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Fanatic Authentic Show Wrap Up

11/23/2014

It was so slow Saturday and Sunday at Big Al's Fan Fanatic Spectacular Sun-Times Show (Nov. 22 & 23, 2014) that they turned out the lights in the hall, played some John Mayer, and I slow danced with my honey.

I am not quite sure what the deal was but I had an absolutely lousy show. So bad that it gave me flashbacks to the first few times I set up at this show back in the day. My brother and I would split one table. I would put out a few display cases, a few binders and a few cheapy boxes of cards. My brother had absolute crap but he was willing to split the table fee. He is also an excellent salesman and was able to sell a bunch of his crap by harassing people as they walked by. I never made much money at those shows. At some point I ditched my brother and took the whole booth for myself and started to do much better with my sales. Well, I might as well have had my brother take half my booth this weekend because my sales were poor at best.

I can attribute the slow sales to a whole lot of different things. For example, there were quite a few regular customers missing this weekend. Then there were quite a few regular customers who did not buy anything from me this weekend. Though, I know plenty of folks in the room had good shows. So I think maybe I need to rethink my approach to this show.

I always have difficulty figuring out what to bring and how to set up for this show because the customers are generally different than the guys I normally see in Milwaukee, Schaumburg and Bloomingdale. There are a great many out-of-towners, along with locals who only go to this show and no other. I just don't have the pulse of this show like I do at my other shows. I decided to put out a few more display cases than usual this time. On Friday, I filled one case with Exhibits but did not get any sales. So on Saturday, I switched out the Exhibits and replaced them with basketball cards. This turned out to be a winning move because I sold quite a few basketball cards on Saturday and Sunday. Also, on Friday, I forgot to bring my hockey binders. On Saturday, I switched out a couple of football binders that are in desperate need of reloads and put out the hockey binders. I had decent sales out the hockey binders all weekend. I had very slow sales out of the football binders. Sales out of the binders in general were much slower than usual. Sales out of my display cases were slow as well. I sold a bunch of graded cards on Friday but none on Saturday or Sunday. I did not sell much in the way of pre-War which was very surprising.

I think I need to take a different approach for the March show. I think I will have a few less display cases and replace them with my cheapy boxes -- the 10-cent, 25-cent, 50-cent and dollar boxes. I also have a bunch of complete sets from the 1970s that I think I need to break out. Hopefully the cheapy boxes and the sets will give me a boost. I have four months to think about it. I definitely need some different material for this show. I should probably focus on more oddball stuff as well.

I should mention that on Saturday, I think either I got sick from one of the crappy hot dogs from the concession stand or the beef sandwich with giardiniera I ate from Giordano's. I spent the end of the show on Saturday just sitting on the toilet. I had plans to take Mark and Craig for dinner after the show. I showed up at their booth with a stomach ache. It did not help that they pointed out a whole lot of vomit on the floor just a few tables down. I guess a patron got a little too drunk and spilled his cookies near Mark's booth.

I offered to drive Mark and Craig. I stopped off at Jewel to get something for my stomach. I popped some pills but only made it a few blocks before I had to pull over at a Dunkin Donuts to use the bathroom. I should have warned the folks working at Dunkin Donuts to avoid entering the Men's bathroom anytime that evening. I may have changed that bathroom forever.

Anyway, I was going to take Mark and Craig to Morretti's but with my shaky stomach, I opted for Goody's on Belmont near Cumberland -- one of my old haunts from when I lived in the neighborhood. As we were walking in, we saw Willie walking out. I think this gave me some street cred with Mark and Craig. I had to use the bathroom again at Goody's but this trip was a little more subdued that Dunkin Donuts... but enough about my bowel movements.

Man, I miss eating at Goody's. It is just some good, home-made Chicago-style grub. I had the chicken-kabob plate which was as good as I remember. There is actually a decent kabob place near my new digs in Buffalo Grove but that place is a little more Middle Eastern while Goody's is Greek. I really like the Greek-style of cooking. The kabobs are always moist and served with that awesome cucumber sauce. You never get that cucumber sauce at the middle eastern places.

My stomach felt much better on Sunday and I was careful to avoid the concession stand. I walked over to the Hyatt on Sunday to get lunch. I picked up some turkey club sandwiches for the guys. The sandwiches were pretty good. The day went quickly. Actually the weekend went by pretty fast. Getting out of the show was fairly easy for a change. I'm glad the show is over. I am happy to report that it was a Steve-free weekend. So except for my sales, I had a good time. I am a glutton for punishment and will probably be back in March.

Next up is Corky's show in Elgin on Saturday. This will be my first Corky show. I do not know what to expect. I will only have two tables. I am thinking of just bringing out my display cases and cheapy boxes. The binders are in desperate need of restocking. I starting reloading 1971 Topps baseball tonight. I am not sure if I have any customers in the Elgin area. If there is anybody planning to attend the show Saturday, drop me a line and let me know what you would like me to bring out. It was nice seeing a bunch of folks from the Orland area who made the trip to Rosement. I probably won't see you guys again for a while. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving and I am hopeful that some folks join me in trucking out to Elgin on Saturday. Maybe we can find some decent grub out there. Come on out to the show!!!

Pictured below are hoards of patrons eating the crappy food from the Rosemont concession stand. I am quite sure they all got terribly sick later that evening.

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Welcome to Big Al's Sports Spectacular!!

11/21/2014

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The boss scowled at me when I left work Thursday evening. I think I am entitled to a day off, no need to scowl. I took advantage of the day off of work and slept in a bit on Friday morning. When I woke up, I loaded up the van then priced a few more cards before heading to Rosemont for the Fanatic Authentic Show. I stopped at the UPS Store to make some photocopies of the December 20th Smith & Gordon Show flier. I was on the road to Rosemont around 10:15 a.m.

I don't really like the new name of this show -- Fanatic Authentic. This is not a phrase that rolls off the tongue. I propose they rename the show something a little more catchy, something a little more fluid, like Big Al's Sports Spectacular. That way they can get a local chubby guy as a mascot and dub him Big Al. He can walk around the show, pose for photos with patrons, give out some cards to kids, and make sure everyone is having a good time. What the hell does Fanatic Authentic mean? I don't get it. Big Al's is a better way to go.

It has been a while since I have had a really good rant, so I would like to take the opportunity to rant about national dealers. There are a large number of dealers at these big shows that are just absolute tools. The Stephens Center puts out a number of carts in the room for dealers to use loading in and out. A bunch of these out of town schmucks take these carts and leave them by their tables the whole show! What the hell? Maybe one of the 250 other dealers in the room may want to use the complimentary cart as well? This is another reason we need a mascot Big Al so he can donk these guys on the head and distribute the carts.

Then there are the tools that hog all the space. This problem also falls on the promoters who do not clearly mark the spots. But there are guys that take advantage and use up more of their share of space. The guys set up behind us this weekend are taking a good two feet that should belong to us. Every dealer should have an equal amount of space. We are all paying the same price. But there are always scumbags that take your space at this show. It sure would be nice if the promoters actually managed this show and made sure every dealer is getting the space they actually paid for.

Then there is this total pud from Texas set up next to us selling pennants. He missed the March show which was really nice. He's back this weekend. He is such a whiny little pud. Last year he complained that I moved our tables out a half-foot or so into the aisle. I did not understand why he was complaining because it did not effect his set up in any way. This afternoon he was complaining that Mark Smith stood in his booth while talking to me. What the hell? The show hadn't opened, there was no customers at his booth. He was complaining we were blocking his merchandise. From who? This guy is a dick.

Okay, enough rant. Once I finally got all my gear into the room, set up took a little while because I had to tie my binders down to the tables. There are many thieves at this bigger shows so I need to take extra precautions.

Gizmo came around a few times early on wanting to buy me out. I like Giz but I don't want to wholesale out my inventory. A lot of folks from Milwaukee also arrived early on. My booth is the designated coat rack. Anyone who wants to drop of their coat at my tables, feel free to do so.

Quite a few people I know dropped by the booth. It seemed like most folks had some sort of comment on my shaved head. Does it look that weird? I've shaved my head many times before and never had so many comments. I also had to explain myself to quite a few of the Orland regulars. They did not quite understand why I am no longer doing the Orland show. I do not think I was treated fairly by the Orland promoter so I am no longer attending. I am still setting up somewhere each and every weekend, just not in Orland. Come see me elsewhere!

It was nice to get reacquainted with my boothmates Bob and Dave. We have been setting up together at the big shows for a good number of years now. Dave had a box of cards for me. It seemed like Dave had some nice sales early on but not much action during the bulk of the show. Bob seemed to have steady sales all night long. My sales were slow. I sold a bunch of graded cards that a good number of small sales from my binders. I'm pretty sure one guy stole some cards. He went through five or six binders. I saw him pull out some cards. I turned to talk to my friend Larry then turned back and saw him zip up his coat pocket and walk away. He probably stole $5 or so in cards. Another dealer mentioned that he had some cards stolen Thursday night which is really scary. I have never heard of anyone having cards stolen after setting up early on Thursday night. As I write this late Friday night, I am a bit concerned about my cards at the show.

Speaking of my buddy Larry. He brought me a nice group of cards including some Parkhurst Hockey from the 1950s. I also picked up some cards from Junior. I was pretty happy with my pick-ups on this night but a little disappointed in my sales. Saturday is usually my best day at this show and I'm hopeful I have my typical Saturday. Leaving the show was really difficult tonight. The Rosemont area with dozens of new restaurants and shopping is an absolute mob scene. A normal five-minute drive from the parking lot to the highway took close to an hour tonight -- it sucked! Quite a few guys commented that they had a tough time getting into Rosemont because of the traffic. I hope tomorrow is little easier getting in and out of Rosemont.

On a sad note, I got word that Mike Rodell died yesterday. I talked about Mike in my last blog. The world lost a good one yesterday. Mike was the best of the best. I will miss him dearly. I am amazed how many true superstars we seem to be losing to that awful disease cancer. I can't find the words to describe how much I hate cancer and losing all these great friends long before their time is due. My heart goes out to Mike's family. If anyone has any stories about Mike that they would like to share here, please do so.

I am looking forward to Day Two of Big Al Sports Spectacular. See you tomorow!!

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November 16, 2014, Gonzaga Show Report

11/20/2014

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Saturday, November 15, 2014, was a marathon day of pricing cards for the Sunday, November 16, 2014, Gonzaga show. I spent most of the day working on my 1970 Topps baseball binder but there are 720 cards in that set and my binder was about empty. It took a looooong time to fill. I had about 4,000 cards that needed to be placed in alphabetical order. I had four or five cards of most every card in the set. So I took some time to analyze each card to find the one in the best condition to place in the binder. By 6:30 p.m., I had about 150 cards to go but I had to leave for a birthday party. I returned home from the birthday party around 10:30 p.m. and went back to work on the binder. I finished around midnight. I was up at 5 a.m. but was in a fog and did not get out of the house until about 6:30 a.m. I made it to Gonzaga around 7:20 a.m. where I was promptly greeted by all sorts of comments about my newly shaved head. I'm a few weeks away from my 48th birthday and that bald spot on the top of my skull has gotten a wee bit too big so I decided to shave it all off. I think it looks better shaved than with that ugly bald spot. I took all sorts of grief all day for my shaved head.

I had a nice crowd at my tables early on. Jason picked up some cards. Jim found a 1954 Topps common. Mark purchased those cool Mutoscopes I had picked up a few weeks ago. Jack bought some cards. Jeff found some too. Dave purchased a bunch of 1970 Topps football. Tim came in from Madison and we did a nice cash and trade deal. I also traded some cards with Terry. I had one customer pull a large pile out of my 1967 Topps baseball binder. Rob purchased a bunch of 1979 Topps. All sorts of other guys purchased cards. I was so busy in the morning that Mark and Ken came over and requested I send some customers their way. I also had quite a few kids purchase cards today. I always like seeing kids interested in the hobby.

Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain some of the famous Gonzaga show cake. By the time I made it to the concession stand, all the cake was gone. I was able to purchase a couple of doughnuts but it just wasn't nearly as satisfying.

Quite a few guys commented on seeing the advertisement in the Milwaukee Journal for the last Smith & Gordon card show. Those that attended our show had some nice comments. They liked the fact that I was able to bring in Illinois dealers like Willie and Ryan along with Seth from Indy. I'm pretty sure Willie and Ryan will be set up at the December 20th Smith & Gordon show. I'm not sure yet about Seth. I purchased the large Mitchell Room for the December 20 show and have plenty of extra dealer tables if anybody is interested. I would like to lure more out-of-town dealers. The customers seem to really appreciate the new dealers.

Back at the Gonzaga show, former Brave Felix Mantilla was signing autographs in a back room. I didn't get an auto because I had one from the last time Felix Mantilla was at the show. He didn't walk into the main room like a lot of the other autograph guests, which was disappointing. I love seeing the old players.

On the buying front, the other Mark introduced me to a gentleman from Green Bay who brought down a few really nice vintage cards. He was debating on setting up at my December 20th show. I ended up purchasing a really nice 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle All Star card from him.

I observed that quite a few guys were dressed in camouflage hunting gear. One customer told me deer hunting season is this coming weekend. There was no deer hunting season where I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. I think Chicago is probably one of the few places in the country where hunting is not a very popular sport. There are plenty of hunting areas in Wisconsin and Michigan that are a short drive from Chicago but hunting remains somewhat of mystery to most Chicagoans, myself included. My parents grew up in inner-city Chicago and their generation rarely left their neighborhood. Everyone lived, worked, and shopped close to home. The only adventure out was an occasional visit to Downtown Chicago. As a result, when we moved out to the suburbs in the 1960s, along with flocks of other city-dwellers, we rarely left our little burg except to visit grandma and grandpa back in the city.

Another observation from this show is that like every show there are quite a few guys that read my blog. I think the particular blogs that stick out for most people are the comedic ones. I notice that guys walk by my table and look at me with some sort of knowing smirk on their face. When they come back and strike up a conversation, it is usually about the blog. I have been writing for publication now since 1987 and have experienced this before. As some may know, I published a newspaper about Chicago taverns from 1994 to 2001. I used to experience this same sort of thing when I was in a tavern. Folks would walk by and give me that knowing smirk. When we eventually started to talk they would always mention some goofy article I wrote that cracked them up. I got a lot of free drinks that way. It is nice to know so many people read this blog and that I can still be entertaining. One of these days I am going to dig out some of my old drinking stories and post them here. I did some funny work back in the day.

On a serious note, I would like to give a shout out to the ailing Mike Rodell. I am not sure how many years now I have been setting up at the Gonzaga show. I think maybe 10 or so. This was my first show where Mike Rodell was absent. Mike is the VP of the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association, the non-profit group that puts on the Gonzaga show. Mike is one of the nicest guys I know and has always greeted me with a smile and a salutation as I enter the room on the morning. Mike also buys cards from me to fill out his Brewers sets and sends quite a few customers over my way. I can't say how much I appreciate Mike. He is putting up the good fight against the big C. He was sorely missed at this show. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family as he battles on. I am hopeful he will be back behind his table for the December show. The Gonzaga show is not quite the same without Mike holding court across the way from me and discussing some aspect of the old Milwaukee Braves.

The day went by fast and I was the last one out of the room, as usual. I ended up having a nice day on the sales front. I was also pleased with my Mantle purchase and the nice groups of cards I received in trade.

Next up is the three-day Fan Fanatic Show in Rosemont, Illinois. The is the Sun-Times show, simply with a new name. I am working on reloading 1978-79 Topps hockey for the show. This is my best show for hockey so I always make sure I reload something new for the show. I'll be set up with my usual partners Bob and Dave. I am pretty sure we will be in our usual spot. If anybody would like me to bring out anything particular for the show, drop me a line. See you in Rosemont!

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Appraisals Galore at the Smith & Gordon Show Number 3

11/11/2014

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Again, I was up late pricing cards the night before the November 8, 2014, Smith & Gordon Show. I finished up my 1971 Topps football book, then priced some 1962 Post, then priced a bunch of star cards for the display cases. My alarm went off at 5 a.m. I was slow going in the morning. I don't think I got out the door until 6:30 a.m. I stopped off at the Lake Forest Oasis and purchased some egg mcmuffins and made it to the Clarion by 7:15 a.m.

Mark Smith was at the hotel on Friday night to make sure the room was set up. I was able to load in and set up with relative ease. I was a little worried that I wasn't greeted by any customers until about 8:22 a.m. Last month customers began to show up at 7 a.m. I had a nice crowd at my table that morning. Mark from Milwaukee picked up some '61 Post and a bunch of 1969 Topps baseball along with some assorted football. Thanks Mark! Jeff went through my display cases and picked up a bunch of different cards for his various sets. Thanks Jeff! Jason and Jack purchased a few cards. Bruce came out with his grandsons and they purchased a few T206s. The boys, pictured above to the right, are starting to get quite a T206 collection which I think is amazingly cool!

Dave purchased a few cards. Jim came late in the morning. He thought the show was Sunday then found my flier and came as soon as he could. Jim picked up a few 1953 Topps baseball. Big Tim purchased a bunch of cards. Then I met "Mr. Cigar" who purchased some 1959s along with most of my 50-cent box. I'm not sure when I'll have the 50-cent box out again. I need to seriously reload it. A bunch of other guys purchased cards, but my brain is failing and I can't remember names. I thought it was pretty cool that we had guys come up from Northern Illinois. The towns of Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lake Forest and even Chicago were represented. Milwaukee is such an easy drive from the Chicago area that I'm surprised more collectors don't make the trek. Though, I really appreciate the guys who did along with all the guys and gals who came out from the Milwaukee area.

Also making the trek to set up at this show was Ryan, who is also from Northern Illinois. Seth, who drove all the way up from Indianapolis, was also a new dealer. Ryan seemed to have a good show and will hopefully return for our December show. Seth, who owns a card shop outside of Indy, had a good show as well. He said he will be back. Willie and Scott Z. had good shows. I didn't get a chance to check with Nelson, Mike and Scotty P. I hope they had good shows. Mark Smith said his sales were a little off but he had a good time.

We ran our advertisement again in the Milwaukee Journal which brought in all sorts of folks with items for appraisals. I was able to appraise a 1909 Nadja Caramel for a father and son team. The father said he found the card in an old book. It had a big ole crease in it. I figured raw it would sell for $20. Slabbed it would probably get a 1 and sell for $30 to $45. I offered to buy it but they wanted to keep it. Another customer had some beat up cards from the 1960s including a rough '69 Mantle which I appraised at $50. He also had a couple autograph baseballs. He also did not seem interested in selling any of his items. The couple that brought me the 1971 Topps football last month was back. This time they had an autographed photo of Brett Farve that was in a plaque along with a few football cards. It looked real nice. I sent them over to Willie who I think appraised the item for about $60. They were a little disappointed and felt the plaque was worth more. Well, I can vouch for Willie, he knows his stuff. If he says it is worth $60, it is actually worth $60.

Another guy brought in a Milwaukee Braves banner from the 1957 World Series. See picture below. He also had a child's jersey from that era. I set him up with Big Tim who has a great deal of knowledge on that kind of stuff. Tim spent the better part of the last 30 years working in, then later owning, a card shop near my house in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Tim ended up purchasing the items. Then the show came to a halt when a very pretty lady came in with a crate full of cards. They were all from the 1990s. Seth made an offer but she decided to keep them. A few other guys brought in some items in for appraisals. I was busy helping customers at my tables and did not get a chance to see those items.

On the buying front, I picked up a group of 1933 Tattoo Orbits that included players like Mickey Cochrane, Lefty O'Doul and Connie Mack. Those puppies will be coming out soon to a card show near you -- they are cool!!!

Overall, I thought the crowd was slightly down from last month, though probably more people than our first show. I was pleased both with my sales and my purchase. We had a steady flow of people into the room from 9 a.m. right up to 3 p.m. After the show, Mark, Seth and I trucked over to the Nite Owl for our last burgers before the place closes up for the winter. We need a new spot. I noticed a bunch of restaurants in the Howell/Latham area. I guess we'll just have to pick one next time and hope it is good.

The next Smith & Gordon show is slated for Saturday, December 20, 2014. We'll be in the ballroom for that one and should have a bunch more dealers. Next week, I am setting up at the Gonzaga show on Sunday. Former Brave Felix Mantilla is signing autos. I'm currently working on my 1970s Topps baseball binder and should have it ready to go by Sunday. I'm not sure if I'll get much else done. That '70 Topps is a huge set and is going to take a lot of time.

Mark and I are still working on a show in the south suburbs of Chicago. We're still running into high-priced road blocks. It looks like hotels are out. They are just too expensive. We also checked into VFW halls but they are expensive as well. I am going to start looking into bowling alleys and possibly churches. If anybody has any suggestions, let me know. Until then, I hope to see everyone at the Gonzaga show next weekend (November 16). A big thank you to everyone who set up and attended to the Smith & Gordon Show! There are many more shows ahead!!!

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Xavier Cugat Would Have Loved The November Schaumburg Show

11/3/2014

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Real nice show today, Sunday, November 2, 2014, at the Best Western Plus in Schaumburg, Illinois -- which is apparently changing its name again. I haven't been able to confirm the new name of the hotel yet. I'll pass it on when I get it.

I was pleasantly greeted early this morning by Dave X., who drove up from Indiana to take a look at my newly reloaded 1969 Topps baseball binder. Dave picked up a nice pile of '69s along with some '75-76 basketball and some '57-'58 basketball. It was great to see Dave, who I haven't seen in a while. Dave also picked up some high-grade '57 baseball from Don. A bunch of my usual suspects purchased cards like Chuck and Randy and some other guys.

It was nice to meet Ryan and his wife today. Ryan came out to the show looking for some 1968 Topps baseball after learning about the show through my blog. Ryan had a great story on how he began his '68 set. Back when he and his wife were just dating, she sold her car and gave Ryan the proceeds to purchase cards. He purchased some '68s among other cards and the rest is history. Every once in a while, I make my wife sit down and read this blog. I think she needs to read this one and should probably sell her car and give me the proceeds to purchase some cards. I might get slugged making this suggestion, though.

Anyway, this blog has developed quite a nice following which inspires me to keep it up. I am usually pretty tired after shows but I put in the effort to write the blog because I enjoy regularly meeting other baseball card enthusiasts through my blogging efforts. I can't say how cool it is when someone like Ryan comes out to the show and tells me they are a fan of the blog. Baseball cards are truly a great hobby.

My Uncle Morty made an appearance today. He had a couple of stacks of cards he wanted to sell or trade. Quite a few of the cards were ones I had previously sold him. As I've probably said before, I regularly buy my cards back. With doing shows every weekend along with posting cards on eBay, I sell a TON of cards and in constant need to replenish. So I really don't mind buying my cards back. Mort spent quite a bit of time at my table but could not find anything to catch his fancy today. So we didn't trade and he didn't seem to want to sell the cards. Mort gets that way. I know he frustrates a lot dealers but I don't mind him.

Mort aside, I was able to purchase quite a few cards. The guy from last weekend with the Post Cereal did not show up, which was a good thing because I spent quite a bit on cards today and would not have had any money for him. I picked up a 1966 Topps Mickey Mantle and a Pete Rose from one guy then purchased a nice group of 1966 commons from another guy. I also picked up a bunch of 1968 Topps football stars.

Then I purchased a group of "Mutoscope" band leaders. The cards look like they are from the 1940s and feature a lot of the band leaders I remember from my parents' old record collection like Xavier Cugat, Lawrence Welk, Count Basie and the like. They are in really nice condition and are pretty cool. I seemed to be drawn to Exhibits lately and have been purchasing quite a few of them this past year. The seller said these were put out by the Exhibit Supply Company but I don't think so. I've been doing some online research on these things and it seems the cards were manufactured and distributed by the American Mutoscope Company of New York City in either the 1930s or 1940s. Like Exhibits, they were sold in penny arcade machines. The Mutoscope Company seems to be notorious for their "Cheesecake" cards featuring drawings of scantily clad women. I also learned that the Mutoscope was a machine where viewers could watch some sort of animation for a penny. It was first developed in 1895. The company made all sorts of arcade games and was one of the first Hollywood movie studios, making silent films in the early 20th Century. There is something cool, pulp, about these Mutoscope postcards. The postcards are black and white but seem to have a shiny silver tint to them. You definitely need to hit that Xavier Cugat video above while looking through these Mutoscopes.

Next show is this Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Clarion Hotel in Milwaukee. This is the third Smith & Gordon show. My, how time flies! As I write this, we are planning to be in the Rembrandt Room. However, if we sign up some more dealers we will expand into the ballroom. We have two new dealers for this show in Ryan, who regularly sets up in the Chicago area and deals in modern cards and supplies. Then we have Seth Murray, a vintage dealer from Indianapolis. I am working on reloading 1971 Topps football for the show. I'll also have some new stars for my display cases. I'm getting all sorts of calls and emails about the show and I think this will be another great one. We're running another ad in Wednesday's Milwaukee Journal. My biggest concern is food after the show. With the Nite Owl closing up for the winter, we need someone local to direct us to another fine Milwaukee restaurant.

Also, an update on the south-suburban Chicago show. Mark and I have been checking into venues and have been given some really high prices for room rentals. We're still looking for a place we can rent for a reasonable price. It would help if any dealers planning on setting up at our south-suburban show could touch base with me. I need to know the size of the room we will need. That's all for now. I'm looking forward to Smith & Gordon Part Tre on Saturday!!

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Fanatic Authentic Show Wrap Up

Welcome to Big Al's Sports Spectacular!!

November 16, 2014, Gonzaga Show Report

Appraisals Galore at the Smith & Gordon Show Number 3

Xavier Cugat Would Have Loved The November Schaumburg Show

Tony Gordon

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