The weather outside was less than spectacular, making it a good one for spending the weekend indoors and that’s what thousands of collectors did over the weekend. Big shows took place in multiple locations, including Nashville, where the Fairgrounds Expo was once again home to the first of three annual multi-day shows held throughout the year.
There were no autograph guests, putting the spotlight on the 700+ tables full of cards and memorabilia.
SGC and Beckett were taking submissions for grading.
The vibe was more modern than vintage and there were big buyers afoot for some of it. One dealer sold out three showcases full of cards to one buyer.
Other collectors were gladly rifling through value boxes or knocking some numbers off of their vintage card want lists. Others were in selling mode.
There were numerous hobby newcomers checking out their first show as well.
Trade nights on Friday and Saturday were well attended.
Meanwhile, the Philly Show’s first event of the 2024 drew crowds to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Here was the line to get in Saturday morning….
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Fanatics execs, including Philadelphia native and CEO Michael Rubin, were in attendance.
The National Sports Collectors Convention had a booth to promote this summer’s show in Cleveland.
Among the autograph guests were Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Frank Thomas, with numerous Philly area stars also greeting fans and collectors during the course of the weekend.
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Rookie cards from the late 1940s to the 2000s, Yankee greats, pre-War cards and other popular vintage issues are part of the latest auction from long-time dealer Steve Novella.
About 200 cards are on the block through Thursday, March 14.
Among them: a PSA 8 1948 Yogi Berra rookie, the majority of the limited number of Joe DiMaggio cards issued during his career including 1930s Goudey Premiums, Play Ball, Double Play and Leaf, T206 portraits of Frank Chance, Hal Chase, Miller Huggins and Jack Chesbro as well as a group of 1932 U.S. Caramel cards.
There’s a 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle, a PSA 8 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie, a PSA 8 1962 Topps Joe Torre rookie and a 1974 Topps PSA 9 Dave Winfield rookie.
Other offerings include PSA 10 1983 Topps rookie cards of Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs, a PSA 10 1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens rookie and a PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie.
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The newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League has a trading card deal.
Upper Deck has signed on to produce cards for the PWHL, which includes some of the world’s top hockey players in its six-team league that launched in January.
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to advancing hockey and providing opportunities for all athletes to excel on and off the ice,” said McKenzie Young, Marketing Lead, Upper Deck. “We’re enthusiastic about championing the growth of women’s hockey and inspiring the next generation of both athletes and collectors.”
To kick off the new venture, Upper Deck has released a free digital trading card set on its e-Pack platform. The set of ‘Inspirational Icons’ features decorated American and Canadian Olympians and World Championship gold medalists in Emily Clark (PWHL Ottawa), Kendall Coyne Schofield (PWHL Minnesota), Savannah Harmon (PWHL Ottawa), Hilary Knight (PWHL Boston), Sarah Nurse (PWHL Toronto), Marie-Philip Poulin (PWHL Montréal), Abby Roque (PWHL New York), and Natalie Spooner (PWHL Toronto).
“Upper Deck’s unparalleled expertise in sports collectibles makes them an ideal partner as we continue to build our community,” said Amy Scheer, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, PWHL. “Together, we will elevate the visibility of the PWHL, inspiring fans around the world to embrace the passion of our game and connect with stars of our league.”
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Chip Ganassi Racing gas unveiled Season 2 of their classic trading card series benefitting The American Legion and their Be The One initiative aimed at preventing veteran suicide.
For a $10 donation, collectors receive a single pack of eight cards, drawing from the collection of 36 different. Bulk ordering options are also available again, with quantities offered at 5, 10 and 20 packs.
The latest edition includes chrome cards with top Ganassi moments from the past and present along with rare, autographed inserts from the current Chip Ganassi Racing NTT Indycar Series driver lineup. The chrome cards feature notable achievements from last season and throwbacks to Chip Ganassi Racing lore, including “The Pass” at Laguna Seca by Alex Zanardi, CGR’s first championship with Jimmy Vasser in 1996 and the team’s first Indianapolis 500 win in 2000 with Juan Pablo Montoya.
“This project was wildly popular last season because it not only provides a remarkable product to race fans across the country, but it also directly impacts our mission to support the veteran community and save lives,” remarked Dean Kessel, Chief Marketing Officer of The American Legion.
At its core, The American Legion is activating a national platform in the Be The One initiative to reduce the rate of veteran suicide. The program destigmatizes asking for mental health support, provides peer-to-peer support and resources.
The trading cards are available exclusively at via this page. Two thousand packs of cards will be available through the 2024 racing season.
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