National Sports Collectors Convention

Schulte Sports announced today that Fox 1370 am, Baltimore’s sports talk radi station, has come on as one of the official media promotional partners of the 31st Annual National Sports Collectors Convention. In addition to promoting the event on-air leading up to the show, Fox 1370 will broadcast live, on-site at the convention center, Wednesday through Friday. Fox 1370 am joins current official National media partners, Comcast Sportsnet, PressBox Media Group, The Baltimore Sun and the Baltimore Orioles. Visit www.csnbaltimore.com for a chance to win VIP tickets to the National. Keyword - Convention and enter to win

#1/999 Topps Heritage Strasburg Rookie Available in Charity eBay Auction

The Topps Company and the National Sports Collectors Convention are pleased to announce that the Stephen Strasburg 2010 Topps Heritage Rookie Card #1/999 has been placed in an auction on eBay with the proceeds from the sale being given to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Topps had previously announced that the Strasburg card, which is a limited edition sequentially numbered to 999, will be available in designated quantities and at designated times

from Wednesday, August 4^th to Sunday August 8th, exclusively at the Topps Corporate Booth (#2017), during the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention Aug 4-8, Baltimore Convention Center. The card will be limited to one copy per person per day.

You can win Card #1 of 999 in this one of a kind auction. Presented by Topps, The National Sports Collectors Convention has been authorized to auction Stephen Strasburg's first sequentially numbered card, on eBay. Click this link to view the current bidding. The Auction will end on Tuesday afternoon, August 2.

100% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

In addition to this rare and authentic card, the National will also include a full **VIP Pass to the National for the winner, good for all the benefits listed below;

* Early entrance to the National all 5 days.

* 12 free select VIP celebrity star autographs

* Every promotional card given to all VIP Club members.

* Entrance to the private VIP Party on Wed from 2:30pm to 4pm.

**VIP Pass is good only at the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention and must be picked up in person at VIP Registration, during the Convention hours. No benefits for non-attendee are available. The Strasburg Heritage card is available to anyone bidding, whether attending the show or not. You may either pick up the card in person, at the National, or we will mail it out to you.

VIP Registration Packages for the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center, August 4-8, 2010 are now on sale here on the National's web site. Click here to purchase tickets.

Single-day General Admission Tickets are $16.50 (if purchased online) and are good for any single day of the National, including the Wednesday Night Sneak Peek on August 4. Tickets purchased on site at the Convention Center will be $19.95.

Figurine Sales to Benefit

George Gervin Youth Center

Sports memorabilia enthusiasts will have exclusive access to purchasing the limited edition, autographed figurine of Hall of Famer George "The Iceman" Gervin during the National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) taking place this Aug. 4 to Aug. 8 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Created by McFarlane Toys, the collector’s item is available at the Babaie Promotions, Inc. (BPI) corporate booth, #2317. BPI is offering Convention goers a special one-time price of $49.99/figurine (reg. $54.99) or $374.99/case of eight. For the full press release, click here.

Upper Deck Announces VIP Set

UD also to provide event-exclusive wrapper redemption

“We’re extremely excited to once again have a major presence at the National Sports Collectors Convention,” said Jodi Wasserman, Upper Deck’s Marketing and Events senior manager. “As always, we anticipate there will be thousands of hard-core card collectors in our midst, so we’ve come up with a terrific lineup of National redemption card sets to hand out each day of the show.”

VIPs will receive an exclusive 6-card Upper Deck Set. Included in the set are several local favorites like Ravens QB Joe Flacco and Washington Capitals Forward Alex Ovechkin. Other players in the set are "The Great One" Wayne Gretzky, His Airness, Michael Jordan, the Miami Heat's LeBron James and Hockey Great Sidney Crosby.

Thursday through Sunday – Upper Deck will be conducting its popular foil pack wrapper redemption program starting at 12 noon. Fans who purchase five packs of any current Upper Deck card packs (baseball, basketball, football or hockey products) with a suggested retail price of $1.99 or more will receive one of four different 2010 National event-exclusive, five-card sets, while supplies last. Each day there will be a different five-card collection redeemed. On Thursday, the five-card set will include Michael Jordan and Julius Erving, while Friday’s lineup includes LeBron James and Gordie Howe. Saturday’s set will feature Sidney Crosby, while Sunday’s roster will include such stars as Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and David Robinson. A complete list of all the players available each day will be posted at the Upper Deck booth. Card packs must be opened in front of an Upper Deck representative for redeeming purposes. Note: Autographed cards of the following players will be randomly inserted into some of the packs: Gordie Howe, LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

In addition, Upper Deck has produced an impressive 10-card “Million Pack March for the Troops” set for this year’s National aimed at calling attention to a special initiative the company launched last November. In conjunction with Operation Gratitude – in an effort to send sealed packs of donated Upper Deck cards to deserving U.S. military men and women overseas – the company has been encouraging collectors everywhere to donate some of their surplus card packs to the deserving troops. Upper Deck kicked the campaign off by donating 100,000 packs of cards with the goal being to reach the 1,000,000-pack plateau by Veterans’ Day 2010. One of the venues where Upper Deck will be hosting a donation drive for Operation Gratitude will be this year’s National. The first five “Million Pack March” cards will include Michael Jordan and be available during Wednesday’s VIP “Sneak Peek” Day, while the remaining five cards will be distributed on Friday and include the likes of David Robinson, LeBron James and Mike Modano.

And last but certainly not least, Upper Deck will have on display at its booth a very unique, 30-card insert set of “Entomology” cards showcasing rare bugs and insects that has captivated the attention of collectors and bug aficionados alike. The cards are part of Upper Deck’s 2009 Goodwin Champions product and their unusual presentation has stirred debates and conversations across the country. To find out more about this exceptional lineup of trading cards, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TGAUJTq6Ck.

Panini to provide 6-card Die-Cut NBA Set to 31st National VIPs

Kobe, Carmelo, Rose, Jennings and Rookie Stars

Making its first appearance in the hobby since 1999, Panini America recently announced the launch of Crown Royale basketball. A program popularized in the ‘90s by die-cutting, Panini America is producing a special six-card Crown Royale set for VIPs attending the 31th National Sports Collectors Convention.

Panini spokesman Kobe Bryant, hot off his 5^th NBA Championship, highlights the set. Rookies Evan Turner and Wesley Johnson join Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Jennings to round out what is sure to be one of the hottest promo sets for those attending.

Ripken "Birthday" Card Highlights Topps VIP Set for 2010 National

1960 Topps Style Continues a National Tradition

The 2010 Topps VIP set continues a long-standing tradition of creating a 50th anniversary version of cards for National VIPs. The 5 card set will be numbered consecutively from card #573-577 as a continuation of the original 1960 Topps set. As in the past, VIPs will get 4 card packs as part of their VIP gift package.

The highlight of the 2010 set is a 1960 Topps Cal Ripken "Birthday" card commemorating Cal's 50th birthday on August 24th. This will mark Ripken's first appearance in a Topps National VIP Set and is sure to be a big hit with Orioles fans at the National scheduled for its first ever appearance in Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center, August 4-8, 2010.

As part of the set along with Ripken and also continuing a National tradition, will be two different Mickey Mantle cards. Two Mantle cards assures VIPs that every pack will have at least one Mantle. One card will be a traditional 1960 Topps style card while the 2nd will feature an entirely different pose and highlight Mickey as the 1960 American League Home Run King. Rounding out the set will be two Hall of Famers, Yogi Berra and Nolan Ryan.

31st National Sneak Peek Free Autograph Guests

Boddicker, Mitchell & Moseley to sign 8/4

Attendees at the 31^st National Sports Collectors Convention Sneak Peek on Wednesday evening, August 4 will receive an extra treat. In addition to the previously announced Free Baltimore Orioles ticket promotion, sponsored by Blowoutcards.com, Sneak Peek guests will have the opportunity to get free autographs from three local favorites.

Former Orioles pitching star Mike Boddicker will appear at the 31^st National to sign free autographs for attendees. Boddicker was the hero and MVP of the 1983 American League Championship Series, which paved the way for the Orioles World Series win against the Phillies. A Gold Glove winner, Boddicker was an All Star and led the American League in wins and ERA in 1984.

Lydell Mitchell was a running back for Baltimore and was a member of the Colts teams which won the AFC East Division title three straight years. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Mitchell had consecutive 1000 yard rushing seasons for the Colts in 1975-76-77. Mitchell, who played his college football at Penn State with Franco Harris, was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Mark Moseley is a member of the Washington Redskins Ring of Fame and was selected as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins of All Time. The leading scorer in Redskins history with 1207 career points, Moseley was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In 1972 Moseley was selected as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, the only placekicker to ever win the award.

Autographs for these three greats will be one per person as time permits. Autographs will be signed in the Tristar Autograph Pavilion. Boddicker and Mitchell will sign from 4:15-6:15, while Moseley will sign from 4:30-7:00PM. Lydell Mitchell and Mike Boddicker will also be signing exclusively for VIPs at the VIP Reception held earlier on Wednesday, August 4.

Tickets and VIP Registation Packages for the 31st National Sports Collectors Convnetion are on sale now. To purchase tickets, click here.

Single-day General Admission Tickets are $16.50 (if purchased online)and are good for any single day of the National, including the Wednesday Night Sneak Peek. Several variations of week-long VIP Packages are available from $119-$259 and offer additonal benefits.

31st National Autograph Tickets Now on Sale

Autograph Tickets for guests appearing at the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center, August 4-8, 2010 are now on sale through Tristar Productions, who operate the National's Autograph Pavilion. Tickets for each guest appearing can be purchased. In addition, the exclusive Tristar Platinum Express Pass will give save you time by moving you to the front of the autograph lines, as well as providing lots of other value and benefits. Visit Tristar's web site by clicking here.

General Admission Tickets and VIP Packages for the National are available now as well on the National's site. To purchase Admission for the National, click here.

Baltimore Orioles Day at the 31st National to be sponsored by Blowoutcards.com

General Admission Attendees at Sneak Peek Get Tickets for Orioles-Angels Game on 8/4

The National Sports Collectors Convention is pleased to join with Blowoutcards.com and the Baltimore Orioles in a series of promotions for the National to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, August 4-8, 2010.

The 31^st National opens with the traditional “Sneak Peek” on Wednesday, August 4 at 4-8 PM. Dealer and Corporate booths will be set up and open for business. All attendees entering the show with a single day general admission ticket for the Sneak Peek will also receive a ticket to the Orioles Wednesday evening game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Camden Yards courtesy of Blowoutcards.com. Game time is 7:05.

This marks the very first time that any sponsor of the National is taking everyone to the ballgame! Thomas Fish and Chris Park, owners of Blowoutcards.com state: "it truly is a pleasure to invite all Wednesday night National ticket holders to a night at Camden Yards. We are thrilled to have the Orioles tickets reserved just for our promotion. We welcome all sports memorabilia and card collectors to enjoy the game, on us."

Thursday August 5^th has been designated “Baltimore Orioles Day at the National.” There will be special on-field ceremonies honoring the National’s first appearance in Baltimore as well.

SuperVIP Ticket buyers will receive 2 complimentary Orioles Tickets. SuperVIPs may select tickets for any game Wednesday-Saturday nights. These tickets will be available on site at the National. Discounted Orioles tickets for all games Wednesday August 4-7 will be available at the National for exhibitors and attendees. The Orioles will be promoting the National during their homestands in the month of July. In addition flyers will be distributed at the fan assistance counters at Camden Yards.

Click here to purchase tickets for the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention.

Tickets for 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention Now on Sale through the National Web Site

Tickets and VIP Registration Packages for the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center, August 4-8, 2010 are now on sale online at the National's web site, www.NSCCShow.com.

Several different VIP Packages are available for the National as well ranging from $119-$259. The VIP Packages provide access to the Convention on all five days and include additional privileges such as a gift package of items made exclusively for the 31st National, free autographs from the group of designated VIP celebrity signers, a VIP Reception on Wednesday, August 4, weeklong use of a VIP lounge, early entrance into the Convention and more. A SuperVIP Package will also provide two Baltimore Orioles game tickets to be used for games during the week of the National. The Orioles are home to the Anaheim Angels and the Chicago White Sox during the National. VIP Registration Packages onsite will cost $10 more.

All Access VIP Tickets include all the benefits of the VIP Package and will enhance your National experience by providing "first-in-line" benefits for all paid Autograph guests at the Tristar Autograph Pavilion.* In addition the All Access packages include 5 free Tristar Authentications, a VIP Express Line for Tristar Authentications, free Autographs from former Orioles greats Ben McDonald and Gregg Olson (in addition to the other VIP autographs) and 2 photo opportunities with selected Tristar guests - receive a professionally done 5x7 photo of you with the star within minutes. All Access VIP Packages are limited to a total of only 350 and will be sold online only and not at the Convention Center.

You will be able to print out your ticket online and avoid the lines at the Box Office in August by purchasing now on the National web site at www.NSCCShow.com. There is a $1 service fee assessed for each ticket purchased. Click here to buy your 31st National tickets now. Children 12 and under will be admitted free all week.

*-All Access VIPs and All Access SuperVIP's will be first in line AFTER Platinum VIPs. Platinum VIP Package contents to be announced in May via TRISTAR. Be sure to secure your VIP Package or SuperVIP Package today, as VIPs will be offered to upgrade to the Platinum VIP Package before the general public!

All Autograph related questions should be sent directly by email to Tristar at NSCCAutographs@TristarProductions.com

TRISTAR Releases Appearance Dates for 31st National Autograph Guests - Tickets on Sale May 28

TRISTAR Productions has released the appearance dates of the autograph guests currently schduled to sign at the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore August 4-8, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Autograph Tickets will go on sale through TRISTAR on May 28. Appearance dates are listed on the Tristar web site at http://www.tristarproductions.com/schedule.html#NS CC

Ripken & Oriole Greats Headline Initial Group of Signers for the 2010 National in Baltimore

2010 Hall of Fame Inductees Dawson & Herzog to Sign

The initial group of Autograph guests for the 31st National Sports Collectors Convention, August 4-8, 2010 in Baltimore has been announced and it's a virtual Who's Who's of sports royalty. Headlining the list is a group of former Oriole greats sure to attract the attention of all baseball fans. For starters, Cal Ripken Jr will sign and the Ironman will be joined by Oriole Legends Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Frank Robinson. Other former O's stars like Gregg Olson and Ben McDonald will also be on hand.

2010 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees Andre Dawson and Whitey Herzog will sign at the National shortly after their induction in Cooperstown. These two new Hall of Famers will be joined by other legends including Willie Mays, Wade Boggs, Rod Carew and Bruce Sutter. Future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson will be an autograph guest as well.

From Pro Football comes Super Bowl Legend Joe Montana and Two-time Super Bowl MVP Bart Starr. Rounding out this initial group is multi-sport superstar Bo Jackson. Additional autograph guests will be announced as they are confirmed

Autograph Tickets will be sold by Tristar Productions beginning in May. Appearance dates, times and prices will be available from Tristar at that time. General Admission Tickets and VIP Packages will be available here on the National's web site in late February. Autograph related questions should be addressed to Tristar at NSCCAutographs@TristarProductions.com.

*Johnny Bench, originally scheduled, will not appear due to a scheduling conflict

Schulte Sports to Handle National PR/Media Relations

The National has retained Schulte Sports of Woodstock, MD to spearhead the marketing and public relations efforts for the 2010 National in Baltimore.

“Schulte Sports is very honored to be associated with of one of the greatest sports collectible events in the country, said Ray Schulte – President Schulte Sports /Auctions. “And we are very excited that The National Sports Collectors Convention will be coming to Baltimore, Maryland for the very first time”.

“Ray Schulte brings a tremendous knowledge of the collectibles industry, previously consulting with MLB, the NFL, NHL and NBA, as it pertains to the collectibles set-up at their All-Star and Super Bowl events, said Mike Berkus, Co-Founder The National Sports Collectors Convention. “ We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with Ray and his team at Schulte Sports.”

Ray can be reached by e-mail at Ray@SchulteSports.com . You can read the entire press release covering this topic by clicking this link.

2010 National Tickets to be available in late February

Tickets for the 2010 National Sports Collectors Convention in Baltimore MD, August 4-8, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center will be available on this web site in late February. As in the past, there will be single day general admission tickets available. Also, VIP Packages which include exclusive VIP gift packages, selected free VIP Autographs and free admission to all 5 days of the 31st National will be sold online.

30th National Closes to Solid Reviews
31st National in Baltimore 8/4-8 2010

The 30th National Sports Collectors Convention closed on Sunday August 2, 2009 with a heavier-than-expected Family Day crowd. The Family Day crowd enjoyed free giveaways and other activities in the Family Fun Zone including free Ferris Wheel rides. NFL Players provided free autographs from former Browns Greg Pruitt and Lee Suggs. Corporate sponsors Upper Deck, Press Pass, Topps, DACardworld.com and Blowoutcards.com manned Fun Zone tables to provide attendees with prizes and giveaways.

Family Day marked the end of a successful week which began on Wednesday with a Sneak Peek that included free autographs from former Indian great Andre Thornton, NFL Hall of Famer Charley Trippi and former Ohio State QB Craig Krenzel. Dealers reported good sales throughout the week with the heaviest crowd on Saturday when the Tristar Autograph Pavilion brought in the majority of their Hall of Fame roster of guests.

Two ESPN.com reports proclaimed the 30th National a huge success. Bill Simmons column stated, "If you love sports, you have to go. You have to. You just have to. You have to. You will see things you never knew about. You will see things you never imagined. You will see things you barely remembered. You will see things that make you smile and things that make you angry. You will see things that you will want, and you will be surprised by how much you want them. You will be constantly blown away. You will be overstimulated. You will never be bored." For the complete column including Bill's 120 photos, click here.

Paul Lukas, also of ESPN.com, called the show a "Sports Collectors Paradise," and included a video showing some of the great memorabilia on display at the show. To see Paul's video and to read his comments, click here.

The National wishes to thank all its dealers, corporate exhibitors and attendees. The 31st National will be held August 4-August 8, 2010 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Detailed information about that show will be posted on the National's web site at www.NSCCShow.com.

Limited exhibit space for the 31st National to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD, August 4-8, 2010 is available. Contact Megan in the National Office at 732-735-6683.