He was kind of like a Baby Huey character, just a big lovable guy who somehow could make his large frame appear diminutive as he surrounded himself with boxes and boxes of sports and non-sports cards at card shows most every week.

I first met the amazing Dell Heyn about 25 years ago when I shut down my publishing company and began setting up at card shows operated by legendary Chicago-area promoter Fred Copp. At the time, Fred ran four shows a week -- Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I would set up at the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows (all in different locations!). So would a regular group of wonderful guys including Dell.

Often, you could not see Dell as he was blocked from view by his boxes and boxes of dime and quarter cards but you knew he was there by the sound of his booming baritone which offered various opinions on the state of the Chicago sports teams, sports cards and sports card shows.

I enjoyed hanging out with Dell and the others three days out of every week. Dell was so pleasant. At the time, I was preparing to attend law school and studying for the LSAT and found the card shows a welcome relief from my studies.

I was living on the Northwest Side of Chicago in those days as were many of the other guys who would set up at Fred's shows, including Dell, who came to my house to purchase a Raphael Palmiero card. Palmiero was his favorite player and he had the world's foremost collection of Palmiero cards.

I really enjoyed hanging out with all the regular dealers at Fred's shows like Dell, Willie, Dan, Don and a few others that would come in and out.

Eventually, Dell stopped coming or would set up occasionally. He found other shows with bigger crowds including the Orland Park show and the Gonzaga show. I followed Dell to these shows though still tried to find time for Fred's shows.

Actually, I followed Dell all over the place from the National, Sun-Times shows, to Fort Wayne and to Canton. 

Wherever Dell set up, the scene was the same. Massive amounts of boxes of cards with Dell swimming in the middle. I don't think he had a card on his table that cost more than a $1. His set up was unique and he excelled. I don't know anyone who made so much money with so many inexpensive cards. His sales at the National each year were legendary. They should have created an award for Dell because he made more money selling dime cards at the National than most dealers made selling $100 cards.

I have to think he did so well because he was loved by all. There was always a crowd by his tables no matter where he set up. 

I just saw him recently at the April 5 Oak Creek show. Dell was a huge supporter of my show and I am forever in his debt. To get the Dell stamp of approval really meant something to me and I was so appreciative that he set up every month at my show.

We had come along way these past 25 years since we first met. Dell saw my full head of hair fade. I saw his dark black hair go gray. Yet there he was every month in Oak Creek or at Orland, still behind that massive wall of dime cards... and here I am every week still behind a wall of vintage sports cards. Some things never change.

Not having Dell in Oak Creek and Orland every month is a change I don't want. I am going to miss Dell Heyn like nobody's business. I never got to talk about the MegaShow with him. He chose to go on a cruise instead of setting up. I was sure I could convince him to set up at the next one in September. 

Dell was just 50 years old. He was born in the magical year of 1975, the first year I collected baseball cards. I never realized I was 8 years older than him. I always figured we were about the same age.

At last week's Orland show, promoter Rich Troy said a few nice words over the loudspeaker about Dell. Folks were shocked to learn of Dell's passing. Everyone had such wonderful things to say about him.

That amazing card show in the sky just signed up an absolute gem of dealer. Say hello to everyone up there for us Dell. Until we meet again. I wish I could have told you how much I appreciate you and how much I enjoyed our friendship. You were something special. My condolences to all of Dell's friends and family.

Saturday, April 19, 2025, Wisconsin MegaShow, Franklin, WI

I think this is the most exhausted I have been in all my adult life. This was a huge undertaking. I learned a lot and the next one in September will be much easier.

I ended up with 250 dealers and 440 tables -- by far the largest show I have undertaken in my nearly 11 years as a card show promoter. I am pretty sure that this was the largest show ever held in Wisconsin.

Oddly enough, I never intended to create such a large show back when I put on my first show in September of 2014 at the Clarion Hotel in Milwaukee -- I just wanted a place to set up. I am much more of a vintage sports card dealer than a show promoter.  It was really a happens of circumstance that the MegaShow came about as the Oak Creek show has outgrown the Salvation Army, I needed a venue to accommodate everyone who wanted to set up in Oak Creek. Current Oak Creek waiting list is at 183 people and the wait for space is up to a year.

Thanks to John Nelson, my security guard at the Oak Creek show and who also just happens to be the mayor of the nearby town of Franklin, I was able to hook up with the Milwaukee County Sports Complex last year. Riley from the Sports Complex, who is awesome, and I floated some dates and we were able to settle on April 19.

I crunched some numbers and figured I could make this thing work by charging $50 a table. I also wanted to bring my friends from the Salvation Army with me and raise some funds for all the great work they do in the community. With a show twice the size of Oak Creek, I did not think customers would mind donating $2 to the Salvation Army for admission into the show.

In January, I issued a newsletter to all the dealers at the Oak Creek show. In the newsletter, I announced the MegaShow and stated that dealer registration occurred with table payment. My plan was to number all the tables at the MegaShow and assign numbers in the order the dealers signed up for the show.

Well, apparently, many dealers at the January show did not read the newsletter and assumed they had a spot at the MegaShow simply because they were Oak Creek vendors or that I would hold them a spot if they told me they were going to set up. Sorry Charlie! As the newsletter stated, dealer registration occurred upon payment and that is how all the MegaShows will work going forward.

A huge number of dealers wanted certain spots. Sorry Charlie! Tables were assigned according to when each dealer registered and will be so going forward.

Next up was procuring tables. I could not have 250 dealers bringing in their own tables -- that would have been chaos. So I essentially took bids from 7 different rental companies and signed up the lowest bidder.

Turns out I did not budget nearly enough funds for the tables which was a huge cost. So next show, I am going to have to charge dealers at least $60 a table, maybe more. I am also going to have to charge a little more for admission and use those funds to offset some of my costs.

These past three months have been crazy busy with hundreds of potential dealers regularly contacting me. I also worked my tail off promoting the show and getting the word out.

I gave several guys free tables in exchange for their help in setting up and taking down the tables. They all showed up to set up the show, but most bailed on taking it down. I do appreciate everyone who showed up to set up the show, you guys are awesome. In addition to the free table guys, I had a great group of volunteers Friday night who all worked their tails off. However, hardly anyone was there to take it down. Lesson learned.

For the September MegaShow, I am going to pay the table company an unfortunately large sum to set up and take down the tables -- which was the hardest part of the show. Things will be much smoother next time. 

I arrived at the show Saturday morning around 6:20 a.m. I was surprised that only three cars of dealers were there waiting for me. There are usually quite a few early arrivals at the Oak Creek show.

Riley was there to greet me and we turned on the lights and opened the doors to dealers. Pictured below is the calm before the storm.

Such a large room filled with so many tables was awe inspiring upon first view. I heard both dealers and customers exclaim "WOW" all morning long.

So dealer load in was kind of hectic and a number of guys claimed I double booked the tables and I had to find space. Luckily, I planned for this sort of problem and had a number of open tables where I could easily move people around. I had a bunch of dealers show up who did not reserve tables. I was able to accomodate them all.

Another problem was that some dealers moved their table numbers, so that was a cluster figuring that one out. Each table came with one chair. Some dealers stole their neighbor's chairs. Then other dealers just overtook their neighbor's space either on the front or the back. Dealers that move table numbers and/or overtake their neighbor's space and steal their chairs just suck. Shouldn't it be obvious that you can't put your huge sign behind your neighbor's space or put your stuff on your neighbor's table or steal their chairs?

Prior to the show, I tried to deal with the vendors with a handshake but I think I need a contract for the September show that lists, what I believe, are common-sense rules. Some dealers I just may not allow to set up in September. Bad dealer behavior has no place at my shows.

So Friday night into Saturday morning was an absolute cluster. It took me forever to set up my own tables because I had to deal with so many dealer issues in the morning.

Once everything settled, the show went smoothly for the most part. One problem was that I left the garage door open because the room was really warm. Of course, people snuck into the show through the garage door and avoided donating a big two bucks to the Salvation Army. I have a lot of four-letter words for those people.

On the opposite end, our wonderful Salvation Army volunteers working the front door, Vanessa and Captain Dana, reported 1,500 through the door. I think they might have been overwhelmed by the crowds and did not count everybody. It sure felt like more than 1,500. The parking situation seemed to reflect more than 1,500.

Speaking of the parking situation -- another cluster. Months prior to the show, I was informed that customers could park along the drive leading to the venue. Many customers took advantage and parked along the drive only to be ticketed by the County Parks Police. Ugh!

There is a ton of parking behind the building that very few took advantage of. For the September show, I will have all the dealers park behind the building. There is also a road along the western side of the building where people can park. I will have to lure people to park on the west side road.

Now let's talk some positives. Most customers and dealers seemed really happy with the show. I was able to get in a ton of new dealers who have never set up in Oak Creek. I was really impressed with the dealers who came in from Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Des Moine and Minneapolis. Many dealers already want to purchase tables for the September MegaShow. I loved that most dealers stayed until the end. Seems like many dealers pack up early in Oak Creek.

The customers were awesome! Like some of the dealers, we had some customers flying in as well. One of my favorite YouTubers was there -- Garrett from Ballpark Memories. Young Garrett spends thousands of dollars at every show he attends. He dropped some coin at the MegaShow. Thank you Garrett!!

Most dealers reported excellent sales. My sales were pretty good.

On the buying front, not a whole lot offered. I picked up some 1973-74 Topps hockey. I was offered a 1939 Play Ball Joe Dimaggio housed in a Beckett 4.5 holder. The card had a dime-size stain on the bottom. I was happy to see that John, who regularly attends the Oak Creek shows with his son Dom, purchased the Dimaggio. John has a great collection of vintage cards, including a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle.

One of the things I love about card shows in general is that I often learn something new about sports cards and players at every show. Today, I learned something new from dealer Kevin Farrell, who is one of my favorites. He always brings out such cool stuff like vintage gloves and bats along with some rare and interesting pre-War cards.

Later in the show, Kevin showed me a card depicting actress Lilliam Russell, pictured below. Kevin purchased the card from dealer Greg Miller at the show. Many old-timers may remember Greg from the old Gonzaga show. So thankful to have both Kevin and Greg setting up at the MegaShow.​

​Kevin said Lillian Russell indirectly played a major role in dubbing Frank Schulte with the nickname "Wildfire." Schulte was a slugging right fielder for the great Chicago Cubs teams from 1906 to 1910, according to Sabr.org. Schulte played alongside the famed double-play combo of Tinkers to Evers to Chance.

Kevin told me that Frank Schulte long admired actress Lillian Russell, and during spring training in Vicksburg, Mississippi, one year, he took some teammates to see Russell’s new play named “Wildfire.” The boys then met Russell at a post-show party. Soon after, Schulte, who owned race horses, named one of his trotters "Wildfire." Once the Chicago sportswriters learned of this infatuation with Lillian Russell, the nickname "Wildfire" was born.

Thanks for the story and showing me the card Kevin!​

Overall, I think it was a pretty good day in beautiful Franklin, Wisconsin, and I plan on many, many more MegaShows. I will probably run them quarterly in 2026 in addition to the monthlies continuing in Oak Creek.

Several dealers suggested I make the MegaShow a two-day event. I am a little worried that I can't physically handle a two-day MegaShow. My next concern is security overnight in the building. I can't leave millions of dollars of collectibles unsecure overnight. I would have to hire overnight security. What would that cost? My costs are already through the roof. With the costs of tables, chairs and venue rental, there is not much left on the bone. I'll have to think about that one.

Some of the sports card collectors complained about all the Pokémon vendors. Sorry guys, it is 2025 and the reality is that Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. Pokémon vendors are at every show. I don't mind them. Most are nice guys... except for the doosh that took up his neighbor's space with his stupid billboard-type sign.

I have always had the policy that if you purchase a table you can sell whatever you like. You want to put out a table of frogs, I'm fine with it. It is your table, you sell what you want.

Some sports card show promoters are starting to run all-Pokémon shows. I thought about doing one but I don't think it will stop Pokémon dealers from setting up at sports card shows. Pokémon is here to stay. Guys who don't like Pokémon need to just deal with it and move on to a sports card table if you are not interested in Pokémon.

Pokémon aside, there are so many things I love about running a sports card show. I get to hang out with so many wonderful people. So great to see Mark and Deb. One of the best guys at the show is Sean, who was set up near me. Sean and his wife recently lost their son Nico. My condolences to Sean and his family.

The thing I hate about running a card show are the complaints. Most complaints are totally nonsensical. Just enjoy the show guys! We're all geeks that love some sort of collectibles. Why not stop complaining and just enjoy the show? There was so much cool stuff at the MegaShow!

Honestly, I am glad the show is over. I am tired! Nevertheless, a huge thank you to all the vendors, all the attendees, my set-up crew, my security, the concession guys, Captain Dana and everyone at the Salvation Army, Riley and everyone at the venue. I also can't thank my bride of 27 years for all of her help and support. Thank you Lisa!! A super huge NO THANK YOU to the Milwaukee County Parks Police!!

No rest for the weary! I'll be set up in Madison on Saturday, April 26, then I'm setting up in Orland on Sunday, April 27.

Next Oak Creek show is on May 3.

​Now for some rest!!!

Words can only say so much. I think photos best describe the show. Enjoy these photos.

Friday through Sunday, April 11-13, 2025, Brunswick Ice Arena, Strongsville, OH

After feeling lousy at the Oak Creek show, I was a little worried about driving out to Cleveland and setting up at the three-day Strongsville Vintage show. Thankfully, I felt okay. I was a little shaky on Sunday but for the most part, no problems.

After Oak Creek, I hustled to price cards for Strongsville. I was also bogged down on prep work for the April 19 MegaShow. Normally, I like to head to Strongsville Wednesday night or Thursday morning but could not get out the door until after dinner on Thursday because of all the work needed for the MegaShow.

An accident near 31st Street slowed traffic on the I294 all the way back to Irving Park Road. Frustrated with stop-and-go traffic, I popped off at North Avenue and took York Road south down past 31st Street and popped back on the highway where it started to move nicely.

It took about an hour and a half to get to the Indiana border when it normally takes about 45 minutes when traffic is light. I hit a couple of construction snags in Indiana which slowed me down before getting into Ohio.

I drove for five or six hours then stopped around midnight about an hour out of Strongsville. I was supposed to meet my pal Tony Schaefer at our hotel in Middleburg Heights, just north of Strongsville but I did not want to arrive there at 1 a.m. and wake him up.

Then I remembered the one time some years ago that Dave and I arrived in Strongsville at 1 a.m. on Friday morning, as a result we were really tired and worn out the whole show. Luckily, I did not feel nearly as bad this time.

I pulled into a Holiday Inn and tried to get a room around midnight but learned my debit card was maxed out by my earlier payment to the table rental company for the MegaShow. I called my bank before I hit the road and asked that they remove the limit on my debit card. Apparently, they did not remove the limit. They suck! I really need a new bank.

Then I tried to pay for the room with my Visa card only to learn it had expired in February. Ugh! Shows you how much I use that thing. I must have a new card at home somewhere.

The hotel clerk would not let me pay for the room with cash. He said the hotel required a security deposit on a credit card. Ugh!

I Googled some nearby motels, figuring they would not need a credit card. I ended up at a dumpster of a motel that was happy to take my cash. I had to put down an additional $50 as a security deposit. When did this whole security deposit thing start? For most of my adult life, I just paid cash for my hotel rooms without any hassle. Seems like such a hassle these days to procure a hotel room!

The cost of the dumpy motel was half that of the Holiday Inn, so there was minor win. Next up, where to park. No parking lot. The Motel only had about 12 rooms and turns out that each room had its own garage. My SUV barely fit in this 1940's era garage that looked like a good place for an axe murder.

The room was a dump and a half. The window in the bathroom was partially open and I could not shut it or lock it. Besides the rush of cold air coming in, I was worried I would be murdered in the middle of the night by the axe murderer I figured was lurking in the garage. 

I shined my cell-phone flashlight out the bathroom window and observed an old overturned couch below the window along with a laundry-mat cart and assorted junk. Creepy!

The room was freezing cold. It took me a while to figure out how to get the heating unit to work. There was a razor thin blanket on the bed with loads of cigarette burns in it. I had to pull a bunch of hair off the bed sheet. Yes, there was a gift of hair on the bed sheets. At least I did not see any bed bugs.

Tough night of sleep in that cold, hairy, gross room where I was almost certain I'd be murdered. I was up around 7 a.m. and out the door by 8 a.m. The hotel clerk would not return my security deposit until he inspected the room. Apparently, I passed the inspection and received my fifty bucks and hit the road.

I made it to the Brunswick Arena around 9:30 a.m. The folks at the entry booth would not let me load in because I did not have a wrist band. I texted Tony, who brought out my wristband and was able to load in.

The show is in an ice rink and the tables are set up in pods. Similar group from last year in my pod. Mile High was on the end. Cleveland's own Jerry Katz was on my left. Tony on my right. Behind me was Larry from Canada, who was behind Tony last year. Behind Jerry was Bryan Dec. Like last year, Larry had a shoe box of Viagra.

The older guy from New York, who was behind me last year, was not here this year. Neither was Brad from Phoenix. Surprisingly, I did not see Brad at all. He has been to all of them in the past.

In their spots was this guy I've known for years. I can't remember his name. I think he's from West Virginia. He rubbed me the wrong way years ago when I was set up behind him at the Moeller show and he went into a racist tirade after some sweet African American kids were at his table. Thankfully, no crazy racist stuff this weekend.

Speaking of racists, Jerry pointed out this one customer with some Nazi tattoos on his neck. The Nazi also wore a T-shirt that stated something to the effect that he was going to bang your wife. Jerry said these Nazi guys are popping up all over Cleveland lately. I don't understand racism, especially card-carrying racists who collect sports cards. How do guys with Nazi tattoos collect Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson? Makes no sense.

Anyway, last year, I arrived early and was able to move the tables around so I could have some extra space to hang my display cases off my table which allowed me to fit in a small extra display case. No such luck this year, as I was the last guy in the pod to arrive and set up. Without that extra space, I was only able to put out five of my six display cases. Ugh!

I remember the pod being tight last year. It was worse this year. Larry created stadium seating behind his table, leaving me very little room. I was able to make it work but it was uncomfortable.

I brought some different stuff this year in an attempt to spur sales, which were not very good last year. I did not bring out any graded cards which are a big turn off to most set builders, which are my main customers. I figured I could attract more set builders if I put out all raw cards -- which worked. A lot more set builders stopped by this year and sales were much improved.

With just five display cases, I pretty much stacked my cards in chronological order by year. This set up allowed me to get out all of my football, basketball and hockey. I was only able to get out about half of my football last year and no basketball or hockey.

This set up worked great. Football and hockey were my biggest sellers. I was surprised that I did not sell much pre-War baseball. I had a lot more 1939 Play Balls this year along with a nice group of 1934 Batter Ups, some 1934-36 Diamond Stars, and some 1911 Mecca Double Folders that saw no action. I did sell a T206 Hughie Jennings and a handful of 1933 Goudeys.

I had a large stack of 1956 Topps baseball that quite a lot of people viewed but I only sold a few. Overall, my sales out of my 1950's and 1960's baseball stacks were underwhelming. I was quite surprised.

My best sellers for baseball were 1969 through 1983, continuing a trend from the past couple of years at all shows -- which is really great because I have an endless supply of this stuff.

Hockey cards have been selling like mad at all the big shows, this show was no exception. I sold a ton of hockey. Woot! Prior to the show, I wondered whether I would sell any hockey since Cleveland does not have a hockey team. Silly me. Lots of hockey collectors here!

Football continues to be a super strong seller for me. I blew through a large number of football cards this weekend. Woot! I also sold a nice amount of basketball cards, especially 1970-71 Topps tall boys.

Overall, a much better show than last year. Friday was the strongest day, followed by Saturday. Sunday at this show is a huge waste of time year after year. I am not sure how many years I have been doing this show but I can only remember one year with a strong Sunday.

I am always ready to pack up and go home Sunday morning but the folks that run this show threaten to ban you from the show if you leave early, so most dealers stay set up the whole time. Though, I thought it was a little much when one of the show employees hassled the dealer across from me for having his cart in front of his table at 3:15 p.m. on Sunday when the show closes at 4 p.m. There was practically no one in the place at 3 p.m. Come on!

On the buying front, there were many excellent purchases. I picked up some 1933 Goudeys, some hockey (oddly I sold a 1961-62 Topps Blackhawks team card then purchased one in a group). I also purchased some football and about two thirds of a 1970-71 Topps basketball set.

A lot more people offered items to sell than ever before. I think I benefited from Tony's large sign that stated "Buying." Most of the stuff offered was pretty good but there was also a large amount of 1980's and 1990's stuff and some modern cards which I don't recall ever being offered at this show in the past. I think the problem is that Leland's, who owns this show, fails to promote the vintage aspect and pretty much just promotes its autograph guests.

In my opinion, Leland's is missing the boat. There is no other show in the country quite like this show where 95 percent of the tables feature vintage only. I could care less about the autograph guests. I don't think any of the dealers care about the autograph guests. This show is all about the vintage. Come on Leland's!

Cha, cha, changes....

This show has changed quite a bit over the years. One of the older dealers across from me (there are a lot of older dealers at this show!), told me the show began in 1978 and he has been setting up the whole time. The one constant, he said, is vintage. This show has always been focused on vintage.

He told me that the original promoter disappeared and the showed died at one point. Paul Fusco resurrected the show and was the promoter when I first set up. Another dealer reminded me how Paul would get on the loud speaker and tell dealers to remove all the modern cards on their tables. Paul was fierce about not allowing modern cards on dealer tables. Leland's, not so much.

One of the things I loved about this show when I first set up 10 or 15 years ago, I can't remember exactly when I first set up, was that it reminded me of the first shows I attended as a kid in the 1970's. It was in a hotel, all the dealers had vintage, all the customers collected vintage. One or two autograph guests.

The show was much smaller when it was located at the Holiday Inn, which eventually became a Best Western. It was really tight in there. Paul did not care. He told me he was all about tradition. He told me that the show was always at the Holiday Inn/Best Western and that was where it would stay.

I was a little nervous when Leland's moved the show to the ice arena but I think the move worked out well. Though, we lost the old-timey feeling of the hotel. There are way more auction houses setting up now. I am not a fan of auction houses setting up at shows. I would much rather see a dealer selling cards in those spots. Though, one auction house, Baggers, actually sells cards at the show. Others display some cool stuff. Mile High had a T206 Wagner at their booth. Most just accept submissions.

The show has more than doubled in size from the old days with room for future growth. The ice arena has two rinks. Many were wondering if the show will grow to cover both rinks. I think they could fill both ice rinks with dealers. If they do, I recommend they put all the auctions houses and all the modern card dealers in one rink and keep the second rink all vintage.

I have also observed that a lot less set builders attend this show than in the past, which is really the case for all shows. I cater to set builders so it is a little discouraging to see the decline.

Then there is the OBC, short for Old Baseball Cards. I don't know the history of the group but I have been dealing with members of this club for decades. I love them because they love off-grade vintage -- which is my specialty! They also love vintage oddball and inserts. Though, I have had some problems with them over the years because some guys will only pay pennies on the dollar and can be relentless.

Where have they gone? The OBC guys have largely disappeared. In the past, there was a large swarm of them at this show all decked out in their OBC gear. I remember some dealers even having signs on their tables stating: "OBC Friendly."

I have had really good sales to OBC guys at this show over the years and am sorry to see the group's demise. Prior to this year's show, I priced out a bunch of 1970 Kellogg's baseball. While going through the cards, my first thought was that the OBC guys will love this stuff. I only saw two OBC guys at the show. Nobody looked at my Kellogg's cards all weekend. :( 

Another change is the influx of vloggers. There never used to be any vloggers at this show. Now they have taken the mantel from the OBC as the most pronounced group at the show. There are seemingly dozens of vloggers at this show.

I still remember the first time I saw a vlogger at the Strongsville show, it was the dude from Breakout Cards. He was really young. I think he was just a teenager. I remember Paul Fusco giving him a tour. Paul was such a great guy. He treated me so well. He loved to mentor young collectors and dealers. Paul unfortunately died about five years ago. His wife sold the show to Leland's.

Anyway, after Breakout Cards broke the ice, vloggers started to attend en masse. The show ended yesterday. I saw dozens of vlogs about the show on YouTube this morning.

I had a great time hanging out with the vloggers last year after the show. This year, I was too tired to attend their events. I know I missed out. Great guys, all of them.

My one complaint is that they don't really seem to be set builders. I watch their vlogs regularly and they seem to purchase key vintage cards, a lot of high-end stuff. I would love to see some set builder vlogs... which of course might include some footage of yours truly. You won't find me in any of their vlogs from this year's Strongsville show. They seem to take footage of the same five or six guys when there are 100 or so dealers at the show.

I mean, I can't blame them. The dealers featured in the vlogs have the best stuff at the show.... but do any of them have 1970 Kellogg's -- I think not! Come on OBC! I need you guys to come back!!

Overall, I think the vloggers are a great asset to the show and I love that they are here. I talked with many of them during the show. I view their vlogs regularly. I love seeing their local shows around the country and all the vintage they encounter. I just started watching their Strongsville vlogs and will put in a lot of viewing time this week. I saw my back in one of Sammy Thunder's vlogs. Woot! 

The highlight of the weekend for me was going out to dinner at the Timber Lodge on Saturday with Tim and Susan Payne along with Tony. Tim and Susan brought along another dealer to dinner. I am so bad with names and I forgot his name but I have seen him for years. He is a sweet older guy with all sorts of oddball stuff on his table. We had a wonderful dinner and I really enjoyed the great company.

On a not-so-great note, the food at the venue is terrible! Do not order any food from the concession stand at the Brunswick Arena. I ate a hot dog from the concession stand on Friday for lunch. Nothing worse than biting into a cold hot dog. In the back of my mind, I knew I should have not eaten it but kept going because I was hungry.

By the end of the show Friday, I was pinching my cheeks. I tried to meet Tony and a bunch of other dealers for dinner but had to turn back and race to the pot in the hotel room. Oh my! 

Bad hot dog aside, I had a wonderful weekend. A huge thank you to Leland's for running an excellent show. A huge thank you to everyone who bought and sold me cards. I am especially thankful for all the great conversations and camaraderie all weekend long. Love Strongsville! Can't wait till next year!!

Next up, is the Wisconsin MegaShow, which will be three times the size of Strongsville. I still have a ton of work to do. Dealers! I will get you your table numbers shortly. If anyone is available Friday after 3 p.m., I could really use some help setting up chairs and tables.

See you guys Saturday!!!

Here are a handful of photos from Strongsville:

One of the random guys who sold me some cards had this Old Mill Cigarettes unopened package. The pack is from the early 1900s. He told me that he believed it contained a card. Cool!

So Larry split his table with the guy on the right. I think the guy on the left is from Just Collect Auctions. Here he is laying out some cash and buying out Larry's buddy.

Saturday, April 5, 2025, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

Medical update: Still battling severe high blood pressure. Went to a cardiologist recently who placed me on more meds. I'm on so many meds! Needless to say, not feeling all that great lately.

The best way to describe how am feeling is imagine being stuck in a pile of sludge and struggling to move -- that's how I feel. So it was tough to prepare for the April 5 Oak Creek show. Luckily, I did not have to add anyone from the waiting list this month. While I always want to add folks off the waiting list, it is soooo time consuming. I usually have to contact five different guys before I can get one to commit to the show. Often, I have to go back and forth with guys just adding to the time.

In March, I added 10 guys from the waiting list which is always a problem for the following month when the regular dealer who skipped March want to come back for April along with the 10 new guys. I can't fit everyone in!!!

So instead of telling guys they could not set up, I placed dealers in every nook and cranny in the building. I created a new row in the Game Room. We ended up with 196 tables and 135 dealers, the most I have ever had in Oak Creek.

I hope to have a lot fewer dealers at the May 3 show and remove some of the spots I created that really did not work out and I want to eliminate that extra row in the Game Room. I also ended up putting a dealer up on the stage in the Chapel with me and Tom and he did not seem happy. He eventually moved to a spot on the main floor where the registered dealer, who paid, did not show up. He did really well on the floor where he ended up selling out and leaving early. I love when guys sell out because then I know for sure they had a great day.

Speaking of leaving early, several dealers packed up and left at 11:30 a.m. when the show goes until 4 p.m. I might start kicking out dealers who leave early. I am sure I have plenty of dealers on the waiting list who are willing to stay later.

Back to the dealer who paid then did not show up. For some reason, dealers think that if they pay, it is okay that they don't show up. Hard no! That dealer won't be coming back. I can't have any empty space when I have close to 200 guys on my waiting list. I had one other no-show in Fellowship Hall. That dealer won't be returning as well.

I really wish I could pull some guys from the waiting list in May but I was so overbooked for this April show, that I probably won't be adding anyone again from the waiting list. I am more focused on eliminating some bad spots and that extra row in the Game Room.

I also need to eliminate a few dealers because they are just a problem. I'm sorry, there is no reason for dealers to complain about anything. For the size of this show and the amount of people I bring in, my table fee is the best deal in the country. I know that most guys make great money here, If you don't like the show for any reason, don't set up. I'm happy to add new dealers from the waiting list. But don't bitch at me -- and especially, don't bitch at Lisa.

I had one dealer bitch at Lisa for the second month in a row because he does not like being set up next to Pokémon dealers. I would move him, if I could, but I am overbooked every month. There is no place to move but out the door.

Plus, it is 2025, and Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. As a result, you might be set up next to a Pokémon dealer. As you know, I set up at shows every single weekend and I am often located next to a Pokémon dealer. I could care less. I don't care what my neighbors sell. Also, I really like most of the Pokémon dealers. The majority, like the sports card dealers, are awesome folks and really pleasant. No need to hate on them.

If I was to have one complaint about Pokémon dealers, it is their customers. Since Pokémon is so popular, the Pokémon tables are extremely busy. Often when I am next to a Pokémon dealer, their table is so crowded that their customers end up standing in front of my tables, blocking them from folks that might be interested in my cards and hurting my sales.

I am pretty patient with them though. Where I draw the line is when the Pokémon customers place their folders on top of my binders. It is hard enough to sell cards when they stand in front of my tables. I certainly can't sell any cards when they cover my binders -- that is when I tell them to move along.

Anway, I would rather rant about another problem dealer in Oak Creek. I am not sure what he sells. It might be Pokémon. So, this dealer skipped the last two months and blew a gasket Saturday when he learned he lost his old spot. In my book, he still had a good spot and he was busy all day long and even stayed late. Yet he had to bitch at Lisa over and over. I went to talk to him and tried to explain the situation that when you skip this show, it is next man up, you don't own your spot. You set up where I place you. End of story.

So I am really pissed off at a couple of these guys. Lisa is just there to help her sickly husband. Don't bitch at her! I really want to kick these guys out. I have to think about it.

There are always a handful of bad apples at every show. I try not to let them get to me because most of the dealers are awesome and I really appreciate them. I also love our customers in Oak Creek. We did not break another record but 1,410 attendance is pretty damn good in my book. I'll take it every month!!!

Most dealers reported excellent sales. Some reported record sales. My sales were better than last month but buying was down. I did have an opportunity to purchase a shoe box full of 1952 Topps baseball but I just did not have the funds. I am spending so much money on the MegaShow that I am spread a little thin right now and had to pass on the deal. Of course, Tommy Larson purchased them. Tommy is the man!

I did purchase a couple of cool items including a 1957 Milwaukee Braves pennant and a 1968 Detroit Tigers World Series pennant. I don't think I am going to be selling these pennants. I will probably frame them and put them up in the card bunker.

Overall, I think it was a pretty good day. Just wish I felt better. One of these days!

No rest for the weary! My favorite show of the year is next week -- the Strongsville vintage show. It may not be my best show for sales but I absolutely love the fact that 99 percent of the dealers sell vintage sports cards and memorabilia. As you know, I have an addiction to vintage sports cards. Nothing feeds my addiction better than being in a room filled with vintage sports cards.

I am setting up in Strongsville again with my pal Tony Schaefer. We'll have the same spot as last year near the front of the show. I am hoping we get the same neighbors as last year who were all very enjoyable.

A recent twist on this show is the influx of vloggers. Right before COVID, I first observed vloggers attending this show. Just a couple at first. Now there are dozens and they have rented the ballroom at the Best Western, next door to the show, and are holding a party on Saturday night. A bunch of us attended the party last year and had a terrific time. I can't wait to throw a few back with some of my favorite vloggers like Sammy Thunder, Chris from Missouri, Orlando and Jason, to name of few. Should be fun!

Then things get crazier with the MegaShow happening on the Saturday after Strongsville on April 19 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 Ryan Road, Franklin, WI. I am up to 340 tables sold. I have rented 400 tables but just may need some more! The way I figure it, I can fit 512 tables into the Sports Complex.

I am blown away by the response. I have dealers coming in from as far away as Boston! Both dealers and customers are coming in from all of the country!! This should be an exciting show with loads of dealers that have never set up in Wisconsin and loads of customers that have never been to a show in Wisconsin. This is going to be awesome!!

Hope I can get through it!! Wish I was about 20 years younger!

Anyway, next report comes from Strongsville!

Now for some photos from Saturday's show in Oak Creek:

So this guy has brought in this Babe Ruth photo the last couple of months and is trying to learn the value. Apparently, his grandfather attended an Elks Lodge event in the 1920s and everyone received the Ruth photo. I recommended he contact Troy from Mears who might be familiar with it.

Lastly, I would like to plug a couple of shows that I won't be attending because of conflicts but the promoters are awesome and I highly recommend these shows. First is the Roma Lodge show in Racine, Wisconsin, run by the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association and the super awesome Keith Kilps. The Roma show is Sunday, April 13, and has the best breakfast buffet in the country!! Second one is the Woodstock show run by my pal Curtis Payne, an awesome Cubs fan and great promoter. The Woodstock show is set for April 19 at Woodstock North High School in Woodstock, IL.