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Mr. Mint/Chicago Sun-Times Show

For those of you who will be attending the Sun-Times show in Chicago this weekend, please give Mr. Mint the "you're number one" sign. Feel free to use a digit other than your index finger. I would do it again myself this year, but I will be out of town. However, I am looking forward to the show in Chicago in November. He will be easy to find, the first booth across from where you come in.

Comments

  • boggs301012boggs301012 Posts: 1,135 ✭✭
    If you really want to tease him. Have a stack of binder or cards in box labled 1952 high numbers T206 ...1933 set and so on.. Labled to sell or for sale. And ignore him.
    x
  • I would be Happy to give him the #1 sign for you, I'll add it to the #1 sign from my other hand that he'll be receiving from me!
  • Why the hatred towards the man? Has anyone actually delt with this guy personally? (I haven't)

    GG
  • Actually MR Mint was a no show at FT W show at least on Friday night. ... He had many copies of his book all which were collecting a lot of dust....
    Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain.


  • Mr. Mint was at the Ft. Wash show on Sunday though. Fake tan and all... ridiculous
  • detroitfan2detroitfan2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭✭
    GG, I'm guessing it must be jealousy. Some people can't handle the fact that another man was able to make a living doing what he loves. I don't see how else you could explain this thread. Granted, the post originator has probably led a perfect life, but that still doesn't explain why this thread was necessary.
  • A761506A761506 Posts: 1,309 ✭✭✭
    I'm also curious, why the hatred towards him?
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,407 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hey!
    Don't mess with the Mintman - he's my idol!!!!

    image

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    Mike
  • ctsoxfanctsoxfan Posts: 6,246 ✭✭
    He definitely was at Fort Washington - you really couldn't miss him, much as you try to.
    image
  • schr1stschr1st Posts: 1,677 ✭✭
    Anyone know the full story about what happened at his booth at last year's National? I heard something about him going after someone and throwing a baseball at the back of them while they were running off, but don't know if that is true, rumor, or somewhere in between.
    Who is Rober Maris?
  • yankeeno7yankeeno7 Posts: 9,248 ✭✭✭
    I think you would have to meet him to not like him.
  • What is the deal with him? Why do so many people not like him?

    Looking for 81-84 Topps Stickers in PSA 9 or better, 81 Topps Scratch offs, 83 Topps Fold outs in PSA 8 or better, 83 Fleer Stamps and 81/86 Fleer Star Stickers in PSA 9 or better.
    >

  • jayhawkejayhawke Posts: 1,306 ✭✭✭
    Maybe the original poster got screwed on a deal with him. That could explain his dislike and reason to start the tread.
  • wallst32wallst32 Posts: 513 ✭✭
    I think there's some misconception that Mr. Mint rips off old ladys, by buying cards below market value and selling them for a profit. But that's no different than what any other dealer would do.

    Then there's the jealousy factor. Why does he always get to buy all the 52 Topps finds?!?!? Maybe because your average Joe Collector does't have hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to make such a purchase?

  • TheThrill22TheThrill22 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭
    My dislike comes from seeing him in action at multiple shows over the years. Here is a guy who will autograph his OWN trading card that he hands out. Its my opinion that he talks down to people and shows no respect to those not in his inner circle. Actually, I have seen him point his finger and speak to one of his helpers like you would a dog who just pissed on the floor all because the guy didn't get his food order right. It was at a Sun-Times show on a Saturday when there were people all around. I don't like his whole "act" is my point. The idea of walking by him with a binder with a "1952 Hi Number" on it and ignoring him is a classic.
  • MorrellManMorrellMan Posts: 3,240 ✭✭✭
    Mr. Rosen is simply a great used car salesman who deals in cards instead.
    My experience of him is that he's not unethical; he's just too full of himself.
    Mark (amerbbcards)


    "All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
  • larryallen73larryallen73 Posts: 6,061 ✭✭✭
    It sounds a lot like when I moved to Northern California (from Southern Cali) in 1986 and everybody told me about the big rivalry, how they hate LA, etc.... I would say, "why do you hate LA?" and the answer would be something like, "becuase they are LA." Ohhhhhh.... Envy/jealousy/whatever. I would like to meet Mr. Mint myself before I consider flipping him off!
  • I see this guy all the time and I just pass him up. Nothing against him, but I don't spend that much on cards.

    To answer the original question, I'm going on Sunday more for the autographs.

    I want to get Harmon Killebrew and Bob Feller.

    image

    Remember these Chuck Norris Facts

    1. When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn't lifting himself up, he's pushing the Earth down
    2. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, Chuck Norris can actually roundhouse kick you yesterday
    3. There are no such things as lesbians, just women who have not yet met Chuck Norris
  • dudedude Posts: 1,454 ✭✭
    Al and I have run into each other numerous times over the past 15 years. I used to not like him, but at the National in Atlantic City, he was walking with his business partner and his wife and invited me to walk with them as a group as I also going from the Conventional Center Hotel to the Boardwalk. If you've ever been to AC and you know the area, it looks rather scary. We had a 15 minute chat and he was an OK guy. What impressed me was that he remembered my name and kept on mentioning my name when we talked (I guess when you are in sales or public relations, you learn to do that).

    Overall, I believe he's done more good for the hobby than bad. He's networked himself in the mainstream media and because of that was able to aquire many collections and hoards that would probably still be undiscovered and because of this he's gotten many high grade cards into the hobby circulation. He and I are alike in that we both believe in the "quick flip school of dealing" - buying something at $X and selling it for $X+20-50% in a relatively short period of time and moving on looking for another deal. I get really turned off by the dealers who make some notable find or purchase and turn it into a travelling museum with marked up prices beyond the stratisphere.

  • AxtellAxtell Posts: 10,037 ✭✭
    My problem with the guy is that he's just so obnoxious. Every picture you see of the guy is with wads of cash and that ridiculous smile on his face.

  • ROCKDJRWROCKDJRW Posts: 1,330 ✭✭✭
    Hope this helps
    previous Mr Mint Post
    Collect Ozzie Guillen Cards
    Unique Chicago Cards
    Wrestling Cards
  • TheThrill22TheThrill22 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the link to the prior post(s). The guy just grates on my nerves for the way that he treats people.
  • lostdart58lostdart58 Posts: 2,938 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Hope this helps
    previous Mr Mint Post >>




    Very interesting reading.!!
    Collector of:Baseball
    1955 Bowman Raw complete with 90% Ex-NR or better

    Now seeking 1949 Eureka Sportstamps...NM condition
    Working on '78 Autographed set now 99.9% complete -
    Working on '89 Topps autoed set now complete


  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,407 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Mr. Mint's ego and bravado is probably part of the "charm" that got him where he is today. Actually, my guess is that he is not the shining star he once was.

    At shows, he could be a bit more affable but hell, I'm not marrying the guy! This is trite, but what he has forgotten, I will probably never know!

    He acts like an inner circle guy like the athletes - what more would one expect.

    His "annoying" SCD ads and his boorish self promotion is all part of the act that has made him one of the top used car(d)s saleman on the planet!!

    Mark - MorrellMan
    You hit the nail on the head

    Stone
    Mike
  • It was funny reading that 2002 Mr Mint post.



    << <i>My brush with "Mr. Mint" was very short and not so sweet. I, too, was at a Strongsville (OH) card show where Mr. Mint was at the first table when you walked in. I had a 1984 Olympic Torch, Leather carrying case, Runner's Uniform, and Limited Edition 1984 Olympic Program for sale. Alan runs from behind his table and grabs my arm and asks me "What do you have there?" I show him my Olympic memorabilia and he ponders for a few moments and says "I'll give you $200 cash and $300 in trade." I say no thanks and gather my things. >>



    I too brought a fairly large briefcase to a show he attended. When i entered with this briefcase, his eyes nearly jumped out of their sockets. As i walked by his table, he tried to get my attention with various cat calls and other endearing remarks. I ignored him, thinking that a mosquito or some sort of annoying insect was buzzing about my ear. As i was walking along the rows of tables, i hear this crashing sound behind me. I look back and i see this balding individual leaping over tables and dealers with several 100 dollars bills stuffed in his hands. He leapt over 5 tables, destroyed nearly $2,000 worth of merchandise (to which he quickly retorted that all of it was worthless in the first place) injuring several dealers and bewildered spectators. When he finally reached me, he non chalantly asked me what i had in my briefcase. I told him "stuff to sell." He pleaded with me to open the case and let him see what i have. I ignored him and walked away. His body odor and excessive panting was enough to drive any man to his grave. Relentlesly he followed me throughout the card show, attaching himself to my side and constantly pleading me to open my briefcase. Everytime i tried talked to another dealer, he would do this to my face:

    image

    Finally, i had enough. He was crawling at this point, attached to my left leg..salivating and whimpering. I opened my briefcase and in it was a complete PSA 10 set of 1953, 57 and 60 Topps, along with several items signed by Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Wilt Chamberlein and all members of the NHL hall of fame. I also had the original United States Constitution, the dead sea scrolls and the original document outlining the ten commandments handed to Moses from God himself.

    After 30 seconds of perusing my items, he told me he will give me $30 for all of it. I was aghast at such arrogance and told him no. He said he will do me a favor and give me $40. I said no and he curtly told me that all of it was worthless anyway.



  • << <i>It was funny reading that 2002 Mr Mint post.



    << <i>My brush with "Mr. Mint" was very short and not so sweet. I, too, was at a Strongsville (OH) card show where Mr. Mint was at the first table when you walked in. I had a 1984 Olympic Torch, Leather carrying case, Runner's Uniform, and Limited Edition 1984 Olympic Program for sale. Alan runs from behind his table and grabs my arm and asks me "What do you have there?" I show him my Olympic memorabilia and he ponders for a few moments and says "I'll give you $200 cash and $300 in trade." I say no thanks and gather my things. >>



    I too brought a fairly large briefcase to a show he attended. When i entered with this briefcase, his eyes nearly jumped out of their sockets. As i walked by his table, he tried to get my attention with various cat calls and other endearing remarks. I ignored him, thinking that a mosquito or some sort of annoying insect was buzzing about my ear. As i was walking along the rows of tables, i hear this crashing sound behind me. I look back and i see this balding individual leaping over tables and dealers with several 100 dollars bills stuffed in his hands. He leapt over 5 tables, destroyed nearly $2,000 worth of merchandise (to which he quickly retorted that all of it was worthless in the first place) injuring several dealers and bewildered spectators. When he finally reached me, he non chalantly asked me what i had in my briefcase. I told him "stuff to sell." He pleaded with me to open the case and let him see what i have. I ignored him and walked away. His body odor and excessive panting was enough to drive any man to his grave. Relentlesly he followed me throughout the card show, attaching himself to my side and constantly pleading me to open my briefcase. Everytime i tried talked to another dealer, he would do this to my face:

    image

    Finally, i had enough. He was crawling at this point, attached to my left leg..salivating and whimpering. I opened my briefcase and in it was a complete PSA 10 set of 1953, 57 and 60 Topps, along with several items signed by Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Wilt Chamberlein and all members of the NHL hall of fame. I also had the original United States Constitution, the dead sea scrolls and the original document outlining the ten commandments handed to Moses from God himself.

    After 30 seconds of perusing my items, he told me he will give me $30 for all of it. I was aghast at such arrogance and told him no. He said he will do me a favor and give me $40. I said no and he curtly told me that all of it was worthless anyway. >>




    I am no fan of Mr Mint but your post proves you are an ass!
  • imageimageimage
    Scott

    T206's are always being bought.


    aloof1003@comcast.net
  • BuccaneerBuccaneer Posts: 1,794 ✭✭
    I met and knew Al from the SoCal shows in the early 1980s (and later at the Cincinnati show, I believe). He was no different than any other big time dealer - just a lot more extroverted. I remember in 1984 a Texas dealer setting up across from our table and laid out stacks of vintage rookies and 1952s (they were very hot at the time). Al comes by and gives the guy a hard sell. I think he got the cards, I don't recall, but it's no different than any other hardcore salesman that you would run across in any business.

    What I never did found out though was the alledged mob connection. There was this wise guy that showed up at all of the SoCal shows that I attended or worked at. He was a young stud wearing all black with a tight fighting T-shirt. His name was Petracelli or something. I've heard he was the West Coast connection for Al but I also heard that they both were fronts for Kit Young.
  • MorrellManMorrellMan Posts: 3,240 ✭✭✭
    -30-
    Mark (amerbbcards)


    "All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
  • AxtellAxtell Posts: 10,037 ✭✭


    << <i>

    I am no fan of Mr Mint but your post proves you are an ass! >>



    Actually found the story to be pretty entertaining.

  • Actually, I was believing it all, until it got to the part where Mintman offered $40!!!!!!!!!! I Mean come on, who is gonna believe that he would only offer $40 for all that cool stuff.
    Football collector 1948-1995, Rams oddball cards & memorabilia, Diamond match.
    Cataloging all those pesky, unlisted 1963 Topps football color variations Updated 2/13/05
    image
  • Enjoy this classic MR.Mint story posted by " PSATAN ", one of the best story tellers these boards has ever known. These we're definitely great times on the boards.


    A Case of the Goudeys


    Rob...
    Collecting PSA Vintage Hockey
  • ctsoxfanctsoxfan Posts: 6,246 ✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    I am no fan of Mr Mint but your post proves you are an ass! >>



    Actually found the story to be pretty entertaining. >>



    So did I - it actually captures the hobby's perspective of him quite accurately. But PSAtan's story remains a classic.
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  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    I'm with Dan. He's done a lot more good than harm to the hobby, and I think in a lot of circles his experiences have legitimize card collecting and put it a lot closer to stamps and coins. Yeah, so he's narcissistic, so what? He's responsible for a lot of great finds and overall I think we're all better off with him in the long run.

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

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