Pay for an autograph ticket at a card show and sometimes you’re lucky to get any kind of conversation with the athlete. Long lines and promoter restrictions aren’t always conducive to any kind of meaningful moment. Colin Greer is hoping to change that.
Greer, who along with former big leaguer Ellis Valentine, is co-founder of PastPros, will debut a mini-VIP experience he’s planning to take across the country in the coming months. PastPros was founded in part to facilitate private signing sessions with former athletes, often where they live. Now, Greer is taking the players on the road.
On August 13, the Plano Card Show will be hosting the first ever PastPros Road Show at the Comfort Inn and Suites Plano East (700 E Central Parkway, Plano, TX), between 11 AM and 1 PM.
Valentine, a favorite of Montreal Expos fans in the 1970s and early 80s, will appear along with seven-time all-star and batting champion Al Oliver, and former all-stars Jeff Russell and Don Stanhouse. They’ll be part of a pre-autograph session private gathering for fans and collectors. For $75, ticket holders get to spend an hour with the four players in a small group setting, take photos and get three autographs with free inscriptions from each of them prior to the public signing sessions.
Greer says PastPros is planning Road Show events in Atlanta, New York/New Jersey, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Oakland/San Francisco, generally close to where the players live. “We’re trying to create a win/win/win situation for all involved; show organizers, collectors and former pros,” he told Sports Collectors Daily.
“For me, hanging out with the former players is always the highlight of any PastPros event. I wanted to give this opportunity to others in a relaxed, informal setting. We want to bring more than just the ‘usual names’ to shows, and be able to offer face time with former pros and (offer) autographs at a reasonable price.”
Only 25 VIP tickets will be sold for the August event. Standard autograph tickets are $10-$15 and Greer has mail order options available for those outside the area where the shows will take place. Dealers interested in a table at the Plano event should contact Rich Klein at [email protected].
More information is available at PastPros.com.
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