I couldn’t sleep at all Tuesday night. I was staying in Baltimore, at a great hotel, and while there had been a disturbance at the venue earlier that evening, that’s not why I had trouble sleeping. The sounds of the bustling city didn’t keep me awake either. Neither did the fact that I couldn’t fall sleep on my flight out from San Diego. The reason I couldn’t get unconscious was because I was excited. I tossed and turned like a little kid on Christmas Eve because I couldn’t wait for The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) to begin.
When I attended my first NSCC, I felt like I had been sent to the Gulag in Russia for some crime for which I was wrongly convicted. As Upper Deck’s Customer Service Manager back then, I received a steady diet of off-the-wall complaints for all five days of the show. My blood pressure elevated every time I heard one of my co-workers say: “Oh, yeah, you want to speak to Chris Carlin.” After hearing people who appeared completely rational start complaining passionately about things like why Upper Deck can’t hand-package every trading card release to reduce flaws on some of the cards, to why we don’t make Jai-Alia cards, I realized one thing: People love Upper Deck cards.
And you know what? I do too. The 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card hooked me immediately and it was my dream come true to work for Upper Deck. Yes, I had to deal with complaints at the NSCC, but people don’t complain if they don’t care about your products. During one sleepless night during my first NSCC with all these complaints running through my head, that simple fact dawned on me. If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t take the time to complain, right? They just wouldn’t care. Each complaint is a proclamation of love for our products. I was comforted and soon fell into a deep sleep.
THE CARD THAT STARTED IT ALL: Upper Deck's 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1).
I began to see the NSCC as an opportunity on several different levels. It poses an opportunity every year to listen to compelling ideas from people who care about Upper Deck products. It provides the chance to hear complaints about goods and services that are not perfect and what might work to make them right, while hopefully salvaging a relationship with a customer. It creates the opportunity to share how compelling and fun this hobby is with new and old collectors alike. As hard as it is to get yelled at from time to time about something I didn’t really have any control over, after my first NSCC, I knew I had to keep coming back every year. It’s simply not a show I would miss for the world.
If you are anywhere near Baltimore this weekend and have ever cared about any sport, you have to come. There are tons of crazy/weird things that will make you ask yourself, “Who would buy that?” and then the next thing you know you’re walking around with a framed signed photo of Don Mattingly posing with Donald Trump and his family because (let’s face it) when are you ever going to get the chance to own something like that again.
So why was I so excited, exactly? Because I knew what would happen. It’s almost the same every year and I love it. But to let you in on the secret, here are just some of the reasons why I’ve enjoyed the show so far and why I can’t wait for the rest of the weekend.
The Set Up – Getting to the show before anyone else is an electric environment. Booths are being erected. Displays are going up. Deals are quickly being struck with vendors already set up. And at the Upper Deck booth we are unpacking like crazy, hoping that everything sent reached its destination in good condition. We went all out this year. We have some amazing pieces to see. We brought out several unique insert cards from our upcoming 2010 Sweet Spot Football and 2009-10 NHL The Cup releases which will hit in late August-early September. People have been drooling over those cards. The Michael Jordan autographed Curve Display has been a traffic stopper as well, but there is one eye-catcher that stops both young and old collectors in their tracks every time. It’s the 2009 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions complete set of the Entomology, Landmarks and Thoroughbred Hair Cuts inserts. It is really amazing to see all these cards together and it’s commonplace to see people’s jaws drop when they stop by for a look.
BUGGY DISPLAY: At the Upper Deck Booth this weekend in Baltimore, swing by to check out the company's Entomology insect/insert cards!
The Hotel View – I didn’t realize just how central downtown Baltimore really is. All I knew about Baltimore prior to my first visit this weekend is what I learned on HBO’s critically acclaimed show The Wire and it certainly didn’t paint the best portrait of the city. Goes to show you can’t believe everything you see on TV. Our hotel is situated right next to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and beyond that on the skyline you can see the field where the Baltimore Ravens play. Oh and you can see into the ballpark from the hotel. How cool is that? Additionally the convention center and harbor are all within walking distance and with the exception of the humidity, I’ve loved this city so far.
ROOM WITH A VIEW: I can almost see Cal Ripken Jr. doing his victory lap back in 1995.
The Frowns Turn to Smiles – I’ll never get tired of this one. So many times at these shows and even at this show already where I’ve had someone come up to the booth so upset (which is a good thing; remember, they care). Getting to spend some time with them face-to-face explaining why Upper Deck does things a certain way, giving them that sneak peek behind the curtain, it is just really special. Nine times out of 10 I can have a passionate collector who comes to our booth upset but leaves happy. It’s just really gratifying to get the chance to listen to concerns and have the opportunity to educate collectors or share plans we have in place to fix things in the future. It’s so important to let them know that the people who make the brands they care about actually care about the people’s opinions who buy those brands. That is really special.
The Shaking Hands – Upper Deck spends a lot of money and time each year in producing a special wrapper redemption program for every NSCC. There is a different set of cards available at our booth each day provided collectors open up five packs of a new Upper Deck product at our booth. Randomly inserted into these packs are rare autographed cards from all sorts of sports legends like LeBron James, Gordie Howe and Michael Jordan to name just a few. When you see someone open the packs and find one of those cards, their hands immediately begin to shake. They want to show it off, but the excitement and thrill of finding one of these limited cards of a superstar athlete absolutely knocks them off their feet. It’s probably my favorite part of the show. It is such a special privilege to get to provide those moments to sports fanatics.
SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE: This collector couldn't stop shaking when he pulled this MJ beauty from a pack of cards at our booth.
The Friendships – In just two days at the show it is just so great to see so many familiar faces. With the dawn of email, Facebook and so many other ways to keep in touch with friends and colleagues, there is nothing quite like the face-to-face experience you get with seeing customers and business partners who you have cultivated friendships with over the years. The caring and brutally honest dialogue that takes place between me and fans, collectors, shop owners, show vendors, distributors and league reps is really special. There is nothing quite like pressing the flesh (handshake) and spending time with people you may be totally different from outside the show, but in that great hall, you share the common bond of a true love for sports cards and memorabilia. It is very special.
The Chance to Help a Small Business Owner – There are so many great hobby shop owners out there who come to this show as a service to their customers. Some are set up and selling/buying/trading to make new customers, but many walk the show to trade items from dealers they know in other regions in order to get items in their region that their customers will want. They sell cards for their customers. They share what their customers are thinking and want with manufacturers. Quite simply, they come because they care. And to get the chance to talk with them about promotions Upper Deck can do in their store is very valuable to us. There are not as many hobby shops left as there were in the early ‘90s, but the ones that are know exactly what they’re doing. And they care. So make sure you make time to visit one if you haven’t been in awhile.
The Healthy Competition – I went to dinner last night with some customers and on the way back we came upon a guy who works for Panini America, one of our competitors. No glares or ill words were spoken. Instead smiles and high-fives were shared. Leaving we came upon some members of the Topps staff. Again, we had a nice conversation about the show and the industry. When we returned to the hotel, we came upon some of the Press Pass crew and again, we just enjoyed pleasant camaraderie. As competitive as our business is, I believe it is a healthy competition. I wake up every day motivated to beat Panini, Topps and anyone else at making the best sports collectibles, but it is a healthy competition. Or maybe I just like keeping my enemies close.
The Opportunity – More than anything else, to me and the Upper Deck staff in attendance, we treasure the opportunity to meet the thousands of collectors who have purchased Upper Deck products over the years. It is so helpful to get to hear your thoughts (except about Jai-Alai cards, that’s most likely not going to happen). It means the world to us to be able to spend time with collectors and to see their eyes light up as we share what we are coming out with next. And from the bottom of my heart, I just want to say, “THANK YOU!” We know you have a choice when you are choosing what company’s cards to purchase, but the fact that people choose Upper Deck means so much to everyone at 5909 Sea Otter Place. We love bringing fans closer to the game and we will continue to come in early and work late to meet and exceed collectors’ expectations. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH: This weekend will continue to be a blast for lucky collectors...and me!
By the way, I wrote this entry between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday morning because I couldn’t sleep. I can’t wait for the next day of the show and I hope you are there to experience it with me.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Brag Photo: Classic MJ in Black and White
By · CommentsHe was poetry in motion out on the basketball court and provided photographers and artists with plenty of ammunition for capturing unforgettable moments. Whether he was dunking in mid-air or putting up a three-pointer from outside the arc, Michael Jordan defined success on the hardwood.
Likewise, through his longtime exclusive partnership with Upper Deck Authenticated, MJ has provided our Product Development team with plenty of memorable milestones and classic showdowns to capture against the likes of Larry, Magic and even Kobe.
Take a gander at this sweet piece now available at the Upper Deck online store: Michael Jordan autographed Black-and-White Tribute Canvas Classic. It’s signed in silver, measures 35″ wide and 18″ high and shows Michael taking a much-needed breather between baskets. It’s limited to just 50, so demand is high. Check it out while it’s still available.
CLASSIC MJ: You can't help but appreciate the mastery behind this black-and-white canvas photo from UDA.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Heat Wave: King James Signs for UDA
By · CommentsThis past Saturday, July 31, was a special day in Upper Deck’s history. It also marked a significant day for yours truly. You see, Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) had secured an autograph-signing session with company spokesman LeBron James during his King’s Academy Basketball Camp, which was being held at nearby Rimac Arena on the campus of UC San Diego. The meaningful part for me was the fact that I got to interview LeBron, face-to-face, on camera. I was pumped.
THANKS FOR SITTING: Properly miking up King James was my first assignment of the day, after hanging the Upper Deck signage, that is.
As we’ve done exclusively since 2003, our mission was to nail down authentic, eye-witnessed signatures from “The King” for fast-approaching UDA product launches. But what made this particular meeting historic was the fact that it was LBJ’s first official “Miami Heat” signing for the company. He would autograph Heat-emblazoned basketballs and multiple photos showing him sporting his new No. 6 uniform.
STRANGEST SURFACE? LeBron chuckled when I asked him what's the strangest surface he's ever been asked to sign. "Body parts," he said. "Many body parts."
The signing went smoothly; the products he autographed should be available to purchase on the UD Online store toward the tail end of next week. But the exciting part of the equation for me came right at the start, when I was able to ask LeBron several questions about his new team; new jersey number; whether or not he likes signing for the fans; and even a question or two about his personal collection. He was cooperative, informative and even shared a few sound bites that none of us had heard before. For instance, did you know his most prized autograph is a signed TIME magazine cover by the reigning Commander-in-Chief, Barack Obama? And exactly how many fans out there already knew that LBJ is a lefty when he signs his autograph?
EN FUEGO: According to LeBron, his plan is to turn the Miami Heat into perennial contenders every year. "It will mark a new beginning for me," he said.
I asked him what he’d like to say to his new fans in Miami; the most unusual surface he’s ever been asked to sign; and would he continue his pregame talcum powder routine beside the scorer’s table each night.
The process of landing the LeBron Q & A was relatively easy, thanks to the orchestration efforts of Upper Deck’s Athlete Relations team. Landing a capable videographer for the Saturday afternoon shoot was not hard either; I only had to mention that LeBron James would be on the other side of the lens. Since making his well-documented “Decision” back on July 8 regarding his departure from Cleveland and impending arrival in South Beach, LeBron has endured his fair share of criticism, especially from the hometown crowd. A native of Akron, Ohio, and former three-time Ohio State Basketball Player of the Year while attending St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he understood the backlash that would occur once he made his announcement. In seven exciting seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron averaged 27.8 points per game and led the Cavs to the NBA Finals for the first time ever in 2007.
LEGIBILITY IS KEY: LeBron took his time when signing UDA's new "Welcome to Miami" 16 x 20's.
But this day, three weeks after his announcement, he was more eager to discuss his newfound plans about winning a championship in Miami alongside the likes of perennial All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
‘It’s gonna be exciting,” he said. “It will mark a new beginning for me. Most of all, it’s gonna be fun.”
As will the unveiling of his new uniform number for memorabilia collectors. A longtime admirer of Hall-of-Famer Julius Erving, who sported the same number during his days with the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron mentioned that the number brings with it some good Mojo as well. It’s the number he wore during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games when Team USA brought home the gold medal, its first since 2000. LeBron scored 14 points, pulled down six rebounds and added three assists in “The Redeem Team’s” 118-107, gold-medal-winning game against Spain.
SLOW AND STEADY: LeBron autographed several Spalding basketballs during the UDA signing, which will be available next week at Upper Deck's online store.
“Right now, it’s all about starting over,” he said. “And that’s what the No. 6 will allow me to do in Miami.”
LeBron doesn’t turn 26 until December 30. He’s a 6’ 8” basketball phenom who’s about to embark on a whirlwind tour with more on-court talent surrounding him than he ever had in Cleveland. With apologies to an aging Shaquille O’Neal, that’s simply the way it is. The world is LeBron’s oyster; the NBA title remains his elusive pearl.
As for his responses to some of those other questions I posed? I guess you’ll just have to wait for the video to see how those came out.
Popularity: 4% [?]
En Fuego: LeBron James Heat Memorabilia
By · Comments
There are certain advantages to having exclusive relationships during the course of one’s career. And when it comes to securing authentic, unique basketball memorabilia from some of basketball’s greatest players ever (MJ, Bird, Magic, etc.), no company in the world has better connections than Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA). Since 2003, UDA has had two-time reigning league MVP LeBron James on its roster of exclusive superstars from the hard court and will soon be revealing “The King” in a whole new light.
The second “King James” made his well-publicized decision on July 8 regarding his new whereabouts starting next season, UDA’s hard-working crew was fast at work, procuring new Miami Heat-emblazoned merchandise showing LBJ sporting his new No. 6 Heat jersey in more ways than one.
Take a look at some of the soon-to-be unveiled keepsakes that UDA will be rolling out to the masses in about six weeks. Check back at the Upper Deck Online Store in a week or so for pricing and availability.
On Fire: When it comes to sizzling memorabilia of King James, UDA has the market cornered.
Nice Sig: A Miami Heat-emblazoned Spalding basketball with LeBron's signature from UDA will command attention from collectors everywhere.
No Substitute: LBJ's signed Heat jerseys will be red-hot in the Miami market.
Popularity: 4% [?]
2010: The Year of the Pitcher?
By · CommentsAs I sat with friends at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Del Mar last night, I kept thinking, “Why do they have this Tampa Bay Rays game on? What about A-Rod’s quest for 600 home runs or Dan Haren’s first start as a member of the Angels?” The audio on the flat-screen TVs was turned way down so I had to wait until I saw a glimpse of the scoreboard to understand the significance of what was happening. Rays right-hander Matt Garza was just six outs away from throwing a no-hitter for Tampa Bay, which would mark the first in franchise history. Our casual conversations came to a halt and we became mesmerized by every pitch he threw over the next two innings.
In years past I might have thought, “I wonder how this one is going to get broken up?” But not this year as 2010 has definitely become the year of the pitcher. Four no-hitters have already taken place this season so it just seemed so much more possible. And while there have been plenty of assumptions in recent years that it is because the ball or maybe even the players were “juiced,” there’s no denying it has been exciting to watch pitchers at the top of their games.
Tampa Bay pitcher Matt Garza made history last night registering the first no-hitter in franchise history.
We laughed about how nervous we would be if you were an infielder in this situation and got a line drive directed our way, but you just would have to make the play. And that’s another thing that makes no-hitters so truly awesome; it really is a team achievement as you see players hustle like crazy to make plays for their pitcher and for the team. Rightfielder Ben Zobrist made an amazing leaping catch early in the third inning that will likely be forgotten, but it was critical in helping Garza make history. It just shows how important every play is and if your team is behind you, good things can happen. If you don’t believe me, then just ask Carlos Zambrano how he feels about that.
On June 25th Carlos Zambrano launched into a tirade after giving up four runs in an inning because he felt his team didn't have his back.
It was great television as we watched Garza get the no-no. Especially considering the Rays have made a habit of being on the receiving end of no-hitters with Mark Buehrle (White Sox) racking up one against them last season and both Dallas Braden (A’s) and Edwin Jackson (D-Backs) accomplishing the feat against them this season. But with this being the fifth no-hitter of the season – and that’s not even counting the perfect game that Detroit’s Armando Galarraga had stolen from him – one has one has to wonder: Who’s next?
They seem to be striking like lightning this year. And besides Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay, most of the pitchers who accomplished this feat in 2010 are not exactly considered the aces of their staff. So trying to figure out who will be next is like trying to determine when and where the next big earthquake will hit. You just don’t know.
Halladay made history with the Phillies this season by getting his first perfect game.
In the collectibles industry, as more no-hitters and perfect games are recorded during the same season, the trading cards and memorabilia of these players tend to actually depreciate a bit. I guess it seems a little less special the more it gets accomplished. But don’t try telling that to Ubaldo Jimenez or any of the other five players who accomplished the feat this year as I’m sure they’ll tell you it was no easy task.
Ubaldo Jimenez registered his no-hitter as a member of the Rockies this season.
We are watching history. It’s a flashback to the pitching dominance of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Embrace it. Collect it. Collecting these players is relatively inexpensive, so why not do it? They’ve accomplished something great in a very special season. There are plenty of rookies this season, but the cost of some of their cards is off the charts (see Stephen Strasburg). Part of the fun of collecting cards and memorabilia is they help bring you back to special moments in sports that gave you goose bumps. There have arguably been six of those moments this year and if you ask me, I think there may be more coming. Just don’t ask me when it’s going to happen next.
Popularity: 2% [?]
