October CSA Autograph Show Line Up

CSA Shows has another unique and collector friendly show this month.

The October 15-17 show has more '72 Dolphin reunion guests and is heavy on the basketball guests. Some of the basketball autograph guests include:
- Magic Johnson
- Jerry West
- George Gervin

There's also a '77-78 Washington Bullets reunion (pictured here) with: Phil Chenier, Bob Dandridge, Kevin Grevey, Elvin Hayes, Tom Henderson, Dick Motta, Joe Pace, Wes Unseld, and Larry Wright. 

My favorite part of CSA Shows is the free admission on Fridays. This is perfect for the card collector who doesn't want to fight the autograph crowds. 

Rare Magic Johnson Public Autograph Session

I was a New York Knicks basketball fan growing up, but I wouldn't miss a Magic Johnson basketball game on TV. It didn't matter who the Lakers were playing, if Magic was in the game I wanted to watch him play. And when he played the Knicks, it was tough to route against him.

CSA Shows in Chantilly, VA sent an email today announcing that Magic Johnson will be signing autographs at their October 15-17 show. Magic's prices are:
- $125 for flats
- $150 for premium items
- $50 for inscriptions

Larry Csonka Headlines CSA Show This Weekend

The CSA Show this weekend in Chantilly, VA may be their biggest show ever - at least with the number of guests they are providing.

The Collector's Showcase America will have over 50 autograph guests running Friday through Sunday.

CSA doesn't just throw out random big names and keep introducing them at every show, they really gear the show for the collectors. This quarter's show has a 2nd Miami Dolphins reunion theme and several other NFL HOF players. I'm not going to this one, but I've been to several in the past. They are worth the trip.

The Top 10 ticket sales for their July show is:
1. Larry Csonka
2. Floyd Little
3. John Randle
4. Ray Lewis
5. Paul Warfield
6. Bill Stanfill
7. Nick Buoniconti
8. Marlin Briscoe
9. Larry Seiple
10. Dan Marino

Starting to Collect a New Team Set

I can't decided if I'm looking forward to the new challenge or wondering what I'm getting myself into. Starting to collect a new team set is exciting and fun, but can be extremely frustrating at the same time.

I recently finished my '52 Bowman Small Dallas Texans team set. I really enjoyed the look of the cards, so I've decided to do the 52 Bowman Large version of the Texans.

The Bowman Large cards are approximately the same width of a regular card, but they almost .25" taller. I had to get some taller sleeves for the binder - Chris Olds from Beckett recommended The2Buds.com - good site and I picked up some bigger pages to store these '52 Bowman Large cards.

I picked up this card of Barney Poole at the CSA Show in March.

Lee Roy Jordan Cowboys Autograph

Lee Roy Jordan made a rare autograph appearance last month. He couldn't have been nicer and was proud to show his Super Bowl VI ring.

Jordan became the 13th autograph on my Cowboys Super Bowl VI helmet (pictured here).

Mike Ditka's First Super Bowl Wasn't with Chicago

"Da Coach" is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys. I'm a Mike Ditka fan. I thought he was great for the game and still is with his commentary.

In 1969, Mike Ditka came to Dallas and in 1971 he helped the Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl. In Super Bowl VI he caught a touchdown pass from Roger Staubach helping the 'boys win their first title, 24-3 over the Miami Dolphins.

In the 1977 season Mike Ditka was a coach on the Cowboys for their 27-10 win against the Denver Broncos.

I got Mike Ditka's autograph on my Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII helmets during the March CSA Autograph Show. The picture here is from my Super Bowl XII helmet.

Herschel Walker Cowboys Autograph Mini Helmet

Herschel Walker was one of my favorite players as a kid. He was explosive in college, the USFL, and with my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.

I always thought he handled himself with class, especially when he was the only thing to watch on the Cowboys for a time in the late '80s. I had a Herschel Walker jersey - which turned into a Tommie Agee jersey after he was traded to Minn.

I picked up this mini-helmet autograph at the CSA Show in March. Walker was nice to everyone and posed for pictures. He even added the "America's Team" inscription to this mini helmet.

What Would Casey Stengel Say?

I added to my '62 Topps Mets team set last week at the CSA Show. I picked up this Casey Stengel card for a couple of dollars.

I'm a huge Mets fan, but I'm not looking forward to this season - I think they could easily land in last place of the NL East with this team.

After getting this card, I began thinking, "What would Casey say" about this current Mets team.

Here are some great "Stengelese" quotes - the last one is my favorite:
- All right everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height.
- I've been in this game a 100 years, but I see new ways to lose I never knew existed before.
- Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa.
- I don't know if he throws a spitball but he sure spits on the ball.
- I was such a dangerous hitter I even got intentional walks during batting practice.
- Managing is getting paid for home runs someone else hits.
- Most people are dead at my age. You could look it up.
- Mr., that boy couldn't hit the ground if he fell out of an airplane.
- Son, we'd like to keep you around this season but we're going to try and win a pennant.
- The only thing worse than a Mets game is a Mets doubleheader.

What Can a Hashtag Do For Your Sports Card Show?

Hashtags (image here) are playing a huge role in conventions and for our hobby - card and memorabilia shows.

Hashtags are used in twitter to identify a common subject for people to talk and share information about - the whole social component to social media. A hashtag is applied by someone when they are sending a tweet about the subject that people are following. For example, on Saturday, I was providing twitter updates on the CSAShow in Chantilly, VA. One of my twitter updates was, "Mike Ditka is running about 45 minutes late for his autograph session. #CSAShow."

Anyone following that hashtag (#CSAShow) would get that update.

This can be extremely helpful for people attending the card show and people hosting the show. If you are attending, you can read the comments that other people are making about a booth, autograph session or dealer. It makes the show smaller.

For example, I could send this via twitter, "The Triple Play booth was extremely helpful and gave great deals on some '52 Bowman cards. #CSAShow." That would helpful for others attending, the Triple Play dealer, and the show organizer.

Following a hashtag is easy and you don't have to be on twitter to do it.
1. Go to twitter.com
2. In the Search field (on the right), type: #CSAShow
- The search results will display and you can see everything said about the CSAShow.
- You can see pictures people sent via Twitter that go with the hashtag.
- Sure you had to go to the web site, but you don't need a twitter account to read it.

You can save the search or save the RSS of the search to your favorite RSS Reader. Getting it to send text messages to your phone or to your smart phone depends on the type of phone you have.

I'm a big fan of the hashtag for conventions and events. I think it makes the event smaller, brings a ton of information for people attending, setting up or hosting. There weren't too many doing it at the CSAShow this weekend, but do a search on #NSCCShow or #NSCC and see how much is going on for the National!

Why Advertise You Sell By the Book?

I understand some people love book value and some people hate it. Some say you should go by eBay sale numbers and some say the book value is where price negotiations should be begin.

Regardless of your position, I can't understand why a dealer would put this label on his cards for sale. This photo was taken from a table at the CSA Show on Friday.

Have you ever gone to Target or Best Buy and bought an item that said, "Items are priced by MSRP." You'd look at the item and then move on. You probably wouldn't even pick it up.

Whether you're at a show or a Walmart, you want a good deal - or at least think you're getting a good deal.

I walked right by this table. I didn't even think about opening the binder. He may have had some great cards, but I bought from tables that wanted to work with you, move a product and create a good experience.

Former NFL GM and NFL Exec Likes Cards Too

You never know who you'll meet at a sports card show.

On Saturday, I ran into Charlie Casserly at a dealer's table while I was looking for some '62 Topps.

I was standing next to him looking through a binder when the dealer said to him, "haven't I done business with you before?" I answered, "That's Charlie Casserly from the Redskins and NFL Network."

I introduced myself to Charlie and took this picture with my cell phone. I must have ran into Charlie Casserly about ten times at the show. It was funny to see such a high powered executive with different teams and with the NFL just walking around the show with hardly anyone recognizing him.

Day 1 at the CSA Show

I made it to Day 1 of the CSA Show in Chantilly, VA. The drive started a little rough with winter's last few inches of snow the night before, but the highways were clear.

My Journalism Board meeting at BGSU was moved to next week, so I was able to hit the road early and catch most of the show today.

The best part of the show today - FREE! Yes, the first day of the CSA Show is free. What a great way to promote the product and get people to keep coming back. I noticed a lot of people walking around today and most of the booths were set up. Psstt - The National . . . are you listening?

Some quick updates:

• No autographs were today.
• I saw a lot of the same vendors/dealers.
• The show seems a lot smaller to me this time - sign of the times I guess.
• It seemed there were more dealers advertising they were buying?!

Tomorrow's agenda:

• Mike Ditka autographs
• Lee Roy Jordan autograph
• Herschel Walker autograph
• Look for some missing 1962 Topps

I'll give a show report this weekend.

Card Show Weekend and Twitter

I'm packing my bags and heading the spring CSA Show this weekend.

I'm looking for some more 1962 Topps and getting autographs from some classic Dallas Cowboys players/coaches.

I should get there in time Friday to pick up my tickets and take a free sneak peak. Typically, CSA allows me to walk around the show on Friday night when I get there (5:00ish). It's great to not have to pay full price for a few hours of a show (are you listening National?).

I'll send some twitter updates from the show on Saturday by using the hashtag: #CSAShow or you can follow me on twitter.com/jamesryanj. You can RSS a hashtag to see everyone who comments on the show without joining twitter - same with RSS my tweets without joining twitter.

This is my first card show in months and I'm really looking forward to it!

Dallas Cowboys Autograph Show at CSA Shows?

A pretty strong Dallas Cowboys autograph is in the works at CSA Shows.

March 26-28, 2010 is three months away, but the show already has confirmed three former Dallas Cowboys: Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, and Herschel Walker.

I'm pretty much set with Roger Staubach after this summer and Tony D (when he wouldn't get off the phone to sign an autograph, but Herschel Walker is a great addition! I was a huge fan of Herschel back in the day.

Don't forget Emmitt Smith is due to get elected to the HOF this spring and CSA does an amazing job of getting the new HOF class to sign at their March shows.

Autograph Show Top 10 List

CSA Shows held their final event of 2009 last weekend. CSA Shows does a great job doing four events a year in Chantilly, VA.

The biggest change I noticed about this show was their use of twitter. CSA began sending autograph guest updates throughout the weekend via twitter. You can subscribe to their updates at www.twitter.com/csashows

I couldn't’t make it to this show. I was busy helping Obi Wan Kanobi and Clone Trooper Commander Cody collect candy door-to-door on Saturday. I’ve been critical of their all-Steelers all the time approach to previous shows, but this one was much more diverse and their top 10 ticket sellers had a bit of everything: baseball, football, and hockey!

Here are the Top 10 Pre-sale autograph ticket purchases:
1. Ryan Zimmerman
2. Deacon Jones
3. Frank Howard
4. Bert Jones
5. Carlton Fisk
6. Ozzie Newson
7. Fergie Jenkins
8. Sonny Jurgensen
9. Lee Roy Selmon
10. Alexander Ovechkin

CSA Show dates for 2010 (so far) are:
- March 26, 27, 28
- July 9, 10, 11

Reggie Jackson is a New Currency

The dollar is dead and the Redge is the new standard.

Reggie Jackson is a little busy these days with the NY Yankees in the World Series. He's so busy, that he needed to cancel a scheduled appearance at the CSA Show on October 31. CSA could have just offered refunds, but instead, they offered the Redge.

If you pre-ordered your autograph ticket for Reggie Jackson, you can get a full-refund or participate in the Redge exchange rate for other autograph tickets.

Here is the current market value of the Redge:
1 Reggie small flat/baseball or oversize flat/equipment Ticket = 10 Redges
1 Reggie premium Ticket = 20 Redges

Redges may be redeemed according to the following menu:

1 Redge @: Carlton Fisk Inscription, Jean Fugett, Frank Howard, Charley Taylor, Chris Warren.

2 Redges @: Fergie Jenkins, Jim Kaat, Charles Mann, Gaylord Perry.

5 Redges: Carlton Fisk small flat/baseball Ticket.

7 Redges: Carlton Fisk oversize flat Ticket.

9 Redges: Carlton Fisk premium Ticket, any Game Model Bat (still in stock: Carlton Fisk, Frank Howard, Fergie Jenkins, Jim Kaat, Gaylord Perry, Ozzie Smith).

10 Redges: John Riggins small flat Ticket.

13 Redges: John Riggins mini helmet/football Ticket.

15 Redges: John Riggins premium (jersey/full size helmet/Super Bowl poster) Ticket.

Dolphins Nick Buoniconti Still Undefeated

The CSA Autograph show in Chantilly, VA is this weekend and Dolphins Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti is the advanced ticket sales leader.

It's really not a big surprise to see him at the top. Buoniconti has been a requested guest for years and took the lead in advanced ticket sales virtually the minute his name was announced as a guest.

There are 58 confirmed autograph guests at the pavilion and several others will be in different areas of the show. Over 30 hall of famers will be there.

The CSA Show begins July 10 and finishes July 12.

The Top 10 in Advanced ticket sales:
1. Nick Buoniconti
2. Santonio Holmes
3. Randall McDaniel
4. Bruce Smith
5. Ike Taylor
6. Jim Rice
7. Mewelde Moore
8. Billy Shaw
9. Dan Fouts
10. Rod Woodson

Other notables at this show include: Meadowlark Lemon (15), Andrew Dawson (25), Art Donovan (29), and Bill "Ready" Cash (46).

If anyone is going, please send me Flickr link or photos - It would be great to post them on the blog as a follow-up.

Carlton Fisk Autograph Cancellation - No Problem for CSA Shows

If you've attended an autograph show, then you know that anything can happen with the autograph guests. Players can be late for their own signings and sometimes they cancel at the last minute leaving you to scramble for a refund from the show promoter.

CSA Shows is taking guest canceling to a new level. Carlton Fisk recently canceled at the Chantily, VA based show for his July 12 appearance. If you ordered an advance ticket you can get a refund, an exchange or a special offer. For every one Carlton Fisk advanced ticket you purchased, you can 2 Jim Rice autograph tickets or 3 Andre Dawson tickets!

Fisk baseball autographs were $75 a piece. Rice autograph baseball tickets are $55 a piece and Andre Dawson autograph baseball tickets are $30 a piece. Obviously you are getting a real value for the exchange. This is a great job by CSA Shows.

The summer CSA Show is July 10, 11, and 12. You can also follow the show promoter on twitter: @CSAShows.

CSA Shows on Twitter

CSA Shows are on the Twitter bandwagon. You can find them at: http://twitter.com/csashows. I think this is a great move.

I hope CSA uses this to communicate: autograph guest announcements and show changes. I think this is a great move and will bring CSA Shows another step closer to their customer.

I suggested this idea to MAB a few months ago and they said they were looking into it. Hopefully seeing another autograph company dip their toe in the Twitter pool will push them in!

Steelers' James Harrison Tops Autograph Tickets

James Harrison finished #1 on the CSA Shows autograph ticket list this weekend. CSA's quarterly show featured anyone who walked through the state of Pennsylvania.

Well, maybe not quite but the majority of their guests this weekend were from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I usually try to attend this show, but CSA went a bit too far too often with the yellow and black theme. In the past year, they've had plenty of current and former Steeler guests at their shows, but this one was even too much for me.

I'm hoping the next one has a bit more diversity and has some athletes that haven't been to CSA in the last 12 months. The next show is scheduled for July 10-12.

John Elway was the most signer - $225 for a premium item autograph and $100 for an inscription (HOF, SB Champ, etc). I guess the recession doesn't hit everyone after all! I think Y.A. Tittle had the best deal with $45 for any item and one free inscription. Click here to see all the prices at the show.

Harrison was followed by LaMarr Woodley and James Farrior on the most popular list. Here is the complete list of most purchased autograph tickets:

1. James Harrison
2. LaMarr Woodley
3. James Farrior
4. Hines Ward
5. Rod Woodson
6. Heath Miller
7. Jim Taylor
8. Willie Parker
9. Lawrence Timmons
10. John Riggins
11. Jerome Bettis
12. Bart Starr
13. Joe Greene
14. Alexander Ovechkin
15. Bill Dudley
16. John Elway
17. Lawrence Taylor
18. Ricky Williams
19. Michael Strahan
20. Greg Lloyd
21. Mike Green
22. Rocky Bleier
23. Joe Belllino
24. Willie Davis
25. Alexander Semin
26. Paul Hornung
27. Herb Adderley
28. Y.A. Tittle
29. Niklas Backstrom
30. Donald Brashear
31. Chris Cooley
32. Antwaan Randle El
33. Darius Heyward-Bey
34. DeAngelo Williams
35. Rashaan Salaam
36. Willie Wood