Dec 1982....Claridge Casino in Atlantic City was the site of a BB card Show extravaganza with celebrities galore. Promoted by Tom Catal, Lou Avon, and Mead Chasky.
It was a great success for all, attendees and dealers alike. Guest signers were Mickey, Willie, and the Duke, Whitey Ford, Mohammad Ali, and more. Special guest was
Billy Martin, who rarely appeared at BB card shows back then. Tom Catal's close connection with Mickey Mantle arranged for Billy to make this rare appearance.
I was set-up at a table near where Billy was signing. The line to get Billy's autograph exceeded any other celebrity's line for hours. If I wasn't busy wheeling-n-dealing
with collectors, I would look over at Billy's booth. Billy never said much, nor did he look up as he was signing. Perhaps, he was "hung over". Anyway, after a couple of
hours the number of people in line diminished to less than 50. So, I left my table and got in line. I presented to him this 1953 WS AP Wirephoto to sign.
He looked at it, then looked up at me, and asked me......"I like this photo, where did you find it ?"
I don't recall my reply to his question, but I proceeded to tell him......"that all my friends were rooting for the Dodgers, and his performance in that 1953 WS made me
the happiest 14-year old kid in the neighborhood."
He smiled as he signed my photo, and said......"yes, that was a great WS, thanks for showing me this photo, it brings back good memories." Then he shook my hand.
Like I said earlier in this story......what a great BB card show.
TED Z
01-31-2014, 08:11 PM
Follow-up story......
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