Card of the Day: Shaquille O’Neil 1993 Arena Sports Special Christmas Card

Trace McSorley Highlights 41st Ephrata Lions Club Sports Card Show

The Ephrata Lions Club Sports Card Show is known as one of the longest running one-day shows in the country.  Their 41st show will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the Ephrata Recreation Center in Ephrata, PA.  Its impressive that a show which started in the late 1970’s is still going strong.

Over (70) dealer tables will be setup.  Buy!  Sell!  Trade!  Lots of Phillies, Pirates, Orioles, Eagles, Steelers, and Ravens stuff!  I’ve been attending this show since 1997, and it certainly never disappoints.  A good mix of both modern and vintage cards.

Former Penn State and current Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley will sign autographs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  You can read more about the show here.

See Sports Card Info’s coverage of their 2019 show.

Here’s What Your 2019 National VIP Badges Look Like

I wonder if they’ve ever given any thought to randomly including autographs, relics, or vintage cards in these badges?  Honestly, people would probably complain “certain” people were getting the special cards.  Less than two weeks to go until the greatest show in the world celebrates it’s 40th anniversary.

Topps, Leaf, Upper Deck, and Panini all have VIP sets.  Don’t forget to check out my tips on how to get your name on the list to attend the Topps Q&A.

Good luck to everyone going!

Panini’s 2019 National VIP Set (Something To Look At While Waiting In Their Customer Service Line)

I’m not a big fan of Panini.  Its been years since I’ve opened any of their products.  I think they’re sloppy, careless, and abuse their exclusive licenses to the max.  With all of that said, people continue to buy their stuff and complain.

Panini’s customer support (or lack there of) is so poor its almost impossible to get a hold of someone to talk to.  During the National Sports Collectors Convention its a common sight to see people lined-up at the Panini booth waiting to talk to a customer support representative.  I’ve seen people stand there all day.  Its sad.  Collectors don’t want to spend all of their time at the National waiting to talk to Panini’s customer support.  That time should be used for walking around, looking at all the cool stuff, getting autographs, picking-up singles, and opening boxes.  Its not like you’re going to be satisfied after talking to the Panini employee anyway.

While you’re waiting in that long line at the Panini booth, VIPs should redeem the coupon found in their package of goodies.  That coupon is good for a 10-card set that features Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, Daniel Jones, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and R.J. Barrett.  The tenth card is still a mystery, and will be unveiled closer to the start of the 2019 National.  I’m fairly positive it’ll be of Zion Williamson.

Upper Deck’s 2019 National 5-Card VIP Set

VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention will find a 5-card set within their welcome package.  This set includes Prominent Cuts cards of Tiger Woods, Ben Simmons, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, and Deandre Ayton.

Topps Readies 5-Card Set For 2019 National VIPs

VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention will receive a 5-card set thanks to Topps.  The set includes Frank Thomas, Ryne Sandberg, Carlton Fisk, Kris Bryant, and Ernie Banks.  Interested in attending the Topps Q&A during the NSCC?  Be sure to check out my tips on how to get your name on that exclusive list.

Leaf’s 4-Card Set For 2019 National VIPs

Leaf Trading Cards has a 4-card set for VIPs attending the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention.  The set includes Kyler Murray, Stephen Curry, Harrison Ford, and Wander Franco.