The Philly Show

Just got back from the Philly Show. For anyone who didn't read my last blog entry this is one of the bigger shows on the east coast. I found it odd that the Philly Show website did not have the list of signers posted. I believe the organization that runs this show has a different website and I found the list of signers on there site: MAB Celebrity Services.

As for the show, I got there late but I did catch a glimpse of a couple of former players such as Lenny Dysktra, Orlando Cepeda, and Thaddeus Young. While I was looking at cards at one table I over heard a lady talking about how pleasant Thaddeus Young was compared to someone else whose name I did not hear. I always find it interesting to hear what the players are like when they attend these shows.

The show itself had a decent crowd even though I got there late in the day. However, it looked like there were less dealers this year and I noticed a couple of major dealers where missing as well. The good news is that the handful of dealers I spoke to all said that the crowds and business where good today. (I did my part to contribute!) One dealer pointed out that it might have helped that there was less competition.

The Philly Show, in my opinion, is typically heavy with vintage card dealers and this show was no exception. Since I'm focusing on the modern cards until I had to search a little harder for items that might help my inventory. I ended up picking up a 2008 Topps Baseball Series I Jumbo box and a 1996 Topps Baseball set at good prices. I also picked up one of the last 2010/11 Upper Deck Hockey Series II boxes that I could find (note: these were selling well at the show). I also picked up and box of UD Hockey Series II Jumbo Rack Packs which are supposed to have a better hit rate on the Young Guns than the hobby box. Yes, it's an odd mix of purchase but I was looking for good deals to help fill holes in my inventory.

Finally, I had a blast searching through a the inventory of a couple of dealers looking for interesting inserts. I basically I looked for serial numbered cards and other inserts that might fit into collection of people who have ordered from me recently. I'll just put these online this week and see if they surprise some people.

This got me thinking, I'd love to know what players and teams you collect. I'd love to have a list of players/teams to focus on and I could keep an eye out for cool inserts, jersey cards, or other parallels which I could put into inventory. I'd also like to send out an email periodically (quarterly?) that is tailored to your collection which highlights the cards we've added of your player/team. Just drop a comment here or send me an email at service@sandlotcards.com of a player or team your collecting and I'll keep an eye out for their cards when I'm at the shows.

March!

March can be a frustrating month when you're waiting for spring to arrive. You start getting some nice breaks in the weather and then just when you think spring is close you get smacked with a few more weeks of miserable cold weather.

However, when it comes to collecting, March is probably my favorite month. You have all the optimistic news coming out of spring training about the next hot rookies, Topps baseball cards are in full swing, and Heritage is just around the corner. But the most important thing March means to me is The Philly Show.

If you live near Philadelphia (actually King of Prussia) PA, The Philly Show is probably the best show of the year. It's been running since 1975 and has about 100 - 150 dealers/tables. There is usually a great lineup of HOF's signing each day and the last few years they've had an ex-Philly player signing for free. All the major grading agencies have booths, many of the major auction houses are there, as are many of the dealers you see advertising in the major hobby publications.

The show is also held in the fall and last year was the first time I attended that session. Unfortunately the turnout seemed lighter than in the spring. I'm curious to see what the turnout will be this weekend and who will be signing. I usually like to bring a couple of cards for guest who signs for free. I do find it odd that the show starts tomorrow and there still isn't a list of who is signing on the website. You would think that would help draw a crowd. If the crowd is light again then the promoter needs to take this into consideration.

Anyway, I'm not sure what day I'll attend but I write up a quick note afterward to let everyone know how it was and who was signing.