October 2022 Chantilly Show - Meeting Mike Tyson

The lineup for the Chantilly Show didn't leave me with many options of guys I was really willing to spend money on this close to the National.  I was really still in recovery (financially) from the National, but when I saw that I could meet Mike Tyson for $150, I figured I would go ahead and add him to my wall of signed 8 x 10s.  This was especially because Tyson wasn't signing trading cards (and I didn't want to break up my 2006 Allen and Ginter set, or replace his card, which turns out is a fairly pricy short print).  So, I got this 8 x 10 from Nintendo's Mike Tyson's Punch Out and had it signed.

It wasn't Tyson's fault, but the experience wasn't all that great.  His photo op line went way past the allotted time, so when it came time for him to sign, we were all rushed and herded through at breakneck speed.  I was only able to get a "Thanks Mike" out, to which he looked up and smiled, before I was shooed away.

Still, I got a signed photo, and I can still say that I met the legendary Mike Tyson.  In the end, the photo looks great on my wall anyway.

TTM Success - Mike Tyson

Stepping away from the 1950s era players for a bit, I got a few 70s guys in recently.  One of which has a pretty famous name, but no, I didn't get an auto from the former boxer, Mike Tyson.  I got the former infielder.  Here is a 1975 Topps card that I got from my buddy, Max.  It was damaged in transit, but still looks cool signed.

I also got the 1976 and 1981 Topps cards of his signed.  I liked the '81 because of the old Cubs uniform.  The signature smudged a bit on that one, but in all, the cards turned out great.  I can't complain.

Tyson (b. 1950) grew up in nearby Rocky Mount, NC.  He played in the majors from 1972 to 1981 for the Cardinals and Cubs.  He had 714 hits, 27 home runs and a .241 batting average.

I mailed to Tyson on April 20 and got the cards back on May 16 for a 26-day TAT.

Day 2 of the National

Well, the National is over and I left with $30 left out of my budget.  I got a ton of stuff and saw a lot of things.  I only knocked off two cards from my want list, but found so many other things I had thought about for a while.  First, we met Joe Morgan this morning.  He was really nice and when I went to take Chris' picture, he motioned for him to come to his side of the table for the photo.

Chris and I got baseballs sighed by Mr. Morgan, which I will show in another post.  He was stationed between Mike Tyson and Fergie Jenkins.

Jenkins' line went really quick.  He looked pretty bored while we were waiting on the Tristar guys to call our number for Morgan.

We were able to get close to Pete Rose and Mike Tyson.  It was pretty cool to be able to be so close to living legends.

After the signing I got my ball authenticated by Tristar (thanks to Julie)/.  Then, I walked around and picked up some odds and ends.  I also took a look at a ton of cool stuff like the below jerseys.

So, my haul was significant.  I ended up with 4 Hall of Fame baseballs, one ball signed by an Oriole legend, one signed by a former member of the AAGPBL.  I got a complete set of 1992 Conlon Collection, a ton of Orioles cards/inserts and two bobbleheads.  I now have plenty of things to blog about for a long time.

In the end, I had an awesome time at my first National.  I would love to be able to go again.  Next year's show is in Chicago.  My wife wants to go, so we might head that way next year.    Stay tuned for a deeper look into the stuff I was ale to pick up.

Some More Topps Diamond Giveaway Cards

I got my final package from Topps Diamond Giveaway the other day, which included the following vintage cards:

This really nice 1968 Topps Mike Cuellar.  Cuellar is probably the second or third greatest pitcher in Orioles' History.  I really love this card and was glad when I unlocked it.

I love the 1962 Topps set.  It's just something about that wood border that does it.  Others must like it, too, because it has been done three times (1955 Bowman, 1962 Topps and 1987 Topps).  I'm not counting the Topps Heritage from last year or the 1987 Topps minis from this year.

I like this 1977 Topps Tito Fuentes because it definitely speaks "70's".  With the awesomely ugly uniforms, of course.  Man, some of those uniforms from the 70's were a sight.

This really jacked up 1975 Topps Mike Tyson also came in my order.  I was going to use it as trade bait for some Cardinals fans I know, but I would feel terrible sending someone a card in this condition.  I'm not sure what I will do with it now.  If anyone wants it, comment me and let me know.  I definitely won't ask for anything in return.

Finally, what is quite possibly the most awesome name on a baseball card that I have seen.  I really hope the guy pronounced his name like I think it should be pronounced.  Mark LemonJello!  So amazingly awesome!  Top it off with the awesome 70's Astros jersey and this card is a keeper!