David Ortiz, 1980 US hockey Team, 1967 Red Sox, Pedro Martinez and more...........

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's occurred 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 on Friday November 6 - Sunday November 8 and is featuring many members of the 1980 US Olympic gold winning hockey team, members of the 1967 Red Sox, 1975 Red Sox players Dwight Evans and Fred Lynn and baseball Hall of famers Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Wade Boggs, Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk, Andrew Dawson and Jim Bunning, in addition to David Ortiz and many more.  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.


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:
Newest Member to the 500 HR club, David Ortiz
Baseball Hall of Famers:  Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Jim Bunning, Wade Boggs, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Andrew Dawson
1980 US Olympic Hockey Team:  Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig and more
1967 Red Sox:  Mike Andrews, Jim Lonborg, Reggie Smith, Gary Bell and more
Former Red Sox:  Brian Daubach, Phil Seibel, Scott Williamson, Dwight Evans, Fred Lynn

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

New England Patriot Dion Lewis Autograph signing

New England Patriot fans, this is the deal for you.  Come see and meet one of the hottest running backs in the NFL, not to mention one of the key figures in the Patriots 6-0 start.  Dion Lewis will be in Braintree Mass on Monday November 2, 2015.

The pricing for this event is outstanding.  You can get a regular size item (ie. mini helmet or 8x10 photo) autographed for only $20.  It is only $30 for premium items such as jerseys, footballs and full size helmets.  You cannot beat this price for a current NFL player of this stature. 

Since I started these posts in 2010, my big theme is to take advantage of these opportunities.  As the memorabilia industry keeps growing so will the price of athlete autographs.  You cannot beat this deal.

For more information please check the following websites.
www.newenglandpicture.com
www.sureshotpromotions.com



 

Baseball's 500 Home Run Club

With the recent addition of  David Ortiz to Major League Baseball's 500 Home Run club, I got thinking of some fascinating statistics regarding this rare group.  Yes it seems that since 1995, and the explosion of baseball home runs for all sorts of reasons, this newest members to the group may not be perceived as "legitimate", however an achievement is an achievement. So here is some interesting facts about this group.

When David Ortiz entered this exclusive club on September 12 he became member #27.  There have been over 16,500 professional players in the history of major league baseball.
Of the 27, 8 have passed (Ruth, Killebrew, Williams, Banks, Ott, Mathews, Foxx, Mantle)
Of the 27, 3 are still active (ARod, Ortiz, Pujols)
Of the 27, 5 are also in the 3000 hit club (ARod, Aaron, Mays, Murray, Palmeiro)
There are only 28 players in the 3000 hit club, 1 more than the 500 HR club.
Of the 27, 16 are in the Hall of Fame, those who are not include:  McGwire, Sosa, ARod, Thome, Sheffield, Pujols, Ortiz, Palmeiro, Ramirez, Griffey Jr., & Bonds.

As you know, if you've ever read my blog, you know I collect in themes.  This is a great themed group to collect.  Yes, finding a Ruth, Ott, Williams, Foxx or Mantle ball will be a challenge, unless you mortgage your house or win the lottery, but it is still worth collecting.  So keep an eye out for these living members and look for deals on the deceased guys like Killebrew, Mathews, and Banks.  They are attainable at more than fair prices.

My 500 HR club collection.

My personal favorites, of this group.

Superbowl 49 Hero, Malcolm Butler Autograph signing Information

Superbowl 49 hero Malcolm Butler is appearing on Tuesday September 29th at the New England Picture store in Manchester NH. at 7:00pm. 

Pricing for this signing is $79 for any item.  This price also includes the inscription "GW INT".  This is a great deal as inscriptions are usually an extra fee.  His price has stayed at the same since his game winning interception, which is why fans need to take advantage now.

I expect this signing to be packed and very busy.  I highly recommend you pre-purchase your tickets as this will most likely sell out.

For more information click on the link below.

www.newenglandpicture.com

Boston Red Sox Outfielder, Mookie Betts, Autograph Appearance

Red Sox fans, this is a great opportunity for you.  Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is making a public autograph appearance on Thursday September 3 in Braintree Mass..  Do not miss out on meeting this upcoming exciting star.  He has been one of the few positives for the Red Sox in 2015.

As I've said in other posts, this is the best time to meet these young athletes. One because they are still new and fresh.  Two because they are accessible, and three because their autograph is inexpensive.  His price will only go up and already has, so take advantage of this now.

For more information you can check the following websites:
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com

Autograph Signings with New England Patriot Michael Hoomanawanui

As Patriot training camp is closer to starting, more and more players will be around to make some public appearances.  One of the first ones of this season is scheduled for July 27, in Braintree, Mass..

The price for an autograph is outstanding.  It is ONLY $20 for any item, premium or regular.  It is ONLY $10 for an inscription such as "SB 49 champs."  I am telling you this price is outstanding and is rarely this low for SB champion, especially in the northeast.

I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.  Whether you want him to sign a photo, football, helmet or team item, this is a great deal.

For more information click here: www.newenglandpicture.com

Have you met a professional soccer player? If not read about this deal.

Most US sports fans only care about the 4 major sports (Baseball, Basketball, Hockey and Football) and occasionally some form of auto racing and golf.  This is perfectly fine. However, globally, soccer is without a doubt the most popular and passionate sport around.  Yes, players tend to flop and there is little scoring, but there is no other sport that brings other nations together such as soccer.

For those of you US soccer fans here is an outstanding opportunity for you.  New England Picture is hosting a public signing with New England Revolution starts Diego Fagundez and Charlie Davies.  The cost is only $10 per autograph per player.  This is as low as it gets for a paid public appearance.

Diego is a 20 year old Uruguayan player who is in his 5th season with the Revolution.  He has played internationally for Uruguay in the South American Youth Championship.  His goal is to represent Uruguay or the US in the next FIFA world cup.  Diego is a local, as he grew up in the town of Leominster, Massachusetts after his family moved from Uruguay.

Charlie is a 29 year old professional American soccer player.  Davies competed internationally over many years, including the 2008 Olympics.  He is from Lawrence, Massachusetts and played soccer at Boston College.

For more information click here:www.newenglandpicture.com

 

Red Sox Outfielder Mookie Betts, Autograph signing

Red Sox fans, this is a great opportunity for you.  Red Sox upcoming outfielder Mookie Betts is making a public autograph appearance on Thursday April 16.  Do not miss out on meeting this upcoming exciting star.  As I've said in other posts, this is the best time to meet these young guys, one because they are still new and fresh.  Two because they are accessible, and three because they autograph is inexpensive. 

For more information you can check the following websites:
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com

New England Patriot, Rob Ninkovich Autograph Signing

New England Patriot and Superbowl 49 champion, Rob Ninkovich is making an autograph appearance on April 6, 2015, in Epping New Hampshire.  His pricing is outstanding as all items are only $49 per item, regular or premium.  Inscriptions are $25 per item. 

This is worth taking advantage of as players of his caliber and more importantly Super Bowl Champions, are usually not this cheap, and this is a deal worth taking advantage of.

For more information please check:
www.newenglandpicture.com

Dont'A Hightower and Danny Amendola, New England Patriot Autograph signing

New England Patriot fans, here is information on another fantastic opportunity to meet 2 of the super bowl champs.  On March 30, offensive receiver Danny Amendola and defensive player Dont'A Hightower are making an autograph appearance in Nashua NH.

Pricing for this event is very reasonable.  Individually, pricing is $49 for regular items, $69 for premium.  However for just $89 you can purchase a super ticket to acquire a regular item from each player or $119 to acquire a premium item from each player.  I highly recommend the super ticket as you'll save money and time.

For more information check the following websites.
www.newenglandpicture.com
www.sureshotpromotions.com

New England Patriot, Malcolm Butler Autograph Signing

The first official post superbowl 49 champion signing is coming this week.   Superbowl hero Malcolm Butler is appearing on Thursday February 26th at the New England Picture store in Braintree Mass. at 7:00pm. 

Pricing for this signing is $79 for any item.  This price also includes the inscription "GW INT".  This is a great deal as inscriptions are usually an extra fee.

I expect this signing to be packed and very busy.  I highly recommend you pre-purchase your tickets as this will most likely sell out.

For more information click on one the links below.
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com

Autographs of Champions

With all the excitement of Tom Brady winning his 4th Super Bowl, the debate has continued across the nation about who the best QB in NFL history is.  Then in Boston, the question was raised about who the best champion in the history of the city is.  Who should be on the Mt. Rushmore of Boston Sports?  Names such as Russell, Bird, Williams, Orr, Ortiz, Auerbach, etc... spark this fun debate. 

With all this talk of local and national champions, I started wondering about who's autographs do I own, of which won at least 4 championships.  Not that this necessarily makes a case for the best athletes, but it sure does represent highly historic performances at the peak of pressure situations.

Generally speaking autographs from champions, even for the 2nd and 3rd tier players is worth more over the long term.  I think of some of the bench players from the 60's Celtic championship teams, and they are still highly coveted 50 years later.

So if you are thinking of starting a collection or wondering whose autograph you should acquire next consider some of these names.

Bill Russell:  11x NBA champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $175)
Tom Brady:  4x SB champion (Autograph for regular items start at $649)
Reggie Jackson:  5x WS champion  (Autograph for regular items runs about $99)
Derek Jeter:  5x WS champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $400)
Mariano Rivera:  5x WS champion (Autograph for regular items runs about $250)
Mike Timlin:  4x WS champion with 2 teams (Autographs for regular items runs about $50)
Bob Cousy:  6X NBA champion (Autographs for regular items start at $79)

These are just samples of some that I own.  You can also consider checking out autographs from Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Johnny Bench, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Paul O' Neill among many others.

Mike Timlin Autographed baseball.



Mariano Rivera autographed 1999 WS Ball

Derek Jeter Autographed ball

Bob Cousy Autographed photo.

Reggie Jackson Autographed ball.





My Tom Brady & Bill Russell Autographs (King of Team Champions)

 

Superbowl Champion Jamie Collins, public appearance

As New England Patriot fans work through their euphoria of winning a 4th SuperBowl, players will start making some public autograph appearances. Some will be come in the next week and some over the next month.  Either way, these appearances will provide a great opportunity to get up close to members of this championship team. 

One of the first appearances will occur on Monday February 9 and will feature linebacker Jamie Collins.  The event is scheduled to occur in Braintree Massachusetts.  Pricing for this is fantastic as it's $39 for regular items, $49 for premium and $25 for inscriptions such as SB 49 Champs.  Pricing for a player of this caliber won't remain this low, so take advantage of this now.  Consider starting a team item or simply get an 8x10 or mini helmet signed.

For more information click here.
www.sureshotpromotions.com
www.newenglandpicture.com

The Big Game Merchandise

SuperBowl mania is amping up in New England this week.  Despite "Deflategate", the anticipation of this year's game is growing each day by fans and collectors.  Moreover, collectors are starting to wonder on what team signed item they'll start to gather signatures.  And as most collectors know, gathering the signatures on one item from at least 53 members of a football team is very challenging.
So here are some ideas to help you work through the challenge.

An authentic and official Superbowl football is a great way.  If you have the players sign small you can actually fit all the signatures on the 4 panels.  I recommend silver or black paint pens on footballs.  This year's SB 49 football is selling from $99-$129 on many different websites.  I also recommend having the game MVP sign an individual football with the MVP inscription.  So yes, time to purchase 2 authentic MVP footballs.

Another option, but more expensive, is a full size authentic or replica helmet.  There is definitely enough room on this item for all the signatures.  You also can pick up a SB branded helmet or your favorite team helmet.  Pricing on these helmets ranges from$99-$150 for a replica and a minimum of $200 for the authentic brand.

Smaller items include game programs, team yearbooks and mini helmets.  All of these items range in price from $15 - $30.  Generally speaking these items do not fit more than 20-25 signatures.  However, if you wanted just an item signed by positions, I recommend considering these items.  Or if you want a single signed item, or an item to be signed by the game MVP I recommend these choices.

So, as game time approaches consider these items.

Trot Nixon Appearance, and Hot Stove Dinner.

I've blogged about sport dinners many times.  It's always a great opportunity to enjoy a meal with lots of sport fans, support a philanthropic effort and build your autograph collection.  On January 17th the Lowell Spinners are hosting a hot stove dinner and their keynote speaker and guest is Trot Nixon.  As New England fans know, Trot was on the 2004 World Series Championship team and a true fan favorite.

So if you want to meet him and other former players such as Adam Everett consider purchasing a ticket for $75.  The price includes the meet and greet, autographs, dinner, an auction and the opportunity to help the Spinners charities. 

For more information check this link.  www.lowellspinners.com

New England Patriot running back, Jonas Gray, Public Appearance

For those of us from New England, we know the only current team that has any true fan interest is the New England Patriots.  As they are set to begin their Super Bowl run (hopefully a Super Bowl win), the buzz about the team is gaining momentum.

One way to work through that buzz is to take advantage of Patriot public appearances.  On Tuesday January 6, running back, Jonas Gray will be appearing in Whitman Mass.  This is an outstanding chance to meet a current player and wish him and the team well in the upcoming weeks.

His pricing is great.  It is only $25 for him to sign any type of item.  This is a steal for any current player from any sport.  There is a $10 charge for personalizations or inscriptions.  I can tell you as his career progresses, this price will double and if the Patriots win some playoff games, it will increase higher than double.

For more information click on this link. www.sureshotpromotions.com