Minneapolis Sports Collectibles Convention

Today I attended the Minneapolis Sports Collectibles Convention at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, MN.

My main purpose for attending was to get Chuck Knoblauch and Junior Ortiz to sign their bobbleheads from the 1991 World Series set.

As usual, this event was very well-organized.  I met Junior Ortiz first.

Shortly after meeting Junior Ortiz, I met Chuck Knoblauch.  He hasn't been around the Twin Cities much, so I was happy to have the opportunity to get this signed.

After getting these two bobbleheads signed, I need six more to complete the set (minus Puckett).

I still need:

• Steve Bedrosian
• Chili Davis
• Mark Guthrie
• Shane Mack
• Paul Sorrento
• Carl Willis

 Denny McLain was signing at the event and had his own booth selling a variety of items.  I bought a mini helmet that he signed with a bunch of inscriptions.

I also bought a couple signed Metrodome banners including one with Torii Hunter on one side and Ron Gardenhire on the other side, and a second one with Johan Santana on one side, and Juan Rincon on the other.  I need to flatten them out a bit for a few days before hanging them.  I'll take pictures of them then.

I ran into fellow-collector Randy, who I see at many of these events.  It's always nice to run into him.  He ended up being first in line for Knoblauch!  Nice to see you Randy!  Maybe next time we'll have more time to talk.

Two Returns Today

I send so few requests these days that it's rare to get two back on the same day.  But today, I did.

Jim Palmer finished off my 1972 Topps ERA Leaders card, already signed by Wood and Blue.

And I got back a card I sent off to Eduardo Escobar at Twins Spring Training way back in March.  Even though he got traded to the Diamondbacks, he was kind enough to keep track of his mail and respond.

I had previously bought this card signed by him thinking that I wouldn't get this one back.

A Four Year Success

I had all but given up on this one.  Nearly four years ago, I sent off this 1965 Topps to Clay Carroll.  The card had already been signed by Phil Niekro.  Carroll is a pretty good TTM signer and I saw a lot of successes recorded on SCN, so I assumed mine had gotten lost or something.

I had even begun looking for another card to start over with, but this showed up in the mail today!

Pitching Leaders Card Completed

Yesterday I received a return from Mickey Lolich, who finished off my 1972 Topps Pitching Leaders card.

I have the ERA Leaders card out to Jim Palmer and hope to receive that back any day.

Jim Hughes Return

Former Twin signed his 1976 and 1978 Topps for me in about 15 days.

My requests have really slowed down.  I need to buy some more vintage cards.  I may start up on the 1978 Topps set again, but would really like to get some 50's and 60's cards too.

Al Kaline and Vida Blue

Today was a good day at the mailbox!

Vida Blue signed two of his 1972 Topps Leaders cards already signed by Wilbur Wood.

And Al Kaline signed his 1961 Topps All Star card.

John Hetki Return

Today I received a return from John Hetki, who signed my 1953 Topps in three weeks.

I only have a couple outstanding requests so I'll have to try to find some time to send out a few more.