys went through my 1969 Topps baseball binders. I sold a few cards out of the display cases. My sales surpassed yesterday in Kane County in the first hour. I love Orland Park!

I enjoyed meeting Jerry, a Chicago Public School teacher. I found Jerry digging through my discount boxes. He told me he gives out the cards to his students. I wish my teachers gave me baseball cards back in the day!

On the buying front, I purchased a few more 1929 Kashins from Willie. Thanks Willie. As I told Willie, I recently discovered a pile of them in a shoe box buried in the card bunker. In the same box, I had some that depicted actors and actresses. I'll price them all and get them out at a show soon. Then I purchased some 1954 Bowman football from Jim. They are still asking about Jim in Oak Creek! 

Like I said, attendance was down in Orland, which I found odd. Where was everybody? I did enjoy seeing the Easter Bunny hop around the show. I wanted to get a photo with him but I was just too busy.

It almost felt like a Sunday during football season because the crowd just about emptied around noon. I packed up early and Will, Joe and I went over to the sub shop which was open! Yes! 

Apparently, they were closed for some remodeling last month. I ordered a steak sandwich that was very tasty. So glad to be back at Sub City! I love that place!

Another excellent show in Orland Park! A huge thank you to everyone who purchased cards from me and who stopped by to chat. A big thank you to Rich, Karen and crew for putting on another excellent show. 

Next Orland Park show is slated for Sunday, April 21, 2024. Unfortunately, that show conflicts with Strongsville and I will have to miss it. I HATE missing the Orland show. I wish I could leave Strongsville on Saturday night and hit Orland on Sunday but the folks that operate Strongsville do not allow vendors to leave early. Some of those three-day shows like Strongsville and the Sports Spectacular are dead on Sunday and it is such a waste of time to remain set up. I wish they would reduce the show hours to just Friday and Saturday. Anyway, I have to miss the April Orland show but will be back in May. This will probably be the only Orland show that I have to skip for the rest of the year.

Up next for the Fat Daddy road show is the Sports Spectacular from Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Stephens Center in Rosemont, Illinois. I will be in booth 338, next to PJ, in the same location as the November show, across from the concession stand. I am going to head over Thursday afternoon to set up. I think I will put out a case or two of cards during set up, as some folks start conducting business on Thursday, I might as well join them! So if you will be around there Thursday and want to see something, let me know.

Next Oak Creek show is coming up on April 6, 2024. Once again I will have 185 tables. I need to start working on it this week and will start contacting the folks on my waiting list shortly. Tables are currently sold out. I am taking names for the waiting list. You can place your name on the list by sending me your contact info at [email protected].

Wow! What an enjoyable weekend between Kane County and Orland! Please come see me this upcoming weekend in Rosemont. I have been a busy beaver pricing cards for my display cases. I will have some good stuff in Rosemont! Gibson rookie anyone?

Have a great week everybody! Thanks for all the kind comments on the blog. I appreciate you!!

​

Saturday, March 9, 2024, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL

Mornings are my kryptonite. I am a night person, always have been, always will. My brain is foggy in the morning. I can't really see in the morning. I just can't function in the morning.

I had hoped to be on the road to St. Charles around 7 a.m. but after I woke up around 6 a.m., I languished around my house. It sort of felt like I was swimming in quick sand. I did not get on the road until around 8 a.m. and did not arrive at the show until close to 9 a.m. when the show opened. Ugh.

Thankfully load in and set up went smoothly and quickly. I started chatting up my superstar neighbors right away. Dave was on my right, next to Dave was Gary G. On my left was Tom M. Behind me was Nelson and Pam, Mikey, Dennis and Kevin F. Across the way was the Other, Other Tony. What a great group! I had a ball! 

While I love buying and selling vintage cards, I really, really love hanging out with all the great people that set up along side me at all these card shows.

I also really appreciate Premier Card Shows promoters John and Mike for providing a great venue loaded with a mega-ton number of dealers and a huge crowd. Those guys looked a little tired and stressed in the morning. Like I have said many times before, it is not fun to put on a card show, especially one as large as this one at the Kane County Fairgrounds. I think by the end of the day John and Mike were able to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Well done guys!

The show was crowded all day long with 1,300 through the door! Woot! I had folks at my tables most of the day. I brought out some discount boxes, two display cases and most of my baseball binders, along with a few basketball and football binders.

The discount boxes were a hit. Guys were going through those things all day. Only problem was the sales did not add up to much. You can only make so much selling dime cards. I knew beforehand my sales would be down because I am holding back my good stuff for the Sports Spectacular next week. With the time and money invested into a show like the Sports Spectacular, I really need to make some higher end sales at that show -- while Kane County, not so much. I can kick back a little more there because I don't have so much time and money invested.

On the buying front, only thing that came to my tables were a bunch of autographs. I did not know the seller and did not purchase anything, even though he had some cool-looking stuff but I was uncertain as to the authenticity of any of it. I generally only purchase autographs from people I know and trust. There are way too many fakes and scammers out there to purchase autographs from those I do not know and trust.

On the food front, there was an excellent taco truck at the show today. John mentioned that they had breakfast this morning, including my favorite -- French toast. Oh my! That French toast was awesome. Made to order and covered in cherry syrup. Good thing I remembered to bring my insulin! Delicious! Dave also brought me a ham sandwich. Thanks Dave!

The highlight of my day was seeing my old friend Skip, who is cancer free for the third time! I know some tough SOBs and Skip is one of them! Welcome back Skip!!

Unfortunately, the next Kane County show is not until December 7th -- the same day as my Oak Creek show, so obviously I will be in Oak Creek that day along with just about everybody who was set up around me today. I get it, sometimes you gotta run the show on the dates that the venue is available.

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Kane County show today. I know I will have a good time as always tomorrow in Orland Park. Hope to see everyone in Orland on Sunday!! 

Reminder... next Oak Creek show is April 6, 2024.

Below are a couple of photos from the Kane County show today...

Saturday, March 2, 2024, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

Years ago, I created and operated a small publishing company in Chicago. My main publication was a free newspaper called Barfly, a Guide To Chicago's Drinking Establishments. With a very small staff, we printed 24,000 copies of Barfly every two weeks and distributed them to more than 600 bars and restaurants across the city. 

Each issue of Barfly was between 24 and 36 pages, depending on how many ads we sold. Usually, we had around 100 different advertisements. Barfly featured articles about drinking in a current and historical context, profiles of local bartenders, profiles of various liquors, beers and wines (I had a sommelier on staff!); bar, restaurant and music reviews, cartoons, tons of photos, classifieds and more. 

During its 8-year run, Barfly became very popular in Chicago and influential world-wide where other publishers copied my format (even my name) across the globe. Articles were written about me in other publications like the Chicago Tribune and Playboy. I enjoyed some notoriety in Chicago which included many free drinks and meals all over the city. 

My wife Lisa, whom many of you have met at the Oak Creek show, worked with me at Barfly. We did not get rich off Barfly but it brought in enough income where we could live a modest life and continue to publish the newspaper indefinitely. However, when Lisa became pregnant with our first child, we decided we could not raise a family and continue on as barflies. So in 2001, we shut down Barfly and I enrolled at John Marshall Law School in Chicago to work in a profession better suited to raising a family. The year 2001 was also when I started to set up at card shows every weekend. I had to work most weekends during the Barfly years and could rarely set up at a card show. 

Why do I mention Barfly during my blog about the Oak Creek Card Show? Well, both are my creation and I am starting to recognize many similarities between the two, none of which have anything to do with drinking. While drinking was definitely a part of Barfly, it was only a small part, I spent the bulk of my time planning each issue, managing writers, cartoonists, photographers, graphic artists, sales people and delivery staff, along with editing copy, interviewing and writing articles, taking many photographs myself, selling and designing ads, designing each issue, getting the mock ups to the printer and assisting with delivery -- it was a huge undertaking!

As soon as we finished delivering the newest issue of Barfly, there was no time to rest, I had to immediately start work on the next issue which meant contacting the entire writing staff and assigning articles, contacting photographers and assigning photographs, checking in with the cartoonists to let them know I needed their cartoons ASAP. I also had them draw illustrations for some of the articles. I then had to start contacting 100 or so advertisers to see what changes they wanted in their ads for the next issue. Then I had to deal with dozens and dozens of phone messages and emails. It was a Herculean task to produce each issue of Barfly.

Like Barfly, promoting the Oak Creek Sports Card show is a Herculean task. As soon as one card show ends, I find myself working on the next one, even though I want nothing more than to rest. There is no rest for the weary. Once again, I have created something very popular which requires a TON of work. Ugh!

The day after I completed delivering the newest issue of Barfly, I would be rudely awoken from my much-needed slumber by my phone ringing off the hook with new and old advertisers wanting to discuss an ad for the next issue. These days, like Barfly, I am awoken from my much-needed slumber soon after the show by my phone ringing off the hook from current vendors wanting to confirm their spot for the next show and multitudes of new vendors wanting space at the next show. No rest for the weary! My next venture is going to be purposely unsuccessful so I can get some rest!

The March Oak Creek show was especially difficult for me because I had to move out of my law office as my lease expired at the end of February and I can no longer afford the office as I have greatly reduced my hours due to my health battles this past year. While I am definitely starting to feel better, I now have some concerning kidney issues to deal with. I just can't seem to get healthy!

So, in my current gimpy state, I spent the past two weeks packing up my office and moving boxes of files to my basement at home. I also moved into a smaller office in the same building, so I am still operating as a lawyer but in a reduced capacity. I don't know if I can ever work like I did in the past. Litigation is incredibly time consuming.

By the time I completed the move, around 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, every bone in my body ached. I am in terrible shape. These aches upon aches reminded me of two-a-day high school football practices in August before the school year began. You remember those? I remember that I could not walk after that first week of high school football practice. Just like those days, I could barely walk after two weeks of moving out of my office.

Yet, I could not rest and had to get to Oak Creek to set up the show! Somehow, during the move, I was able to contact all 119 different vendors, map out the five rooms, get the word out and make all the preparations for the March show. Back when I was operating Barfly, I learned not to ponder or worry about all the work that needed to be done, I just did it. Same as today, I don't ever worry about everything that I have to do, I just do it.

So that Friday afternoon before the show on Saturday, I made the trip home from my office with my car filled with boxes of files. Lisa and I unloaded the files then loaded in my bins of cards for the show and off to Oak Creek! We arrived in Oak Creek around 5:30 p.m. on Friday and began setting up the show. Soon my helpers George and Kristy arrived along with a couple of vendors for early set up.

Well, someone stole two cases of Mountain Dew from the kitchen on Friday night, so I am no longer having early set up for vendors. It just takes one knucklehead to ruin it for everyone. I don't think said knucklehead reads the blog but if he does and returns the soda, I'll restart Friday night set up for vendors. But for now, no more early set up Friday night.

Knucklehead aside, we finished setting up the show around 8:30 p.m. and went off for an enjoyable dinner at Water Street Brewery. Lisa and I stumbled into our hotel room around 11 p.m. and passed out.

I hit the snooze on my alarm a couple of times when it went off at 5:30 a.m. I gave up on sleep when I heard the couple in the adjoining room engaging in very loud coitus. Lisa started to laugh and reminded me about our old apartment in Chicago where we were regularly awoken by our upstairs neighbor making thump-a thump-a sounds on our ceiling accompanied by a cacophony of agonizing cries. Good times.

The parking lot was already full when we arrived at the Salvation Army around 7 a.m. I ended up with 185 tables sold, breaking my record of 184. I did not intend to break the table record but I forget to add a couple of people and had to stick some vendors anywhere I could eek out some extra space. As a result, the only place left for me to set up was on the stage in the Chapel.

I had a couple of vendors on the stage when I did 184 tables but those vendors were not happy as very few customers walked up on the stage. My sales were down this month as few customers found me on the stage. Though, I think I might permanently set up on the stage because I think folks will eventually realize I am there and sales should pick up. There really is no other space for me to set up as I prefer to give the premium space to the vendors. I just don't have enough space at this venue for all the vendors that would like to set up. As much as I would like more space to accommodate everyone, I am never leaving the Salvation Army because we have such a great relationship. I never want to return to the turmoil I dealt with when the show was at the Four Points Sheridan, so this is it, the show cannot grow any larger. 

I don't think the soda theft messed up my relationship with the Salvation Army but those types of things really frustrate me. This show is much bigger than me and its success relies on continuing our great relationship with the Salvation Army. Freakin' knucklehead. I did pay for the soda. Why is being an honest, good person so hard for some people?

It is important to me to always be honest. Always be a good person. It is also important to me to be responsible. I expect others to be honest, good and responsible. Yet, every month, I have to deal with vendors who are not responsible. I confirm with all the vendors prior to the show. I am amazed that after a vendor confirms with me, he fails to show up, fails to contact me. I only had one vendor out of 119 fail to show up at this show -- also may be a record. 

My waiting list is getting out of control again. I was able to get seven new vendors in this month including the return of Dave M. and Reed P. Welcome back guys! I will try to get more new vendors some space at the April 6 show but I need these guys to be patient. No need to contact me every 15 minutes. I'll let you know when space opens up. If I don't contact you, that means I do not have space for you. There are way too many guys on the waiting list for me to contact them all every month to let them know there is no space available.

Anyway, it was quite an effort to put the March show together. The stress and body aches eased as I could see the front door from my perch on the stage in the Chapel and viewed the hordes of customers enter the building all day long. Another record went down -- new attendance mark set at 1,100!!!

Back when I was operating Barfly, it was extremely stressful publishing each issue but when I saw the finished product roll of that huge web press, I was so happy and so satisfied. Just like Barfly, it is extremely stressful putting on each card show at the Salvation Army, but when I see all the dealers set up on Saturday morning, see all the customers come on out and folks buying, selling and trading cards and having a good time, I am so happy and satisfied. I have a passion and love for sports cards and I find it so rewarding to be in a building filled with others that have the same passion and love. My people! I thank you all!!!

Next Oak Creek show is April 6. I should be a lot less stressed out as I am comfortably in my new law office. 

In the meantime, I am setting up Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Illinois. I am not sure yet as to what I am bringing out. If you want to see something, let me know. It is a double bill weekend, with Orland on Sunday, March 10, 2024. I am looking forward to both shows. I just love setting up at card shows. Promoting shows... not so much, but I am a glutton for punishment. What can I say?

A huge thank you to the record-breaking number of dealers who set up in Oak Creek on March 2nd and the record-breaking number of customers. Wow! That is all I can say!!

Now for some photos from the record-breaking day in Oak Creek:

Eugene hanging out at Dan's table in the gym.

From my perch on the stage in the Chapel.

I love our concession stand and I appreciate our volunteers who work it each month! I had a Sloppy Joe for breakfast and a brat for lunch. Thanks guys!

The action in Fellowship Hall.

The action in the Game Room. We have five different rooms!

One of the things that makes this show is unique are the free packs of cards that I give away. I went through four boxes at the March show. One young collector pulled the card pictured above.

Dave and Reed are back!

Another photo of the Game Room.

This is Eric's table in the front hallway.

Lake Country Cards is located in the back hallway where they will accept submissions to the grading companies.

Tommy Larson in the house!

Rocky!

So I pulled a random issue of Barfly from my archives and it just happened to be a time-appropriate St. Patrick's Day issue. See below.

This is the front cover of one of two issues I published in March 2000. The cover was designed by my pal Mike Kandel (RIP), who achieved some fame in the 1990's as the creator of Trip Hop and made music under the name Tranquility Bass. His videos were regularly featured on MTV and you can still find them on YouTube. Mike used a photo of his drinking buddy Martin Tunny in his cover design. Martin is a local Chicago actor, a barfly in his own right and sports aficionado. Martin's sister is the actress Robin Tunney. 

I had a great many artists create original cartoons for Barfly. My favorite was Paul Moch, just a regular guy with amazing talent I found sitting at the end of the bar at the L & L Tap.