Wednesday, July 24, 2024, I-X Center, Cleveland, OH

After a lousy night's sleep in our deluxe luxury hotel suite, Dave and I ventured toward Downtown Cleveland around 8 a.m. Our destination -- Slyman's Deli. We have been talking about Slyman's ever since we first set up at the Strongsville show 15 years ago. Well, we finally made it there and Slyman's did not disappoint.

The deli was opened in the mid-1960's in an old neighborhood lined with old, tall houses and dotted with Victorian warehouses and churches. Inside is the grill to the left, a cashier straight ahead and a dining room to the right. The place felt and looked like an antique. The decor was a mixture of church revival and Three Stooges memorabilia... kind of weird decor for an old Jewish deli.

The menu had typical deli items. Dave went with a pastrami sandwich while I had the corned beef. We took our sandwiches back to the I-X Center and were blown away. Each sandwich featured a plateau of rye bread in-between mountains of meat. Showgoers stopped in their tracks when they saw Dave and I munching away on these sandwiches that sort of resembled bricks. Amazing. Delicious. Neither of us could finish our sandwiches.

After finishing my meal, I mostly sat around the booth for the next several hours. I was surprised by the lack of traffic in the building. In years past, there was steady traffic on Wednesday morning, even though the show does not officially open until 3:30 p.m. I can only guess that some rule changes implemented by the new management group in charge of the National resulted in the lack of customer traffic. 

Here are the rule changes. Dealers are now given two badges, instead of three. The cost of additional badges increased from $60 to $100 and limits were placed on the number of badges each booth holder could purchase --- end result, hardly anybody was walking the show in the morning.

In addition, everyone in the building prior to the opening bell was required to wear a badge. I observed a security officer escort folks out of the building who were not wearing badges.

With no customers, I took some time to walk the show -- my first time walking the show in years. I observed quite a few vintage dealers with prices all over the board. I also observed a food court with seven or eight food and drink options. I purchased a cup of coffee from a coffee truck.

After obtaining my coffee, I ran into Tom and Anita Daniels, who have set up at every single National. Tom and Anita were set up by the front door. I love viewing their National set up which is so different from their Oak Creek set up. In Oak Creek, they largely bring out wax. At the National, the big guns are out like a 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson.

​Not far from Tom and Anita, I saw Tony Schaefer's booth. I drooled at all of his T206s. Then I saw Dell and Jeff back by the dealer entrance.

Set up near me are the comic book guys from Detroit. Ash is down my aisle. I saw Jeremy and Chase set up down by the washroom. Lake Country Cards was set up near Dell and Jeff.

Even though early sales were slow, this may have been the most pleasant first day of the National I have ever had. I was so relaxed and had great energy because I had set up on Tuesday when in the past, I always set up on Wednesday which would tire me out for that first day.

Finally, at 3:30 p.m., the building started to fill up. Customers complained that automobile traffic outside of the venue was jammed up. Some said they waited an hour or so in traffic to enter the building's parking lot then once in the building there was another long wait in line to enter the show floor. 

I saw a lot of frustrated faces in addition to quite a few friendly faces. A steady stream of folks I knew stopped by like Eddie, Chris, Scott, Jim, Al, other Jim, Dan, Larry, Nelson and many others. Of course, I found Willie looking through a stack of Wackys.

I enjoyed meeting Chris from Missouri, one of the many vintage sports card vloggers I follow on YouTube. What a nice guy! 

Sales were a trickle up until 5 p.m. or so when they really picked up. I was very busy late in the day. In fact, I was busy up until the show ended at 8 p.m. I felt like I could continue to sell cards for hours more if the show was open later.

I had quite a few interesting conversations with showgoers. I met Tim from Naples, Florida, who told me he purchased a 1974 Lauglin Negro League set from Larry Fritch back in 1974. Tim said some of the high-grade slabbed cards are currently selling for $5.000 to $6,000. He asked for a recommendation on how to sell his set. I advised he take the set over to Heritage Auctions, which was located near my booth.

Tim later came back to my booth and said he took my advice and took the set to Heritage and they were very excited to receive it. I was happy to help out.

Then Steve from Lansing, Mich, came by and just about cleared out all of my hockey cards. Thanks Steve! I had a lot of nice sales. My first day at the 2024 National was much better than 2023. Dave had an excellent day as well.

Things were going so well, I was disappointed when the show closed for the day. I could have gone all night at this rate!

On the buying front, nada, nuttin', zilch. Nobody offered to sell me any cards. Though Tim said he would be back on Thursday with some things for me.

Dave and I left the building through the dealer exit to the back parking lot. It was a zoo out there. Traffic leaving the parking lot through the main entrance was at a standstill. Dave and I decided to drive to the back exit which moved much better.

We went over to a sports bar just minutes away from the I-X Center. Dave said that he ate there with PJ when they were set up at the Cleveland National in 2019. The bar was noisy. There was some sort of music trivia game going on with a DJ blaring music. Lots of TVs channeled to either the Guardians-Tigers game or the Yankees-Mets.

Dave and I decided to order wings. The pretty waitress brought out a huge pile of tasty wings. We enjoyed our meal.

Afterwards, it was back to the luxury suite for another lousy night of sleep. Day one of the 2024 National was in the books.

​Now for some photos:

Pictured above is your hero with Anita and Tom Daniels.

Pictured above is a 1971 Bazooka Hockey panel -- I never knew these existed, so cool!

Pictured above is one of Tony Schaefer's display cases.

In another display case, Tony had all these autographed Mickey Mantle cards, pictured above.

I observed this random Jerome Walton mask on a dealer's table near the front entrance. I also saw quite a few dealer tables with similar stuff that was not worth the price of the booth. Puzzling.

Monday, July 21, 2024, Road to the National

The National is a five-day show -- Wednesday through Sunday. Normally, I set up on Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, I am now a little infirm and can't handle setting up Wednesday morning then remain open for business through 8 p.m. So, I paid an extra $100 for the privilege of setting up on Tuesday, something I have never done before.

Dave and I planned to leave Monday around noon and arrive in Cleveland around dinner time, relax, then head over to the Convention Center Tuesday morning for set up. As it always seems to go, I had to get some work done for my real job in the morning on Monday and into the afternoon. I had hoped to be out of the house by 11 a.m. but ended up leaving for Dave's place around 2 p.m.

Prior to hitting the road, I loaded into my car 12 display cases, one bin of cards, several boxes of cards, two card tables and my luggage. My car looked fairly full. I was concerned I would not have enough room to fit in Dave's stuff.

Traffic heading south on the I294 was terrible. It came to a standstill at the O'Hare exit. I decided to exit at Irving Park and take Route 83 down to Dave's place. Quite a bit of traffic on Route 83 as well. It was a frustrating drive.

I pulled up into Dave's driveway and observed his garage was open and all his cases and bags were lined up, waiting for me. I felt terrible being so late. I told Dave earlier that I would be there around noon. To my credit, I did send him an email around noon in an effort to let him know I was running late. He never saw the email. Sorry Dave!

Anyway, I was able to fit Dave's four display cases, three boxes of cards, assorted bags and his cart on top of all my stuff. We had my car packed to the gills but everything fit. Woot!

We hopped back on the 294 at Roosevelt Road. It was a parking lot. It seemed to clear up fairly quick and we made it to Indiana in no time. Dave suggested we stop for lunch in South Bend. I agreed. I had only been to South Bend once before when I set up at a show there last September. I have never been to Downtown or the Notre Dame campus. We decided to try and find a place to eat Downtown.

Downtown South Bend is kind of desolate, not what I expected. We had trouble finding a restaurant. We ended up at a Thai Restaurant. Dave has never eaten Thai food before. I love it and eat it all the time. I ordered us both Chicken Satay and Chicken Pad Thai and Thai Ice Teas. I loved it all while Dave... not so much. Sorry Dave!

Back on the road, we made it to Cleveland shortly after dark. Several months ago, Dave booked us six nights at the Travelodge Hotel near the Cleveland Airport -- more on the Travelodge later.

I think I fell asleep around midnight and tossed and turned most of the night. I am just too excited during the first few nights of the National to sleep. We hit a nearby Bob Evans for breakfast, which is almost always solid.

Easy drive to the I-X Center. We had hoped to be able to drive my car into the I-X Center and right up to our booth. However, we observed a HUGE line of cars waiting to drive into the building. The line was not moving. The numskulls in charge of this deal were only allowing a trickle of vehicles into the building at a time. We decided to park and load in from the parking lot which turned out to be a little difficult because it was a bit of a walk in the hot sun then into the hot building and up to our booth. I was exhausted after three trips from the car to the booth.

We set up the booth the same way we did it last year with Dave on one end and my stuff set up in a U-shape deal behind him, covering the rest of the booth. It did not take Dave long to set up. I, on the other hand, took several hours. I cleaned the glass on all 12 display cases then placed cards in the cases one at a time.

While setting up, we saw our old friend Josh, who just happened to be set up next to us. I went to law school with Josh more than 20 years ago. Josh is real close with one of our old law school professors who collects vintage cards. The professor is normally a great customer of Dave's. It was nice to catch up with Josh and I am looking forward to seeing our old professor later this week. 

While I was setting up, a collector from Canada sat down at Dave's table and spent the next two hours pulling cards. Dave ended up with a monster sale and a tremendous start to the 2024 National. I am still on zero sales. 

After set up, we hit Big Boy over by the Travelodge. I had a slim Jim sandwich while Dave had a Big Boy Burger. My sandwich was great. Dave did not like his burger. After our meal, we went back to the Travelodge, which I would like to discuss a little bit now.

So, as you know, Dave and I go first-class, top notch to the National every year. No expense is too great for us. We're known as big spenders in most circles. We always live in luxury. Pictured below is the chair I am sitting on now while typing this blog.

In my estimation, I believe the chair is from the early Renaissance. The stain was probably made by Da Vinci. When, I tire of resting on the Da Vinci chair, I move across the room and relax on the Shakespeare chair below.

The tour of our exquisite room continues with the wall decor below which was designed by a very expensive firm from Beverly Hills... I believe the name of the firm is Fred G. Sanford and Son Ltd.

No room is complete unless it contains a door that leads to nowhere, as Dave and I are lucky to have here at the Cleveland Travelodge, pictured below.

Our elegant tour continues with a view of the hotel hallway, pictured below, designed in early Soviet Public Housing, which is all the rage these days.

From the fashionable hallway, one may access the ultra-modern elevator, pictured below, down to the lobby.

Exiting the elevator, one is treated to the delightful lobby decorated in early-modern Shaft meets Foxy Brown. 

Our tour of Dave and Tony's Cleveland Luxury Adventure continues with the facade of our lovely hotel with these wonderful balconies, pictured below, that are in no way crumbling.

Lastly, we have a view of the street sign announcing the Travelodge By Wyndham, Cleveland's most amazing hotel. I am left wondering, however, why the five-level sign only has two levels with actual signage. Dave and I searched and searched for Sammy's Pub & Grill, we have been unable to locate it. Maybe it is in the basement?

Anyway, more to come from the 2024 National. If you are planning to attend, come see us in Booth 1144!!!

Sunday, July 21, 2024, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

I was set up and ready to go around 8:30 a.m. this morning. Not much doing in the room yet. Made me a little nervous. Late-arriving crowd. I just sat behind my tables for a while waiting for something to happen.

All at once I was busy. People at my tables, going through cards, cracking jokes, talking sports, the National, traveling... all sorts of stuff. Like Madison yesterday, I was busy in Orland early. Seems like all my sales came before noon. I sold a lot of stuff. Thank you everybody!!

One of my early sales was to former White Sox and Cubs pitcher Steve Trout who wanted a Joe Pepitone card, any Joe Pepitone. It was fun!

Then my buying streak ended in great form. I bought a ton of stuff! A huge thank you to Jimmy C., Jeff P., my guys with the vintage hockey, and my main man Carl. I went home with a haul today thanks to these guys!

Now my problem is I would like to price some of this new inventory for the National but I'm getting ready to leave for Cleveland in the morning. A lot of this new stuff will get priced after the National, unfortunately. Though, I am bringing some great stuff to Cleveland as I have been a busy beaver pricing cards for weeks and weeks.

I had to give Will and Joe and rain check on lunch today. I had to head home, unload the car, take a shower and meet my folks Downtown Chicago for dinner with Kolby, who turns 19 on July 25, while I'll be in Cleveland.

We had a wonderful dinner at Ron of Japan, a family favorite since the 1970's. Sorry, I accidentally butt-dialed Jeff Peterson after dinner. Sorry Jeff!

Crazy busy day.

Looking forward to Cleveland. Dave and I are in booth 1144. Come see us!

Reminder, we're back at it in Oak Creek right after the National on August 3, 2024. Dealer tables are sold out. I am going to have a tough time responding to messages while at the National. I'll try my best.

Woot!

National!!

Saturday, July 20, 2024, Sheraton Hotel, Madison, WI

I made sure I set my alarm to 5 a.m., not 5 p.m. like last month. I only hit snooze once. It was slow goin' this morning. I'm just not a morning person.

I was on the road to Madison my 6:20 a.m. Much more traffic than usual. I stopped at a Thorton's for gas near Beloit and paid $3.59 a gallon. All the gas stations near my house in the far north suburbs of Chicago are over $4 a gallon.

I also purchased a cup of coffee and a doughnut. I know, I know. I should not eat doughnuts. I took some insulin before I left home so I thought I was okay to have a doughnut. Turns out the doughnut was stale. Ugh. No ill effects though.

I arrived at the Sheraton around 8:15 a.m. and was able to set up in peace this month. Yay! As soon as I completed set up, customers were at my tables. I had a nice stream of customers through noon. I have a nice group of regulars at this show. I almost missed this month's show because I booked the new show in Countryside, Illinois, not knowing the date of the July Madison show. I really hate to cancel a show once I book it but Madison has become one of my best shows and I just can't miss it! I hope to set up at one of Nick's shows soon!!

There were four rooms and 200 tables this month in Madison. I think this was Beau's largest show to date. Unfortunately, I can't leave my tables and walk around. I would like to see the rest of the show one of these days!

I had a real nice time chatting with my regulars. Also in attendance at this show were good buddies Tim, Andy, Mike, Bronko, Jeff T., and many others. I had a real pleasant day. However, like clockwork, the crowds at my tables disappeared by noon. I just sat around in the afternoon staring off into space.

I did take some time to look at Mark's cards, across from me. He has 10 or 12 display cases and always has one with amazing power vintage. Drool!

On the buying front, once again there was nothing. Weird! Nothing was offered last week in Rockford and nothing today in Madison. It is so disappointing to leave a show without any purchases! I'm hopeful that I can buy some cards tomorrow in Orland -- I usually do. At least four or five people inquired as to where I obtain my cards. As you know, I purchase most of them at shows.

Anyway, I had a real nice day. I appreciate everyone who purchased cards from me today. Quite a few vintage set builders, as usual at this show. A couple of new customers as well, which is always appreciated.

Next Madison show is on August 24, 2024. I will be there! I hope to have a few binders reloaded by then! Nobody looked at my newly reloaded 1958 Topps football. Everyone seems to want the 1970's. I'll eventually get those binders reloaded!

So this is a double-bill weekend with Orland on Sunday. I have a crazy day planned with the show early then we are celebrating my son Kolby's 19th birthday. His actual birthday is July 25 but I'll be in Cleveland. I feel terrible that I am missing his birthday but there just is not a whole lot I can do other than celebrate before I hit the road. We're going to Ron of Japan in Downtown Chicago. I love that place!

My wife Lisa and I celebrated our 27th Anniversary on Friday night at Ruth Chris in Northbrook, IL. Man, that place is sooo good! 

Anyway, Dave and I leave for Cleveland on Monday. Come see us in booth number 1144. Next Oak Creek show is August 3. I am overbooked as usual. Ugh!

​Busy, busy, busy!

Pictured below are some of the amazing cards at big Mark's table in Madison. Mark and I are set up at all of the Madison shows. Come see us next month!!

Saturday, July 13, 2024, IBEW Local 364, Rockford, IL

I can't remember the last time I was set up in Rockford. Seems like it has been a while. Anyway, good to be back. 

I was set up around a bunch of friendly faces. Tommy M. was on my left; Kurt, who just moved back to Wisconsin from Seattle, was on my right; Ray A. was set up across from me; Nelson and son were behind Kurt; and I have known the dealer behind me for years but, of course, I have forgotten his name. Also set up near me were long-time pals Skip and Phil. It was a real pleasant day with this group.  Thanks guys!!

I brought out all of the binders but I did not have enough room to put out the hockey binders. I used to kill it when promoters John and Mike operated a show at the nearby Rock Church. For some reason, I do not get as many vintage set builders at the Union Hall. I think I need to start bringing out showcases and/or cheapy boxes to this show. I have all sorts of junk wax as well, I wonder how that would do here?

Sales may have been off but it was worth setting up just to see some of my favorite people like Andy from Orlando, TJ and his son, George, Kristy and Kevin. Great seeing you guys! I also thought the show was well attended.

This was the first time I met Kurt who had some serious power from 1953 in his display cases like a Mickey Mantle, Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson. I was drooling at those cards all day long. It looked like Kurt had a good show. I watched him sell a few slabbed vintage cards.

On the buying front -- nada, nothing, zilch! One guy, who I have met before, offered me a 1968 Topps baseball complete set for $1,500. I thought the price was decent until I looked at the cards. The commons were nice but all of the stars had wear from frayed corners to major creasing. The Ryan rookie had frayed corners and some staining. No creases. The Mantle was phugly, way creased. The Bench rookie was a PSA 3, the only slabbed card in the set. Based on the condition of the stars, I just didn't see $1,500 in value there. Kurt looked at the set as well and agreed. We both offered $1,000 and each of us was turned down. I think the seller needs to upgrade his stars if he wants to get $1,500 for the set.

The next Rockford show conflicts with Orland on August 25 -- I'll be setting up in Orland that day. I'll be setting up in nearby Janesville, WI, on August 11. Please come see me in Janesville!!

Next up for me is a double-bill weekend with Madison on Saturday and Orland on Sunday. Outside of Oak Creek, the Madison and Orland shows are my top shows. Can't wait for next weekend! I'm bringing out all of the binders once again. I may bring out some of the cheapy boxes as well. New for next weekend is 1958 Topps football. 

National Update
I have been working feverishly pricing cards for the National which is coming up on July 24 through July 28 in Cleveland. I am bringing all display cases out to the National. If you want to see any binders, let me know. Dave McDonald and I will be set up in booth number 1144.

Oak Creek
Gawd, what a great Oak Creek show on July 6! I'll be a little tired for the next one that is set for Aug. 3, the week after the National. Though, I will get energized if we have the same crowd in August that we had in July.

Random Question
Anyone ever go to or set up at the Cow Palace shows in San Francisco? I can't find any local shows for Labor Day weekend and I saw that there is a 400-table show at the Cow Palace. I checked the prices of flights from Chicago to SF and they are crazy cheap. Hotels are a little pricey out there and I don't know the costs of tables at the show yet. I would also need to rent some display cases... but I am mulling setting up at this show. I would appreciate any feedback. Anyone follow my blog that lives in SF?

Anyway, thanks for following along. See you soon!!

Saturday, July 6, 2024, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

Operating the Oak Creek Card Show is pretty much a seven-day-of-the-week job with calls, messages and texts coming in every single day. So, spending a week in Hawaii put me behind. I tried to respond to messages while on vacation but it was difficult. Then I was terribly jet-lagged the week after the trip. As a result, I really had to hustle during the two weeks prior to the show to respond to messages, check in with most of the 125 regularly dealers, contact folks on the waiting list, and list the show all over the internet. It was a big job but I got it done!

I was a little worried with attendance since the show was scheduled over the Fourth of July weekend which inspired me to promote the event extra hard. I was still trying to fill a few dealer spots on the Friday before the show. I had some dealers initially commit then back out, so I worked the waiting list to fill the spots. I think I ended up with eight or nine new dealers, maybe more. I was able to fill all 185 tables and even added a few guys in the morning to fill some opens spots I did not even realize I had. I think we had 187 tables, as the final tally. I could fill many more tables but I just don't have the space. I only had one no-show dealer, a new record!

Lisa and I arrived at the Salvation Army on Friday around 6 p.m. where we were met by our superstar helpers George and Kristy. It took us only two hours to set everything up. After set up, the four of us went over to El Beso Mexican Restaurant, 909 W. Layton, Milwaukee.

Wow! El Beso is huge and super cool. They have an outdoor patio with a waterfall. We would have sat out there but the temperature dropped outside and it was awfully windy as a storm was approaching. We sat in a booth inside the multi-level restaurant. The group started off with margaritas. I was designated driver and did not drink. Lisa had a few!

To eat, I went with the steak fajitas which turned out to be the largest order of fajitas I have ever received. The food was delicious. Kristy went with a fish enchiladas. George had tamales and Lisa had flautas. We all enjoyed our food.

We arrived at our hotel around 11 p.m. We found it tough to fall asleep as the neighborhood was booming with fireworks well into the wee hours of the morning. 

We made it to the Salvation Army around 7 a.m. and there was already a large number of dealers loading into the building. Normally, I do not give myself a dealer spot until later in the morning. I like to plug myself into a spot where a dealer cancels at the last minute -- that way I limit the open spots that day. I like to have all the spots filled but there are always last-minute cancellations and dealer no-shows. It is kind of a hassle to do it this way, so on Friday I decided to give myself the first spot in the front hallway to the right.

This spot has extra room, so I was able to give myself three six-f0ot tables by creating a little U-shaped spot. I brought out all of my binders. I was determined to have a better show after a real lousy show in June.

I was set up by 8 a.m. Unfortunately, I can't just sit by my tables and chill. I have to patrol the building because some of the new dealers always do something stupid like switch name tags on tables and switch their spot which really screws us up. For one, most dealers like their regular spots and throw a fit when a numbnut moves their spot. So I try to keep everyone at their regular spot. There is always some new idiot that will move their spot and piss off one of the regular dealers.

Secondly, I have every inch of space of the building mapped out and we use these maps to collect table fee. I also do not know every dealer's name, so I use the map to identify each dealer. So when they move their spot, we don't know who they are and we don't know whether or not they paid table fee. Honestly, it really pisses me off when dealers switch their space. Why would you do that? I would never do that! Just set up in your assigned space!!

I caught one dealer switching spots early on and was able to move him to his assigned spot. I missed another dealer who moved his spot and only learned about it when Lisa tried to collect table fee and could not figure out who was who because the numbnut moved his spot. I went over, figured it out and gave the offender a dressing down. I don't think he will do that again!

Another problem I have occurs when a dealer or customer takes a chair with a name-tag on it. Most dealers at this show bring their own table. I place a chair in their location with a name tag on it and the dealer is supposed to set up their table in front of the chair. I even measure out the distance between chairs on Friday night, so each dealer has 8-feet of table space and a foot between their neighbor to separate each dealer. Some numbnut will swipe the chair with the name-tag at every show. Drives me nuts. Someone swiped one of my chairs in the gym. I think it may have been a customer who arrived way early and sat down at Dell's booth. I could not tell for sure because he sat there for a few hours and I could not see the name tag under his bottom but I think it was him. I am going to watch out for this guy at the August show.

It really sucks that so many customers arrive well before the show officially opens at 9 a.m. I think I am heading toward closing all the doors except the front door in the morning and sitting at the door to keep customers out until 9 a.m. Customers that come early really just suck. You folks need to arrive at 9 a.m., not 6 a.m., not 7 a.m., not 8 a.m. but 9 a.m.! Early customer arrivals cause many problems like stealing my chairs with the name tags. We also are worried these folks will steal from the dealers while they are setting up. Then there is the fact that we cannot get an accurate head count with so many people coming in before our Salvation Army volunteer is set up at the front door. I am really starting to get frustrated with the early arrivals.

So I was a little pissed off early on but mellowed out as I viewed hordes of folks come into the show from my little perch by the front door. Wow! What a crowd! To think I was concerned prior to the show! We counted 945 people at the front desk but I know many more entered earlier on without making their $1 donation to the Salvation Army -- another reason why early arrivals suck! We are trying to raise funds for the Salvation Army! These early scofflaws can't pay a buck to charity? Man, they suck!

I was real busy at my tables all morning. My newly reloaded 1967 Topps baseball binder got hammered. Dave pulled out a ton of cards! Thanks Dave! Jeff pulled a nice pile from my newly reloaded 1957 Topps football binder. Thanks Jeff! Many others found cards at my tables. Thank you everyone! I had a much better show than June. I am so appreciative. Lisa and I really enjoyed hanging out with Craig and Doreen! Thanks guys!!

On the buying front, I picked up a few things. Larry had a 1964-65 Chicago Blackhawks program for me. That one is going into the PC. Thanks Larry! Then at the end of the show, Mark sold me a slabbed 1959 Topps Warren Spahn and a 1961 Topps Stan Musual. Smaller haul than I had hoped for but I'll take it. There was a guy who brought in some cards from his personal collection. He had some great stuff like a Ryan rookie and some Mantles but he was not selling. He wanted to get an idea on the value of his cards. Too bad. I really wanted that Ryan rookie. I told him it was about a $600 card. He said someone offered him $1,000. I advised he accept the offer!

In other news, as you know, I give away packs of cards to all who come to my table and ask for one. I purchase boxes of cards from the wax dealers at the show to give away. I give away pretty good stuff and spend quite a bit of money on these boxes. On this day, I purchased a few boxes of 2022 and 2021 Topps baseball. Mostly kids come over and ask for packs. Later, I learned that one kid pulled a rare Ronald Acuna card valued around $600. I love it!

Overall, a tremendous day. Most dealers reported excellent sales. I really enjoyed seeing the large crowd and many smiles on faces throughout the building. A huge thank you to everyone who attended the show! No thanks to the early arrivals and the numbnut dealers who switch their tables!!

Lastly, I want to quickly discuss the big theft in Dallas that has the hobby buzzing. We all know Ash, the Dallas dealer with the mega vintage inventory. I have taken photos of his tables and posted them in my blogs many times. Ash sets up all over the country. He also used to visit the Oak Creek show regularly to buy cards. He was here so often, I thought he was local and was surprised to later learn he lives in Dallas. 

Anyway, if you haven't heard by now, a group of thieves obviously staked him out and planned a major theft which they accomplished last week. Everyone should be on the lookout for big-ticket vintage cards being offered for sale at cheap prices. 

This has become a national news story. See link: Baseball trading cards worth $2 million allegedly stolen from Dallas card show - CBSSports.com

So sorry this happened to Ash, one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I really hope these cards are recovered and the thieves end up in prison!

Next up for me is the Rockford show on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the IBEW Local 364, 6820 Mill Road, in Rockford, Illinois. I should have my 1957 Topps baseball binder reloaded by Saturday. I don't have any thing planned for Sunday. There are a couple new shows scheduled on Sunday in Hartford, WI, and in the Wisconsin Dells. I considered setting up at one of these shows but I just don't think there will be any vintage buyers at these shows. If anyone attends these shows, let me know if there was any vintage there. Maybe I'll give it a try down the road. I may end up at the Wilmot Flea Market on Sunday. I was set up there a few weeks ago and did real lousy. I am not sure I will be motivated to go on Sunday but I just might!

A big thank you to everyone who follows my blog. I receive so many nice comments at the shows, I really appreciate it!!

​Hope to see you soon!!

Next Oak Creek show is August 3. As usual, dealer tables are sold out. To get on my waiting list, send me your contact info to [email protected].

Now for some photos from the July 6, Oak Creek show:

Thanks again everybody! What a great show! I think that was one of our best ever! Next one is August 3. See you there!!

Saturday, June 29, 2024, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL

This may have been my first card show in Wheaton but I have a long history with this city and feel right at home any time I happen to be there. Here is my story with Wheaton:

I graduated from the University of Arizona in 1990 with a journalism degree. After graduation, I tried to stay out in Tucson but could not find any work. The U.S.A. was in the throes of the first Gulf War and the economy was in a recession. There were no jobs. The editor of the Arizona Daily Star shouted at me when I called: "Don't you know we are in the middle of a war? We are not hiring!"

I sent my resume to little newspapers all over the Southwest but could not land an interview. I probably should have just gotten a job at Burger King so I could pay my rent and stay in Tucson but I was determined to work as a newspaper reporter after all that schooling. By April of 1991, I was flat broke and thought my only option to work at a newspaper was back home in the Midwest. So, I loaded my car with my few belongings, just some clothes, record albums and books, and drove home to Northbrook, Illinois, and moved back in with my parents.

Boy, that was depressing. I sent out five to 10 resumes every day to newspapers all over the Midwest. Nothing. I did land some interviews here and there. If I was not working on cover letters, my mother was on my tail to get a job. I was trying! I could not make one magically appear! 

Eventually, I was able to land a free-lance gig with a small weekly paper in Lake County, Illinois. My job was to cover the Village of Lincolnshire, and oddly enough, that is where I currently live. Lincolnshire is a very small suburb of Chicago made up of a few neighborhoods, some small retail areas and a small corporate area. No downtown to speak of. When I was growing up in nearby Northbrook, Lincolnshire was pretty much made up of all farms. There are about 5,000 residents there now -- even less in 1991.

Back then, there was no village hall and the village board met in a party room at the Benihana Japanese Steak House. I covered the board meetings. Typed up stories and mailed them via USPS to the newspaper. There was no internet and email available back in 1991. That stuff was just beginning and in its raw stage. I think I got paid like 20 bucks per article. I earned around $100 a month, not enough to move out of my parents' house.

Desperate to work at a daily newspaper, I was able to land a non-paying internship with the Daily Herald, a daily newspaper based in the suburbs of Chicago. I worked at the Herald's DuPage County Bureau located in the Village of Lisle, right next to Wheaton. I put in a good 50 hours a week, non-paying, at the Herald in the hopes they would like my work and work ethic and offer me a paying job.

After two months of working my tail off for free, the Herald hired me full-time for a big seven bucks an hour. Not much money but enough to move in with some buddies down by Wrigley Field in Chicago. More importantly, I had worked hard to obtain my journalism degree at the University of Arizona and I had met my goal of working at a daily newspaper. It was a great feeling to finally be a paid, full-time newspaper reporter.

That drive out from Wrigley Field to Lisle every day was brutal, about an hour to an hour and a half each way. I found myself eating all of my meals in the car. I practically lived in my car because my job at the Herald was to cover village board meetings, park district meetings and school board meetings all over DuPage County.

For example, I would cover a Wheaton Park District meeting from say 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., stick around once the meeting ended to interview the board members and get some quotes for some articles, then go back to the Herald office in Lisle and type up three or four articles. Sometimes I would have to find a pay phone and call in an article from the board meeting to the night copy desk in Arlington Heights. It could be stressful but it was a great experience. I learned a lot.

Though, as a cub reporter, I was generally given all of the crap jobs. One of which was to go to the DuPage County Courthouse several nights a week and pull all of the criminal misdemeanor and felony files and type up the police blotter. The current DuPage County Courthouse had just moved into its new digs from the old Victorian building in Downtown Wheaton to the modern buildings on County Farm Road, adjacent to the Fairgrounds. 

The police files were located in the basement, in a room with four of five desks with folks about my age typing the up the handwritten police files and entering them into a computer database. I had a notebook and would have to write down all the info then go back to the office and type up the police blotter. Often folks would call me at the Herald office and beg me not to put their crimes into the police blotter. However, I was not given any discretion and the managing editor ordered me to type up every single crime.

My first visit to the DuPage County Fairgrounds occurred that summer of 1991 when I was assigned to cover the DuPage County Fair. My editor told me to find the 4H Club and write up some articles about the animal and agricultural competitions. I sat in and viewed a goat competition. I interviewed the participants and the judges and learned all about goats and how they are judged at the county fair competition. The focus of my article was on judging goat udders. Back at the Herald office, which was a big newsroom with 30 or 40 desks of reporters, I was the laughing stock. I was the udder boy and they all made fun of me. That sucked. I posted a copy of that old article below.

After a year at the Herald, working my tail off, doing whatever was asked of me, the managing editor pulled me into his office. He complimented my work but said he had to let me go because ad revenues were down due to the recession and they could no longer afford my big $7 an hour salary. Depressing. My initial relationship with DuPage County and Wheaton came to an end.

Years later, I would return to the DuPage County Courthouse as a lawyer. For the last 20 years, I have been handling cases at the DuPage County Courthouse and continue my relationship with Wheaton.

So, I was in familiar territory when I drove to the Fairgrounds Saturday morning. I drove through the towns of Carol Stream and Glendale Heights where I covered many municipal government meetings for the Herald. I drove past the Courthouse where I spent those early days in the basement and now represent clients in the courtrooms upstairs.

This was promoters John and Mike's first show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. They are always looking for new locations to host shows and I suggested the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The show was held in one of the large expo buildings. I had been in this building before at one of the all-night flea markets. I met the actor who played Eddie Munster there. He was signing autographs.

John and Mike had placed a large number of signs on the streets around the building which were so helpful and finding it. My initial reaction when driving down County Farm Road was to park at the courthouse and go to one of the court rooms. Thanks to the signs, I found the right location, parked and loaded in.

John and Mike always create a vintage row at their shows and I was placed in-between my pals Dave and Mikey. Also set up in vintage row this day was Barry, Tom, Dennis and Gary. Behind Mikey was Ray, who also has vintage.

Huge show with 220 tables. I brought out two display cases of graded cards and most of my baseball binders. With this being their first show in Wheaton, I did not know what to expect. I figured it would probably be like their show in nearby St. Charles which did not draw a whole lot of vintage collectors. I had low expectations.

I was pleasantly surprised as the venue was packed. Large crowd featuring a nice number of vintage collectors. I sold a few graded cards. A few guys pulled out some lists and worked on their vintage sets. I was unable to finish my 1967 Topps binder for the show and had nothing new in the binders. Though, many of my slabbed cards were new. Sales exceeded expectations and I was happy.

On the buying front, my main man Barry sold me some 1950, 1951 and 1952 Bowman baseball commons at a very nice price. Thanks Barry!! 

I had a real enjoyable day hanging out with all the guys in vintage row. Dave brought me a sandwich. I also ate some tacos from the food truck. This was an excellent show. John and Mike are excellent promoters and good guys to boot! Thanks for another great show guys!!

I also love being in Wheaton. It is a beautiful town. I drove around Downtown after the show.

Next up is the mighty Oak Creek show. I have been working feverishly on the show since returning home from Hawaii. I had a real tough time getting all my returning vendors to confirm, 125 in all. I have also been working the waiting list to add some new vendors. I still have a spot or two to shore up and am getting ready to draft the room layouts for Saturday's show.

I finished up the '67 binder and am looking forward to the Oak Creek show. I think it is going to be a good one!!

The Oak Creek show is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, in beautiful Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Hope to see you there!