Sunday, September 24, 2022, Pop-Up Shop, My Office, Palatine, IL

I had all these great plans on how I was going to get my office ready for the Pop-Up Shop well before Sunday. Unfortunately, I was still setting it up Sunday morning while customers were arriving.

This was my first Pop-Up Shop since March 2021. I stopped doing them once the Orland show was back from COVID shut down. There are also many, many new shows that I have been setting up at as well. So I did not see a need for the Pop-Up Shop until recently. 

As I said, I have been setting up at a lot of new shows and most of them are geared toward modern cards. Thus, my sales as a vintage dealer have been lousy. I decided to resurrect the Pop-Up Shop in an effort to create a destination for vintage collectors. Many vintage collectors have commented to me that these new shows do not have any vintage. There are so many new shows these days that I have not been able to attend most of them, as they conflict with my regular shows. I am actually hesitant to set up at most new shows because I am fairly certain there are no vintage buyers at these shows.

New this time around at the Pop-Up Shop were dealers Tim Fritz and Mike Slinkman. In the past, it was just me and my brother Jon, who is busy right now coaching the Marist High School Boys Cross Country Team.

Between Tim, Mike and I, we had an amazing selection of vintage cards, from Pre-War to 1980, with some high-end beauties on both Tim and Mike's tables. Unfortunately, we did not get that great of a turn out. Maybe it was NFL football that kept folks away. I am not discouraged. Like I said, there is a need for a vintage destination. I am going to keep up the Pop-Up Shop, as a monthly event, for the foreseeable future.

I was surprised that the bulk of those who attended were looking for modern cards. I billed it as a vintage-only show. Sorry, modern folks, the Pop-Up Shop is a vintage-only event.

Mike a had a nice sale as Chris purchased his 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle. Chris must have an amazing collection. I know I have sold him at least a dozen Mantles over the years. Tim also had some nice sales, so it was worth their while to set up. My sales were not very good but Junior stopped by and sold me a 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle and a 1962 Topps Mantle All Star. Thanks Junior!

Even with low sales and low attendance, I still enjoyed myself. A huge thank you to Craig and Doreen who purchased a pile of cards. Another thank you to Larry, who purchased some cards. I really enjoyed sitting around chatting with Tim and Mike. Tim is incredibly knowledgeable about cards. Mike has a unique way of collecting and I always find it interesting learning his methods. I also just enjoyed talking sports. A real nice time.

I am going to do it again in a few weeks. Next Pop-Up Shop is on October 9, at my law office, 201 E. Dundee Road, Suite 2, Palatine, IL. For the October Pop-Up Shop, my pal Dave McDonald is setting up. I also have enough space to put out all of my binders and all of my display cases. Come out before the games start!

Speaking of games, come out to my Oak Creek show before the Badgers game on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, in Oak Creek, WI. Former White Sox and Brewers outfielder Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for $10. You have to be my age or older to remember Bill Sharp. I'm hoping to hear some stories about playing with Dick Allen on the White Sox and Robin Yount on the Brewers. Should be fun!

Then on Sunday, October 2, 2022, I'll be set up at the Woodfield Hyatt in Schaumburg, IL. I'm bringing binders to Oak Creek and display cases to Schaumburg. My wife Lisa will be watching my table in the morning in Oak Creek. Please be kind to her, I want her to come back and help me at future shows!

​See you this weekend!

Saturday, September 24, 2022, Sheraton Hotel, Madison, WI

Rough night. I woke up at 3 a.m. and could not fall back asleep. I am not sure how I made it through the day. I almost nodded off a few times during the show.

I was on the road to Madison around 6 a.m. I normally take I90 but I am so sick of that drive that I took I94 north then cut over west toward Madison just past Milwaukee. There was a lot of traffic at this early hour. I did not make very good time. I got there around 8:15 a.m. I stopped in Kenosha for gas, as gas prices near my house in Illinois are astronomical.

I brought out the binders this month, so set up was real easy. I was open for business around 9 a.m. but did not have any customers. I observed that the room was filled with dealers but not many customers. I started to worry. 

At 9:30 a.m. my first sale came in -- two bucks. At least I would not be shut out. By 10 a.m., the room started to fill up. I saw that much of the crowd assembled around the Pokémon dealers. Where were the sports card collectors this morning? Many guys requested binders last month, so I brought out the binders. I also got a request for my dime box, so I brought that out as well.

With nothing doing at my tables, I went downstairs to the faux Starbucks but it was vacant. I grabbed a diet Mountain Dew from the cooler and went over to the hotel front desk to pay. 

Back up to my tables. Nada. Nothing. Zip. I chatted with big Mark. He is a graded card guru. He is constantly purchasing collections and sending cards in for grading. He probably has more slabbed cards than anyone else I regularly see at my gaggle of card shows. What I find interesting about Mark's set up is that it is about half modern and half vintage. He always shows me some of his newest modern pick-ups. Honestly, I don't know anything about modern cards. I have no idea whether the cards he is showing me are good or bad. I am going to assume they are good.

To my credit, at least I have heard of the modern players that are slabbed in Mark's display cases. I had time to kill so I watched some of the Pokémon action at the nearby Pokémon dealer tables and literally did not have a clue. What makes a Pokémon card valuable or even desirable? Josh, my favorite Pokémon dealer, came by and told me about a big sale he had on this rainy September morning in Madison. I am aghast. I do not get it. 

The businessman in me is thinking I need to get into Pokémon but the collector in me says no way. I buy and sell vintage sports cards because I just love them. I can't pursue anything that I am not interested in, like Pokémon, even though there is definitely money in Pokémon.

Sales started to trickle in after 10 a.m. The father and son, who I have known long before I started setting up at the Sheraton show, each purchased some cards. One guy stopped at my table three or four times before he finally sat down and went through my 1960 Topps binder. A customer that purchased a pile of stuff in the spring, came by and purchased some cards. 

A few other guys purchased some football cards. I sold a few basketball cards. Then I had a customer spend a good hour or so at my tables pulling piles of stuff. He saved my day. Real nice sale. 

A young guy went through the dime box and purchased all my New York-related cards. He purchased Jets, Giants, Knicks and Mets. He did not take any Yankees. Promoter Beau purchased some 1949 Bowman Cubs. Thanks Beau! I also have to mention that Beau does an excellent job with this show. It is a well-run show and Beau does a tremendous job getting the word out. It is just tough to compete against college football, especially in Wisconsin where fans are rabid about their Badgers. Things will pick up.

Overall, sales were way down from last month. More disappointing than my low sales was the lack of quality sausages at the faux Starbucks. Usually, they have excellent breakfast sausages and bacon. Not today. The sausages looked like the frozen kind. Ugh! Though, I was glad they finally opened up so I could get some coffee.

September has been a weird month. The first weekend was good, second weekend bad, third weekend good, fourth and last weekend bad. Again, the slow shows were competing against football. Sports card collectors love their football.

The one old lady I met several months ago was back. She commented on my Gordie Howe stating she saw him play years ago against the Blackhawks at Chicago Stadium.

I am just going to check this one off as a loss and I am sure the October Madison show will be much better. I have never had two poor Madison shows in a row. So I am confident that I will bounce back next month. Next Madison show is set for October 22. I will probably bring out display cases for that one. Come on out!! Let's talk Pokémon!

This was another double-bill weekend. I had my Pop-Up Shop on Sunday. Pop-up Shop blog coming soon.

In the meantime, I have a monster show planned for this Saturday, October 1, at the Salvation Army Community Center, 8853 S. Howell, Oak Creek, WI. There are 92 dealers and 140 tables planned for the show. This will be my largest show to date! Also, former White Sox and Brewers outfielder Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Autos cost $10.

Then on Sunday, October 2, I will be set up at the Woodfield Hyatt in Schaumburg, IL. I'm bringing binders to Oak Creek and display cases to Schaumburg.

Have a great week everybody and see you this weekend!!

Sunday, September 18, 2022, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

I was beat Sunday morning after that long drive home from Green Bay on Saturday. But I'm a baller and was up and atom for the Orland Park show where I arrived at 8 a.m. Of course, Terry did not like the binders which performed very well on Sunday. I also brought out three display cases. I placed stars from the 1970's in one and football in the other two.

It was kind of a weird set up in the room today. There were spots in the room where there were no tables which got me thinking that I would probably take more tables if there are last minute cancellations. The person who was supposed to set up next to me did not show up and my little friend Adam and his mother eventually took the spot. I love those guys!

I thought attendance was pretty good. Andy got things started as usual. Thanks Andy! My guy working on 1950 Bowman baseball was disappointed I did not reload the '50 Bowman binder. However, he did end up purchasing my entire 1969 Topps baseball binder. I should have those '50 Bowmans reloaded in the next month or so.

A couple of Mikes came by and purchased some cards. One Mike is a big hockey collector. The other Mike is a big fan of this blog. Thanks guys! Duke purchased my 1966 Philadelphia Dick Butkus rookie. Thanks Duke! Will brought me some breakfast and much-needed coffee! Will also purchased a pile of 1972's and 1955's. Thanks Will.

Last month I was joking that I would not recognize Will if he ever shaved his beard. He brought me a couple of photos sans the beard. I definitely would not recognize him! Can you pick him out?

Rick purchased a card and also had a return. He told me I sold him a card with writing on it. I did not see any writing on the card. I am not a big fan of returns especially since I allow customers to take all the time they need to look over and analyze the card prior to purchase. I am not perfect. I try to catch defects in the cards and price accordingly.

Two weeks in a row seeing Chuck! Thanks for the purchases Chuck! Seemed like I got real busy when Chuck was at my table. Guys were pulling cards from the binders left and right. I was also trying to work a deal on some purchases. It is really tough to negotiate when there is a crowd. That one guy who used to set up in Orland with all the cigar boxes was sticking his nose in my negotiations. Proper etiquette when a dealer is trying to negotiate a purchase is to back off and let the deal happen. Don't grab any of the cards or ask the seller any questions!! Back off Cigar Box Guy!

The seller had a T207 Rube Marquard, a T201 Miller Huggins/Roger Bresnahan, a common 1933 Tattoo Orbit and some common 1933 and 1934 Goudeys. The cards were low grade and we were able to work out a deal. The seller also had some E cards but I was not certain they were legit. I like to see some fading on the back advertising of those cards. If the back looks like it was printed yesterday, I take a pass. I have been burned in the past on those.

I also bought a handful of cards from Walt, who ended up giving me a nice deal. Thanks Walt! Walt told me Tony Schaefer mailed him the box of cards he left at the show last month. Pretty cool thing to do Tony! 

​Capped the day off at the sub shop with Will and Joe. A pretty great day in Orland. I was real happy with my sales and purchases. Orland is just a solid show.

Next Orland show is October 16. In the meantime, I have another double-bill weekend with the Madison show on Saturday, September 24, 2022, and my Vintage Pop-Up Shop on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at my law office, 201 E. Dundee Road, Suite 2, Palatine, IL. New this time around are dealers Tim Fritz and Mike Slinkman. There will be 11 or 12 tables of vintage cards from low-end commons and high-end stuff on Mike's tables. I was going to grill some burgers but now am thinking of ordering some pizzas. Should be fun!

Next Oak Creek show is approaching quickly. I've got former Brewers and White Sox outfielder Bill Sharp signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Also, dealer tables are sold out.

Looking forward to more fun time ahead!

Saturday, September 17, 2022, KI Convention Center, Green Bay, WI

As you may recall, I was scheduled to set up at this show, which is quarterly, back in the spring and my car broke down on the way up. I have since purchased a new car, though, I was awfully nervous when I drove by the spot where my old car broke down.

I was up before dawn for the drive which took about two hours and a half. Load in was easy. My tables were located next to Scotty P. My diabetes was acting up and I spent a lot of time in the bathroom. Thanks Scotty for covering my tables while I was gone!

After setting up, I went over to the hotel restaurant and ordered some breakfast. In line, I talked with a former Packer, I am not sure exactly who but he was definitely a football player. Apparently, quite a few former Packers were roaming around and fans were following after them to get autographs.

Slow arriving crowd. I was a little worried early on as no sales came in the first hour. Then the crowd arrived and it was steady all day. I had an excellent day!!

For the most part, just about all of my customers were folks seeing me for the first time. It has been years since I last set up in Green Gay and I never really had any regular customers in these parts.

I had flyers for my Oak Creek show on my table and when the new customers saw the flyers, to a man, they all asked about the Gonzaga show. Only a handful were aware of the Oak Creek show. I hope some of them make the trek to the October 1 show.

The KI Convention Center show is run by Matt Lambrecht who did a phenomenal job. He hustled to get the word out prior to the show. Matt was also a gracious host. He checked with each dealer to see if they were okay. He brought me a couple of diet Cokes, which was awesome. Thank you Matt!

I also have to thank Jason Galleske who ran across the street to get me a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Thanks Jason! I need my coffee! Jason also sponsored a trade night on Friday night that I hear went extremely well.

After 10 a.m., sales were steady all day. I had one guy come by my tables at least six times before he finally purchased something. The first visit was while I was setting up. He was interested in my 1958 Topps Ted Williams. On the second time he brought me a small box of 1958 Topps commons that he wanted to trade for the Williams. I guess he did not read my last blog where I was pretty clear that I do not like to trade. Surprisingly, I told him I was not interested in trading my Ted Williams for a bunch of crappy commons.

The third time he came by, he asked for my best price on the Williams. I offered a slight discount. He did not pull the trigger. At this point, I thought this guy was a mope. About the sixth time, he asked to see my 1964 Philadelphia football stars. He asked for a price on just about all of them. I was amazed when he pulled the trigger and handed me some $100 dollar bills. I take back that mope assessment.

Quite a few guys came by several times. I met one guy who said he grew up in Rockford and now lives in Green Bay. He purchased a pile of stuff. He also showed me some photos of his collection -- pretty great stuff! The two guys I know from the Oak Creek show, who regularly shop with my buddy Dave, purchased a bunch of cards. Then I chatted with Rex who said he attends all of the Oak Creek shows. He purchased a pile of stuff.

Sorry, I can not remember exactly what everyone purchased. I was too tired to take notes, having woken up at 4 a.m. I brought out display cases and by the end of the show there were quite a few empty spaces in the cases. I was really pleased.

At least four or five guys were set builders and showed up at my table with their lists in tow. I love the set builders!

On the buying front, only one person offered me anything. It was a small box with a weird assortment of cards. There were about 40 or 50 1973-74 Topps basketball cards, including a Pete Maravich and a Dave Cowens. Then the rest of the box had baseball from 1975 to 1983, including a 1976 Topps George Brett. I offered $30 for the box and the seller accepted.

I had some down time in the afternoon and walked the show. The room was huge and there were dealer tables in the hallways as well. I am not sure how many dealers or tables total but there was easily over 150 tables. As a vintage guy, I always like to check out the vintage dealers. I think I may have been the only dealer that was solely vintage. Several others had a hybrid modern-vintage set up. I did not see any deals.

This is definitely a modern card show. I don't think I would do well with my binders. I had a real nice day with the display cases.

Load out was just as easy loading in. The drive home was rough. I should have brought some insulin with me. I suffered through a four-hour drive home. The extended time was due to my high blood sugar and a constant need to pull over and hit the bathroom. Next time I do this show, I will bring along some insulin.

I think I paid $3.35 a gallon for gas as I was leaving Green Bay. That may be the cheapest gas I have seen in two years.

Next show at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay is slated for December 10, 2022. Unfortunately, I have a conflict because the Rock Church show is also slated for December 10. It is a shame I can't do both shows! I will probably set up at Rock Church because it is sooo much closer to home. Hopefully, I can make it back to some of the Green Bay shows next year.

A huge thank you to Matt, Jason, Scotty along with everybody who purchased cards. Except for my stupid diabetes, I had a really great day and fun time.

It was a double bill weekend, once again. I was set up in Orland on Sunday. Orland blog coming soon. 

I have another double bill weekend coming up with Madison on Saturday and my Vintage Pop-up Shop on Sunday.

Next Oak Creek show is October 1 and dealer tables are SOLD OUT!

​Have a great week everybody!!

Sunday, September 11, 2022, Woodfield Hyatt, Schaumburg, IL

I have several regular customers at this show that want to see my binders, so after bringing showcases last month, I brought out the binders. Of course, as soon as I was set up, many folks asked for the showcases. 

Joe, the excellent promoter of the Schaumburg show, placed me in the larger room today which was much appreciated. Thanks Joe! The tables behind me were open all day. I am guessing that the dealer slated for those tables did not bother to show up. Joe was kind enough to allow me to place some binders on those tables.

With it being the first Sunday of the NFL season, attendance was noticeably down which is usually the case during football season. I can usually sneak out of shows around noon during football season but I had a few customers after noon and did not get out until 2 p.m.

My one autograph hound was happy to see my binders but disappointed that I did not have a 1976 Topps Ed Crosby. I probably had the Crosby in one of my '76 binders, I don't think this guy looked very hard. I wasn't going to dig through the binders to find a 25-cent card. I spend a TON of time sorting cards and placing them in numerical order so it is easy to find a card if you know the number. I'm guessing my autograph guy did not know the card number.

I had a new customer come back three or four times and buy a few cards each time. Then another customer who I remember from the July show pulled a nice stack of cards. Randy found some 1955 Topps baseball. He asked that I bring star cards from 1957 Topps baseball next month. I will probably bring out the showcases next month. My old friend Chuck stopped by and pulled some cards. Thanks Chuck! A new customer pulled some 1978 Topps football.

Like Rockford on yesterday, sales in Schaumburg were slower than last month. A couple of guys who spent decent money with me last month, did not even look at the binders. It is weird how some guys only want to look at showcase stuff and other just want to see the binders. I suppose I could reserve four tables and bring out both the showcases and binders but it is a lot of work carting all that stuff in and out of the building along with keeping watch over that many tables. I could do it when I was younger and before the onset of diabetes but not in my old age and as a raging diabetic, my energy is really limited.

So I will continue to field complaints each show and mix up my display at each show. Sorry guys! On the plus side, I can see first-hand that I provide some unique vintage cards at each show. I have stuff you won't find on anyone else's table no matter if I am bringing binders or showcases. I generally feel pretty good with my display. If I could just get those freakin' binders loaded up! I have some great stuff waiting at home to see the light of day. My inventory is probably at its largest point ever. I have so much stuff. Every day I go through a box or two in my card bunker and am always surprised as to what I discover. New stuff is coming out soon!

On the food front, I sat down and tried the hotel breakfast for the first time. The breakfast buffet cost 20 bucks and I was very disappointed. There was a big pot of scrambled eggs that I can't eat because I assume they are made with milk which does not agree with me. Then I took a few sausages that looked pretty good but when I took a bite, they were cold. They also had a big pot of steamed bacon. I really hate steamed bacon. I like my bacon cooked on a grill.

They had some steamed potatoes that were very tasty but I can't eat too many of those due to my diabetes. Then there was some fruit and cereal and a few rolls and such. I was not impressed. I felt the hotel breakfast buffet would have been better for 20 bucks. I will skip it in the future.

On the buying front, I purchased a few cards from Junior including a 1974 Topps Dave Winfield rookie, a 1960 Topps Eddie Mathews and a Ted Kluzewski. Junior also had a random T206 common that I purchased as well. Nothing else was offered.

On the new car front, I learned this morning that the windshield wipers on my new car need to be replaced. They barely work. Rain was light in the morning while at an utter downpour when I was loading out. I got soaked! I also could not drive on Route 53 with those lousy windshield wipers and had to take the long way home so I could see out of the windshield. Overall, the new car is great. Runs like I dream. I should not have a repeat of a breakdown on my way to Green Bay this coming Saturday, September 17.

I am really looking forward to the Green Bay show since I missed that first one due to my old car breaking down. I am not sure what to bring out. Initially, I wanted to bring out binders but after having a slow weekend with the binders in Rockford and Schaumburg, I am leaning toward showcases. I gotta figure this out soon! I also need to figure out whether I am going to drive up Friday night after work. I am usually too tired after work to do much and will most likely wake up before dawn on Saturday and drive up.

On Sunday, September 18, I will be back at the Orland Park show. I am going to have a hybrid set up in Orland with binders and showcases. I am looking forward to Orland where I always do well, no matter what I bring out. The Orland Park show is just a phenomenal show. Though, it will probably die after noon because everyone will take off to watch the NFL. 

​I have scheduled a Pop-Up Vintage Card Shop for Sunday, September 25, at my law office, 201 E. Dundee Road, Suite 2, Palatine, IL. New this time around is that dealers Tim Fritz and Mike Slinkman are setting up as well. I'll have out all of my binders and some display cases. I may bring out some cheapy boxes as well.

Next Oak Creek show is October 1, 2022. Tables are sold out. I am getting a TON of requests for tables. Sorry guys. All I can do is place you on my lengthy wait list. I should be able to clear off the wait list at the November 5 Oak Creek show when I will be adding another room. All new dealers must bring their own tables. The venue only has about half the amount of tables I need. I could rent tables but then I could not keep my dirt cheap table fee. Speaking of dirt cheap table fee, my Oak Creek table fee is going up from $25 to $30 with that November show because the new room is going to cost a bundle. Thirty bucks is still crazy cheap when compared to table fee at all of the other shows around. 

That's all for now. Hope to see you this weekend in Green Bay and Orland Park!!

Saturday, September 10, 2022, Rock Church, Rockford, IL

Trading, trading, trading. Let's talk trading today. I hate to trade. I find that trades never work out equally and never work out in my favor. I much prefer receiving cash than cards. I have gotten in many arguments over my reluctance to trade. Based on my experience, it just never benefits me, so I generally tell the traders that I want cash, not trade.

The traders were out today. I brought out binders this time around. I recently finished up reloading 1976 Topps baseball. I had so many cards from 1976 that I broke it up into two binders. Unfortunately, the bulk of my other binders are in dire need of reloads. It just takes so long to reload that I have fallen way behind.

Which is one of the reasons I hate to trade because l don't feel like I properly recover the time spent sorting, pricing and reloading when I just get cards in trade. I feel much better about receiving cash.

There is one guy at the Rockford show who has been bugging me to trade for the past six months or so. I have no interest in trading with him. I have been able to hold him off. He really wants to trade me his excess 1968 Topps baseball. He tells me this every time he sees me and also lets me know through regular emails.

Well, today he was determined to trade with me. He brought me a binder of about 240 '68s. There is a handful of stars in the binder and the condition is all over the place. He initially wanted the trade value of his '68's to be a buck a card. I got him down to about 60 cents a card. 

Since I was going to get some hall-of-famers at just 60 cents, I was initially okay with trading with him today.... today, only. Though it hurt watching him pull out a stack of 1966 Topps baseball. All I kept thinking about was how the binder was in need of a reload and this guy is making it worse by taking a stack out of there and I am not receiving one cent in return. Actually, he ended up taking too many cards and paid me some cash on top of the '68 binder in trade. I felt a little better once I received some cash. However, that '66 binder is now almost empty.

I just can't keep up. I really need to fill just about all of the binders. I am working on my 1980 Topps football binder right now. The '80 Topps football are not very valuable and I always question myself when I reload that binder. The reason I keep doing it is because the '80 Topps football is a great seller. I don't get much money in return but they always sell. So I am stuck right now spending my free time reloading that '80 Topps football binder. There are more than 500 cards in the set so it is taking me a while. I hope to have it done this week.

I did not have a very good day with the binders in Rockford after having a stellar show last month with the show cases. Again, I think the biggest problem is that the binders need to be reloaded.

Luckily, a few of my regulars in Rockford came through and purchased a good amount of cards, so the show was not a total disaster just not nearly as good as last month. I appreciate you guys! Thank you!

Lighter than usual crowd. I think mother nature hurt us by creating an absolutely beautiful day. I have also observed over the years that football season always has a negative effect on card shows. Sports card collectors are also sports nuts and generally fanatical about football, both college and pros. I am not a huge college football fan. I prefer pro football. Though, I follow a couple of college teams like the University of Arizona, my alma mater, and Northwestern, since I grew up near there and began attending NU games as a kid. Neither team is very good this year so I do not have much incentive to watch college football.

Another thing that may have affected our crowd was that there were two more shows within an hour drive scheduled at the same time. There are just too many shows right now. One of the competing shows on Saturday was a new show in Darien, Illinois. The promoter came out to my Oak Creek show last weekend and introduced himself. I thought he was a nice guy but advised him that I probably have conflicts with all of his shows and will most likely won't be able to set up. I am definitely setting up in Rockford over any new show because I have a tangible history of doing well at the Rock Church show.

As a dealer, my sales dictate where I will set up. The third show running up against Rockford on Saturday was in Kenosha. I think that show started earlier in the year and always goes up against Rockford. I am always going to choose Rockford over Kenosha and Darien because I am certain my sales will be better in Rockford.

Regardless, after a really nice show in August, sales were down at this past Rockford show. Many of my regulars did not attend. Where were you guys? I brought out binders this time around because a couple of these guys complained last month that I did not bring out the binders. So I brought out the binders for those guys and they did not bother to show up!

I did not make my first sale until 10 a.m. I was worried I was going to get shut out then I had a nice crowd at my table for a few hours. My day ended with Terry Hatch who wanted to trade. Ugh! I have known Terry for a good 20 years. He is set in his ways and I usually trade or buy cards from him that I don't want or need. I really need some help! Therapy is on the horizon.

My mental deficiencies aside, best part of the show is chatting with my fellow dealers. Normally, I am set up next to Tim, who is a great guy. Luckily, Gary was in Tim's spot this time around and is an equally great guy. My good friend Tom was on the other side and my buddy Phil and his wife were across. There were a couple of new vintage dealers set up which I think is great for the show. The Rockford show always has a really nice selection of vintage dealers. Vintage collectors should not miss this show!

I begrudgingly like the modern card dealers as well even though I have no interest in their cards. Many of these guys are just awesome. One awesome modern card dealer is young Rocky. Today, Rocky brought out his dad. It was really nice to meet pops Rocky. I now know where Rocky picks up his charm. Rocky told me he had one of his best days ever at this past Rockford show. Congrats Rocky! Way to go!

My young friend Adam was set up with his mother. Mom told me that Adam has school work and other commitments now that summer is over and she is limiting him to two Saturday card shows a month. It is up to Adam to pick which two. He tried to negotiate a third Saturday show after his Rockford sales were not very good. I felt sorry for the little guy. His mom told me that he is turning 13 soon, so if he can wait it out three more years when he gets his driver's license, he can then drive himself to shows. I remember when I first got my driver's license back in 1982, I spent a lot of time driving around the Chicago area to card shops, shows and flea markets -- it was a glorious time.

After the show, I hit a nearby Mobil station to fill up on gas which was about 5-cents a gallon cheaper than by my house. I also stopped at Burger King and wolfed down a Whopper before heading him. Once home, I napped then worked on that 1980 Topps football binder.

I am bummed that there is no Rock Church show next month. Instead, the Rock Church guys have teamed up with the Madison show promoter to create a two-day show at the Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportsscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL, on October 15 and 16. This new show is slated to have 250 tables.

I had previously thought there would be an October Rock Church show and kept that second Saturday open as it is the usual time slot for the Rock Church show. I had to scramble to find a replacement. I am going to give that Bridgeview show a try on October 8th. Anyone been there?

The new two-day show in Loves Park, just outside of Rockford, conflicts with Woodstock and Orland. Like I stated previously, I don't cancel a show once I have committed to setting up. Plus, the Orland show is really my home base and one of my best shows. I can't afford to miss Orland. I hope the new two-day show in Loves Park goes well and that I can set up at a future date.

In the meantime, I am setting up in Green Bay this coming Saturday, September 17. As you might recall, my car broke down on my way to the last Green Bay show. I have since purchased a new car and am confident and hopeful I will not have any issues on the drive to Green Bay Saturday morning.

I think I may bring display cases to Green Bay. I really need to get more of my binders reloaded before I bring them out again.

On Sunday, I will be in Orland where I have to bring the binders because I have an army of regular customers that come out for the binders. I have a lot of space at the Orland show and will probably bring out some showcases as well.

Next Oak Creek show is Saturday, October 1, where former Brewer and White Sox outfielder Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Autos cost just $10 each.

Have a great week everybody. Hope to see you next weekend in either Green Bay or Orland!!!

​Below are a couple of binder mania photos from the Rockford show.

Sunday, September 4, 2022, Janesville Conference Center, Janesville, WI

I have to admit that I was not expecting much since I had an absolutely terrible show last time out in Janesville. I thought about dropping out but I have a personal policy that once I book a show, I never drop out unless something beyond my control comes up, like my car breaks down or there is a crazy snow storm.

Complicating matters was the New Berlin show was scheduled the same day as Janesville and I had a really nice show in New Berlin last month. So, I really wanted to set up in New Berlin. Glad I stuck to my guns and set up in Janesville!

Wow! I had an excellent show!! I was busy the entire day. A bunch of guys came around while I was still setting up. It took me a while to set up because I brought out nine display cases.

My father and son football guys started me off with dad purchasing my 1969 Topps Bart Starr. The son purchased a pile of stuff. Thanks guys!! I remember selling cards to Randy in the past but I don't remember him working me over so hard. Man, he beat me up but did buy a nice stack of stuff.

A tale of the two Terrys -- Terry Huseth purchased my 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle. Thanks Terry! Terry Hatch picked out a bunch of cards as well. Then I had several customers who said they were attending their first card show in years. Each purchased cards.

My one regular customer, who I see just about everywhere, both in Illinois and Wisconsin, purchased a pile of cards. A bunch more guys purchased cards. I can't even remember what I sold but sales came often. Man, I had a really nice day!

Another reason I booked the show after having a lousy one is that promoters John and Mike work their tails off. If the promoters put in the work, usually good things happen. I think this was their third Janesville show and there has been a nice crowd at each show. I just bit it during the second show. My first show was okay. This past show was excellent. Thank you John and Mike!

One of the things I like about hotel shows is I can usually snag some free breakfast from the breakfast buffet in the lobby. After setting up, I went to the buffet and took some sausages, a cinnamon roll and some coffee. I needed that fuel because I had a busy day.

I was also able to find some time to grab a pulled pork sandwich that was for sale in the hallway outside the show. There also was a full bar where I was able to grab some diet Cokes.

Which brings me to my young friend Adam. I love this kid! I think he was 10 when I met him and is now 12. His amazing mother drives him all over for shows. He is from my hometown of Northbrook, Illinois. He brought a friend with him this time. Adam goes to the junior high across town from where my childhood home is located. His friend goes to my junior high. Woot!

Adam is a hustler. He is good. He picked out my two most expensive cards and tried to work me over. I was not having any of it. I am keeping those cards until I get my price.

Then when I went to the bar for my second diet Coke, Adam jumped in line in front of me and told me he was going to order a beer. I responded that I did not think he would like the taste of beer. He told me he loves the taste of beer. Knowing his parents, I doubt he has ever tried a beer.

So when he got up to the bartender, he asked, in his high pitched 12-year-old kid voice, for a lemonade and a beer. The bartender responded that she was not going to give him a beer. Adam said it was for his mother. The bartender said that his mother needs to come over and order the beer herself. I was kind of shocked. Ballsy move for a kid. Entertaining to watch for an adult. That really cracked me up. Adam is such a character.

Anyway, after leaving the last Janesville show at noon, this time I stayed past the closing time of 2 p.m. and did not get on the road home until 3 p.m. There were folks at my table buying cards right up to the end.

On a sad note, I was talking with dealer Bruce Bain who told me our friend Denny from Rockford died suddenly last week. I am so sad. I only just met Denny when I started doing the Rockford show about a year ago. What a great guy! He was working on dozens of vintage sets and always spent a great deal of time and money with me at each and every Rockford show. You could not find a nicer guy anywhere around. I am so sorry. My sincerest condolences to his family. I will greatly miss Denny. Glad I had the opportunity to know him.

Let's meet up at the Rock Church show in Rockford, this coming Saturday, September 10, and talk about Denny. It is going to be weird setting up in Rockford without Denny in attendance.

I have a double-bill weekend once again. On Sunday I am setting up at the Woodfield Hyatt. I am bringing binders to both shows. Hope to see you this weekend!

My next Oak Creek show is Saturday, October 1, 2022. Dealer tables are sold out. Former Brewer Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Autos cost $10 each.

Saturday, September 3, 2022, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

There are a lot of ways I could go with this month's Oak Creek blog. I have decided to keep it largely positive and just touch upon the negative.

    NEGATIVE ISSUE 1 -- Setting Up the Show & Dealers Arriving Too Early

I had a real tough morning because the building was not ready when I arrived, thus, I was not ready when the dealers arrived. I hope to rectify this stuff before next show. One of my biggest issues is dealers arriving before the official set up time of 8 a.m. If any dealers are reading this blog, please DO NOT ARRIVE PRIOR TO 8 A.M.! It takes me a few hours in the morning to get the building ready for 130 tables and 90 dealers. I really need you guys to stay out until 8 a.m.!!

                                               NEGATIVE ISSUE 2 -- THEFT

​We were hit bad Saturday. Here are some of the cards that were stolen:

Please keep a look out and contact me with any information.

I tried to hire a retired Milwaukee police officer last year to work security but he blew me off. Then it seemed like the thefts died down. A few guys were hit at the August show. There were five or six guys hit at the September show.

Largely, we have a pretty great community of hobbyist who regularly set up and attend the Oak Creek show. A few scumbags are starting to spoil things. I want to see these guys locked up so I have hired an off-duty police officer to work the October 1 show. I am going to see if I can get an on-duty uniformed police officer to attend as well. I am also looking into installing camaras. This stuff has got to stop!

I need your help as well! Please be on the lookout for thieves!! They are at the show. We need to be vigilant and I need everybody's help! Dealers, you guys got to keep your expensive cards locked in a display case. Please lock all of your display cases. Don't place any expensive cards out on your table that are not locked in a display case.

​Report all thefts to me. Let's try to get some pictures and video of the thieves. Let's lock these guys up. They will be crying to mommy if we catch them and haul them out in cuffs!!

Also, please be on the lookout for the cards pictured above. Another dealer had a Justin Fields rookie stolen. I do not have a photo of that card. Then another dealer had a 1962 Topps Willie Mays stolen. Sucks!

                                                NOW FOR THE POSITIVES

We had 555 people through the door and raised a nice amount of money for the Salvation Army between the entry fee and the concession stand. I can't thank you guys enough for your support. It is so rewarding to see so many people in attendance. The bulk of the folks had a good time. Many dealers reported excellent sales. Yet, many others reported sales were down.

My sales were up. I brought out all of the baseball binders and four or five football binders. I was swamped early on. Sales sort of dropped off in the afternoon but overall sales were up.

I gotta thank my pal Bruce, pictured below, who gifted me a 1968 Topps empty wax box. That was so cool! Thank you Bruce!!

Seeing so many kids at the show just makes me happy. While I am 55 years old now, I started attending card shows when I was 12. I have such great memories from those days and I love that we are creating some positive and fun memories for kids today.

Parents and grandparents regularly compliment me on the show and always say how much fun their family has at each show. I received a really cool message from my old friend Chuck, who I met at a card show more than 20 years ago, and who brought his granddaughter out to the show Saturday. See Chuck's message below:

Hi Tony,

I just wanted to let you know that in my opinion you have one of the finest group of dealers that you can find anywhere! As you know on Saturday Sept. 3rd, I brought my 8-year-old granddaughter, Anna, to the Oak Creek show.

This was Anna's first card show although she has accompanied me a couple of times to the local card store down here in Illinois. "Papa" thought it was time that she should see what a real card show was like, and what better show to start her off than Oak Creek?

Last Christmas, Anna asked that Santa bring her "Topps" and Santa delivered a load of football cards! Anna, like her dad, loves the KC Chiefs! (I've been trying to dissuade her from that but no such luck).

She has been interested in cards and has put together a nice little binder of her favorites and always wants to show me what she has put together when we see each other.

Now to the show! My wife, my daughter and I drove to the show on Saturday where we met my other daughter (WI resident) and the other two grandkids. (They all went next door to Target while we went to the "Sal".)

Well, as soon as we walked in one of your great dealers was giving Anna a pack of penny sleeves! It didn't stop there as dealer after dealer asked Anna about her favorite teams, favorite sport and her favorite player - Patrick Mahomes - of course! The dealers were clearly doing this out of a love for the hobby and seeing that a young girl had a great experience at the show! I know that there is an occasional "bad dude" in the hobby but the vast majority that I've encountered are great folks that love sports, enjoy collecting as a hobby or as a way to make a few bucks on the weekend. This was evidenced again on Saturday.

So many dealers took the time to speak with her and almost too many to mention gave her a card or two (even Mahomes cards!) a set of cards or even a pack! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

The hobby is in good hands when I see so many folks and dealers looking to make the young collectors happy and keeping them engaged. This is a key for keeping this hobby alive and thriving! (I only wish that some of the card companies would realize this but that's another story.)

Anna waited until the very end to spend her allotted budget of $10-15 but she found a pack of cards that the dealer knocked down some for her and then threw in a baseball card pack! Thank you!

The great news for me is later that day when I asked Anna if she wanted to attend another show and she gave me a quick unequivocal "yes"! Thank you Tony and your dealers for making this such a great experience! (She also spent most of Saturday and Sunday arranging and rearranging her cards ha ha!) I don't know if she'll be a collector forever but I feel that she will have some great memories no matter what and that's one of the most important things you can have isn't it?

-Chuck

Thanks for bringing Anna to the show Chuck!! Hope to see you guys at the next one!! 

I agree, I have the best dealers around!

Even with such great dealers, it is very stressful to operate this show. I now have 90 dealers to contend with along with other assorted issues mentioned above. I am going to remain positive because so many good things happen at each show. We make kids smile. We donate much needed funds to the Salvation Army. We generally have some fun and do some good. 

Next Oak Creek show is Saturday, October 1, 2022. Former Brewer Bill Sharp will be signing autographs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Autographs cost $10 each. Mail order is available. I need your items by the end of September. Mail your items and $10 to:

Tony Gordon
201 E. Dundee Road
Suite 2
Palatine, IL 60074

It was a double bill weekend. I was set up in Janesville on Sunday. Janesville blog coming soon. Next up is the show at the Rock Church in Rockford on Saturday, September 10, then the Woodfield Hyatt on Sunday, September 11. 

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Oak Creek show Saturday. The show has become a MUST-ATTEND event for anybody in the hobby who lives within a few hours from the show. Thank you!

​Below are some photos from the September Oak Creek show: