Saturday, August 2, 2025, National Sports Collectors Convention, Rosemont, IL

Saturday at the National is dealer booth-lottery day for purchasing a booth for next year. Dealers are given a number based on the number of Nationals they have done under their own name. I’ve set up at 12 or so Nationals but have only done six in my name. As a result, I am near the bottom of the barrel for the booth lottery.

However, being at the bottom of the barrel does not bother me. I just want to set up. Any booth works fine for me. This was my second year at my current booth. After such a great show, I want to get the exact same spot for next year.

So I had an easy plan for Saturday morning. Arrive around 8 a.m. for the booth lottery then go set up for the day — easier said than done!

My helper for the day was Donny, who arrived at my house earlier than scheduled. Great, I thought, because I wanted to make sure we arrived at the booth lottery on time. We hopped in my car and drove to Rosemont.

As we pulled off the highway onto River Road, I realized I forgot our badges. Ugh! We had to drive back to my house and get the badges. I was not going to be early to the booth lottery. Not sure I was going to be on time.

I drove back to my house like a bat out of hell. Sorry Donny! He did not realize he signed up for some crazy driving by yours truly.

We got back to my house. I ran inside and grabbed the badges. Hopped back in the car and drove back to Rosemont like a bat out of hell, again. Sorry Donny!

We made it back to Rosemont and into the room with the booth lottery just as they were finishing up the sixes. I was able to get my booth for next year. I also voted for Detroit for the location of the 2028 National.

Crisis averted. On to preparing for Saturday.

I had major open space in my display cases due to monster sales all week long. I pulled out most of the stuff I had left over that would not fit in the cases previously. I still had space so I had to place some of my National purchases into the cases to fill up the holes.

Now I needed food and caffein. I went to check on the line at the Starbucks in the lobby. Long.

The bar in the lobby did not have a line at all and it also served food. I ordered a coffee and some avocado toast. The coffee was crap but the caffein worked. The avocado toast was surprisingly good.

The show was very crowded today but action at my booth was the slowest it had been all week. Sales were still good and better than Saturday last year in Cleveland but just not as good as the previous three days.

Donny was an excellent helper. Thanks Donny!

On the buying front, a near set of 1966 Dexter Press walked up and included a graded Mickey Mantle and Elston Howard — what a fun purchase!

After the show and on our way to the parking garage, I noticed the line wrapped around the building for trade night. There was all sorts of stuff to do each night after the show but I was much too tired and hungry to attend any of them. I took Donny over to Russell’s for dinner. He had never been and we had some great food and called it a day.

Friday, August 1, 2025, National Sports Collectors Convention, Rosemont, IL

I have been incredibly busy since the National ended and have just not had the time to blog. One day I'll catch up....

So, Friday was the third day of the National but actually my fourth day, since I was there much of the day Tuesday setting up.

The smartest thing I did this year was to find people to help me at my booth each day because I was much busier than usual. On Wednesday I had Al help out. Thursday was Bronko. For Friday, I convinced my daughter Tabitha to help.

Tabitha, like her dad, is not an early riser. We were both tired Friday morning. Tabitha went to find us some caffein while I filled the holes in my display cases.

Tabitha has never helped me at a card show before so I was not sure how she would do -- she was great. Thankfully, she has a lot of retail experience and took to it immediately. The thing I liked most was that she really kept her eye out for thieves -- unfortunately, the National, like most card shows is filled with thieves. You really have to be on your toes.

Turned out that Friday was my busiest day of the show. We were mobbed. I couldn't really check up on Tabitha, we just had our heads down and were selling, selling, selling! Tabitha would check with me when guys wanted discounts.

At one point, she came to get me because she did not want to deal with some customers who were very aggressive and pushy, so we traded customers. I took over and did not mind these customers who were stereotypical New Yorkers. They were a middle-aged couple. The guy told me he runs some kind of auctions and needs inventory. They both went through my display cases with a vacuum. I pulled tons of cards for them including just about all of my pre-War. This turned out to be my largest sale ever, making this my best one day at the National, and making this my best National ever, and it was only Friday! I was ready to pack up and go home at this point but had two more days to go. Oh my!

On the buying front, one of the nearby dealers came by with a box of commons from the 1960's and sold them to me for a song. Woot!

While selling and buying has been great, there was one on-going problem at the show, which was especially bad on Friday, and it was people standing around blocking my booth. They all seemed to come from the Texas guys next door. They would start there and float into my booth, blocking my display cases and blocking entry into my "U" section. I had to repeatedly ask them to move.

​Anyway, my display cases were super empty after Friday. I was going to have a tough time refilling them on Saturday.

Tabitha must have snuck and grabbed my phone for this photo. Looks like Scott and I are having an intense discussion on how to solve the world's problems... one sports card at a time.

I think Mike S. purchased this Mantle at the show and was sharing it with me on Friday. Mike, this is yours, right? Anyway, it is always awesome to see a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle, the true Mantle rookie.

Of course, I can't remember who showed me this 1958 World Series complete ticket that they purchased at the show on Friday. Very cool, though.

 Thursday, July 31, 2025, Day 2 of the National

I have to admit that it was kind of fun having different helpers each day of the National. Day 2's helper was my pal Bronko, who came down from Wisconsin for the National and stayed with some friends who live conveniently near my house. I picked up Bronko and once again went to Chicago Bagel and Bialy. I went with a kosher salami sandwich this morning. Bronko was not hungry.

We took the back roads to Rosemont and hit a traffic jam on River Road at Higgins. It took us a long while to get into the parking garage. Once at the booth, I sat down and ate my sandwich while Bronko perused the show.

Set up took a little longer this morning as I spent a ton of time replacing all the empty holes in my display cases from Wednesday's sales. Having all those extra cards priced out ahead of time proved necessary and helpful as I was easily able to fill all the holes.

First person at my booth on Thursday was big Tim, who apparently sneaked into the show somewhere near the autograph pavilion.

Much larger crowd on Thursday. I saw lots of people I knew like Jim C., Jeremy S., Chad W., Troy K., Larry N., and many more. Sadly, I had to inform Sandy of Dave's passing.

Andy and Scott stopped by and purchased some hockey. Thanks guys! I sold my 1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle along with a ton of other cards. Sales were frequent once again. Bronko's help was invaluable. He quickly figured out my discounts and we worked really well together. 

I am so lucky to have so many great friends that I have acquired in my sports card hobby journey. I enjoyed hanging out with Al on Wednesday and enjoyed hanging out with Bronko on Thursday.

As much as I love cards (well it is really a serial addiction), I really enjoy hanging out with all my hobby pals. I really had an enjoyable time on Thursday. Too busy once again to the leave the booth. I did have a binder of 1963 Exhibit stat backs walk up and now in my possession. I have always had a tough time acquiring the '63 stat backs and am really excited about this purchase.

It amazes me that in a building with 700 vendor booths, a huge amount of the booths are of the vintage kind, that stuff finds its way to me. I don't have any big "buying" signs like other dealers. I don't have a jazzy booth. Just old school. Seems to work!

I gotta comment about this lady who came around today. She was around last year in Cleveland as well. She comes by to try and sell some really cool pre-War items but they are insanely over-priced. She must be set up in a nearby booth and trying to move some high-end items. Below, I'll post photos of some of the stuff she brought by today. I mean, I loved seeing the autographed Lou Gehrig Butterfinger premium but her $22K asking price is on the nutty side.

I also started to have a problem with one of the dude's set up in the Texas booth. He had three or four display cases in the booth adjacent to the end of my booth. He seems okay and I watched him do a brisk business selling slabbed complete tickets and ticket stubs. Problem is that he has some regular customers that come every day and they stand in my booth because he only has one table in the Texas booth which seems to always have people in front of it, so his overflow goes into my booth, blocking my display cases and access into my U. I had to shooo a few of his customers away today. I don't mind if they stand there 15 or 20 minutes but they were blocking my booth for more than an hour. Kind of sucked.

Other than these dooshbags blocking my booth, there really were no problems or issues. Overall, an excellent day. 

I don't know about Bronko, but I was pretty tired when the show ended at 6 p.m. and very hungry. 

Much easier time exiting the building on Thursday. I treated Bronko to one of my favorite Chicago-area restaurants -- Hackney's on Lake in beautiful Glenview, Illinois. I've been eating at Hackney's my whole life (58 years!) and still absolutely love the place. We dined on Hackney burgers. Bronko had his first Green River, my favorite Chicago soda from my youth. I can't drink them any more due to diabetes. I tried the diet Green River once and it was horrible. Man I miss Green River!! Stupid diabetes.

Anyway, Day 2 of the National was in the books. Sales were awesome!! I did not want to get too excited but it was looking like my best National ever. Woot!​

Below are some photos of the pre-war items brought by the random lady who I met last year in Cleveland. Cool stuff but she was asking five-times the actual value for these items.

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 29 & 30, 2025, The National Sports Collectors Convention, Rosemont, Illinois

I worked tirelessly for several months pricing cards in preparation for the National. When Dave fell ill in June, I knew I was going to have a lot more space. I priced and priced cards, worried I would not have enough cards to fill the 20-plus display cases I planned to bring to the National.

I gave up pricing cards on Sunday night and just chilled out on Monday. I arrived at the Stephens Center around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. I was able to drive into the building and get about 30 feet away from my booth. Unloading the car was a breeze.

I wandered around the building to find the booth where I could obtain my badges and parking pass. My initial observation was that this year's show was absolutely huge. I ran into Tony Schaefer in the main room. He had a nice spot. Tony directed me to the proper booth for the badges.

I had two booths this year in the exact same location I was in during the 2023 National in Rosemont. I took 3/4 of the booth and gave 1/4 to my buddy Scott Ziegert, who I needed to help watch the booth.

In the months leading up to the National, tons and tons of people asked to share my space as National booths are extremely difficult to acquire these days. I probably would have given out some space had not a new management group arrived last year and placed some new rules including a ban on sharing space. I don't want to lose my booth, so I am not sharing with anybody but Scott. Turns out I needed all the extra space anyway!

I basically laid out both booths the same way Dave and I had our one booth in Cleveland last year. I had 16 feet of table space along one aisle then I made a U in another aisle allowing for another 23-feet of space. I brought out 20 display cases on Tuesday then saw I had space for more, so I brought out four more cases on Wednesday, for a total of 24 display cases.

I was amazed that I was able to fill all 24 cases with vintage cards. I actually could have filled 27 or 28 cases because I was initially unable to get all of my cards out. I find that it is better to overprepare than underprepare.

I spent most of Tuesday cleaning my display cases and inserting the cards. I was really happy with my set up but knew it was going to be awfully strange to set up without Dave. We have been setting up at the National together since 2008. He was like a security blanket. I was seriously uncomfortable without him there.

I was up bright and early Wednesday morning to meet my pal Al Lavine, who had signed on to help me for the first day of the National. As has become my tradition on the first day of the National, I stopped off at Chicago Bagel & Bialys in Wheeling, Illinois, for some corned beef sandwiches.

We parked in the Stephens Center parking lot and made the long trek to my booth. I essentially have the last booth in the building but it worked out great in 2023 because folks arriving from the parking garage were funneled down an escalator near by booth. 

Unfortunately, no such luck this year and the crowds near my booth were noticeably lighter than last year... which worked out great. It was nice to have breathing space all week as plenty of buyers still found my booth and sales far exceeded expectations.

Upon arrival at the booth Wednesday. I sat down and ate my sandwich while Al took off to roam the show.

We had some down time until the VIPs were allowed entry around 3 p.m. I took my time setting up the booth, as I had locked everything away the night before.

Sharing the other side from my two booths was a large group from Texas. In the aisle across the way was a dealer I recognized from 2023 who had a bunch of sealed wax in tall display cases. Then on another side was a group with a mix of modern and vintage. On the other side was a group with modern. Just past the group from Texas was the autograph pavilion.

Scott texted me around noon and I went out to the front of the building to hand over his badges to his dad Jim. On my way back in, I saw a customer I knew from Boston, who I met at the Strongsville show. I gave him my booth number and he soon arrived ready to buy. He pulled out a bunch of cards and started my show off right! It was nice to have a little cash kitty long before the VIP's entered the show.

Then one of the modern card dealers from Texas gave me a nice deal on a 1957 Topps Frank Robinson rookie and a Rocky Colavito rookie. Boston guy was still at my booth and drooling over my purchases. Down dog, down!

I had a steady group of customers up until the VIP's arrived and sales were strong up until 8 p.m. Al came back at 3 p.m. when things were light. I told him I did not need him until 4 p.m. Turned out that I really needed him at 4 p.m. as I was much busier than expected.

Last year in Cleveland, sales were really light on the first day. What a difference a year makes. I was extremely busy and had excellent sales. Also, I observed that the air conditioning worked splendidly unlike 2023 when the place was a smelly sweat box.

I saw lots of folks I knew and it was fun to chat. Tim Payne was set up near by. I saw former ESPN reporter Bill Simmons walk by. Maybe if I wore a Celtics jersey he would have stopped at my booth.

Al and I were exhausted at 8 p.m. when the show closed for the night. I locked everything up and we made our way to the parking garage, walking with a huge crowd. When we finally made it to my car, I was barely able to pull into the crazy long line to exit the building. We sat in my car a good 40 minutes and only moved about five feet. We decided to park and go get something to eat in the square behind the parking garage that is filled with restaurants.

I parked a few feet away from where I initially parked that morning and we walked in the heat and humidity to the square. Once in the square it started to rain. We went from restaurant to restaurant and none had any tables available. Ugh!

We went back to the parking garage and observed the line to exit had reduced considerably. We hopped back into my car and were on the road to my house in about 20 minutes. 

We were exhausted!

I was hungry. Al didn't want to stop for food. So we just went to my house and he drove off back to Milwaukee. I munched on some leftovers and passed out.

Day 1 complete!

Pictured above is my booth on Tuesday afternoon during set up. I was able to park my car next to that white van on the right to unload. The guys from Texas, who would later set up to the right, had not yet arrived.

Pictured above is my booth on Wednesday afternoon, waiting for the VIPs to arrive. That is Scott in the middle of the picture wearing the red shirt.

The show began to heat up shortly after general admission folks were allowed in after 4 p.m. I was much busier this year than last and unable to walk the show. I only left my booth for a few bathroom breaks. I had a really nice first day of the National.

Sunday, July 27, 2025, Countryside Banquets, Countryside, IL

I know, I know. I've fallen behind once again! I've just been too busy with prepping for the National, the National, working on Oak Creek, my vintage show and the MegaShow along with a new show in Kenosha. Things are crazy busy in the world of Fat Daddy's Vintage Sports Cards!

Anyway, as you know, I regularly purchase a tremendous amount of vintage sports cards and have an ongoing crazy large inventory of cards. I set aside the commons and the stars. My prep routine for my regular weekend shows is to sort and price the commons for my binders. My prep for the bigger shows, like the National, is to price all the star cards. I was actually doing both leading up to the National because I had booked smaller shows all the way up to the weekend before the National.

So I was set up in Naperville, Illinois, on the Saturday before the National, then in Countryside on the Sunday before the National. It was my first time at both these shows.

Easy drive Sunday morning to Countryside. A much shorter drive from my house than the drive to Naperville. I immediately recognized the hall in Countryside, as I have driven by it many times. It is hard to forget the old-time steam shovel parked out front.

I used to regularly drive by this place on my way home from Orland when I lived on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Back then, I could take Lagrange Road all the way home. Lagrange Road turns into Cumberland Avenue near my old house. It was a nice alternative to the highway.

Load in was relatively easy in Countryside. I was situated next to Tom Kummer on my left and some Pokémon dealers on my right. I found it funny that I was next to Tom as he was supposed to be my neighbor the day before at the Naperville show but he skipped out to work on pricing wax boxes for the National. 

I spent all day talking to Tom, as sales were light. I learned that he is into heavy metal, hard rock. We talked about concerts that we had been to. I also talked with the Pokemon guys, who set up at a lot of shows. Nice guys.

There was a much larger crowd at this show than in Naperville the day before. I had a lot of sales but they were all relatively small. Though, I appreciated the interest in my cards. There were several other vintage dealers at this show as well along with some autograph guests.

I really like this venue and the location of this show. Promoter Nick Parsons is top-notch.

I'm writing this blog three-weeks after the show occurred and I can't remember if I purchased anything. I sort of think I did but just can't remember.

Overall, I really like this show and hope to be back again. A few of my Orland regulars were in attendance and purchased cards. Thanks guys!

More blogs coming soon!

Up next for me is the Oak Creek Vintage-Only show set for Saturday, August 23, 2025. Tables are available for just 35 bucks each. Send me an email at [email protected] to reserve your table.

Then on Sunday, August 24, 2025, I am setting up in Rockford. Looks like my pals John and Mike moved the show to a new location. Looking forward to checking it out!

See you soon!

Saturday, July 26, 2025, TOCA Soccer Center, Naperville, IL

Well, I sorta screwed up. I did not realize Madison was scheduled for this day, so I booked the Naperville show. I probably would have had better sales in Madison but I did enjoy the 45-minute drive to Naperville as opposed to the two-hour drive to Madison.

This was my first time at the Naperville show. Apparently, this was just the second show at the TOCA Soccer Center. Excellent venue. This place is huge. I enjoyed the pee-wee league soccer game adjacent to the card show. There were also young folks working on their soccer skills across the building.

Ridge Cards is the promoter of the Naperville show. Ridge Cards also promotes the Willowbrook show and the Peru Mall show.

I brought out three display cases and most of my baseball binders but sales were slow. Not sure what I could have done to improve sales. Did not seem like there were a whole lot of vintage collectors in the room. 

I did see some other vintage dealers including Dave Ramsey and Brian Wasielewski. A few other guys had a smattering of vintage on their tables. The dealer across from me had vintage publications, a cool Mickey Mantle game, and some vintage oddball items. He seemed to have more sales than I did.

I was able to buy a few cards. I young couple had a stack of vintage, most of it was phugly with tape marks. I did not feel like buying the taped-up cards today. I did purchase a 1956 Topps Phil Rizzuto and a 1958 Topps Frank Robinson All-Star. The couple had a few other cards like a 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 2. They wanted $1400 for the Mantle. I would have been a buyer at $1,000.00. 

Mini Rant
So this total dooshbag was hovering around while I was doing the deal with the young couple. He was salivating over that Mantle. He was almost on top of us. I should have told him to move along. He made me really uncomfortable.

As soon as I completed the deal, he literally grabbed the young couple and started to look through their cards at the empty table next to me. Not cool, dude. First off, there was some serious violations of card show etiquette here. Rule Number (1) Back off when the dealer and a customer are involved in a deal. Rule Number (2) You want to partake in walk-ups, get your own table, don't grab people off of my table.

I was kind of pissed off at this guy. If he ever does that again to me, I'm buying every card the seller presents, whether or not I find the price reasonable, just to spite the guy. He totally overpaid for that Mantle. Doosh!!

Anyway, there was a large number of dealers at this show. Unfortunately, attendance was light. I really thought a show in Naperville would bring out a lot more people. Naperville is a really nice far western suburb of Chicago. There has to be a lot more card collectors in Naperville than was at this show.

​I thought Dave of Ridge Cards did a nice job getting the word out. We just did not get the attendance I thought should have been at this event. I'm not sure why?

There was a nice little concession stand at the TOCA Center where I was able to purchase a steady stream of diet Cokes and some chips. Andy bought me a hot dog. Thanks Andy!

I had some trouble with traffic driving home. The ramp from I88 to the 294 was a parking lot. I was able to get out of the line and take I88 to Manheim Road and drive north for a while until I was able to get on the 294. 

This was another double-bill weekend. I owe you a blog from Countryside.

I am writing this blog on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in the evening. I spent all day today at the Stephen Center in Rosemont setting up my booth for the National. I am tired but looking forward to the start of the show tomorrow!

Come see me in Booths 3717 and 3816. I have a ton of stuff!! 

I was worried that I would not have enough cards, so I have been pricing cards like mad these past several months. Turns out I have too many cards. I won't be able to get everything out that I wanted to get out. Oh well.

See you at the show!

Reminder: Next Oak Creek show is August 9. The first meeting of the Oak Creek Vintage Sports Collectors is slated for August 23. Then we have the 450-table Wisconsin MegaShow on September 20.

Sunday, July 20, 2025, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

Another show where a lot of people were discussing this blog. As I loaded into the show and paid for my tables, promoter Rich Troy joked there were a lot of customers already inside the show -- a nod to my last Oak Creek blog where I railed against customers arriving before the show opens at 9 a.m.

Like I said in that Oak Creek blog, it really bugs me to see customers inside a show while I am loading in. Can't you guys wait for the show to open before arriving? Customers should not be arriving at the same time as dealers.

​Tom M. pointed out a mistake I made in my Kildeer blog where I listed the wrong dates for the Pewaukee and Orland shows. Sorry about that!

Back to the Orland Show where I brought out three display cases, all of my baseball binders and all of my football binders. 

I ended up having a really nice day. My best Orland show in months. 

I did not buy a whole lot this month, just some 1955 Topps baseball and some 1959 Topps baseball from Jim. I also bought a 1959 Topps Billy Martin from a little kid.

Near the end of the Orland show I got into a rather loud argument with this guy Dennis from Joliet, who just gets under my skin. Sorry about that folks. I am going to ask Dennis to stay away from my table at future shows.

Pauly P. made an appearance at the Orland show. Always great to see Paul!

Will, Joe and I ended the day at the sub shop. 

I am going to have to miss the August Orland show as my niece is getting married that day. I'll be back in Orland for the September show.

I am still behind on my blogs as my dad has had some health issues and I was staying at his place to help take care of my mom. My mom is 87 and my dad is 88 and both are struggling with their health. I am going to be spending more time with them to help them out, so it may be difficult to blog in the near future.

So dad can't drive at the moment and he pretty much only shops at Walmart. The nearest Walmart to his Chicago condo is in the Austin Neighborhood, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago. He made me take him there last week. I was not comfortable in this Walmart at all. I drove my dad in his Lexus to the hood. I can't believe he regularly shops at this Walmart!

On the way back, we stopped at Jimmy's on Grand for some classic Chicago hot dogs. Jimmy's has been around since 1954. I used to regularly stop at Jimmy's back in the 1990's while delivering my Barfly Newspaper in the area. I remember great dogs and fries. This time, the dogs weren't so great. The fries are still the best. 

Busy, busy, busy!

It is currently the National Week, my favorite time of the year. I have been pricing cards like mad these past few months in preparation for the National. I still have more cards I could price but I am just tapped out. Hopefully, I got enough done!

I will be in Booths 3717 and 3816 with my pal Scott Ziegert. While I absolutely love the National, this one will be a little bittersweet as it will be my first National ever where I do not set up with Dave.

The show must go on! I am taking over Dave's space and will have 15 display cases of vintage cards and room for more. Not sure what I am going to fill the extra space with. I am setting up Tuesday morning and will see if I can fill more than 15 display cases. If not, I am going to bring out my baseball binders.

I have a nice group of folks who are going to help me all week including Al Lavine, Bronco, my daughter Tabby, and Donny. Without Dave around, I am going to need some help! 

No rest for the weary. The Oak Creek show is set for August 9, the Saturday after the National. Then I am doing my all-vintage show in Oak Creek on August 23. The next MegaShow in Franklin is coming up fast on September 20.

Hope to see you at the National!!!

Saturday, July 19, 2025, Pewaukee High School, Pewaukee, WI

This was my first time setting up at the Pewaukee show and my first time in the town of Pewaukee. Nice show, nice town.

This show is run by the kind folks at Lake Country Cards who always run excellent shows. The show is located in a gym inside a school complex. I was set up near the front door, across from Tom Jahn. There were a few other vintage dealers. 

I thought the show was well attended but not a whole lot of vintage customers. I did sell some cards but could have used a few more sales. Nothing on the buying front.

I did enjoy a hot dog from the concession stand and many diet Cokes. Overall the show had a real nice vibe. I will definitely set up here again. I appreciate the reasonable table fee.

​The wife was kind enough to let me set up at the Pewaukee show as it was on our 28th wedding anniversary. We had a real nice dinner after the show.

The Pewaukee show is a monthly show usually on the third Saturday of the month.

I’ve fallen a little behind on the blog. Lot’s going on in my world. A lot of folks mentioned the blog at the Pewaukee show. Positive feedback is always much appreciated.

Orland blog coming soon. I am currently set up at a show in Naperville as I jot down my thoughts about Pewaukee. I’m setting up at a show in Countryside tomorrow.

The National is coming up next week. I’m never quite ready for the National. There is always cards to price! Come see me in Booth 3717.

Next Oak Creek show is August 9. My first all-vintage show is August 23, also in Oak Creek.

The 450-table MegaShow is set for September 20 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 Ryan Road, Franklin, WI.

Sunday, July 13, 2025, Concorde Banquets, Kildeer, IL

When promoter Costa Sampras contacted me and asked that I set up at this show, I initially said yes, even though the show was scheduled for the day after Oak Creek and I knew I'd be very tired. However, I live just 10 miles away and was kind of excited for a show close to home.

Then I learned that table fee was $75 for a six-footer and I quickly soured on the show. Other negatives I thought of was that this was Costa's first show and it was on the same day as the nearby Schaumburg show that is very popular and has been going on in various iterations since the 1980's. I also thought the $5 admission fee would be a deterrent.

Yet, Costa was persistent and I relented and booked just one table because I was concerned whether I would sell $75 at this show.

When my alarm went off on Sunday morning, oh, I so desperately wanted to hit snooze but knew I needed to get my butt out of bed and go to the show. It was so nice to drive a mere 20 minutes to a show -- that hasn't happened in years. Upon approaching the venue, I realized I knew the place and had driven by it many times in the past as I explored Route 12 for lunch spots, as it is very close to my office.

I arrived around 8 a.m., parked in back, as instructed and loaded in through the kitchen. All the tables had the dealer's names on them -- thank you! So it was very easy finding my table.

Nice room. Probably more suited for a wedding than a card show. 

I was pleasantly surprised that I was located between two sports card dealers. I thought I would be stuck between two Pokémon dealers. While I have nothing against Pokémon dealers, per se, I have had some bad experiences in the past being stuck in the middle of Poke-land and having their customers stand in front of my tables all day, blocking it from view from potential vintage sports card buyers.

None of my neighbor's customers stood in front of my table blocking it from view from potential customers today. Thank you! If anything, my customers blocked their tables. Sorry!

The dealer on my left was old friend Chicagoland Sports Card Shop located in nearby Buffalo Grove. I've known owners Les and Mark for years. No Les today but Mark was there with his kids. I don't think Les has set up at a show since Gonzaga shut down. Too bad. He would always bring doughnuts to share when he would set up at Gonzaga or Orland back in the day.

Mark did not have any doughnuts but he showed me some amazingly cool cards that walked into the shop recently including four 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards, a 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig, a 1934 Goudey Lou Gehrig and a 1933 Delong Lou Gehrig. So cool!

Mark was asking a little over $100K for the cards. Tony D. offered $80K. Mark is firm at $100K. Wish I had $100K to drop on the cards! Who wants to loan me some money?

It was so nice being set up next to Mark all day. Also, the young guy from the shop who largely covered the tables was super friendly.

On the other side was a dealer from Huntley, Illinois, and he had two tables of modern sports. Nice guy, as well.

The show had two rooms. I think around 150 tables or so in total. A couple autograph guests were there as well. I know Dennis McKinnon was one. Not sure who the other was. The autographs were located on the second floor.

I brought out just three display cases and one discount box. I've done so many shows that I know only three cases comfortably fit on a six-foot table with some room leftover for a shoe box.

I had just two display cases out in Oak Creek on the day prior so I knew if some of my Oak Creek customers came to the show they would see a lot of new cards in my third case along with the discount box which was new for this show.

My fastest set up ever! I've done shows with just one six-foot table in the past. I used to get one six-footer in Strongsville and was able to jam five display cases on there by bringing a small table to put behind the six-footer and placing four cases on their side, leaning off the table. One small case would also fit on the end. That old Strongsville set up was tough and I don't particularly like it, so I went with the easier three-case set up and one discount box.

I finished setting up at 8:20 a.m. and dealers were still arriving. I tried to find some coffee but the concession stand had not opened and I observed that coffee was not even on the menu.

I recalled seeing a Starbucks on my previous travels down Route 12. I locked up my cases, placed the discount box on my chair behind the table and alerted the young guy from Chicagoland Sports that I would be gone for 15 or 20 minutes.

There was a Starbucks real close by on Lake Cook Road. I got an extra-large iced coffee and returned to the show quickly.

Not much doing at the show early on, so I just caffeinated for a while. Not too many people took advantage of the early VIP entry that cost $10. The place started to fill up at 10 a.m. By 11 a.m. there was quite a crowd and I was impressed.

Steve from Jim and Steve's Card Shop in Waukegan was my first customer. Steve purchased my 1969 Topps autographed Billy Williams card along with a few other things to start my day right. Thanks Steve!!

Then I had a steady stream of guys for the next few hours. Most of them I had never seen before. I love new customers! I was surprised how busy I was at this show. My old pal Chuck stopped by to see me and purchased some cards. Thanks Chuck!

A young guy who lives nearby in Vernon Hills who I first met him in Oak Creek stopped by. Young Eric who lives in nearby Libertyville and who helped me at the National last time it was in Chicago stopped by. A new customer pulled out just about all of my 1959 Topps from my discount box and at least half of the '59s I had in my case. Woot! Derek came out to see me and purchased some cards. Thanks Derek!

I ended up having a really good day! I was shocked. Shows you what I know. 

Along with good sales, excellent attendance, I really liked the fact that this show had waiters walking around. I put one of the waiters to work bringing me diet Cokes all day. I also ordered a hamburger which was delicious.

On the buying front, nothing, nada, zilch. There was the requisite kids offering me crappy modern cards. One guy showed me some vintage cards, mid 1960's stuff, lots of stars but they all had paste marks on the back. I told him I would be interested in purchasing the cards but I don't pay much when they have paste on the back of them. I think he thought he had gold and declined to sell me the cards. Good luck with those!

Regardless, I really want to set up here again. However, the next show scheduled is a three-day show in the middle of December. Not sure I can do that one. Also, I don't really want to set up here for three days but after having such a good show, I just might do it.

Up next for me is the Peewaukee show on Saturday, July 26, and Orland on Sunday, July 27. I will have a near set of 1962 Topps football available next weekend. I am still working on reloading my 1961 Topps baseball and don't think I'll have it done by next weekend.

Next Oak Creek show is on August 9, the second Saturday of August due to the National being on the first Saturday.

Come find me and my pal Scott Ziegert at the National from July 30 to August 3 at the Stephens Center in Rosemont, IL. We will be in booths 3816 and 3717. I have been pricing a ton of cards for the National and should have some really neat stuff at the show.

Then on Saturday, August 23, 2025, I am running an all-vintage show in Oak Creek. Vintage cut-off is 1986 Fleer basketball. No dealers should have anything newer on their tables. Tables are cheap and can be reserved by contacting me at [email protected].

The next MegaShow is September 20 at the Milwaukee Sports Complex in Franklin, WI, and will feature 450 tables. Tables are available and interested dealers can contact me at the above email.

I have some other stuff in the works and will announce more shows soon!

A big thank you to Costa for running an excellent show!! I also appreciate everyone who purchased cards from me at the Kildeer show. Thank you!

​Hope to see you this weekend in Peewaukee and Orland!!

Saturday, July 9, 2025, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

When I say the July show was hot, I mean it literally was hot. Stifling hot.

​Sorry!

I had no idea that the air conditioning would be out in the gym. Ugh!

I was there Friday night for set up and there was no issue with the AC. Though, shortly after I got home after set up, a crazy lightning storm hit that lit up my whole backyard. Apparently lightning hit the Salvation Army and knocked out the air conditioning -- it took us a while to realize it.

I was receiving complaints about the temp in the gym around 8 a.m. Saturday when the AC was not on anywhere in the building. I talked with Ken, who makes our wonderful sloppy Joe and manages the concession stand, who told me the AC is set on a timer and will probably kick in around 9 a.m. Well, at 9, the AC kicked in everywhere except the gym. 

Then Major Dana, who is in charge of the whole place, stepped into action. Unfortunately, the AC system in the building is rather complicated. It is not like the AC in my house where I just have to flip a switch and it kicks in. At the Salvation Army, you have to plug a laptop into the system and do some computer functions to get it going.

Major Dana plugged in her laptop and attempted to ignite the AC. Unfortunately, it would not turn on, so she called her AC repair guy to come on out. The technician was able to determine that lightning had knocked out the system the night prior. He was able to get it on in the gym around 11 a.m. but the doors to the gym were open and it took a while for it to cool off.

Unfortunately, it was absolutely horrible in the gym most of the day -- hot and humid.

Major Dana went around the gym and passed out some cold bottles of water. Not much else we could do. Sorry everybody!!!

It was a tough day for the folks in the gym. I was afraid to go in there 'cause I thought I'd get yelled at.

I felt guilty in the comfortably cold Chapel where my sales were excellent. I sold a ton of cards. Jeff purchased a pile of 1961 Fleer Greats of the Game and some 1961 Post Cereal. One of my Madison guys came down and purchased a pile of 1960 Topps baseball. I sold all sorts of other stuff as well. 

I brought out all of my baseball binders and two display cases. I was surprised that I only sold a couple of cards out of the display cases.

I quickly turned all the cash into cards. It was a buying frenzy at my tables. Eddy started things off by selling me some 1953 Bowman football. Thanks Eddy! Someone sold me a bunch of 1967 and 1968 Topps stars, I can't remember who! I also can't remember who sold me the stack of 1958 and 1959 Topps baseball!! I blame my lack of memory on the heat in the gym.

I do remember that Phil sold me a box of 1973 Topps baseball. My guy who sells me slabbed cards had a whole stack of stuff for me this month. I actually haven't seen him in a while. 

Then John sold me a near set of 1968 Topps baseball. Thanks John! I also worked out a deal with Shawn for some 1954 Bowman football cards. Thanks Shawn.

Quite a haul!! Thanks everybody. So fun to buy cards!!!

I kind of felt bad for having so much fun in the Chapel while everyone suffered in the gym. I am so sorry guys! I hope the AC works for the August 9 show!!

I think the heat set off some tempers in the gym. There were a few conflicts between dealers. Hopefully, we can all go forward and be kind to one another!

Speaking of hotheads, I do have a few rants...

I have been having a problem with newer dealers setting up then leaving without paying me for their space. To nip it in the bud, I put out a newsletter last month noting that any dealer that leaves without paying will be banned from the show.

Well, what do you know? One numbnut left last month without paying for his space. He showed up this morning wondering where his spot was. I told him there was no spot because he did not pay me last month. He gave me all sorts of crap arguments. I told him that he must be responsible enough to pay me before he leaves the building and if he can't do that, he can't expect space at the next month's show.

I was nice to him and found him a spot. I had one n0-show dealer this month and was able to insert numbnut into the no-show spot. I expect an argument from no-show guy next month when he sees his spot occupied by someone else. Still not sure if I will have space for numbnut next month. I expect further arguments from him. 

Another problem I observed occurred when I arrived at the building around 6:45 a.m. and saw customers already in the building. Not cool. Show opens at 9 a.m. and customers should not be in the building prior.

There are a couple of problems with early arrivals. I, for one, hate dealing with customers while I am setting up. It slows down my set up and sometime prevents me from having all my wares out when the opening bell rings, resulting in lost sales.

Second problem -- if there are any early morning thefts while dealers are setting up, these early-arriving customers will be the first to be accused. So please do not arrive to the show before 9 a.m. if you are not a dealer with a spot reserved at the show.

Another issue at this month's show was the large number of new show promoters raiding my show. Seems like new show promoters are growing like weeds and they attack my show like flies to shit.

I have a few rules for new promoters trying to ride my coattails. First, they have to ask my permission to promote their event at my show. If they are set up as a dealer, then I don't mind if they leave flyers on their own table -- if they want to leave them anywhere else, they need to ask. Second rule is that they must take some of my flyers and distribute them at their show. If you are going to come into my show to promoter your event, it is only fair that I get something in return, like simply leaving my flyers at your show. Is that too much to ask?

Most show promoters have a degree of common sense and courtesy and ask me prior. I did see one show promoter this morning walking around without my permission and promoting his event.  This dude was walking around my show at 7 a.m. trying to recruit dealers. What a dickhead move!! 

It amazes me all the bullshit I have to put up with. 

In the 11 years I have been operating my card show, I have watched dozens of other card show promoters come and go. I strongly suspect this dooshbag, who was there at 7 a.m., won't last very long.

Now, I have nothing against other shows. Anyone can promote a show if they want. I might even set up. I really like when other show promoters ask me to set up. Actually, I love setting up at shows but some weekends I can't find a show. So there is room for more shows -- just don't be a dickhead about it is all I ask.

Speaking of new shows, I was set up at a new show on Sunday. The promoter of this new show in Kildeer, Illinois, is a stand-up guy. Young Costa Sampras contacted me months ago and asked that I set up at his show. I agreed. He asked if he could hand out flyers in Oak Creek. No problem. Then he announced my September 20 MegaShow over the loud speaker in the middle of his show -- much appreciated.  

There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Those that have success, do it the right way. 

Another show promoter that I absolutely love is Lake Country Cards. I am setting up at their Peewaukee Show on Saturday, July 19. Then there is Rich, Karen, and the crew that operate the Orland Park show. I can't tell you how much I appreciate and love those guys. I will be set up at their show on Sunday, July 20, at the Orland Park Civic Center.

Next Oak Creek show is August 9. Once again we will be on the second Saturday of the month due to the National being down I94 during the first Saturday of August. Come find me and my pal Scott Ziegert in booths 3816 and 3717 at the National from July 30 through August 2 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

I really don't know how to get the word out to everybody that the July and August shows are the second Saturday, instead of the usual first Saturday. Several older guys told me that they came on out on July 5 expecting the show. Sorry!

Hopefully, they will come to some of my new shows. I have a unique show scheduled for August 23 in Oak Creek -- an all vintage show. No modern, no Pokémon allowed. My cut-off for vintage is 1986 Fleer basketball. No one should have anything newer on their tables. Dealer tables are available, send me an email at [email protected].

Tables are also available for my 450-table MegaShow slated for September 20 at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, WI. Send dealer table requests to the above email.

Sorry again about the horrible heat in the gym. We should be good to go next month. Thanks for attending the July 9 Oak Creek show. We had 1,055 through the door. Much appreciated.

​Now for some photos from the July 9 show: