Strongsville Sports Collections Convention - April 14th-16th

[BobC]

Originally Posted by dfletch00

Ill be there on Friday afternoon... looking forward to seeing anyone going .. except Manos.-- just kidding good friend - ! hope they somehow added some space .... see ya there . Darrell - Go Tribe !

Kinda crazy but this was the first show I ever went to as a kid .. it was at another hotel there or it was the old holiday inn ....long. long time ago... I think it started in late 70s

It is the same place/location, it is just that Holiday Inn sold and Best Western took it over.

What is too bad/sad is that years ago, they would on Saturday nights after the show closed hold a live, cash only, auction at the indoor pool. That was always fun to attend. And once in a while you could get a nice bargain as well. You never knew what they would have in advance, just had to show up and see.

Funny thing is, there is another fairly big card show (supposedly 300 tables) going on at the exact same time and on the exact same days as the Strongsville show, about 15-20 minutes away from where the Strongsville show is located. But it is a much more modern card oriented crowd and show. Was actually talking with this other shows promoter last month at a nearby quarterly show he had in a different location only about 3-4 miles from my house. I had to ask him, why the hell would he go ahead and ever think to have started this big of an annual show (I believe this is the first time he's doing such a 300 table show, in a 55,000 SF space), and run it at the exact same time and in direct competition to the Strongsville show. Interestingly enough. he said he actually planned it on purpose, and had even contacted the Strongsville show promoter/owner to see about doing some dual advertising, and working together, since his show would be much more focused on modern cards and not as a direct competitor to the Strongsville show's historically vintage/pre-war crowd. Apparently the Strongsville show people were not interested in sharing any of the spotlight. Meanwhile, this other promoter and his show will not only have dealers, but apparently there will be local and other media attending, and some supposedly broadcasting live from his show. I've even heard the commercials on the local sports oriented ESPN affiliated radio station in Cleveland, WKNR 850 AM, and apparently some of their on-air talent is going to be at this other show as well. This guy/promoter runs monthly shows one county over, about 35 miles from where I live, as well as these much bigger quarterly shows he just started about a year and a half ago, only about 3-4 miles from my house. And of course, he's also a dealer. Never really heard of this guy or his business and shows before this past Christmas, but he definitely is growing and has some plans.

And if you're wondering why I was even talking to this guy in the first place, remember me saying the show was only 3-4 miles from my house? It was also only $2 to get in, and he actually had a Babe Ruth Candy Co. card for sale in one of his display cases, in the middle of all these newer cards. It was raw, and the condition wasn't the greatest. But when he told me the story about how he supposedly bought it from a little old local lady just a couple days before, and how apparently she found it had fallen behind her refrigerator (and trust me, I'm not making this up) it was almost all I could do to not start laughing out loud. I immediately started thinking about all the Grandpa's attic claims and stories I'd heard of over the years, but in this case, I was actually holding and looking at the card. I didn't know enough about that specific rare and obscure card issue to ever tale a chance on what this guy was telling me. But he did mention probably sending it off to see about getting it graded and authenticated. I'll be curious to stop by this other show and see if he able to get it authenticated at least, but am not holding my breath. We talked just 3 weeks or so ago, so not sure who he was going to have look at and grade it, and if there's even been enough time for it to have already come back so he can have it at next weekend's show. We shall see. LOL So, anyone know anything about Babe Ruth Candy Co. cards?

[ClementeFanOh]

Good morning all- I went to Strongsville on Friday, thought I'd give a brief(!)
summary... tons of great tobacco and vintage in multiple sports, and more
than a token amount of memorabilia and signed items. Modern is practically
non existent (thankfully Be ready for tons of attendees, fun as always!

Trent King

[Rhotchkiss]

More summaries and reports, please, and post pics too!!! Many of us are living vicariously through all you guys at the show.

[jimtodd]

Bob, if you’re talking about the Independence show, I was a bit perturbed when I saw he set it up on the same weekend as Strongsville. I don’t blame them for not working with him, especially since it was intentional, and the Strongsville show has been established for years. You would think he’s missing out on vintage buyers and sellers attending that would have if it was just a week or two apart. I for one won’t be able to make independence, although I would have gone if it was a different weekend. I’m sure there are others in the same boat.

Originally Posted by BobC

It is the same place/location, it is just that Holiday Inn sold and Best Western took it over.

What is too bad/sad is that years ago, they would on Saturday nights after the show closed hold a live, cash only, auction at the indoor pool. That was always fun to attend. And once in a while you could get a nice bargain as well. You never knew what they would have in advance, just had to show up and see.

Funny thing is, there is another fairly big card show (supposedly 300 tables) going on at the exact same time and on the exact same days as the Strongsville show, about 15-20 minutes away from where the Strongsville show is located. But it is a much more modern card oriented crowd and show. Was actually talking with this other shows promoter last month at a nearby quarterly show he had in a different location only about 3-4 miles from my house. I had to ask him, why the hell would he go ahead and ever think to have started this big of an annual show (I believe this is the first time he's doing such a 300 table show, in a 55,000 SF space), and run it at the exact same time and in direct competition to the Strongsville show. Interestingly enough. he said he actually planned it on purpose, and had even contacted the Strongsville show promoter/owner to see about doing some dual advertising, and working together, since his show would be much more focused on modern cards and not as a direct competitor to the Strongsville show's historically vintage/pre-war crowd. Apparently the Strongsville show people were not interested in sharing any of the spotlight. Meanwhile, this other promoter and his show will not only have dealers, but apparently there will be local and other media attending, and some supposedly broadcasting live from his show. I've even heard the commercials on the local sports oriented ESPN affiliated radio station in Cleveland, WKNR 850 AM, and apparently some of their on-air talent is going to be at this other show as well. This guy/promoter runs monthly shows one county over, about 35 miles from where I live, as well as these much bigger quarterly shows he just started about a year and a half ago, only about 3-4 miles from my house. And of course, he's also a dealer. Never really heard of this guy or his business and shows before this past Christmas, but he definitely is growing and has some plans.

And if you're wondering why I was even talking to this guy in the first place, remember me saying the show was only 3-4 miles from my house? It was also only $2 to get in, and he actually had a Babe Ruth Candy Co. card for sale in one of his display cases, in the middle of all these newer cards. It was raw, and the condition wasn't the greatest. But when he told me the story about how he supposedly bought it from a little old local lady just a couple days before, and how apparently she found it had fallen behind her refrigerator (and trust me, I'm not making this up) it was almost all I could do to not start laughing out loud. I immediately started thinking about all the Grandpa's attic claims and stories I'd heard of over the years, but in this case, I was actually holding and looking at the card. I didn't know enough about that specific rare and obscure card issue to ever tale a chance on what this guy was telling me. But he did mention probably sending it off to see about getting it graded and authenticated. I'll be curious to stop by this other show and see if he able to get it authenticated at least, but am not holding my breath. We talked just 3 weeks or so ago, so not sure who he was going to have look at and grade it, and if there's even been enough time for it to have already come back so he can have it at next weekend's show. We shall see. LOL So, anyone know anything about Babe Ruth Candy Co. cards?

[parkplace33]

For those that attended, what are your thoughts? Most online reviews of the show I read are a mixed bag. Some love it, others said museum prices. A few said they should have attended the Hofstra show instead.

[brass_rat]

I attended early Friday, and I enjoyed myself for the few hours that I was there.

With that said, I think my expectations were set appropriatel for myself:

I expected it to be very crowded, but I arrived at noon and left by 2:30 -- it only got "crowded" as I was leaving. So I was happy to avoid traffic.

I really enjoyed that it was 90% pre-1970 vintage, and I saw a few folks chuckling a bit at the post-1990 in the room.

I didn't expect to find anything in the narrow scope of cards that I collect, so I wasn't disappointed or surprised that I didn't find anything I needed. That's not a comment on the account on the material in the room but is just a consequence of my scope. I mainly attended to see and feel a show and to hang out in Cleveland for the weekend. The city has a lot to do, even without the Guardians in town.

I do lament the amount of dealer space taken up by "auction previews" though. I understand that it's important advertising, but given the limited space in the room, I'd rather see cards that are available for transaction.

[edhans]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Some love it, others said museum prices.

I was set up and had a terrific show. Every single dealer I spoke with, without exception, said the same. Kind of belies the museum prices statement. Great job by Mike, Laura and the Lelands team.

[Jstottlemire1]

The show was great. The dealers well prepared with inventory, and engaging. I agree on some prices strong, here and there, yet also dealers showed willingness in trades and working with collectors on prices within reason of each. Security seemed amped up more as well this year. Memory Lane always steals the show for me each year talking to Joe T and others. I had a good experience and added a few Ruth’s.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by Jstottlemire1

The show was great. The dealers well prepared with inventory, and engaging. I agree on some prices strong, here and there, yet also dealers showed willingness in trades and working with collectors on prices within reason of each. Security seemed amped up more as well this year. Memory Lane always steals the show for me each year talking to Joe T and others. I had a good experience and added a few Ruth’s.

show em!!!!!

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jimtodd

Bob, if you’re talking about the Independence show, I was a bit perturbed when I saw he set it up on the same weekend as Strongsville. I don’t blame them for not working with him, especially since it was intentional, and the Strongsville show has been established for years. You would think he’s missing out on vintage buyers and sellers attending that would have if it was just a week or two apart. I for one won’t be able to make independence, although I would have gone if it was a different weekend. I’m sure there are others in the same boat.

That is the one Jim. As I mentioned in my story, I asked Steve, the guy putting on the show in Independence exactly why he was doing it the exact same weekend as well, because I was thinking just like you, why would someone do that.

FYI, was at Strongsville today, and talking to a guy who was at the other show, and actually set up there as a dealer. Apparently, the show in Independence did not fill all 300 or so tables, but supposedly still did okay, according to him. This guy I spoke with said he'd pretty much sold out and came over to check out the Strongsville show Sunday afternoon then. We were both talking about things with a fellow collector from Atlanta, who ended getting a table after he got there Friday and found out SGC had cancelled. He had brought an unbelievable amount and quality of stuff to trade/deal with, and ended up being able to set up as a dealer instead, and be there all weekend taking over part of SGC's cancelled spot. In fact, I think it is the same guy/dealer that someone took a picture of his showcase and posted here earlier in the thread that had all the Cobb's in it. He borrowed the showcases from the people running the show. We had a great discussion regarding S74 silks he and I both have. And he had some unbelievable non-sport items as well, which we were talking about with the guy that had set up at the Independence modern show, who it turns it is also an unbelievable non-sport pre-war card collector as well. I told the two of them the exact same story about talking with the guy putting on the Independence show last month, and why he decided to have his show at the exact same time. The modern dealer mentioned how he did have some older, pre-war non-sports stuff at that show, and how the younger collectors were drawn to it and asking lots of questions. He said the modern collectors are looking and beginning to pay more attention to the older stuff after all, an obvious good sign for the hobby's overall health. Another person at the Strongsville show told me how they felt like there were more dealers interested in asking if people had things to sell, than they necessarily were in selling their cards to them. And an old dealer friend told me how his best day was on Thursday, the day before the Strongsville show actually opened, as he mentioned all the dealers who came in early to set up were doing a lot of sales and trades before the doors ever opened. For all the talk of inflation, and other economic fears and issues with perceived dropping card prices and a failing hobby, it sure as heck didn't seem to be the case there in Strongsville that the hobby is suffering and in any danger of dying out any time soon.

Didn't buy anything myself, as prices were definitely strong. And though there were many cards there from sets I collect, none of them were cards I was still missing from those sets. My typical luck. LOL

[jimtodd]

Bob, thanks for the update! I was curious how they would do and was also very happy with the turnout at Strongsville today as a buyer/observer. I agree, lots of good conversations, trading and friendly negotiating. More younger people than expected. A good amount of buying and selling it seemed.

Bob, you aren't going to believe this, but if you were the Silks guy, you taught me about them today too, and showed me your awesome S74 Cobb (Helmar right?). I was in the yellow shirt. You encouraged me to buy a silk from the Atlanta dealer. Unfortunately, I think you talked the silks up too much to him also, because I offered to buy that SGC6 Tinker at the marked price, and he no longer wanted to sell it. Haha! Thanks anyways for the advice - it was good to meet you.

Originally Posted by BobC

That is the one Jim. As I mentioned in my story, I asked Steve, the guy putting on the show in Independence exactly why he was doing it the exact same weekend as well, because I was thinking just like you, why would someone do that.

FYI, was at Strongsville today, and talking to a guy who was at the other show, and actually set up there as a dealer. Apparently, the show in Independence did not fill all 300 or so tables, but supposedly still did okay, according to him. This guy I spoke with said he'd pretty much sold out and came over to check out the Strongsville show Sunday afternoon then. We were both talking about things with a fellow collector from Atlanta, who ended getting a table after he got there Friday and found out SGC had cancelled. He had brought an unbelievable amount and quality of stuff to trade/deal with, and ended up being able to set up as a dealer instead, and be there all weekend taking over part of SGC's cancelled spot. In fact, I think it is the same guy/dealer that someone took a picture of his showcase and posted here earlier in the thread that had all the Cobb's in it. He borrowed the showcases from the people running the show. We had a great discussion regarding S74 silks he and I both have. And he had some unbelievable non-sport items as well, which we were talking about with the guy that had set up at the Independence modern show, who it turns it is also an unbelievable non-sport pre-war card collector as well. I told the two of them the exact same story about talking with the guy putting on the Independence show last month, and why he decided to have his show at the exact same time. The modern dealer mentioned how he did have some older, pre-war non-sports stuff at that show, and how the younger collectors were drawn to it and asking lots of questions. He said the modern collectors are looking and beginning to pay more attention to the older stuff after all, an obvious good sign for the hobby's overall health. Another person at the Strongsville show told me how they felt like there were more dealers interested in asking if people had things to sell, than they necessarily were in selling their cards to them. And an old dealer friend told me how his best day was on Thursday, the day before the Strongsville show actually opened, as he mentioned all the dealers who came in early to set up were doing a lot of sales and trades before the doors ever opened. For all the talk of inflation, and other economic fears and issues with perceived dropping card prices and a failing hobby, it sure as heck didn't seem to be the case there in Strongsville that the hobby is suffering and in any danger of dying out any time soon.

Didn't buy anything myself, as prices were definitely strong. And though there were many cards there from sets I collect, none of them were cards I was still missing from those sets. My typical luck. LOL

[BobC]

Originally Posted by jimtodd

Bob, thanks for the update! I was curious how they would do and was also very happy with the turnout at Strongsville today as a buyer/observer. I agree, lots of good conversations, trading and friendly negotiating. More younger people than expected. A good amount of buying and selling it seemed.

Bob, you aren't going to believe this, but if you were the Silks guy, you taught me about them today too, and showed me your awesome S74 Cobb (Helmar right?). I was in the yellow shirt. You encouraged me to buy a silk from the Atlanta dealer. Unfortunately, I think you talked the silks up too much to him also, because I offered to buy that SGC6 Tinker at the marked price, and he no longer wanted to sell it. Haha! Thanks anyways for the advice - it was good to meet you.

Yeah, that was me! What the heck, I'll be damned, small world, huh?!?! LOL What I don't get though is why would Alex, that was the guy from Atlanta's name, not sell you that S74 silk of Tinker? I'm assuming he is some kind of dealer himself, but just traveled to the Strongsville show as a buyer/collector bringing stuff to trade/barter with, and then totally lucked out and was able to grab a table at the last minute when SGC had to cancel. He had his stuff priced, and they weren't super bargain prices either. But he was willing to deal on them for sure. Did you see the notebook, with Christy Mathewson on the cover, that he had a $250 price on? I first walked up when he was talking about and showing it to someone else. And then after that other guy left, I commented on how that was a cool item, and that I had never seen that particular type of notebook cover before. He didn't blink an eye and offered me a 20% discount on it later on, after we had been talking about a bunch of other stuff for a while. So he was definitely looking to sell things. I hope it wasn't my fault, as we were talking at one point about how underappreciated and undervalued we both felt the S74 silks are. I had mentioned how if PSA were to ever start grading them that I believe the prices for these silks would jump, just like what seemed to happen with PSA starting to recently grade the M101-2 Sporting News Supplements. Now I'm wondering if he started to think about that some more in talking to you about the Tinker silk. I'll bet he did, and figured if he sold it now, he'd regret it later. If that is what ended up happening, I am so sorry, and had no idea I could have changed his mind like that. LOL Go figure! But he did have some reeaallllyyy nice stuff, including those S74-1 and S74-2 silks in his cases! And my God, did you see all the T206 red Cobb portrait cards he had?

[tribefan]

After a week to recover, I have to say it was a great show. Got to catch up with some hobby buddies (Hi Tony) and met a few N54 members, including Scott Russell.

Can't wait for next year!