Ephrata Rec Center Sports Card Show Report

Its not the size of the show, its the content that counts.  This is one simple phrase that I could use to sum up the 2009 Ephrata Recreational Center Sports Card & Memorabilia Show put together by the Lions Club.  

The show opened Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and as I was pulling into the parking space I could see the line going all the way out the front door.  The line moved pretty fast and within a few minutes I had my hand stamped and purchased an autograph ticket.  After attending the Philadelphia Show and the 2007 National, I knew this show wouldn’t seem as big.  Before making any purchases I browsed around the 30 plus tables of cards and memorabilia.  The major reason I go to this show is because it always has a ton of Phillies stuff, and this time it really delivered.  

Check out some of the Phillies and other single cards I picked up for my personal collection.  I did bust a few packs, but after seeing all the Phillies stuff I decided to stick with singles.

Around 11:00 a.m. they started calling ticket numbers for autographs.  This year the autograph setup ran mucher smoother unlike two years ago.  Darren Daulton was signing autographs in the old room they use to hold the card show in.  I think the last time I was in that room was 11 years ago when I got Garo Yepremian to sign my Dolphins pennant.  Having the autograph guest outside of the card show and in another room, really helped keep the traffic down around the show entrance.  

Photos:

 

The line to get in went all the way out the front door.  Waiting in line may not seem fun for some people, but I think this is a great sign that so many people still enjoy this hobby.

 

Inside the show there were about three dozen dealers.

 

Here is Darren Daulton signing my bat.  He has to be one of the nicest athletes I have ever met.  He really enjoyed talking with his fans and taking photos.  He wanted to know who else signed my bat.

 

Championship ring

 

As I was passing by one dealer, they were putting these bobble heads out for display.  I had to pick one up for my collection.

 

How could I not pass this up?  Its a dual bobble head of Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn.  I also purchased a 2004 Philadelphia Phillies Inaugural Citizens Bank Park pin & 2008 World Series Champions button.

Overall, I think this was a successful show, especially if you’re a Phillies fan.  I can’t wait to go back next year.

The next event Sports Card Info will be attending is the Tailgate at the Dome dinner with former Penn State stars Blair Thomas, Shane Conlan, D.J. Dozier, and Kenny Jackson on April 23, 2009.  Be ready for more photos!