Sad hobby happenings here in Las Vegas ...

fsjeter

It is unfortunate but I've learned that two stores here in Las Vegas are no more. Both of the store owners were board members here on CU. Some of you may remember mrn98 (Matt and Mike from Dreamcards) as well as KallMaloneSay (Jason from Baseball Card Heaven). I'm told that Matt will be opening a store in a different location in the future but I'm not sure about Jason. It is sad but I wish them both the best!

Scott

RonBurgundy

Sorry to hear that. Is the show planned for Vegas in March usually any good?

fsjeter

Not quite sure what show you are referring to. There is a monthly show done at the Galleria Mall but it's nothing big. I have yet to see a really big show here. Naxcom did one a couple of years ago but it didn't fair all that well. The last show I went to at the Galleria Mall had a few ex Raiders signing, I can't recall who at the moment. Other than that, there a signings on the strip all the time. Pete Rose seems to be a regular. Now next year, there should be a nice show associated with the NBA All Star Game being played here.

Scott

theczar

is smokey's still there?

Lothar52

Poor Kallmalonesay....i remember he took a huge loan out to start his shop I think.....he disappeared from the boards quite some time ago...not the best move cause he could have talked to us about keeping stuff liquidated ASAP if it wasnt selling in his store.

Loth

fsjeter

<<is smokey's still there?>

Smokey's was gone before I moved here in 1999. I seem to remember the owner being involved in some scandal to sell counterfeit cards or something. I think he ended up getting convicted.

Scott

NBAFan

They were selling forged autographs. There is still a current law suit out against them. I received an e-mail regarding it due to purchasing an 8X10 that was "possibly" fake, which I was almost 100% sure it was, but for what I paid it wasn't worth my time to join in the suit against them.

jrinck

<< <i>They were selling forged autographs. There is still a current law suit out against them. I received an e-mail regarding it due to purchasing an 8X10 that was "possibly" fake, which I was almost 100% sure it was, but for what I paid it wasn't worth my time to join in the suit against them. >>



Were they accused of INTENTIONALLY selling forged autographs? Being ignorant is one thing--albeit a sad thing, but maliciously doing it is even worse.

2dueces

I played pack wars at Smokies in 89 with 86 Fleer Basketball. Packs were $25 then. That was unbelieveably high for packs. Upperdeck was $3. Their were six of us and I won a #57 Jordan. No one wanted the stickers so I took those. I pulled 6 Jordan stickers. Who knew at the time?

aro13

That is too bad. I was in Jason's store a while ago while I was in Vegas and was looking forward to going back this year. Hopefully, he is still selling.

Boopotts

That's a total drag. I don't know Matt and Mike, but I remember when Jason contributed here frequently; he was a great guy with a passion for cards. I'd think of his shop from time to time and hope that things were going well for him.

In the final analysis I think this speaks to the fact that it's very hard to run a shop that deals only in sportscards. You probably need the comics/coins/Lional Trains thing working for you as well to ensure you appeal to a wide enough collector base. Plus, it's my experience that collecting is either in your blood or it isn't-- and if it is you're willing to try collecting just about anything. So you could end up seeing some crossover traffic at some point as well if you had a diverse selection of stuff in the shelves.

Still, this is really too bad. I hope that Jason gets back on his feet and makes a success out of whatever he tries next.

schr1st

Jason is now posting over on the Beckett boards on occasion.

wolfbear

<< <i>Jason is now posting over on the Beckett boards on occasion. >>



Sure sign that the guy has hit rock bottom ...

Only kidding ... always enjoyed his posts and wish nothing but the best for Jason ...

sandmanfromlv

looks like after the autograph scam w/ the Marinos and Stan the Man autos that Phil (from Smokey's) is now selling houses...


Phil Scheinman
Liberty Realty

sandmanfromlv

I remember Smokey as being big time advertisors back in the day with a lot of high end stuff....sad

Stone193

I miss Jason posting here along with Beachbum.

They provided a very vital connection to the modern world of sportscards.

Beach, IMO, kept up with the minor league prospects better than anyone and could always give you a good update on what's gonna be hot in the upcoming season. Of course, take it, or leave it.

My recollection is that this forum used to be more modern oriented than it is now?

Old timers?
mike

rbdjr1

A high end collectibles (cards, coins and more!) shoppe would be nice at the Belliago!


edit: A rush at the cr@p table, and then u buy a PSA 10 Clemente! Or make a nice hit at the Belliago sports book on a baseball game, and then buy a Pete Rose rookie card! (Pete Rose and gambling? What a natural combo!)



rbd

Allen

<< <i>A high end collectibles (cards, coins and more!) shoppe would be nice at the Belliago! >>




I bet you would get to buy a lot of stuff cheap aswell lol...

Stone193

<< <i>

<< <i>A high end collectibles (cards, coins and more!) shoppe would be nice at the Belliago! >>




I bet you would get to buy a lot of stuff cheap aswell lol... >>


Allen

For that, just run down to the local pawn shop too?

mike

wolfbear

I remember Smokey's from the early days of eBay.
He was always selling VG and EX cards described as NM and NM-MT.

Didn't take long to learn that if you click on an auction and it turns out to be Smokey's,
hit the back button quick! You really don't even want to look at that ugly card that he would have in the scan ...

ctsoxfan

<< <i>I miss Jason posting here along with Beachbum.

They provided a very vital connection to the modern world of sportscards.

Beach, IMO, kept up with the minor league prospects better than anyone and could always give you a good update on what's gonna be hot in the upcoming season. Of course, take it, or leave it.

My recollection is that this forum used to be more modern oriented than it is now?

Old timers?
mike >>



No question about it, Mike. Those posters, and others (TheRoach, CoolHandLuke etc) provided very interesting analysis of modern cards, and the modern market. I can't bring myself to wade through the Beckett juvenile swamps to get anything similar these days...

KallMaloneSay was a great poster here, sorry to hear his store is no more. Perhaps Vegas isn't a great place for a card store? I am there a few times a year, and when I am there, the last thing I think about is sports cards.

fsjeter

<<Perhaps Vegas isn't a great place for a card store?>>

I think the lack of a professional franchise in any sport combined with the misguided disdain that the leagues (MLB, NBA, and NHL) have for the city really hurts. It's sad. Hopefully the All Star Game will be a springboard for the future! The Maloof Brothers (owners of the Sacramento Kings) built a casino here (The Palms) so maybe the team will soon follow!! Not my first option but I'll take it.

Scott