The March 2010 Philly Show Report

This morning I ventured out in the rain to the Valley Forge Convention Center to attend The Philly Show.  I’ve been going to this show for 7+ years and always find it to be pretty good.  MAB Celebrity brings in some nice signers for the show, and I think they have finally realized that bringing in athletes who play for the Phillies, Orioles, and Eagles draws a lot of collectors.

One thing I would like to get out of the way is the small communication problem MAB Celebrity had with collectors.  Saturday’s autograph guests included: Tyler Green, Bobby Shantz, Von Hayes, Jim Bunning, Dickie Thon, Jim Palmer, and Cal Ripken, Jr.  When I arrived, the sign downstairs had Jim Palmer crossed off and said “Canceled due to weather.”  The sign upstairs where you first walk in had Palmer on the list, but nobody crossed him off.  I remember a few collectors were angry because they paid the fee to get into the show and then found out Palmer wasn’t coming.  This is just a small communication problem that should have been fixed easily with a simple Sharpie.  Dickie Thon was suppose to be signing autographs at 1 p.m., but then they got word he was delayed because of the weather.  I had purchased a ticket for him to sign my bat, but decided to return it because nobody knew when he was going to arrive.  I’m glad to see MAB Celebrity was willing to refund collector’s their money when an athlete can’t make it on time or cancels.

I was able to get some good shots of the players that arrived while I was at the show.  I got Hayes, Bunning, and Green to sign my bat.  Take a look!

Former Phillies pitcher Tyler Green

Former Phillies pitcher and now Senator from Kentucky Jim Bunning – Bunning pitched a perfect game in 1964

Former Phillies outfielder Von Hayes

Bobby Shantz – 1952 AL MVP

Cal Ripken, Jr – The Iron Man!

Now lets talk about the cards.  The Philly Show is filled with dealers selling vintage stuff, but if you do a little hunting you’ll find some booths containing more modern stuff.  I picked up the following two singles for my collection.

Dan Marino 2001 Topps Rookie Reprint Jersey – the chance of finding one of these in a hobby pack is 1:1159

John McGraw 2002 Topps T206 bat

The Philly Show wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t bust some wax.  I ripped (3) boxes of 2009 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Football, (1) box of 2009 Leaf Limited Football, and (1) pack of 2009 Bowman Sterling Baseball.  My best hit from the Leaf Limited box was a Shonn Greene auto/multi-colored patch #’ed/149.  The Bowman Sterling didn’t yield anything too big other than a Freddy Glavis Prospect card for my Phillies collection.  I had the most luck with the ’09 Ultimate Collection Football.  My first pack yielded a Michael Crabtree rookie on-card auto #’ed/99 (pretty nice start).  The second packed contained a Brandon Pettigrew rookie on-card auto #’ed/399 (rookie for the Lions :().

Now lets talk about the third and final pack of ’09 Ultimate Collection Football.  I opened the pack and saw a plastic sleeve.  Flipping through the base cards I come to this BEAST!!!!!!!

On the front: Bo Jackson/Barry Sanders/Emmitt Smith/Earl Campbell

On the back: Gale Sayers/Franco Harris/Roger Craig/Billy Sims

I pulled an Ultimate Eight Signatures card serial numbered 1/4.  This is the second most valuable card I’ve ever pulled from a pack.  I went nuts when I pulled this thing and I’m still feeling the rush after seeing it.  Ultimate Collection is a real hit or miss product.  I would call this a definite HIT.  The Philly Show has a few dealers that sell wax.  I purchased all my boxes today from Marty Davis of Marty’s Sportscard Exchange.  He is a dealer from Tennessee, and he always seems to have the best prices on wax.  I have pulled several good cards from his booth.

Overall, I thought it was a great show.  Pulled some good stuff, picked up a few singles, and got some in person autographs.  I highly suggest you check it out if your in the area.

The next show is Sept 24 – 26.

PHOTOS: 4th Annual Hot Stove League Dinner & Auction

Last night the Williamsport Crosscutters presented the 4th Annual Hot Stove League Dinner & Auction at the Genetti Hotel.  This is the third dinner I have attended and it was a lot of fun.  I’m really glad the Crosscutters are affiliated with the Phillies because they have brought in some great people who tell some very entertaining baseball stories.  This was the first time the event took place without Harry Kalas who was deeply missed.  Before any interviews took place they played a short movie which was a tribute to Harry and featured some of his most famous calls.

During dinner, you could sit back and relax while listening to various guests that included Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy,  former Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles, Phillies hitting coach Milt Thompson, and the Phillies Asst. GM Scott Proefrock.  Throughout the evening, the Crosscutters mascot Boomer and the Phanatic made their way around to everyone’s table.  Check out some of the photos.  Click on each one to enlarge.

Phillies Asst. GM Scott Proefrock on the left, and the Crosscutters Vice President/Marketing & Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi to the right.

Phillies play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy

Former Phillies outfielder and now hitting coach Milt Thompson

Former Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles being interviewed by Gabe.

I took one of my new bats along and got Tom McCarthy, Dickie Noles, and Milt Thompson to sign it.

Phanatic came over to say “hi”.

The Genetti Hotel has been around for 87 years.  It has seen a ton of historic figures pass through its halls.  The hotel has a bunch of photos on display of some of the celebrities who have visited.  This picture of Cy Young and Connie Mack stood out to me.  I could have gotten some autographs that night 🙂

Crosscutters 4th Annual Hot Stove Dinner Guests Announced

On January 12th, I will be attending the Williamsport Crosscutters 4th Annual Hot Stove Dinner.  This is will be the third Hot Stove Dinner I have attended.  Today the Phillies announced which guests will be attending the dinner.  The guests include: Former Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles, broadcaster Tom McCarthy, hitting coach Milt Thompson, and Asst. General Manager Scott Proefrock.  Just like past Hot Stove Dinners, these guests will talk baseball with the crowd and let you know whats in store for the upcoming season.  One of the highlights of the evening will be when the Crosscutters induct former Phillies power hitter Dick Allen into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame.  As of right now, they aren’t sure if Dick Allen will be able to attend.

I plan on taking a bunch of photos to share.  The only downside to the evening will be the absence of the late Harry Kalas who always attended these events.  I’m going to try and get Dickie Noles and Tom McCarthy to sign one of my new bats.  This event is usually sold out, but tickets are still available if you live in the area.  For more information about this event, be sure to check out the Crosscutters website.