I’ve been a collector for my entire life. You never know when you may need a 37-year-old pocket schedule and I don’t want to be unprepared. So I packed up my sons and headed to Chicago for the Fanatics Authentic Sports Spectacular.
One of the big draws of shows like this is the autograph pavilion. There are always lots of big names with big price tags attached.
Since I spent some time working in baseball I’m pretty spoiled and I don’t like to pay for autographs but there were obviously plenty of people who were there specifically for that. Some of the bigger names on hand included Hall of Famers Randy Johnson, John Smoltz, Cal Ripken, Fergie Jenkins and Billy Williams. There were also plenty of members of the 2016 Cubs.
But I had two things on my mind: Soak in as much atmosphere and cool stuff as I possibly could and work on my 1972 Topps set.
Baseball cards form the bulk of my collection and my latest project is completing the 1972 set. It’s tough and expensive but I’m in no hurry. Had I been so inclined, I could have easily finished the set. There were multiple dealers there with binders of cards from 1972. The only thing stopping me was the expense of purchasing the cards and the expense of the subsequent divorce when I returned home.
Aside from filling want lists, one of the big attractions for me was just taking in all the show had to offer. Going to a card show is like visiting a museum where everything is for sale. Click To Tweet
The ’80s were well represented, too.
Fans of Olde Tyme Baseball had something to see.
But my favorite part of shows like this is all the oddball stuff you can find.
It was an outstanding afternoon with my kids and a few of their buddies. My youngest son bought his first T206 card and my older son picked up some relic cards. I got a bit closer to finishing my ’72 set and picked up a signed Bill Madlock photo.
As we were preparing to leave, I spotted one last item, a signed Dickie Noles warm up jacket.
Noles holds a special place in my heart as it was his pitch up and in to George Brett in the 1980 World Series that signaled the beginning of the end of the Royals in the series. Kansas City fans probably have different feelings on Mr. Noles.
If you get the chance, I’d highly recommend attending a similar show near you. You never know what you’ll find.
Great stuff! The are just no adequate words for the M and M set of wiffle balls!
Although I sell and collect all kinds of things, I love the old tobacco cards, Goudeys, and oddball stuff the best (aside from stuff Dad bought me). The Vela sketch cards are nice, too. Some of them are exquisitely detailed.
I was definitely for KC in that ’80 WS. I’ll never forget Brett’s summer spent chasing .400. But then Denkinger, Saberhagen, and the gang changed my view of KC in ’85. Nonetheless, I believe true Seamheads appreciate certain aspects regardless of allegiance. The game is bigger than all of that and all of us.