Saturday, June 19, 2021, St. John's Lutheran Church, Woodstock, IL

I had heard good things about this show so in May I went to check it out. I do not know Woodstock very well. I have been to the court house but not much else. I relied on Siri to get me there. Wow! What a drive! Siri took me through winding rural roads most of the way -- an absolutely beautiful drive.

The church is located in the middle of a neighborhood. I would have never found it without Siri. In May, I observed a good crowd and a smattering of vintage on the dealer tables. I knew I would be taking a chance because it seems like vintage collecting is getting more and more of a specialized or niche area in the hobby. Modern cards are more popular than I have ever seen them.

I lucked out when I contacted Curtis, the friendly promoter of the Woodstock show, because a regular dealer had just cancelled and I was able to secure one 8-foot table. I decided to bring out all of my baseball binders. I actually know Curtis from the Midwest Sports Card Shows Facebook Page. Our good friend Ted Lee created the page maybe 10 years ago and made us administrators. Sadly, the great Ted Lee died several years ago. Man, I miss that guy! But Curtis and I have been managing the page in Ted's honor. Curtis actually does the bulk of the managing and does a tremendous job.

So, I woke up too early on Saturday morning. I thought the show started at 9 a.m. but the start is actually 9:30 a.m. I also wanted to give myself extra time to get there. Travel time is about 45 minutes from my house to the church. Again, I really enjoyed the drive through the countryside. McHenry County in Illinois is just a beautiful place.

I stopped off at Mickey D's on the way in and munched on my food during the drive. Load in was simple. Curtis gave me the first table by the front door. He also provided muffins for all the dealers. Set up was quick with just the binders to layout. The room slowly filled up with dealers. 

I went and talked to old friend Tom, who is a regular dealer at this show. I ended up purchasing a bunch of cards from Tom including a 1933 Goudey Mickey Cochrane. Thanks Tom! I recognized the dealer up against the stage from Corky's old show in Elgin. Then behind me was Nick K., who has been setting up at my show in Oak Creek for quite a while. To my right, was a dealer I recognized from Corky's show as well but I forgot his name. He had a bunch of non-sports cards and a few hockey sets from the 1970s but his prices were a little high.

I did not know any of the other dealers. They were all modern dealers. I absolutely loved the father and son dealer team set up to my left. The son was 11 years old and was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and wheeling and dealing the whole show. See picture below.

There was a real nice crowd with a steady flow from early morning into the afternoon. I had a few sales. An older guy purchased a bunch of 1951 Bowmans. Ron, who I have known for a long time, found a bunch of cards. Then a couple who I know I have met in the past, maybe at Corky's show or quite possibly at one of Fred Copp's old shows purchased a bunch of Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers cards. Good old Larry and Carol found a large amount of cards for Larry's sets. See bottom photo. I've known these two since the dawn of time but this was the first time I was set up in their home town. A couple of other guys dinked around and purchased a handful of cards.

I received a lot of nice complements for my set up. I take a lot of time to price my cards and place them in numerical order in the binders. Not many dealers take the same time. The dealer by the stage told me I was too organized.

A couple of guys recognized me from my Oak Creek show. I saw others that I knew like Chris and Big Tim.

Overall sales were slow but I had a really good time. I thought attendance was excellent and would like to continue to do this show. I think I could develop a regular following if I could set up regularly. Unfortunately, there are just 20 tables at this show and Curtis could not tell me when he could get me back in -- which I totally understand.

At the end of the show Curtis asked me my thoughts on the show and what I thought he could do better. Honestly, I thought the show was perfect. I really liked the room. All the dealers were friendly and had great stuff. I thought it was really cool how Curtis gave away a pile of stuff. He had a few bins and a table by the front door where he was giving away cards and publications. I saw the dealer by the stage grab most of the publications. He made four or five trips to the free table to grab stuff. Most everyone who attended the show stopped and grabbed some of the free items. I also liked the large number of kids at the show and they all seemed to be having a great time. This is an excellent show, well run.

Obviously, if the space was larger, I think it would be easy to get more dealers. However, Curtis said he lives up the street and likes having the venue so close to home. I can't argue with that. I wish there was a show close to my house. Well, I will be waiting for Curtis's call because I'd like to set up at this show again.

In the meantime, I will be setting up at the Orland Park Civic Center on Sunday, June 27, 2021. I am going to bring out all of my baseball, basketball and hockey binders along with three display cases. Hope to see you Sunday in Orland!

Sunday, June 13, 2021, Wilmot Flea Market, Wilmot, WI

Went back to my roots Sunday and set up at the Wilmot Flea Market. It has been several years since I last set up at a flea market. While I love flea markets, the hardest part of setting up at them is getting up so early in the morning. I woke up at 4 a.m. Sunday and made it to Wilmot around 5:30 a.m.

I lucked out when one of the regulars in a reserved spot did not show up. I was given prime real estate by the front gate. I have never been located so close to the front! Thank you amazing people who run the Wilmot Flea Market. 

I never know what to bring out to the flea market because there are so many factors to consider before making a final decision on inventory. For one, the sun. I can't let cards bake out in the sun. Also, plastic. Anything in plastic will melt in the heat. Then there is the lack of serious sports collectors at the flea market. I need to bring out items for the casual sports collector.

My usual flea market inventory consists of junk wax, junk sets, cheapy boxes, and publications. I also bring out typical flea market items like CDs, DVDs, VHSs, kids toys, kids books, stuffed animals, children's clothes, and random antiques.

The key to flea market survival is a tent. It sucks baking out in the sun and heat.  I loaded my car Saturday night, including my trusty tent. I was able to fit eight tables and as many bins and boxes as my car would hold. I ran out of space and could not fit a few bins and boxes that I wanted to take with me. Turns out I needed those extra bins and boxes because I had empty table space.

While I love setting up at the flea market, one thing that has always bugs me -- other flea market vendors. I find that my neighbors always pinch my space. I was set up next to a middle aged couple that had a truck load of stuff and two spaces, which was not enough for them as they pinched the area behind my tables. I let it go but was aggravated. Why can't flea market vendors stay within the clearly marked boundaries?

Another thing I have observed over the past decade is that there are far less sports collectors at flea markets than there used to be. Back when I first started setting up at flea markets in the late 1970's, there were a ton of sports collectors coming out... probably because there were not a while lot of card shows and card shops back then. Selling sports collectibles at flea markets has never been quite as good as it was in the 1970's. 

I had a lot of people walk by and check out my booth on this sunny, warm and humid day. I saw a couple of guys I figured would be there in Don and Bill. Thanks for stopping guys! Bill actually found some cards he needed in my cheapy boxes. Years ago, I had some regulars at this flea market but did not see them on this day. One guy recognized me from the Gonzaga show. I was able to let folks know about my July 3 show at the Salvation Army in Oak Creek. Several others, I learned, regularly visit my monthly show, which was nice to hear.

My first customers were buying stuff for their son. He had texted them a list of modern players he wanted like Mike Trout and Fernando Tatis, Jr., but I normally do not carry any modern cards. Vintage is my thing and at flea markets it is usually all junk years for me. Really nice folks and they ended up buying a whole mess of wax.

A fellow caked in tattoos bought a dozen or so packs of 1991 Pro Set football. Quite a lot of tattoos on this fine day. My favorite tattoo of the day was a large portrait of Dr. Teeth, the Muppet with the gold teeth that plays keyboards in the Muppet rock band. Another guy, no tattoo, bought a bunch of wax and a binder of 1994 Topps. A Cubs fan went through my cheapy boxes and pulled out all of the Cubs. I saw a ton of people wearing Cubs gear, which was surprising, I thought I would see a lot more Brewers gear. I am going to have to load up on more Cubs stuff next time.

That was about it for the sports stuff. The rest of my sales were Beanie Babies and children's books. Overall, sales were okay. I was hoping for more but I'll take it. I'd like to do the flea market again but with different stuff. The sun and the heat are such a problem and really limit the sports items I can bring out. Top loaders and binder pages just melt out there.

The middle aged vendors next to me did not seem to do all that well. The guy on the other side seemed to have a really good day. He had a wide variety of stuff from boat oars to armor to a giant Hulk Hogan doll which is the set up you really need at a flea market. I did not sell any of my CDs, DVDs and VHSs, I'm going to leave those at home next time. I sold a few items of children's clothing but I think I'll leave that stuff behind next time as well.

I have tons of toys that my kids have long since outgrown. I think I'll bring that stuff out. My son is also past his Funkopop craze. I blew a ton of dough on those things and will bring some out. I will see what else I can muster up. I've got more junk wax I can bring.

I am terribly sunburned today. I forgot to bring a hat! I had some sun tan lotion but it did not work very well. Overall, I had a good time. There is nothing like people-watching at the flea market. One thing I noticed was a lack of metal heads. What happened to all the metal heads? You know, the long-haired guys that walk around with Scorpions T-shirts. Where are those guys? I saw a lot of biker types. Dudes with really long beards. Also, a lot of really old folks. One older couple was screaming at each other in front of my booth. Great entertainment!

​I am setting up Saturday June 19, 2021, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 401 St. John's Street, in Woodstock, Illinois. This will be my first time setting up at this show. I'm bringing out all of my baseball binders. Come on out!

Sunday, June 6, 2021, Buenavista Banquets, Milwaukee WI

So after years of setting up at the Gonzaga Show, I was a little worried about my first foray to the new location. My initial worry was that I would not be able to find the place. I actually had kind of an idea where it was because I know Oklahoma Avenue from setting up at the old Serb Hall show. I thought about heading toward Serb Hall, getting on Oklahoma and heading west, figuring I would run into it but it is 2021 and we have this wonderful GPS technology. I just asked Siri and she took me safely there.

It was about an hour drive, not bad. Traffic was not too bad as well. The banquet hall is tucked away in a strip mall on the corner of Oklahoma and 76th Street. It was a really simple drive as Siri took me to the 76th Street exit from the highway then a mile north and I was there. I knew I was in the right place when I saw J.R. loading in.

It was great to see all the familiar faces. I haven't seen Keith since February of 2020. Keith placed me on three eight footers by the front door. I was very happy. Load in was a little tight but I have done shows in rooms very similar to this one and did not have any problems.

There is a really nice bar area with large flat screens leading into the hall. I took note of the bathrooms because my diabetes leads me to the urinal far more often than I like. I always have to know where the bathrooms are located.

Last night, after the Sal show, I drove home and switched out just about all of the stuff I took to that show for new items for the Buenavista show. I have not had 24-feet of space since the last Gonzaga show in February 2020. I brought out six display cases which take up 12 feet. I brought out all of my football, most of my basketball binders, I forgot one bin, and all of my hockey binders. I figured I still had three or four feet of space I needed to still fill up so I brought my oldest baseball binders. After setting everything up, I realized I could have either brought one more display case or a second bin of baseball binders. After this first run through, I'll be ready for the July show and fill the entire 24 feet.

I was warned prior to the show that space was tight behind the tables which was true. However, I knew the dealers behind me, Nelson and Dennis and we made it work. I also liked being next to Larry Larsen and Tom Jahn. This was the first time I had an opportunity to talk with Tom, who I learned is very entertaining. I was also across from Roger and his granddaughter. I am so impressed as to how knowledgeable Roger's granddaughter is about cards. 

There was a nice steady flow of customers in the morning. My first customer of the day wanted to trade an old Milwaukee Braves program for some cards. We were able to work out a deal and he came back and bought some cards. The dealer across the way, next to Roger, who I have known for years and am having a senior moment and can't remember his name, ended up buying a few hockey cards. He told me he collects players from the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team.

I observed that I was conveniently located across from the concession stand, which is a window into the bar. I thought about ordering a Bloody Mary but went with a cup of coffee instead.

When I walked back to my table, one of the friendliest guys you'll ever meet, Robert, was flipping through a binder, as he did yesterday at the Sal show. Robert found a bunch of football cards to purchase. Thanks Robert! Then Andy arrived and started out looking at my display cases. I was seated at the opposite end of the tables and had some obstacles getting over to the display cases. Andy and I exchanged some hand signals and he was able to help himself to the display cases. I don't mind allowing guys I know well and trust to have free access to the display cases. Andy was able to find some cards for his sets. I'll next see Andy at the National. Have a safe trip home Andy!

I then saw another long-time customer who, like many others, I have not seen since February 2020. I was having a brain-fart and could not remember his name. He found some cards for his sets and told me about an interesting book he was reading about the 1948 Cleveland Indians.

Yesterday Jim told me he lived right near Buenavista Banquets and would be at the show. It is always great to see Jim and he purchased a Joe Adcock Exhibit Card. Another favorite, Eric, stopped in and purchased some cards, including a 1960 Topps Willie McCovey All Star. Thanks Eric!

I sold a bunch of star cards, including a 1960 Topps Sandy Koufax and a 1961 Topps Carl Yastrzemski, to Herb. I know I have sold a few cards to Herb in the past. I really appreciated the purchases and good conversation.

Herb was very patient with me as I was stuffing my face with steak tacos while helping him. Man, those tacos were good! I ate five of them and probably could have eaten five more!! There is nothing like tacos in a fresh corn tortilla, warm and fluffy. Delicious! 

Scott was the big winner today with the most purchases. Thank you Scott! Scott is working on a bunch of sets and found stacks of cards at my tables today including 1954 Bowman baseball and 1965 Topps football.

I was pretty happy with my sales today but unhappy with a lack of things to buy. Nobody brought me anything. I came prepared with cash to buy but nothing, nada, zip. I will be setting up at all of the WSCA/Buenavista shows in the future -- sell me some stuff!! While selling cards is great, I enjoy buying cards so much more. It is really a two-part job as a sports card dealers, both selling and buying. Oh well.

I was pleased that my location was away from the auction. I could not even hear the auction at my tables. Seemed like the auction was real quick today. Guys started packing up and going home before noon -- much too soon! If you are going to take the time to set up at a show, might as well stick it out until the end. My largest sale came at the end.

Just like old times, I was the last dealer to leave. I brought out a lot of stuff and it took a while to pack it all up and load it out into my car. I had an easy drive home and took a long nap once home. I am looking forward to the next show at Buenavista on July 11.

My next scheduled show is Orland on June 27. I had so much fun this weekend at the Sal and Buenavista that I am looking for some other shows to set up at prior to June 27. I'll let you know if I end up anywhere. 

I had a great weekend! It was the first time I set up at two shows in one weekend in quite a long time. A big thank you to everyone who bought cards from me this weekend. Let's do it again soon!!

Saturday, June 5, 2021, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

Now that I am not spending Friday nights in Milwaukee, Saturday mornings have become a race between getting to the Sal and placing all the dealer nameplates on 100 tables before the dealers arrive itching to get in and set up. I have been doing fairly well and winning the race, though, I know one of these days I am going to be late and lose out.

On this morning, I woke up at 4 a.m. and was on the road to Oak Creek by 5 a.m. About twenty minutes into the drive I realized I forgot my card tables at home. I thought about heading back home for the tables but was worried I would lose the race to get the nameplates out. I figured there might be some extra tables at the Sal or I would have a dealer not show up and could move into that table.

I arrived at the Sal around 6 a.m. and realized I forgot to tell my man at the Sal, Mark, how many tables I needed paired up and how many singles. Luckily, Mark and his great group of volunteers placed most of the tables in pairs, like I need them. I only had to move around a few tables. It took me about 45 minutes to get all the nameplates out and rearrange some tables. I then worked on taping up signs to alert customers that there are four rooms of dealers at the show.

I opened some doors for the dealers around 7 a.m. as I knew a bunch of them would be there already, even though set up time is 8 a.m. The dealers started to trickle in and I finished up taping up my signs.

Luckily, there were some extra tables in the Game Room that I was able to use and I loaded in and worked on setting up my tables. This was the second show for the Game Room and set up in there went much smoother than last month. Mark opened up some more space which was very helpful.

After set up, I went outside to place a sign on Howell to alert passerbys that we have a card show going on in this fine building. Outside, I was greeted by Cody, who I met several months ago when he randomly showed up ready to set up and sell some cards. At that time, I tried to explain to Cody that he needs to reserve a table prior to the show. This time, like last time, Cody randomly showed up expecting to set up. I once again explained to him that he needs to reserve a table prior to the show.

Last time, I allowed Cody to create a make-shift table and set up in the gym. He wanted to do the same thing this time but space was tighter in the gym and I did not allow him to do so. However, Mark had created that extra space in the Game Room so I had room for him there. I advised that he go across the street to Target and buy some real tables. He actually followed my instructions and bought some tables and then set them up in the Game Room.

I observed that customers started to come in around 7:45-8:00. I am not going to make anyone wait outside but I recommend that customers arrive after 9 a.m. when the dealers are set up and ready. It does not make much sense to me to roam the rooms as a customer when nobody is set up. I even heard one father tell his boys around 8:30 a.m. that they needed to be ready to leave by 9:15. Most of the dealers were not finished setting up at 8:30 and many hadn't even arrived yet. It makes absolutely no sense to me to come to the show at 8 a.m. and leave by 9:15 a.m. There are 100 tables now at this show, don't you want to see them filled with cards instead of empty?

Masks are still required by the Salvation Army. I am fully vaccinated but am happy to comply with the rules. Quite a few guys throughout the day did not comply. I am not going to make a big deal about it but it would be nice for folks to follow the rules. We are guests at the Salvation Army and I urge everyone to have some respect for the organization and their venue and follow the rules. They have every right to kick us out. We have such a good thing going, I would hate to see it end because of a few numbnuts.

I donned my mask after set up. I brought out all of my baseball binders this month and one display case that I filled up mostly with Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn and Eddie Matthews cards. I have been doing these sort of themes lately which I find fun to do. I think folks liked my Braves theme as I sold many more cards out of the display case this month than I did last month when I filled it with early Bowman baseball and some 1952 Topps.

I think Bruce was the first customer at my table around 9 a.m. Bruce is working on several vintage baseball sets and he found a bunch of cards this morning. Thanks Bruce! Then Gary came by early and purchased a few Hank Aaron cards out of the display case. Thanks Gary!

Doreen and Craig were there working on some sets. Doreen kindly brought me a delicious sloppy Joe breakfast sandwich from the Sal concession stand. Thank you Doreen! 

Jack was there early as well. Jack normally buys cards that he plans to get signed by the players. This morning, however, he bought some older cards of players that are no longer living, so he couldn't get those signed. I was surprised and appreciative.

Scott was also there early filling his sets. Thanks Scott! A new customer wearing a Brewers shirt bought a bunch of cards and told me some entertaining stories. Business was brisk early on and I was much appreciative.

My superstar helpers Jason and Rachel arrived around 11 a.m., enabling me to visit all 100 tables and collect table fee. I always enjoy getting out and talking to all of the dealers. My first stop was Gary George, who informed me he was having a great day selling a number of pricey graded vintage cards. Graded vintage cards are super hot right now, the hottest I have ever seen them. Last time I brought out graded, I just about sold all the cards. I am working on pricing more graded vintage to bring out at a future show. 

Next I stopped at Tim Fritz's table, which I have to admit is my favorite table in the show with so much drool-worthy pre-War cards. Next to Tim was Bill Nest, who rounded out a great row of vintage cards.

Once again Jeremy and I were talking about farts. He said the air around his table was a little better this month. We decided we need to place "Fart Free Zone" signs around the building.

So, on and on, I went through the room, chatting with all the dealers. It is always nice to catch up with these folks. Great people all of them and I am so thankful they set up at my show!

I see a huge difference between the dealers that have been doing this for a while than the newer dealers. The thing about the long-time dealers is that they don't really complain about anything. Some of the newer dealers just complain and complain. They never like their location.  They all want to be in the gym, none of them seem to like the three other rooms. I place the long-time dealers in the gym and when one drops out, I'll add one of the newer dealers to the gym. I think it is the fairest way to do it.

Like I have said many times before, I don't care where I am in the building. I was in the Game Room again and had a really nice show, better than last month. Many of the Game Room dealers had complaints. I am sorry guys, I wish I could place everybody exactly where you want to be but it is impossible. Be patient, when there are some openings, I'll move you to the gym.

While I do find these complaints about location a little annoying, I am thankful that these guys do show up. I had five or six no-shows today. No shows are the worst. I have no patience for dealers who reserve a spot then do not bother to show up. I am in a lucky position now where I can ban these no show dealers from future shows and pluck guys off my waiting list who will be happy to set up in ANY room in the show.

Some jerky on Facebook asked why I have empty dealer tables and don't bother to fill them up. Well, Mr. Jerky, every table is reserved prior to the show. If you see an empty table it is because some lame ass guy who reserved the spot did not bother to show up. Really all I can do is ban that dealer from future shows and try to get someone in who will actually show up.

Sometimes you get hit from all directions as a show promoter and all I can do is try to manage this thing the best I can. I have a lot of patience and am able to block out some of the annoyances and have a really good time. I had nothing but fun at this show. There are far more awesome people at the show than jerkys and numbnuts.

Last month I talked about a new dealer who canceled the day before the show. I can't believe how many guys figured out who I was talking about. I did not think anyone would know who it was. I hate to call anyone out publicly but it can be frustrating sometimes to deal with so many people and this blog allows me to vent and do it in an entertaining manner. What I want to know is what gave it away? How did you guys know? One dealer even offered to pay for the guy's spot which shows I have far more quality dealers than numbnuts.

It took me more than two hours to visit all 100 tables. I am always beat afterwards and my aging back begins to hurt. So it was nice to be back at my tables around 1:15 p.m. A huge thank you to Jason and Rachel who did another great job!

It was business as usual at my tables. Dave found quite a few 1968 Topps for his set. I met his nephew, who seems to have an interest in graded cards. Robert purchased a large pile of 1958 and 1960 Topps. Thanks Robert! My pal Andy was in town from Orlando and found a few cards. Thanks Andy!

A bunch of regulars and new customers bought cards from me. One customer, who I met last month for the first time, was really angry that I did not bring out my football binders. I just have so many binders and very limited space, so I rotate them from month to month. This guy, however, was really pissed off, like I just insulted his mother. Come on now! This is just for fun! No reason to get angry at me because I brought out different stuff than last month? Several others were disappointed that I did not have the football binders but at least they did not have child-like melt downs. I am perplexed.

For the most part, everyone who came by my table was as pleasant as can be and very appreciated.

On the buying front, I went hog wild, as usual. I have been buying up Todd's overflow cards for most of the year and I think I bought the last of them at this show. Thanks Todd! Then my pal Jim drove up from Indiana and had a tremendous display of vintage cards and a bunch of modern cards. Jim sold me a nice group. Thanks Jim! Then I had been talking to Bill about some 1953 Topps baseball for quite a while. We finally made the deal. Thanks Bill! Once again, I went home with more cards than I brought to the show. 

All in all, a pretty great day. My sales were up from last month and I took home quite a haul of cards. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and can't wait to do it again at the next Salvation Army show on July 3.

In the meantime, I am coming back to Milwaukee tomorrow June 6 for the Buenavista Banquets show. See you guys tomorrow. Hey angry football guy! I'll have the football binders at the Buenavista show. Come on out!!