If you ask anyone in Ney, Ohio about Ned Garver you better be prepared to listen. And just about everyone in this town of 400 people has a connection to a man who lived just below the surface of baseball’s spotlight during what many refer to as baseball's "golden era." He was a fixture on baseball cards for a dozen years-- one of those guys collectors may not think twice … [Read more...] about Ned Garver Was Anything But a ‘Common’
A Labor of Love: Indiana Collector Promotes His Passion With Labor Day Show
Brad Beeman’s story isn’t all that unusual. Like many kids in the 1980’s he cut his teeth on Topps, Fleer and Donruss. He readily jokes that he had more 1987 Topps than anyone. McGwire, Sandberg and Canseco’s were neatly tucked neatly away in binders. Then life changed quickly and things like cardboard were not as appealing as girls. Decades later, like a prodigal … [Read more...] about A Labor of Love: Indiana Collector Promotes His Passion With Labor Day Show
The Hunt for Fresh Wax Keeps Iowa Farmer Kurt Christensen Busy
It’s one’s hottest markets in sports cards and Kurt Christensen of Ripping Vintage Packs is right in the thick of it. He’s gained the reputation of finding wax gold when others come up short. But, the Spencer, Iowa dealer says the magic is in relationships. “It’s difficult. You have to know people. So try to make friends with collectors. Anyone I see with boxes, I try … [Read more...] about The Hunt for Fresh Wax Keeps Iowa Farmer Kurt Christensen Busy
Business and Pleasure: Sports Card Fan is Flipping His Way to Success
It’s the life of a nomad. Josh Roth is the portrait of the character in card collecting known as a Flipper. He spent part of his week in the familiar surroundings of a card show, making deals. This time, it was the biggest stage of all: the National Sports Collectors Convention in Rosemont, IL. “One-hundred percent a flipper,” he says before … [Read more...] about Business and Pleasure: Sports Card Fan is Flipping His Way to Success
Illinois T206 Collector Cleans Up at The National
Tom Larson came to the National Sports Collectors Convention looking for a few good cards. He’s retired, he says. It's just a hobby. You know, some people play golf. Others travel.Some find a part time job. Larson made the short trip from his Joliet, IL home to the Stephens Convention Center where he knew he'd find a big variety of the stuff he chases. “Anything … [Read more...] about Illinois T206 Collector Cleans Up at The National
In the Cards: Michigan Family Celebrates 3 Generations of Collecting at the NSCC
Eleanor Duncan is frustrated with the selection of cards. The eight-year old is sorting through a big tub full of them, all priced at $1. “There’s no WWE here,” she says, resigning herself to the situation. “No girls basketball either.” She picks a few more cards and places them off to the side. Eleanor and her family made an eight hour trek from Michigan’s … [Read more...] about In the Cards: Michigan Family Celebrates 3 Generations of Collecting at the NSCC
Collectors, Dealers Converge on the National for Their Own Special Reasons
The reasons for coming were as varied as the people attending the 2021 National Sports Collectors Convention. After two years of waiting, it was time for the hobby's biggest event once again. Many think it will be the biggest show ever. Collectors, dealers, auction companies and everyone else inside was more than eager for the afternoon opening. Some come with … [Read more...] about Collectors, Dealers Converge on the National for Their Own Special Reasons
Dealers Prepare for Potential “Massive” NSCC Turnout
It’s been more than two years since the last National Sports Collectors Convention and it looks like collectors can’t wait for the 2021 Chicago NSCC to open up Wednesday.It might not quite be the Oklahoma land rush, but to hear dealers talk, collectors will have plenty of money to slap down.VIP passes for the National have sold out, with only general admission tickets … [Read more...] about Dealers Prepare for Potential “Massive” NSCC Turnout