rainman67ko

Pittsburgh XXXI Spring Classic National Sports Card & Memorabilia Show 5/17/09
I went to a show today at Robert Morris University outside of Pittsburgh. I was not planning to attend but at the last minute I saw the opportunity to get out of the house, so I grabbed some stuff, and made my way out to see what was there. I picked up a few things for my PC (see scans). Over all the show looked like it had a good turn out and all the dealers where in a good mood.

I got in line for Duffy Dyer signing for $10 plus the ROMLB for $12. (see scan) Duffy Dyer was my favorite player when I was a little kid. My dad is a huge Met's fan. We named our Irish Setter Duffy. The first game I went to in 1976 was the Met's vs. Pirates at Shea Stadium and Duffy Dyer was now catching for the Pirates. He wasn’t the every day catcher and not an all star but it was great to meet him and talk with him a little bit.

I was able to pick up a couple of things for my hockey PC - I bought the 84-85 OPC #67 Steve Yzerman RC for $50 down from the $80 asking price ($100 BV). I needed this card for my set and was impressed with the overall condition compared to what I've seen on eBay or what is generally available with OPC of that era. The vintage Penguins cards I picked up where just plain cheap. I put together the Pens, the Brodeur RC, the mini pennant, the 1998 U.S.A. Olympic puck, and the 1977 OPC Pens logo for $17. The Bill Guerin BAP Auto and the 1971-72 Topps #50 Bobby Hull I paid $23 for both. I also got a box of 2008-09 UD Series 1 for $50. I will probably break that box after the game Monday or Tuesday. Or tonight if I can't sleep ha ha!

Showing up for the last few hours of a show can be really great. The dealers have either made out really well, or not, but either way they are eager to deal and pretty open to negotiating. I was able to trade if I wanted and also sold a nice 200+ card lot of VG-EX 1960 Topps baseball that included High numbers and listed cards to a dealer that had a need for them in his inventory. In years past I used to always go to shows on the first night and it seemed as if the dealers where a little uptight because they had lots of inventory, not much cash, and where anxious as to what sort of turnout the show would receive. First night is great if you’re buying wax or looking for something super rare.

I saw some great memorabilia that you don’t see every local show like these big 24"x36" box matted Sports Illustrated covers of the Steelers, thousands of auto baseballs and photos, tons of cool oddball items, programs, warehouse wax dealers, and regional/national dealers with some real quality stuff. I met some local people and made some contacts for buying, selling, and trading. Well worth the trip. The show is billed as a National show but I would say it was pretty much a regional.

After only 2 hours I was back in time to catch the second period on TV and get back to work on the "Honey Do" list. Looking forward to the National but that will be a game time decision too.

Thanks – Kevin


Original posts here -
https://www.sportscardforum.com/showt...05#post5661605
https://www.sportscardforum.com/showthread.php?t=797573