Strongsville & Novi: Observations?
 

Hello Net54..

I'm getting back into the hobby after a few years away. I have been to The National several times, along with Philly, White Plains (20ish years ago) and the Sun Times shows.

I'm going to attend my first shows in Strongsville, OH and Novi, MI in the next few weeks. Does anyone have any thoughts about what I might expect to find?

I'm not into cards. I like Artwork, Game Used equipment, Vintage autographs and interesting unique things.

Strongsville
 

Hi Jim-

I can't speak to Novi. I've attended Strongsville for years. The focus is
clearly cards; however, it's a great place to find memorabilia, a better chance
there than at most shows in terms of percentage of product. It's almost all
pre-1980, with plenty besides baseball- hoops, football, hockey, boxing, etc.
It's a blast.

Trent King

Strongsville is up there as one of my favorite shows to attend every year. Part of it is the community of collectors I have come to know and hang out with and the other part is the fact that it is a purely vintage show. The spectrum is wide and I am certain you can find something for yourself. I'm not sure what direction you'd like to go in, but I'm sure you can find something that suits your preferences.

Not to self promote, but feel free to come by the Best Western (across the parking lot) after the Saturday show for the 4Collector's Vintage Trade Night. Get to know some of the collectors and grab a slice of pizza!

Thanks much, Trent & Sammy..

I'll only be in Strongsville on Friday, so unable to attend the Saturday meet up. But thank you kindly for the invitation.

I'll report back on the shows. Strongsville in particular sounds great!

Jim

Eager to hear about the Show, Jim. I too favor memorabilia over cards, and have wondered about what Strongsville has to offer in that regard. I know it’s great for vintage cards, as the YouTube guys have really built it up.

But their eager anticipation of the upcoming show is mostly based on meeting up with friends and finding cards. Never heard memorabilia mentioned even once (only cards), so not sure if any booths will have it.

The National is of course a different story, as they’ll have an amazing selection of the things you like to collect. A shame you have to miss Strongsville’s 4 Collectors Trade Night, as it should be super fun. But you’ll certainly meet some great fellow collectors and hopefully the show will have some good memorabilia in addition to cards. Be sure to let us know!

I've been going to Strongsville for many years, it is one of the better shows. There are some memorabilia and autograph dealers but mostly vintage cards. Another good show is MainLine Autograph's show.

Are you looking for certain autograph items? I'm debating between Friday and Saturday going down. But I was going to bring some items to sell/trade for the show. Mostly autographs.

Strongsville
 

I have yet to attend a Strongsville show that lacked memorabilia. Game used
bats, pennants, photos, etc. I am sure it will be there. It's superior to the
National in that you don't have to wade through a bunch of new shiny stuff.
Tons of cards? Yes. Memorabilia? Not as much, but definitely yes.

Trent King

I will be setup at booth 15 and 16 with a bunch of Cleveland Indians game used jerseys, caps, and other stadium memorabilia.
Andy

Strongsville and Novi
 

Andy- Good luck, see you there!

Trent King

Strongsville
 

I plan to be there on Friday ;)

Hope to meet you there Scott.
Bob

I've found Strongsville to be an advanced regional show.

Strongsville Recap
 

I'm back after a fun visit to the Strongsville show. I think the best thing about it was the genuine vibe of the crowd for the early admission Friday group. Truly a happy group enjoying the experience.

This was my first one, and I'll likely return in future years. It's still very card-centric, but there were a few items that came home with me. I bought a Ted Williams signed FDC from my friend Phil Marks. I also enjoyed meeting author Scott Longert, who was signing and selling books. I'm looking forward to reading his Ray Chapman biography that I bought. And I bought an original 1950s Bill Pevear illustration of Ty Cobb from Kirk Kovacs.

The entry line was pretty fast moving for the noon entry, and I was done by 2:00 p.m. The show was all contained in the space of a hockey rink, so while it was a group of high quality dealers, it's not a large show.

Good job by the show organizers and staff..it was a fun time.