Fri-Sun, May 16-18, 2025, Wisconsin Card Show, Baird Center, Milwaukee

Initially, I intended to set up this month at the Detroit Sports Spectacular but when I learned about the three-day Wisconsin Card Show, I decided that an hour drive to Milwaukee beats a five-hour drive to Detroit. I'll hit that Detroit show one of these days. Oddly enough, I saw Shannon, who runs the Detroit and Chicago Sports Spectaculars, at the Milwaukee Show. I almost asked her for tables because the Detroit show is at the end of the month but, man, I am just not feeling that drive.

I had two 8-foot tables to fill at the Wisconsin Card Show. I decided to bring the same stuff I brought out to Kane County last week. After selling a bunch of slabs in Kane, I priced up a bunch more for the Wisconsin show, largely made up of 1955 Bowman football.

Like all three-day shows, load in is always difficult. Dealers only had 15 minutes to park at an almost hidden loading dock and load in. Needless to say, it was a little stressful because once you had your stuff on your cart, you had to take a service elevator up to the fourth floor, weave your way through a kitchen area and into the show room and back.

I was happy to see Greg from Waukesha Sports who was set up outside the kitchen. Greg is my neighbor at the Chicago Sports Spectacular. I may not set up at the November Sports Spectacular as table fee has gone up once again. I gotta think about that one.

After completing load in, I had to find parking. Lorena from Lake Country Cards, one of the promoters of the Wisconsin Card Show along with Swarmm Events and Waukesha Sports, was kind enough to provide a parking discount for the venue's lot along with another nearby lot. Problem for me was that I could not find the packet she emailed to vendors with the parking info so I ended up driving around. I stopped at two different parking lots, each wanted $30 to park. I found one about four blocks away for $20. Next time I'm taping the parking info to my steering wheel! I would have saved a good 40 bucks if I used the discounted parking. Ugh!

Anyway, the room housing the show looked like a fancy Vegas casino -- it was cool! One of the best rooms I have ever seen for a card show. Tons of room! Nice wide aisles. I had a ton of space in my pod. I could really spread out.

I was happy to see that I was located next to Nelson and Michael. There were several other younger dealers in the pod who I did not know. One sold Pokemon while the others sold modern sports. All seemed like good guys. Oh, it makes such a huge difference when everyone in the pod is kind and respectful and do not pinch more than their fair share of the space. If anything, I probably took up most of the space and nobody seemed to care.

I arrived a little late, around 2 p.m., on Friday, so there were customers hovering over me as I loaded my display cases -- which I absolutely hate. As you know, I do not like to be bothered while setting up. I just want to get everything set up first before customers ask to see cards because, otherwise, I lose out on sales by not having all of my wares out. No luck. Next time I am arriving early!!

With so many people hovering over me while setting up and asking to see cards long before I completed set up, I thought I might be in for a very good day. Frustratingly, all these people did not buy anything! If you are not going to purchase anything, then stand back and let me finish setting up!!

Oddly enough, once I completed set up, a lot less people came around to view my display cases. In fact, the first day seemed lightly attended. I found myself staring off into space early on. My stomach began to rumble and I found a food booth called Cocina Filipina. I ordered a chicken bowl which contained some mildly spiced chicken over rice. They also had Diet Mountain Dew. Woot! The food was a little pricey but absolutely delicious.

​After dinner, still not much action at my tables so I decided to walk around. I saw a lot of vendors who set up at my Oak Creek show. So many that Andrew spotted me and said "Welcome to your show!" It is always great see all these guys like Scotty P., Scott and Jim Z., Andrew and Gary, Mike M., Eric U., J.R., Boonie, Matt and Andy M., Tyler, Jorden C., Tommy and Frank C., and Aaron R.

Even though people complained to me all weekend that there was not much vintage at this show, I, on the other hand, thought I saw a decent amount of vintage spread out throughout the show. I was one of three dealers that were all vintage. The others were Mike Meyer, who was set up in the hallway, and Scott Z. But many other dealers had a decent amount of vintage mixed in with modern like LCC, J.R., Eric, Tommy, Matt and quite a few of the younger modern dealers. One of these young modern dealers had a 1955 Bowman Hank Aaron in his display case that I should have snagged. Tyler ended up getting it along with a bunch of other Aarons. You snooze, you lose!

Anyway, sales were awfully slow Friday. Purchases, on the other hand, were pretty good. A near 1968 Topps Game set walked up and I purchased it for a song! A few other odds and ends trickled in as well.

The show ended at 8 p.m. There was a lot of security at the show, so I was not too concerned about leaving my cards there overnight.

I had the option of spending the night in Milwaukee at my buddy George's house. Thanks George! But I decided to drive home because I wanted to grab more stuff as the dealer next me did not show up. Traffic was nice and light on the drive home.

Thankfully, I did not need to arrive all that early on Saturday as the show opened to VIPs at 9:30 a.m. My son Kolby decided to accompany me to the show. Woot! We arrived around 8:45 a.m. I debated on stopping for breakfast but was not sure we had enough time. Well, things were slow early on and we could have stopped!

Around 10 a.m., things picked up and the hoards arrived. Excellent attendance on Saturday. There were large lines for autographs all day long. A steady flow of customers funneled by my tables and sales were excellent. I had nine display cases and sold cards out of eight of them.

Another good day of buying as well. A customer, who drove up from Peoria, Illinois, sold me a 1957 Topps Eddie Mathews, an Early Wynn, and a 1973 Topps Dwight Evans rookie. Scott Z. sent over a guy selling a matchbook from the 1940's with some random player pictured. I purchased it.

As usual, a ton of guys selling junk era cards. No thank you! I had to constantly tell guys, and kids, that I only purchase old, old cards -- 1989 Upper Deck is not old enough!

I gotta talk about this one numbnut who was selling some printing plates from some random Topps issue from, I think, 2003. He thought they were worth a million dollars. I told him that if he had a printing plate of a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, then he would have something worth a million dollars but not some random 2003 issue that nobody cares about. I would value the 2003 printing plates at 50 bucks.

While I did not enjoy all the junk coming to my tables, I did enjoy some excellent conversations all weekend. It was cool to meet Kyle, who came up to my table with a Mickey Mantle autographed ball for sale. Kyle currently lives in Green Bay but grew up in my hometown of Northbrook, Illinois, and we attended the same high school. I graduated in 1985. Kyle graduated in 1991.

I also spotted Milwaukee Bucks power forward Taurean Prince at the show. He collects cards! He was there all weekend and spent a ton of time at the dealer across from me and with some of the young guys in my pod. He seemed like a great guy and was gracious as fans stopped him for photos.

As usual, hunger eventually took over. For lunch, Kolby had a hot dog which looked fairly decent but I have a hard time eating hot dogs when all the proper fixings are not provided. All they had was mustard and relish. I went back to Cocina Filipina and tried the spicy chicken bowl -- oh, my, so, so, good!

After the show, Kolby and I dined nearby at the King and I Thai Restaurant. We both ordered Pad Thai, called Pud Thai at this restaurant. Kolby ordered his spicy while I ordered mine mild. Mine came spicy. It was delicious but way too much heat for me. I had difficulty eating it. Our waiter was kind of silly and I almost think he gave me the spicy on purpose and got a good laugh watching me try to eat it.

We had an easy drive home. Traffic was light again.

No Kolby on Sunday, just me. Once again I arrived at the venue around 8:45 a.m. I would have stopped for breakfast but was not hungry this morning.

My morning routine at multi-day shows consists of filling all the holes in my display cases from the previous day sales. Unfortunately, I did not have too many extra items to fill the space. After some figuring, I was able to get it done.

Seemed like the large crowds on Saturday were there for Jackson Churio's autograph. I figured large crowds would attend Sunday because signers included Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers and Ted Simmons. We ended up with a surprisingly light crowd. As a result, sales were light as well.

I had some nice buys, though. Eric sold me a nice grouping of 1969-70 Topps basketball. A regular, who I have known for years, but, of course, can't remember his name, sold me a 1954 Topps Bob Buhl SGC 4.

While I was negotiating with the regular, and distracted, a guy sat down in front of my dollar box and was there for a good half hour, then he took off with a pile of cards and did not pay for them. Last time I brought out the dollar box, at the Valpo show, I had cards stolen as well. I don't think I am going to bring out the dollar box any more as people just steal from me every time I have it out. Sad.

Theft aside, I had to fill my tummy once again. On the way in on Sunday morning, I observed some food booths at the volleyball tournament that was being held on the floor below the card show. I stopped there early for coffee then came back for some orange chicken at an Asian food booth. The orange chicken was very good but the portion was small for the price. I was soon hungry afterwards and purchased a bratwurst from the market stand at the card show. I was happy to see that they had fresh sauerkraut to accompany the brat which was very tasty.

Load out was a little difficult. I did not want to leave my cards unattended while I went to fetch my car so I carted my bins about four blocks to the parking garage. Once back to the venue, the guard would not let me drive up to the loading dock. He said there were too many vendors already up there so I had to sit and wait. 

Once back into the show, there were many more obstacles as the kitchen staff and various vendors blocked the path from my booth to the service elevator. Ugh! A big thank you to Tom from Real Sports for holding my cart so it did not slide down the loading ramp while I loaded my car.

Another easy drive home.

My overall thoughts on the show: I really liked it. I thought it was well run. I will definitely set up again! A huge thank you for Lorena for taking such good care of me all weekend! I love LCC!

Next up for me is the Peru Mall show which I just booked for Saturday, May 24, 2025. Then on Sunday is the mighty Orland Park show on May 25, 2025. I am back to binders this weekend. New for Saturday is binder one of two of 1969 Topps baseball. I also priced up some 1966 Coke Bottle Cap Packers. I am probably going to also bring out some vintage groupings and lots to Orland.

Next Oak Creek show is June 7. Hope to see you this weekend!

​Below are a few more photos from the Wisconsin show this past weekend.

Saturday, May 10, 2025, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL

Back at the Kane County show for the first time in a while. I like how promoters Mike and John always place the vintage guys together in our own pod. We had a good vintage line-up with me, Gary George (who brought his cousin Larry today who I enjoyed meeting), Tom Mularz, Ray Aukes and Dave McDonald.

I especially enjoyed spending the day with my old pal Dave, who does not set up at as many shows these days. Dave was at the MegaShow in April. We are setting up together at the National.

The Kane County show was very well attended. Quite a few people filed by our little vintage pod.

I brought out a different set up because I am hopelessly behind on loading my binders. I had eight display cases filled with my graded cards, oversized cards like Exhibits and 1936 Goudey Wide Pens; my doubles, some autograph cards, empty vintage wax boxes and assorted oddities. My day started out well when Gary purchased some cards. Thanks Gary! Then Eddie drove out to St. Charles from the south suburbs and purchased a bunch of graded cards. Thanks Eddie! I real nice lady purchased my Exhibit Willie Mays. A bunch of new customers purchase cards and I ended up having a decent day.

On the buying front, a few cards walked up including a 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle All-Star which I purchased. Besides the Mantle, it seems like more and more junk-era cards are showing up at shows. I feel like I need to create a sign explaining what I buy because most of the walk-ups at all shows are cards and memorabilia that I have absolutely no interest in purchasing.

Purchases aside, the best part of this show is the taco truck. Man, those folks make some tasty tacos.

Overall, a real pleasant day. Next Kane County show is September 13. I have not worked out my September schedule yet, so I'm not sure if I will make that one. I will try if I have the date open.

On a sad note, Gary and I have been wondering about our friend Terry Hatch these past few months. Sadly, I recently learned that Terry died back in December. 

I met Terry about 20 years ago at the Gonzaga show. As Mark Smith reminded me, Terry always arrived at the Gonzaga show at the end, when we were packing up. Terry collected many different vintage baseball and football sets. He built multiples of many sets. 

At the Kane County show, me, Gary and Tom got to talking about Terry. Tom remembered that Terry always had returns. For me, Terry was one of two guys who regularly would purchase cards then returned some of them the next show. The other guy who returns cards is Rick in Orland. I am not a big fan of returns. 

Terry was a character, though. He would sit down at my table then espouse his opinions on all sorts of random stuff from politics to various aspects of modern society. He always seemed to have a date with one of his "lady friends." 

He usually had a box of cards for me whenever we met. I purchased a lot of cards from him over the years. I also purchased a real unique item -- a sheet of eight or 10 autographs of Milwaukee Braves players, including Eddie Mathews. Terry told me that when he was a kid in Janesville, a local shoe-store ran a promotion where all these Braves players were at the store signing autographs. His mother took him there and he obtained the autograph sheet I purchased. I still have it. It is cool!

Terry was born in 1948 and grew up in Janesville. After high school he served in the Navy then attended college at UW Whitewater where he received a BA, then he attended Louis University and received a masters degree.

He held a variety of jobs during his adult life and had many stories about working at Argonne National Laboratories.

I am so sorry to learn of Terry's passing. My condolences to Terry's family and friends.

The best antidote for grief is a card show. I was set up this past weekend at the three-day show in Milwaukee -- blog coming soon.

Next up for me is Orland Park on Sunday, May 25, 2025. I have one of two 1969 Topps baseball binders reloaded and ready to go. I am working on the second one and am not sure if I will have it completed by Sunday. I am planning on bringing out all of my binders on Sunday. I have extra room in Orland so I always need to bring something in addition to the binders. I am currently mulling what to place in that extra space. I have been working on large groupings/lots of cards or I might bring out my publications. I have been pricing vintage pennants and might bring out those. I better figure it out soon.

The next Oak Creek show is slated for June 7. Show is sold out, as usual. Reminder that the July and August Oak Creek shows have been moved to the second Saturday due to conflicts.

I have also been considering operating some additional shows this summer. I may do one in Kenosha, WI, and I am thinking about doing a small all-vintage sports show in Oak Creek. I'll keep you posted on any developments.

A big thank you to Mike and John for getting me into the Kane County show and running an excellent show as usual.

See you guys in Orland!

​Below are a couple of photos from the May Kane County show.

Sunday, May 4, 2025, Porter County Fairgrounds, Valparaiso, IN

For some reason, I thought Valpo was only an hour drive from my house. Turns out it is about an hour and a half. To make matters worse, I had a late start.

Yet, it all worked out. There were still plenty of dealers loading in when I arrived around 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. show. 

This is the second show that Ben and Haley have put on at the Porter County Fairgrounds. I had an excellent show first time around so I booked this one even though it was the day after Oak Creek and I was awfully tired.

I was located in the same spot as last time though I had new neighbors which included a group of Pokemon guys on my left and a modern sports card dealer on my right. Dave was in the same spot not far away with his son. Dave commented on my tardiness. I thought nobody noticed! 

Attendance seemed a little lower than last time. Things were kind of slow early on so I walked the room. There were a good seven or eight vintage dealers, which I always love to see. Didn't seem like we had a whole lot of vintage customers, though. We need to get the word out that this is a great show for vintage sports collectors!

I brought out the same set up as Oak Creek which included all of my baseball binders and all of my publications. My first sale was to a father and son team that I also see regularly in Orland. I sold a 1959 Washington Senators program. A few other guys dinked around. Bob, who bought a bunch of cards from me last time, was not interested in my stuff this time around which made me think that this was going to be a long day.

Then Dale sat down and had his eyes on my entire 1960 Topps binder. Dale told me that he and his wife have been running sports cards and toy auctions since 1985. He has a warehouse and employees. Sounds like a big operation. No wonder he spends a lot of money at every show. We worked out a deal for the 1960 binder -- my show was made. I was ready to go home, though, I hate being one of the first people to pack up and leave, so I stuck it out.

Then the father and daughter team I met last time at this show, purchased a pile of cards. Thank you! I ended up having an excellent day once again!

On the buying front Jimmy C. was there and sold me some cards. Thanks Jim! I did not think anything would come to my table and did not bring much money. I had to race out and hit an ATM to pay Jim. I found a gas station nearby and also picked up some coffee and a sandwich since there were no refreshments available at the show. Man, I needed that coffee!

I do not know when Ben and Haley are going to run another show here. I saw that another promoter booked the venue for a show in June. I've got a problem when other promoters book venues already used by another promoter. Ben and Haley have spent some time and money building this show, now this new guy is going to go in and ride their coat tails. Not right. He should pick a different venue. I won't set up.

Next up for me is the Wisconsin Card Show from Friday through Sunday, May 16 to 18, at the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee. Not sure what I'm going to bring out. I don't have a new binder ready to go and hate to bring them out when there is nothing new. Plus, I no longer have a 1960 Topps baseball binder. I did start a new one but not sure when I'll have it completed. I'm kind of leaning towards a display case set up with raw baseball stars. I am slowly pricing more raw star cards.

Next Oak Creek show is June 7. Show is sold out as usual and overbooked. Next MegaShow is September 20.

Funeral Services for my late great pal Willie Shabas is set from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Christian Funeral Home, 3526 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL. I am so depressed. 

Stay healthy everybody!!

Crushed. My amazing friend Willie Shabas died recently. Willie was so kind, he had a unique charm and was one of the most knowledgeable people in the world of sports cards, non-sports cards and sports autographs.

Willie was a self-described autograph hound. He was in a constant pursuit of sports autographs. He had one of the most amazing and comprehensive autograph collections in the world. 

He was just 56 years old. Like me, he started collecting sports cards in the 1970s and never stopped. He first started attending card shows around the same time I did in the late 1970s. Willie may be the last person I know that was a card-carrying member of the old Chicagoland Sports Collectors Association, which was a wonderful group that ran three card shows a year at the old Hillside Holiday Inn in suburban Chicago through the 1970s and 1980s. They brought the first National to Chicago in 1983.

Willie was a full-time sports card/autograph dealer these past 25 years that I knew him -- though he was always more of collector than a dealer. In addition to sports cards and autographs, he was big into vintage non-sports cards.

Like our friend Dell, I met Willie at the old Fred Copp Sports Card shows in the Chicago area. In fact, Willie and Dell were two peas in a pod -- extremely close friends. 

I remember when Dell opted to set up at the Rolling Meadows show instead of Fred's shows in Schaumburg some 20-plus years ago, Willie would stop off at the Rolling Meadows show on his way to Schaumburg, hang with Dell, then set up in Schaumburg and spend half the show on the phone with Dell. I loved both of these guys and was so lucky to know them.

Fred's shows were generally pretty small. Besides Fred, Willie was the best dealer in the room at every show. People came to see him like he was the Pope. He literally had fans that would crowd his table at every show.

I have met hundreds and hundreds of sports card dealers over the years and can attest that Willie had the best disposition of them all. He was so patient with customers. He was happy to review autographs for authenticity at no charge. He would review collections. Anything anybody brought in.

Then there were some customers I would just chase away. Not Willie. He was a much better person than me. I remember this one show of Fred's, maybe 20 years ago, where a customer wanted to purchase a card from Willie but only had a giant jar of pennies in which to pay. I would have immediately said no. Willie, on the other hand, spent an hour or so with the guy counting out the pennies. He always chuckled when I reminded him of that one.

I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Willie. We often went to Russell's Barbecue or Portillo's after Fred's Schaumburg shows. We went out to lunch all the time after many different shows. I remember grabbing lunch with Willie in April of 2015 in Elgin after one of Corky's old shows. We found this great place next to the hotel. Willie's food looked so good that I took the photo below. That's him wearing that Rams sweater. We also regularly went to lunch in Milwaukee when I first started my show at the Clarion Hotel more than 10 years ago, two Chicago guys exploring Milwaukee cuisine.

​We last met for lunch last fall at Russell's Barbecue. Willie called me and said he had some cards for sale and I proposed we meet at Russell's. We had a wonderful lunch, I think we chatted for more than two hours. Willie was absolutely the best and such a joy to be around.

I was so thankful any time I got to see Willie. Back in 1999, my wife and I purchased our first home on the Northwest Side of Chicago, not far from where Willie lived. I used to run into him in the neighborhood all the time -- I loved it!

I think the last time I saw him was at the Bridgeview show in January. I was surprised I did not see him at the March Sports Spectacular. It may have been the first Sports Spectacular/Sun-Times show where I did not see Willie in 25 years.

I had an inkling something was wrong when he did not attend the February Woodstock show. Willie almost always attended that show. Then Scott, a vintage set builder who also attends the Woodstock show, told me that he had been trying to meet up with Willie to purchase some cards but Willie kept putting it off saying he was not feeling well.

A bunch of guys said that Willie looked like he was struggling at the March Sports Spectacular and did not walk the show. Another friend of Willie's told me he had been hospitalized for weeks before he died. I am so sorry, Willie.

What a loss. Man, I just loved that guy. I looked forward to seeing him every time we made plans or attended a show together. I constantly texted him photos of autographs that I was interested in purchasing at shows. He just had to glance at an auto to determine whether it was real or not. He always gave me free advice on autographs. I tried to always buy lunch as repayment.

Man, I just can't believe it. Willie, Dell, Skip... so many great friends I have made at card shows have died recently. I wish it would stop. Please stay healthy everyone.

I contacted Willie's sister who is understandably struggling with his passing and has not made any plans yet for a funeral or celebration of life. If I learn anything, I will post it here.

Willie, I can't believe you are gone. I am so heart broken. I will miss you buddy. Thanks for being an amazing friend.

My condolences to Willie's family and friends. We lost an absolute gem of a person.

UPDATE
Willie's funeral is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Christian Funeral Home, 3526 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL.

Saturday, May 3, 2025, Salvation Army Community Center, Oak Creek, WI

This was a tough one. I was sooo tired after the MegaShow but was somehow able to get the May Oak Creek show together.

It was not as badly overbooked as the April show, so that made things much easier. I was able to remove some dealer spots I did not like and get back to our normal layout. I was able to add one guy from the waiting list. I attempted to add another but the dealer did not show up. Actually, three dealers that had confirmed they were coming did not bother to attend. No call. No text. Nuthin'. All I can do is pull some more from the waiting list and hope the new ones have a semblance of responsibility.

Speaking of the waiting list, it continues to grow. I am at the point where I wish people would not ask to be added to the list. They can set up at the September 20 MegaShow but I do not have any space for them in Oak Creek and probably won't be able to get them space for more than a year from now.... yet the list grows and grows.

Besides the no-show dealers, the show went smoothly. About 1,000 people attended which is down from previous months but expected with youth sports seasons in full effect.

No issues to report. No complaints from any dealers, which is the way it should be.

I had two dealers leave the April show without paying. One paid a week or so before the May show so I allowed him back in. The other guy paid me in person at the May show. Not sure when I will give him a spot again. Both dealers are young and apparently do not know any better. Should be obvious that you need to pay for your space.

I was set up on the stage in the Chapel and brought out all of my baseball binders and my publications. Sales were down but not too bad. I only sold two publications.

Buying was excellent. I purchased piles of vintage cards. Woot!

It was great to see Frank Filak back after some health issues. Hope to see Frank again at the June show.

I also want to thank everybody that signed the sympathy cards I left on Dell's table. I sent the cards to his sisters. It will be strange going forward without Dell. 

A Celebration of Life for Dell Heyn will be held at 5 p.m. on July 6, 2025, at the Cornerstone Church, 2 Shermer Road, Glenview, IL.

Anyway, a pretty typical day in Oak Creek. Not a whole lot to report. I think the photos below tell a better story of the show. I will probably be on the stage in the Chapel again for the June 7 show.

As is the norm these days, the June 7 show is overbooked. I am once again hopeful that some dealers drop out and I can add a few folks off the waiting list.

Please note that the July and August shows are scheduled for the second Saturday of the month on July 12 and August 9.

Next up for me is the Wisconsin Card Show set from Friday through Sunday, May 16-18, at the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee.

I am still behind on the blogs. More coming soon!

Sunday, April 27, 2025, Civic Center, Orland Park, IL

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you have probably read the name Andy from Orlando. Andy is an absolute superstar! I've known Andy for years now and always look forward to seeing him. 

Back when I used to set up the Oak Creek show by myself, Andy would volunteer and help out when he was in town. I saw him at the Madison show on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and mentioned that my dad was setting up the next day at a political button show held on the opposite end of the Orland Park Civic Center from the card show. He volunteered to help my dad set up!

Without Andy's help, I don't think I would have been able to set up for the Orland card show because my dad brings soooo much stuff with him. Dad had four tables and then he always sticks stuff in every nook and cranny he can find. He was set up along the back wall of the room and literally took all of the back wall.

I normally arrive at the Orland show for set up around 8 a.m. This morning I arrived at 7 a.m. to help the dad. Andy was there too! Woot! Andy took over helping dad set up while I set up my stuff in the card show room.

I brought out the same stuff I took to Madison but added one more display case since I have a little more room at the Orland show. I had 11 display cases and it took a while to fill them up with cards.

After completing my set up, I went to check on dad and Andy. They had all his stuff unloaded and were still setting up. Andy was enjoying the dad's stories and was happy to continue to help him set up, so I returned to the card show where I had an absolute monster of a show. I sold a ton of stuff! Woot!

There really is no other monthly show in the area as strong for vintage as the Orland show and it has always been this way. I keep expecting to have an off day and it just never happens. My hockey was wiped out as seems to be the case whenever I bring it out. I sold all sorts of great stuff like my 1957 Topps Ted Williams and Pee Wee Reese to a father and son team. I can't even remember everything I sold -- cards were selling fast and furious. My pal Will had to help out because so many people wanted to check out cards in my display cases. Thanks Will!

On the buying front, I picked up some cards from Jim. Not much else came to my tables. If I have anything to complain about in Orland it is that buying is not as good as it used to be. There used to be a lot more walk-ins which does not seem to happen anymore. Nevertheless, I sold so much stuff that I have cash to spend on cards at other shows.

On a somber note, I thought it was real nice that Orland show promoter Rich Troy came out and said some kind words about Dell Heyn and another Orland regular, Jim Butler, who recently died as well.

I have been in communication with Dell's sisters and learned that they scheduled a Celebration of Life for Dell at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Cornerstone Church, 2 Shermer Road, Glenview, IL.

Dell has been setting up in Orland for as long as I have. It was strange not see him in his regular spot.

It is amazing the number of dealers we have lost in Orland over the years. There are a few dealers that have been setting up longer than I have like Casey and Carl. I overheard them talking about the changes to the show since the 1980's. If you have never been to the Orland show and collect modern cards, I recommend checking out Casey, Carl, and Tom, all veteran modern card dealers who set up across from me every month in Orland. You would be hard pressed finding more knowledgeable and nicer guys than them at any card show anywhere. So lucky to know them.

While I had a great day selling cards, there was a definite pall in the air due to the losses of Dell and Jim.

​The show slowed down dramatically in the afternoon. I had all my stuff packed and loaded into my car by 2 p.m. I skipped the sub shop with Will and Joe to help dad pack up.

I checked in on him a few times during the show and he seemed busy every time I popped in. He was still with customers after the card show. Most of the other button dealers had packed up and gone.

There were a couple of guys that stuck around talking to dad for a while. Like Andy, they kept requesting stories. Dad has a million of 'em. I, on the other hand, wished they would leave so we could pack up.

The lady that runs the button show tried to encourage dad to pack up. One of the workers at the venue started to take down the tables. Dad has his own specific way he likes things packed up so I had to wait for his instructions. It was a long and painful process, as it always is. It took us more than two hours to pack up and load his car. 

Once his car was fully loaded, I wondered how he would empty it without my help. He said very slowly. It is now weeks later and I will be seeing him for Mother's Day. I expect to see his car still filled to the hilt with buttons.

Anyway, it was a really long day. I was awfully tired and almost pulled over to nap on the way home. Made it home, though. My umpteenth Orland show in the books. Man, I do love the Orland show. It is simply the best show for me.

Next Orland show is on May 25, 2025. I hope to have some binders reloaded and ready to go for that one.

In the meantime, I am setting up at the Kane County Fairgrounds in beautiful St. Charles, Illinois, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. I plan on bringing display cases once again because I am just not making enough headway on the binders. I will have some different stuff in the cases, this time, though. So if you saw my display cases in Strongsville, Madison, Orland or the MegaShow, they will be filled with completely different items in Kane County. 

Next Oak Creek show is set for June 7. Once again I am overbooked and hoping some dealers drop out. Guys keep requesting to get on my waiting list which is just absolutely silly right now.

Anyway, Happy Mother's Day! Hope to see you soon!

Saturday, April 26, 2025, Sheraton Hotel, Madison, WI

New this month in Madison was the regular show on Saturday and a Pokémon show on Sunday. Without the mass Pokémon crowd, attendance at the regular show was down -- which was not a bad thing. It was nice to have some space in the aisles as this show can get crazy crowded. I understand that the Pokémon show on Sunday was crazy crowded.

I brought out a different set up this month because I am so far behind in updating the binders. I had nine display cases filled with vintage cards, something I have not done in Madison in a long time.

Naturally, some of my regulars were disappointed that I did not have the binders. I can bring them out but they are empty. Now that the MegaShow has passed, I should have some more time to work on them.

The display case set up did not do very well. Sales were light. Though, I did sell my 1973 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie to a new customer.

I was surprised that some of my regular set-builders did not even look at my display cases. I know they need some of the stars. I do have them reasonably priced. Why not take a look?

Anyway, I would like to interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to discuss a subject near and dear to my heart -- dealer to dealer courtesy.

So I have been setting up at card shows since the dawn of time and can say from experience that dealer to dealer courtesy has always been a problem. However, since the hobby exploded during the Pandemic and now that everyone and their mother is a dealer, the problem has intensified.

The issue for today's courtesy discussion involves the space behind dealer tables. Now, the Madison show is kind of tight. There is not much space behind each dealer's table. There is no room for shelves, there is no room for back-up tables, and there certainly is no room for dealers to stack up their storage bins behind their tables. Yet, there is plenty of space below each table for dealers to store their bins without taking up the precious space behind the tables.

I have three tables at the Madison show. At this past show, some numbnut dealer located behind me, stacked his bins behind my third table. Making matters worse, the dealer next to me had happy feet and could not stay behind his table without the need to wander out every few minutes. The result, very little space behind my third table. I was annoyed all day.

As you can see from the photo below, there was very little space between my third table, on the right, and numbnut's bins on the left. That tiny space was largely filled by Mr. Happy Feet. So I struggled whenever I needed to get into those display cases located on the end of my table all day long. What makes it so aggravating was that there was plenty of space for numbnut to place his bins below his table and out of the way. I mean, shouldn't it be obvious? Place those bins under your table, numbnut!

​Now back to our regularly scheduled blog...

​On the buying front, Tim gave me a nice deal on a box of cards largely filled with 1961 Topps baseball. Thanks Tim! I also purchased a 1967 Topps Willie Mays from my regular guy who sells me slabs each month. 

On a side note, the dealer in the red shirt, pictured above, is very pleasant, so is the dealer next to him on his left, not in the picture. In general, the dealers at the Madison show are great but you always get that one guy, at most any show, who takes up more than his fair share of the space.

Anyhooo, changes are a-foot at the Madison show. There will not be a show in May as the hotel is rehabbing the ballroom. Next show in Madison will be a 250-table affair at the Alliant Energy Center located across the street from the Sheraton on June 21. Thereafter, the show will rotate on a monthly basis between the Sheraton and the Alliant Center with the next regular show at the Sheraton scheduled for July 26, then Pokémon on July 27, and back to the Alliant Center on August 30. For more info, click on this link: Madison Card Show Announces 2025 Schedule — Monthly Events Continue with Expanded Weekend Shows – Madison Card Show.

I plan on setting up at the June 21 show at the Alliant Center but I booked another show on July 26, a new show in Naperville, Illinois, because I did not know that the Madison show was returning to the Sheraton on that date. I will probably set up at the Alliant Center on August 30.

I know I am a little behind on the blogs. Hope to catch up soon. I owe you a blog on Orland from April 27, Oak Creek from May 3 and Valparaiso on May 4. I've been busy!

Next up for me is the Kane County show on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Once again, I will not be bringing out binders. Then I plan on spending Sunday, May 11, 2025, with my mommy.

Hope to see you soon!

Below is snapshot of spring in front of my folk's place in Michigan. 

He was kind of like a Baby Huey character, just a big lovable guy who somehow could make his large frame appear diminutive as he surrounded himself with boxes and boxes of sports and non-sports cards at card shows most every week.

I first met the amazing Dell Heyn about 25 years ago when I shut down my publishing company and began setting up at card shows operated by legendary Chicago-area promoter Fred Copp. At the time, Fred ran four shows a week -- Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I would set up at the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows (all in different locations!). So would a regular group of wonderful guys including Dell.

Often, you could not see Dell as he was blocked from view by his boxes and boxes of dime and quarter cards but you knew he was there by the sound of his booming baritone which offered various opinions on the state of the Chicago sports teams, sports cards and sports card shows.

I enjoyed hanging out with Dell and the others three days out of every week. Dell was so pleasant. At the time, I was preparing to attend law school and studying for the LSAT and found the card shows a welcome relief from my studies.

I was living on the Northwest Side of Chicago in those days as were many of the other guys who would set up at Fred's shows, including Dell, who came to my house to purchase a Raphael Palmiero card. Palmiero was his favorite player and he had the world's foremost collection of Palmiero cards.

I really enjoyed hanging out with all the regular dealers at Fred's shows like Dell, Willie, Dan, Don and a few others that would come in and out.

Eventually, Dell stopped coming or would set up occasionally. He found other shows with bigger crowds including the Orland Park show and the Gonzaga show. I followed Dell to these shows though still tried to find time for Fred's shows.

Actually, I followed Dell all over the place from the National, Sun-Times shows, to Fort Wayne and to Canton. 

Wherever Dell set up, the scene was the same. Massive amounts of boxes of cards with Dell swimming in the middle. I don't think he had a card on his table that cost more than a $1. His set up was unique and he excelled. I don't know anyone who made so much money with so many inexpensive cards. His sales at the National each year were legendary. They should have created an award for Dell because he made more money selling dime cards at the National than most dealers made selling $100 cards.

I have to think he did so well because he was loved by all. There was always a crowd by his tables no matter where he set up. 

I just saw him recently at the April 5 Oak Creek show. Dell was a huge supporter of my show and I am forever in his debt. To get the Dell stamp of approval really meant something to me and I was so appreciative that he set up every month at my show.

We had come along way these past 25 years since we first met. Dell saw my full head of hair fade. I saw his dark black hair go gray. Yet there he was every month in Oak Creek or at Orland, still behind that massive wall of dime cards... and here I am every week still behind a wall of vintage sports cards. Some things never change.

Not having Dell in Oak Creek and Orland every month is a change I don't want. I am going to miss Dell Heyn like nobody's business. I never got to talk about the MegaShow with him. He chose to go on a cruise instead of setting up. I was sure I could convince him to set up at the next one in September. 

Dell was just 50 years old. He was born in the magical year of 1975, the first year I collected baseball cards. I never realized I was 8 years older than him. I always figured we were about the same age.

At last week's Orland show, promoter Rich Troy said a few nice words over the loudspeaker about Dell. Folks were shocked to learn of Dell's passing. Everyone had such wonderful things to say about him.

That amazing card show in the sky just signed up an absolute gem of dealer. Say hello to everyone up there for us Dell. Until we meet again. I wish I could have told you how much I appreciate you and how much I enjoyed our friendship. You were something special. My condolences to all of Dell's friends and family.

Saturday, April 19, 2025, Wisconsin MegaShow, Franklin, WI

I think this is the most exhausted I have been in all my adult life. This was a huge undertaking. I learned a lot and the next one in September will be much easier.

I ended up with 250 dealers and 440 tables -- by far the largest show I have undertaken in my nearly 11 years as a card show promoter. I am pretty sure that this was the largest show ever held in Wisconsin.

Oddly enough, I never intended to create such a large show back when I put on my first show in September of 2014 at the Clarion Hotel in Milwaukee -- I just wanted a place to set up. I am much more of a vintage sports card dealer than a show promoter.  It was really a happens of circumstance that the MegaShow came about as the Oak Creek show has outgrown the Salvation Army, I needed a venue to accommodate everyone who wanted to set up in Oak Creek. Current Oak Creek waiting list is at 183 people and the wait for space is up to a year.

Thanks to John Nelson, my security guard at the Oak Creek show and who also just happens to be the mayor of the nearby town of Franklin, I was able to hook up with the Milwaukee County Sports Complex last year. Riley from the Sports Complex, who is awesome, and I floated some dates and we were able to settle on April 19.

I crunched some numbers and figured I could make this thing work by charging $50 a table. I also wanted to bring my friends from the Salvation Army with me and raise some funds for all the great work they do in the community. With a show twice the size of Oak Creek, I did not think customers would mind donating $2 to the Salvation Army for admission into the show.

In January, I issued a newsletter to all the dealers at the Oak Creek show. In the newsletter, I announced the MegaShow and stated that dealer registration occurred with table payment. My plan was to number all the tables at the MegaShow and assign numbers in the order the dealers signed up for the show.

Well, apparently, many dealers at the January show did not read the newsletter and assumed they had a spot at the MegaShow simply because they were Oak Creek vendors or that I would hold them a spot if they told me they were going to set up. Sorry Charlie! As the newsletter stated, dealer registration occurred upon payment and that is how all the MegaShows will work going forward.

A huge number of dealers wanted certain spots. Sorry Charlie! Tables were assigned according to when each dealer registered and will be so going forward.

Next up was procuring tables. I could not have 250 dealers bringing in their own tables -- that would have been chaos. So I essentially took bids from 7 different rental companies and signed up the lowest bidder.

Turns out I did not budget nearly enough funds for the tables which was a huge cost. So next show, I am going to have to charge dealers at least $60 a table, maybe more. I am also going to have to charge a little more for admission and use those funds to offset some of my costs.

These past three months have been crazy busy with hundreds of potential dealers regularly contacting me. I also worked my tail off promoting the show and getting the word out.

I gave several guys free tables in exchange for their help in setting up and taking down the tables. They all showed up to set up the show, but most bailed on taking it down. I do appreciate everyone who showed up to set up the show, you guys are awesome. In addition to the free table guys, I had a great group of volunteers Friday night who all worked their tails off. However, hardly anyone was there to take it down. Lesson learned.

For the September MegaShow, I am going to pay the table company an unfortunately large sum to set up and take down the tables -- which was the hardest part of the show. Things will be much smoother next time. 

I arrived at the show Saturday morning around 6:20 a.m. I was surprised that only three cars of dealers were there waiting for me. There are usually quite a few early arrivals at the Oak Creek show.

Riley was there to greet me and we turned on the lights and opened the doors to dealers. Pictured below is the calm before the storm.

Such a large room filled with so many tables was awe inspiring upon first view. I heard both dealers and customers exclaim "WOW" all morning long.

So dealer load in was kind of hectic and a number of guys claimed I double booked the tables and I had to find space. Luckily, I planned for this sort of problem and had a number of open tables where I could easily move people around. I had a bunch of dealers show up who did not reserve tables. I was able to accomodate them all.

Another problem was that some dealers moved their table numbers, so that was a cluster figuring that one out. Each table came with one chair. Some dealers stole their neighbor's chairs. Then other dealers just overtook their neighbor's space either on the front or the back. Dealers that move table numbers and/or overtake their neighbor's space and steal their chairs just suck. Shouldn't it be obvious that you can't put your huge sign behind your neighbor's space or put your stuff on your neighbor's table or steal their chairs?

Prior to the show, I tried to deal with the vendors with a handshake but I think I need a contract for the September show that lists, what I believe, are common-sense rules. Some dealers I just may not allow to set up in September. Bad dealer behavior has no place at my shows.

So Friday night into Saturday morning was an absolute cluster. It took me forever to set up my own tables because I had to deal with so many dealer issues in the morning.

Once everything settled, the show went smoothly for the most part. One problem was that I left the garage door open because the room was really warm. Of course, people snuck into the show through the garage door and avoided donating a big two bucks to the Salvation Army. I have a lot of four-letter words for those people.

On the opposite end, our wonderful Salvation Army volunteers working the front door, Vanessa and Captain Dana, reported 1,500 through the door. I think they might have been overwhelmed by the crowds and did not count everybody. It sure felt like more than 1,500. The parking situation seemed to reflect more than 1,500.

Speaking of the parking situation -- another cluster. Months prior to the show, I was informed that customers could park along the drive leading to the venue. Many customers took advantage and parked along the drive only to be ticketed by the County Parks Police. Ugh!

There is a ton of parking behind the building that very few took advantage of. For the September show, I will have all the dealers park behind the building. There is also a road along the western side of the building where people can park. I will have to lure people to park on the west side road.

Now let's talk some positives. Most customers and dealers seemed really happy with the show. I was able to get in a ton of new dealers who have never set up in Oak Creek. I was really impressed with the dealers who came in from Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Des Moine and Minneapolis. Many dealers already want to purchase tables for the September MegaShow. I loved that most dealers stayed until the end. Seems like many dealers pack up early in Oak Creek.

The customers were awesome! Like some of the dealers, we had some customers flying in as well. One of my favorite YouTubers was there -- Garrett from Ballpark Memories. Young Garrett spends thousands of dollars at every show he attends. He dropped some coin at the MegaShow. Thank you Garrett!!

Most dealers reported excellent sales. My sales were pretty good.

On the buying front, not a whole lot offered. I picked up some 1973-74 Topps hockey. I was offered a 1939 Play Ball Joe Dimaggio housed in a Beckett 4.5 holder. The card had a dime-size stain on the bottom. I was happy to see that John, who regularly attends the Oak Creek shows with his son Dom, purchased the Dimaggio. John has a great collection of vintage cards, including a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle.

One of the things I love about card shows in general is that I often learn something new about sports cards and players at every show. Today, I learned something new from dealer Kevin Farrell, who is one of my favorites. He always brings out such cool stuff like vintage gloves and bats along with some rare and interesting pre-War cards.

Later in the show, Kevin showed me a card depicting actress Lilliam Russell, pictured below. Kevin purchased the card from dealer Greg Miller at the show. Many old-timers may remember Greg from the old Gonzaga show. So thankful to have both Kevin and Greg setting up at the MegaShow.​

​Kevin said Lillian Russell indirectly played a major role in dubbing Frank Schulte with the nickname "Wildfire." Schulte was a slugging right fielder for the great Chicago Cubs teams from 1906 to 1910, according to Sabr.org. Schulte played alongside the famed double-play combo of Tinkers to Evers to Chance.

Kevin told me that Frank Schulte long admired actress Lillian Russell, and during spring training in Vicksburg, Mississippi, one year, he took some teammates to see Russell’s new play named “Wildfire.” The boys then met Russell at a post-show party. Soon after, Schulte, who owned race horses, named one of his trotters "Wildfire." Once the Chicago sportswriters learned of this infatuation with Lillian Russell, the nickname "Wildfire" was born.

Thanks for the story and showing me the card Kevin!​

Overall, I think it was a pretty good day in beautiful Franklin, Wisconsin, and I plan on many, many more MegaShows. I will probably run them quarterly in 2026 in addition to the monthlies continuing in Oak Creek.

Several dealers suggested I make the MegaShow a two-day event. I am a little worried that I can't physically handle a two-day MegaShow. My next concern is security overnight in the building. I can't leave millions of dollars of collectibles unsecure overnight. I would have to hire overnight security. What would that cost? My costs are already through the roof. With the costs of tables, chairs and venue rental, there is not much left on the bone. I'll have to think about that one.

Some of the sports card collectors complained about all the Pokémon vendors. Sorry guys, it is 2025 and the reality is that Pokémon is more popular than sports cards. Pokémon vendors are at every show. I don't mind them. Most are nice guys... except for the doosh that took up his neighbor's space with his stupid billboard-type sign.

I have always had the policy that if you purchase a table you can sell whatever you like. You want to put out a table of frogs, I'm fine with it. It is your table, you sell what you want.

Some sports card show promoters are starting to run all-Pokémon shows. I thought about doing one but I don't think it will stop Pokémon dealers from setting up at sports card shows. Pokémon is here to stay. Guys who don't like Pokémon need to just deal with it and move on to a sports card table if you are not interested in Pokémon.

Pokémon aside, there are so many things I love about running a sports card show. I get to hang out with so many wonderful people. So great to see Mark and Deb. One of the best guys at the show is Sean, who was set up near me. Sean and his wife recently lost their son Nico. My condolences to Sean and his family.

The thing I hate about running a card show are the complaints. Most complaints are totally nonsensical. Just enjoy the show guys! We're all geeks that love some sort of collectibles. Why not stop complaining and just enjoy the show? There was so much cool stuff at the MegaShow!

Honestly, I am glad the show is over. I am tired! Nevertheless, a huge thank you to all the vendors, all the attendees, my set-up crew, my security, the concession guys, Captain Dana and everyone at the Salvation Army, Riley and everyone at the venue. I also can't thank my bride of 27 years for all of her help and support. Thank you Lisa!! A super huge NO THANK YOU to the Milwaukee County Parks Police!!

No rest for the weary! I'll be set up in Madison on Saturday, April 26, then I'm setting up in Orland on Sunday, April 27.

Next Oak Creek show is on May 3.

​Now for some rest!!!

Words can only say so much. I think photos best describe the show. Enjoy these photos.

Friday through Sunday, April 11-13, 2025, Brunswick Ice Arena, Strongsville, OH

After feeling lousy at the Oak Creek show, I was a little worried about driving out to Cleveland and setting up at the three-day Strongsville Vintage show. Thankfully, I felt okay. I was a little shaky on Sunday but for the most part, no problems.

After Oak Creek, I hustled to price cards for Strongsville. I was also bogged down on prep work for the April 19 MegaShow. Normally, I like to head to Strongsville Wednesday night or Thursday morning but could not get out the door until after dinner on Thursday because of all the work needed for the MegaShow.

An accident near 31st Street slowed traffic on the I294 all the way back to Irving Park Road. Frustrated with stop-and-go traffic, I popped off at North Avenue and took York Road south down past 31st Street and popped back on the highway where it started to move nicely.

It took about an hour and a half to get to the Indiana border when it normally takes about 45 minutes when traffic is light. I hit a couple of construction snags in Indiana which slowed me down before getting into Ohio.

I drove for five or six hours then stopped around midnight about an hour out of Strongsville. I was supposed to meet my pal Tony Schaefer at our hotel in Middleburg Heights, just north of Strongsville but I did not want to arrive there at 1 a.m. and wake him up.

Then I remembered the one time some years ago that Dave and I arrived in Strongsville at 1 a.m. on Friday morning, as a result we were really tired and worn out the whole show. Luckily, I did not feel nearly as bad this time.

I pulled into a Holiday Inn and tried to get a room around midnight but learned my debit card was maxed out by my earlier payment to the table rental company for the MegaShow. I called my bank before I hit the road and asked that they remove the limit on my debit card. Apparently, they did not remove the limit. They suck! I really need a new bank.

Then I tried to pay for the room with my Visa card only to learn it had expired in February. Ugh! Shows you how much I use that thing. I must have a new card at home somewhere.

The hotel clerk would not let me pay for the room with cash. He said the hotel required a security deposit on a credit card. Ugh!

I Googled some nearby motels, figuring they would not need a credit card. I ended up at a dumpster of a motel that was happy to take my cash. I had to put down an additional $50 as a security deposit. When did this whole security deposit thing start? For most of my adult life, I just paid cash for my hotel rooms without any hassle. Seems like such a hassle these days to procure a hotel room!

The cost of the dumpy motel was half that of the Holiday Inn, so there was minor win. Next up, where to park. No parking lot. The Motel only had about 12 rooms and turns out that each room had its own garage. My SUV barely fit in this 1940's era garage that looked like a good place for an axe murder.

The room was a dump and a half. The window in the bathroom was partially open and I could not shut it or lock it. Besides the rush of cold air coming in, I was worried I would be murdered in the middle of the night by the axe murderer I figured was lurking in the garage. 

I shined my cell-phone flashlight out the bathroom window and observed an old overturned couch below the window along with a laundry-mat cart and assorted junk. Creepy!

The room was freezing cold. It took me a while to figure out how to get the heating unit to work. There was a razor thin blanket on the bed with loads of cigarette burns in it. I had to pull a bunch of hair off the bed sheet. Yes, there was a gift of hair on the bed sheets. At least I did not see any bed bugs.

Tough night of sleep in that cold, hairy, gross room where I was almost certain I'd be murdered. I was up around 7 a.m. and out the door by 8 a.m. The hotel clerk would not return my security deposit until he inspected the room. Apparently, I passed the inspection and received my fifty bucks and hit the road.

I made it to the Brunswick Arena around 9:30 a.m. The folks at the entry booth would not let me load in because I did not have a wrist band. I texted Tony, who brought out my wristband and was able to load in.

The show is in an ice rink and the tables are set up in pods. Similar group from last year in my pod. Mile High was on the end. Cleveland's own Jerry Katz was on my left. Tony on my right. Behind me was Larry from Canada, who was behind Tony last year. Behind Jerry was Bryan Dec. Like last year, Larry had a shoe box of Viagra.

The older guy from New York, who was behind me last year, was not here this year. Neither was Brad from Phoenix. Surprisingly, I did not see Brad at all. He has been to all of them in the past.

In their spots was this guy I've known for years. I can't remember his name. I think he's from West Virginia. He rubbed me the wrong way years ago when I was set up behind him at the Moeller show and he went into a racist tirade after some sweet African American kids were at his table. Thankfully, no crazy racist stuff this weekend.

Speaking of racists, Jerry pointed out this one customer with some Nazi tattoos on his neck. The Nazi also wore a T-shirt that stated something to the effect that he was going to bang your wife. Jerry said these Nazi guys are popping up all over Cleveland lately. I don't understand racism, especially card-carrying racists who collect sports cards. How do guys with Nazi tattoos collect Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson? Makes no sense.

Anyway, last year, I arrived early and was able to move the tables around so I could have some extra space to hang my display cases off my table which allowed me to fit in a small extra display case. No such luck this year, as I was the last guy in the pod to arrive and set up. Without that extra space, I was only able to put out five of my six display cases. Ugh!

I remember the pod being tight last year. It was worse this year. Larry created stadium seating behind his table, leaving me very little room. I was able to make it work but it was uncomfortable.

I brought some different stuff this year in an attempt to spur sales, which were not very good last year. I did not bring out any graded cards which are a big turn off to most set builders, which are my main customers. I figured I could attract more set builders if I put out all raw cards -- which worked. A lot more set builders stopped by this year and sales were much improved.

With just five display cases, I pretty much stacked my cards in chronological order by year. This set up allowed me to get out all of my football, basketball and hockey. I was only able to get out about half of my football last year and no basketball or hockey.

This set up worked great. Football and hockey were my biggest sellers. I was surprised that I did not sell much pre-War baseball. I had a lot more 1939 Play Balls this year along with a nice group of 1934 Batter Ups, some 1934-36 Diamond Stars, and some 1911 Mecca Double Folders that saw no action. I did sell a T206 Hughie Jennings and a handful of 1933 Goudeys.

I had a large stack of 1956 Topps baseball that quite a lot of people viewed but I only sold a few. Overall, my sales out of my 1950's and 1960's baseball stacks were underwhelming. I was quite surprised.

My best sellers for baseball were 1969 through 1983, continuing a trend from the past couple of years at all shows -- which is really great because I have an endless supply of this stuff.

Hockey cards have been selling like mad at all the big shows, this show was no exception. I sold a ton of hockey. Woot! Prior to the show, I wondered whether I would sell any hockey since Cleveland does not have a hockey team. Silly me. Lots of hockey collectors here!

Football continues to be a super strong seller for me. I blew through a large number of football cards this weekend. Woot! I also sold a nice amount of basketball cards, especially 1970-71 Topps tall boys.

Overall, a much better show than last year. Friday was the strongest day, followed by Saturday. Sunday at this show is a huge waste of time year after year. I am not sure how many years I have been doing this show but I can only remember one year with a strong Sunday.

I am always ready to pack up and go home Sunday morning but the folks that run this show threaten to ban you from the show if you leave early, so most dealers stay set up the whole time. Though, I thought it was a little much when one of the show employees hassled the dealer across from me for having his cart in front of his table at 3:15 p.m. on Sunday when the show closes at 4 p.m. There was practically no one in the place at 3 p.m. Come on!

On the buying front, there were many excellent purchases. I picked up some 1933 Goudeys, some hockey (oddly I sold a 1961-62 Topps Blackhawks team card then purchased one in a group). I also purchased some football and about two thirds of a 1970-71 Topps basketball set.

A lot more people offered items to sell than ever before. I think I benefited from Tony's large sign that stated "Buying." Most of the stuff offered was pretty good but there was also a large amount of 1980's and 1990's stuff and some modern cards which I don't recall ever being offered at this show in the past. I think the problem is that Leland's, who owns this show, fails to promote the vintage aspect and pretty much just promotes its autograph guests.

In my opinion, Leland's is missing the boat. There is no other show in the country quite like this show where 95 percent of the tables feature vintage only. I could care less about the autograph guests. I don't think any of the dealers care about the autograph guests. This show is all about the vintage. Come on Leland's!

Cha, cha, changes....

This show has changed quite a bit over the years. One of the older dealers across from me (there are a lot of older dealers at this show!), told me the show began in 1978 and he has been setting up the whole time. The one constant, he said, is vintage. This show has always been focused on vintage.

He told me that the original promoter disappeared and the showed died at one point. Paul Fusco resurrected the show and was the promoter when I first set up. Another dealer reminded me how Paul would get on the loud speaker and tell dealers to remove all the modern cards on their tables. Paul was fierce about not allowing modern cards on dealer tables. Leland's, not so much.

One of the things I loved about this show when I first set up 10 or 15 years ago, I can't remember exactly when I first set up, was that it reminded me of the first shows I attended as a kid in the 1970's. It was in a hotel, all the dealers had vintage, all the customers collected vintage. One or two autograph guests.

The show was much smaller when it was located at the Holiday Inn, which eventually became a Best Western. It was really tight in there. Paul did not care. He told me he was all about tradition. He told me that the show was always at the Holiday Inn/Best Western and that was where it would stay.

I was a little nervous when Leland's moved the show to the ice arena but I think the move worked out well. Though, we lost the old-timey feeling of the hotel. There are way more auction houses setting up now. I am not a fan of auction houses setting up at shows. I would much rather see a dealer selling cards in those spots. Though, one auction house, Baggers, actually sells cards at the show. Others display some cool stuff. Mile High had a T206 Wagner at their booth. Most just accept submissions.

The show has more than doubled in size from the old days with room for future growth. The ice arena has two rinks. Many were wondering if the show will grow to cover both rinks. I think they could fill both ice rinks with dealers. If they do, I recommend they put all the auctions houses and all the modern card dealers in one rink and keep the second rink all vintage.

I have also observed that a lot less set builders attend this show than in the past, which is really the case for all shows. I cater to set builders so it is a little discouraging to see the decline.

Then there is the OBC, short for Old Baseball Cards. I don't know the history of the group but I have been dealing with members of this club for decades. I love them because they love off-grade vintage -- which is my specialty! They also love vintage oddball and inserts. Though, I have had some problems with them over the years because some guys will only pay pennies on the dollar and can be relentless.

Where have they gone? The OBC guys have largely disappeared. In the past, there was a large swarm of them at this show all decked out in their OBC gear. I remember some dealers even having signs on their tables stating: "OBC Friendly."

I have had really good sales to OBC guys at this show over the years and am sorry to see the group's demise. Prior to this year's show, I priced out a bunch of 1970 Kellogg's baseball. While going through the cards, my first thought was that the OBC guys will love this stuff. I only saw two OBC guys at the show. Nobody looked at my Kellogg's cards all weekend. :( 

Another change is the influx of vloggers. There never used to be any vloggers at this show. Now they have taken the mantel from the OBC as the most pronounced group at the show. There are seemingly dozens of vloggers at this show.

I still remember the first time I saw a vlogger at the Strongsville show, it was the dude from Breakout Cards. He was really young. I think he was just a teenager. I remember Paul Fusco giving him a tour. Paul was such a great guy. He treated me so well. He loved to mentor young collectors and dealers. Paul unfortunately died about five years ago. His wife sold the show to Leland's.

Anyway, after Breakout Cards broke the ice, vloggers started to attend en masse. The show ended yesterday. I saw dozens of vlogs about the show on YouTube this morning.

I had a great time hanging out with the vloggers last year after the show. This year, I was too tired to attend their events. I know I missed out. Great guys, all of them.

My one complaint is that they don't really seem to be set builders. I watch their vlogs regularly and they seem to purchase key vintage cards, a lot of high-end stuff. I would love to see some set builder vlogs... which of course might include some footage of yours truly. You won't find me in any of their vlogs from this year's Strongsville show. They seem to take footage of the same five or six guys when there are 100 or so dealers at the show.

I mean, I can't blame them. The dealers featured in the vlogs have the best stuff at the show.... but do any of them have 1970 Kellogg's -- I think not! Come on OBC! I need you guys to come back!!

Overall, I think the vloggers are a great asset to the show and I love that they are here. I talked with many of them during the show. I view their vlogs regularly. I love seeing their local shows around the country and all the vintage they encounter. I just started watching their Strongsville vlogs and will put in a lot of viewing time this week. I saw my back in one of Sammy Thunder's vlogs. Woot! 

The highlight of the weekend for me was going out to dinner at the Timber Lodge on Saturday with Tim and Susan Payne along with Tony. Tim and Susan brought along another dealer to dinner. I am so bad with names and I forgot his name but I have seen him for years. He is a sweet older guy with all sorts of oddball stuff on his table. We had a wonderful dinner and I really enjoyed the great company.

On a not-so-great note, the food at the venue is terrible! Do not order any food from the concession stand at the Brunswick Arena. I ate a hot dog from the concession stand on Friday for lunch. Nothing worse than biting into a cold hot dog. In the back of my mind, I knew I should have not eaten it but kept going because I was hungry.

By the end of the show Friday, I was pinching my cheeks. I tried to meet Tony and a bunch of other dealers for dinner but had to turn back and race to the pot in the hotel room. Oh my! 

Bad hot dog aside, I had a wonderful weekend. A huge thank you to Leland's for running an excellent show. A huge thank you to everyone who bought and sold me cards. I am especially thankful for all the great conversations and camaraderie all weekend long. Love Strongsville! Can't wait till next year!!

Next up, is the Wisconsin MegaShow, which will be three times the size of Strongsville. I still have a ton of work to do. Dealers! I will get you your table numbers shortly. If anyone is available Friday after 3 p.m., I could really use some help setting up chairs and tables.

See you guys Saturday!!!

Here are a handful of photos from Strongsville:

One of the random guys who sold me some cards had this Old Mill Cigarettes unopened package. The pack is from the early 1900s. He told me that he believed it contained a card. Cool!

So Larry split his table with the guy on the right. I think the guy on the left is from Just Collect Auctions. Here he is laying out some cash and buying out Larry's buddy.