Sport collector trade show and Pedro Martinez appearance!!!

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  Other than this being my birthday week, I look forward to attending the Greater Boston Sports Collector's Club Card and Memorabilia Show.  It has happened the first weekend in November at the Shriner Auditorium in Wilmington Mass. for as long as I can remember.  This year's show is scheduled for Friday November 2nd - Sunday November 4th and is featuring Pedro Martinez. I have not missed attending this show since I first attended in 2002.  I have found hundreds of deals on anything including memorabilia, photos, cards, supplies and autographs. There will be over 80 dealers in attendance, both from the region and nationally.


Me and Pedro Martinez
















One of the reasons this show is my favorite is that everyone is very friendly and helpful.   There are items out there for the bargain hunter or the high end collector and of course all of us in between.  I've seen autographs for sale that include almost every hall of famer for every sport.  I've seen rare items like Cy Young, Babe Ruth and Alan Shepard(First U.S. astronaut in space) signed items.  Since I've been attending I've learnt much about collecting, how to preserve autographs and what's out there on the market.  I always feel that when I walk and speak with dealers, I learn something new every November.

So here are some tips on how to make the most of one day or the weekend at the show.
1.  Walk the entire floor at least once before purchasing anything.  My experience is that you will find the same item in multiple locations.  The dealers are very competitive and will almost always come down in price to get the sale.
2.  Prepare to spend at least 2 hours browsing.  Be patient and ready to negotiate.
3.  Bring something to drink with you.  It is very dry in most facilities.
4.  Wear comfortable footwear.  The entire floor is concrete.
5.  If you are purchasing an autograph or game used piece of memorabilia make sure it is has authentication.  Ask the dealer where it came from and who authenticated it.  If the price is too good to be true, then don't purchase it. 
6.  Most dealers will come down in price on the last day of a show.  They honestly don't want to haul it back to their homes or businesses. 
7.  Have cash on hand.  Most dealers cannot accept credit cards and if they do, they might charge a service fee to pay for the connection at their table.
8.  Sign up for raffles and door prizes.  Almost every show has them and there are usually great prizes.
9.  If you are attending to meet players, be ready to wait in line, and in small spaces.  Also, if you have no idea what you want autographed the promoter's merchandise table will have the best items at reasonable prices.

This year's autograph guests include:
Pedro Martinez
Baseball Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith and Brooks Robinson
Cecil Cooper
Red Sox WS Champion, Doug Mientkiewicz
Boston Bruin and Stanley cup champion, Shawn Thornton
New England Patriot, Aaron Hernandez
Jake LaMotta
Fred Lynn
Will Middlebrooks
Ramiro Mendoza

For more information on autograph guest information please visit www.sureshotpromotions.com

Opportunity to meet New England Patriot, Stevan Ridley

New England Picture and Sure Shot Promotions have teamed up for another great autograph signing.  They will have running back Stevan Ridley available to sign autographs at outstanding prices on November 14th.  Stevan is having a great season to this point and as his stock and playing time rise, his autograph price will as well.    This could be a great cost effective gift for a child or the casual Patriot Fan or an outstanding chance to meet Stevan for the diehard fan.  So come and out, and take advantage of this now. 

Pricing is as follows:
$29 for small, regular items and photos.
$39 for premium items such as jerseys and helmets.
$15 for inscriptions.

Welcome back to Boston, John Farrell

The Red Sox announced today that John Farrell was hired as the next manager.  He will be the 3rd Sox manager in 3 years.  He pitched for the Cleveland Indians, Anaheim Angels and Detroit Tigers.  He was the pitching coach on the Sox when they won the World Series in 2007, then for the past 2 seasons was manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.  So enough of his history, what my readers want to know is what is his autograph worth?

The answer is not much.  In fact, I wouldn't value him at more than $35 - $40 on any item and that is only because he was the pitching coach for a world series winning team.  That doesn't mean his autograph won't appreciate in value, but until the Sox get back into the playoffs and even win a playoff series, any manager's autograph won't be of much value to any collector.

Meet Celtics Guard Rajon Rondo

Ever meet an NBA point guard before?  Now's your chance.  Boston Celtic's point guard is making a public autograph appearance in Portsmouth NH on Thursday October 25.  Rajon is one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA as well as Celtics history.  He is one of the most valuable players for the Celtics, as is evident by their win-loss record when he doesn't play.












Pricing for Rondo's autograph is $69 for regular items and $99 for premium items with an additional charge for inscriptions.  This pricing is outstanding, because as his popularity increases prices will increase by another 30% - 40% in the next 4 years.  Take advantage of this now.

For more information please click on websites below:
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com