Strange Finds at The National: Baseball Edition

For generations, fathers have shared their love of baseball with their kids. In my house, it’s the same…but with a twist.

You see, every other year, The National Sports Collectors Convention hits Rosemont, IL, and, again, my 13-year-old son (who is NOT a sports fan) will be in tow.

“It’s like Comic-Con for sports nerds,” I tell him every year, “but this year…Jose Canseco will be making an appearance.”

He’s been suckered into that erroneous Comic-Con comparison before (three times now, if we’re counting), but, still…he opts to come with and, invariably, gets bored and needs something to occupy his time so I can do my thing.

So, much like two years ago, I gave him a chore.

Find me the strangest items for sale at this, The 38^th National Sports Collectors Convention. Naturally, he didn’t disappoint.

Cal Ripken with Breakfast Food

I’m not sure what they’re trying to sell here, but if you’ve got a picture of baseball’s then-eventual “Iron Man” and bacon, not only do you have Ron Swanson’s new favorite poster…you’ve also got an all-around winner.

Jim Palmer and Pete Rose Patches

In 1979, Penn Emblem Patches produced a 100-player set of player patches. Included in the set (outside of Jim Palmer and Pete Rose), everyone from Rod Carew to Biff Pocoroba. Why Biff Pocoroba? Why not?!?

Seattle Pilots Ashtray

The summer of 1969 brought the world three things of global importance…man walking on the moon, Woodstock and, you guessed it, the Seattle Pilots. Before they pulled up stakes and went to Milwaukee, the Pilots played one season of professional baseball… and left us this golden relic to remember them by.

Joe DiMaggio Signed Plate

Surprisingly, you can find Joe DiMaggio stuff all over the place at The National. Included, this autographed plate that features what I can only assume is Jerry Lewis as Joltin’ Joe.

Joe Tinker Cigars

After his playing days (but before his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1946), former Chicago Cubs shortstop had his own brand of cigars. Take THAT Johnny Evers and Frank Chance.

Old Timey Ashtrays

As fun as that Seattle Pilots ashtray is, it’s totally worth spending the extra money to purchase the set of four. Seriously, imagine how good your spare change and keys would look in that Milwaukee Braves ashtray. Wow.

Tom Nieto World Series Ring

Let’s pretend someone bet you $10,000 that you couldn’t name what team Tom Nieto played for in 1987. You’d answer the Minnesota Twins and, subsequently, would be able to afford to buy his World Series ring from that same season. And if you’re wondering how/why Nieto would give up such a prized possession…dude didn’t play an inning in the 1987 postseason.

Ted Turner Autograph

I’m not sure if Ted Turner was a businessman who yachted in his spare time or a yachter who owned the Atlanta Braves as a hobby. Either way, an autographed yachting card signed by the former Mr. Ted Turner himself? Sign me up!

Signed MLB Business Cards

While Ted Turner was not included in the batch of owners, GMs and “mangers” (I looked), I found this lot to be pretty interesting. Sidenote…is it worth $30 for you to get the personal cell number and email of your favorite (or least favorite) exec? If so, you’re probably also a stalker.

Milwaukee Brewers Trading Car

Baseball. Trading. Cars. Get it? You see, it’s a play on…oh, nevermind. Full disclosure…I almost bought this car.

Blue Jays Catcher’s Gear

Game used? We don’t know! Who’s gear? No idea! Still, hands down, one of the more unique items for sale.

Mickey Mantle Intercom

Take it from Mickey Mantle, this “transistorized” 2-station intercom (endorsed by the Yankees great himself) was, hands down, our favorite baseball item at The National. Would anyone ever think to get Mike Trout to endorse walkie-talkies? Absolutely not. That didn’t keep Mantle from cashing those fat Fedtro checks back in 1966.

See our 2017 NSCC video here.

Check out our special NSCC section here.

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About Shawn Anderson

Shawn Anderson is that guy who, instead of sitting there talking about the game going on around him, is talking wise about the history of baseball. He believes baseball figures such as Tommy John, Harold Baines, Ron Guidry and Billy Martin deserve their own plaque somewhere if not in Cooperstown.

You can listen to him every week as part of The Hall of Very Good Podcast or follow him on Twitter at @HOVG.