White Plains Card Show Recap

I attended the White Plains Card Show yesterday.  It was a lot more crowded than usual.  I assume this was because Mariano Rivera was signing autographs.  For a mere $299.00, you could have your item signed by Rivera.  I love Mo, but I had to pass.  That’s a lot of money.  It was another $99.00 if you wanted an inscription.  He signed autographs for about 3 hours.  On the plus side, I received a free Rivera custom card upon entering the show.  

 

I spent a good deal of time searching the dime boxes of various dealers.  I finished the day with about 50 dime cards. 

I also paid 50 cents each for a pair of 2013 Bowman Reprint cards of Albert Pujols.  Apparently, these are called blue sapphire cards.  I saw shiny and I pulled the trigger. 

Overall, I purchased 8 autographs from two different dealers at $2.00 each.  I was surprised at how many dealers were selling low priced game used and autograph cards.  I bought the two Josh Thole autographs from the same dealer.  I guess he is less popular since leaving the Mets.  Also included were autographs of Noah Lowry, Tyler Pastornicky, Luke Hochevar, Daniel Hudson, Cole DeVries, and Joe Benson.

Ruben Sierra was the free autograph signing at 1PM.  The line was huge.  I guess everybody who showed up to get Mariano’s signature stuck around for Sierra.  I waited on this line for about an hour and twenty minutes.  The signature looks terrific in blue Sharpie.  But, here’s the funny part.  Once I got up to Sierra’s table, he didn’t look at me, talk to me, shake my hand, or acknowledge my existence in any way.  Why?  Because he was talking to someone on his smartphone in a language that I believe was Spanish.  I am not exaggerating at all. 

Following the autograph signing, I had a quick lunch and continued through the show floor.  I only bought one game-used card.  This Joba Chamberlain card comes from 2011 Topps and cost $2.00.  I was tempted to buy a Phil Hughes game-used card from the same dealer for $2.50 but I passed.  Both pitchers caused heartburn on multiple occasions for Yankee fans before leaving town. 

Finally, I picked up a handful of 2014 packs for a total of $5.00.  I will show the contents in another post.  I had a great time as always.  And I think I picked up a few good deals.  And catching a brief glimpse of Mariano made the day a little more exciting.