A Sports Buffet! Only at The Show!

It started with a simple question. " How would a newcomer get a Table for the upcoming Greater Boston Sports  Collectors Club Show in Wilmington?"  I had heard that they were adding a new Summer Show. It sounded like fun.

A Few weeks later, I had mailed in the first application. President Bill indicated that I had a good chance of getting in the action. Shortly thereafter, I received my confirmation package. I even got the members discount, only cost me about $270-bucks and I was now known as Table Holder #146 for the early-June sports gala.

At that point I had to get busy. Had to pick up lots of saleable sports merchandise. I  already had over two thousand old cards from the 1940's and '50's, plus a few totes filled with memorabilia. But you can never have enough, so I went on a buying spree.

By June 5th, I was ready to roll. Down the Maine Turnpike, bear right on I-495, then south on I-93. Bright and early, on a beautiful sunny morning, I swung off Exit #39, then took dead aim on that back door entrance at the Shriner's Auditorium.

Got lucky, found a super parking spot, close to the door. Quite a few early-bird dealers were already on the scene, but no serious problems. Checked in at the Table with President Bill and his staff. Very cordial group, just had to take the usual ribbing, and I was soon on my way to Table # 146.

Got a package with all the Rules and regulations, plus a very colorful Dealers Badge which I had to display throughout the three-day weekend. My badge had a tiny gold star glued on, that indicated that I was a Rookie Dealer at this big show. Can't complain, because it also gained me entrance into that great Friday evening Buffet in the Fez Room.

The Show opened at 12:00 noon on Friday. I had done a few smaller shows around New England during the winter. But nothing like this. The building was packed, every table filled. A total of 291-Tables sold for the weekend.

There I was. Lucky Lloyd, from downtown Portland, Maine, right in the middle of all the action. Dealers had assembled from all points, north, south, east and west. From Nova Scotia to Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Ohio, and everywhere in between.

I got lucky early, moved a nice 1952 Red Man Set. I underpriced that Set a tad to get things started. Things seemed to be rolling along nicely when a nice older fellow asked for prices on my 1954, first and second issues of  Sport Illustrated. These magazines are the ones with those rare Cards included. They don't come cheap, and are hard to find. My listed Price was in the $275.-range.

I gave the guy a super Offer, he seemed receptive. "Let me think it over," he replied. "I'll be back." He indicated that he would be interested in three of the Second Issues, the ones with the golf bags on the front. A lesson learned, once they give you the "think it over, " or "I'll be back" reply. That possible transaction has ended.

Grabbed a nice lunch from that great Concession Stand. I highly recommend the Mac-N-Cheese for only $4.00. As an added plus, I got some interesting advice from those show insiders, Jimmy G. and Billy C.

I forgot to note what super luck I had with that Table #146 assignment. A sure streak of good luck when I was placed right next door to an interesting chap named Doctor Nick, from Rhode Island. Had a lot of fun passing the time with this Autographed Baseball expert. You would not believe what guys like Dr. Nick go through to get those autographs.

To make a long story short, it was a very enjoyable weekend. Sold lots of Older Cards from the '50's. a few '40's, unloaded several baseball Sets, and plenty of older magazines and yearbooks. I even moved that box of Flutie Flakes, and  thank God, that last Papelbon Statue.

The Comic Books were slow movers. Boxing (Ring) magazines went well. Railroad magazines took up space, no buyers. The Show seemed to lean towards lower priced Items at my Table. My top shelf, Ted Williams, Micky Mantle, Clemente, Pafko, and Paige Cards drew very little attention. My 1906, 1909, 1912 cards attracted no offers. That surprised me.

All-in-all, it was a great weekend for this aging baseball fan. A dealer named Charlie kept telling people this was his last show. I was just hoping I could make the next show, in November.

I enjoyed all the banter regarding my Yankees attire. It was a great opportunity for the give-and-take with folks like Mr Carvalho and Mr Gebo, and the rest of the crew. I'm not an expert on bigger shows like this one, but I would have to think it was indeed a very well run attraction. Kudos to the Show officials!

If you enjoy sports, collecting, buying and selling, and good fellowship, start prepping for the next GBSCC Show, it will be in Wilmington, Mass, in early November. I hope to see you there.

                                                                                             endit - lfj