Two weeks after the National Sports Collectors Convention wraps up in Cleveland, another major show sets up shop in New York. The annual “East Coast National” takes place August 17-19 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The long-running event is a continuation of shows operated by Gloria Rothstein many years ago.
About 350 booths will be set up with dealers who will offer vintage and modern cards, autographs and memorabilia. Major authentication companies will be taking submissions, a few auction houses will be there to accept consignments and show off items in upcoming catalogs and dozens of autograph guests will be on hand over the show’s three-day run.
With Cleveland and Chicago hosting the NSCC more often than not, many collectors and dealers along the eastern U.S. opt to make the August White Plains show their big event for the year (the National will return to Atlantic City, NJ in 2020). The show is the largest of the six White Plains shows put on by J.P.’s Sports and Rock Solid Promotions each year.
Mike Tyson, who will appear Sunday from noon to 2 PM, headlines an autograph guest list that will have a New York flair. Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Bernard King, Curtis Martin, Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden, the Jets’ ‘Sack Exhange’, Joe Pepitone, Mike Richter, Charles Oakley and Larry Johnson are among those scheduled to be on hand. Other guests include Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, George Foster, Tony Perez, Juan Marichal, Rollie Fingers, Fergie Jenkins and Dave Parker, among others. There will be free autograph guests on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.
Show hours are noon to 8 PM Friday, 9-6 Saturday and 9-4 Sunday. Admission is $10 with kids under 12 free.