This was the second day of the MN Sports News Show at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. I went last night but since I do not really collect hockey, I just checked things out and picked up my VIP package to see whose autograph ticket was included. This was a great show and a lot of fun to be at. It was definitely the way to go with the VIP pass.
I was really impressed with EVERYTHING about this show. The prices were fair, the free signers were great and they all asked what color marker/pen and location taking great care in getting it signed the way you wanted.
The first autograph guest I got was Larry Hisle. He was free for VIP purchasers and we were able to get two per time through the line. I went through three times getting 6 cards signed. I needed three for my Twins sets and the other three will be traders. Larry was a great signer. He smiled, talked to people and thanked us. The last time I went through I thanked him and he said “Thank YOU young man!” Me, a young man. Wow! How nice!
After that I went to the Jack Morris line. While I needed two cards signed for my sets, I decided to put most of my money on people who normally do not do signings in MN but since I wanted to support the show in hopes they do another one in the Twin Cities, I bought one ticket and got him to sign my Blue Jays Sports Illustrated magazine. I asked him if he thought the Twins had a shot at winning the World Series this season and he said the hitters and defense were there it was all up to how the starting pitchers do. He did not seem as surly as he normally does which was nice.
Then it was off to Carl Eller. I do not collect football but the ticket I got in my VIP package was for him so I thought what the heck. I found someone selling Goal Line Art cards and bought one for him. He was VERY friendly and polite. It was my first interaction with him and I did not know what to expect. I told him that I used to work with his cousin Sharon M and asked him to say hi to her for me the next time he saw here. He asked for my last name and I told him that she would remember me by my first name.
Before leaving, I was able to go through the Corey Koskie line as he was the later free VIP signer. For him, I went through the line once for a fellow collector from Washington state who needed him on a couple cards. I went through the line two more times and got four other cards signed that I will use for traders.
Between all this, I found a real nice person from New Jersey selling autographed cards. I bought some deceased and harder to find signed Twins cards for the collection with the highlights being a 1965 Killebrew and a 1961 Earl Battey All Star.
It was a real fun day but I know tomorrow will be busy!