My trip to BBCE today. (Edited with photos of stuff returned from BBCE and of my display)

jmaciu · May 17, 2014 10:45AM

Today, I had the chance to make the trip up I-65 to the Baseball Card Exchange. First of all, it is simply are sport's collectors dream. This not your average run-of- the-mill card shop. While it has a reputation of its vintage unopened, it is apparent that it was set up to cater to all fans: an amazing selection of all-sports autographs, pictures, raw and graded cards, sets. There is unopened product lining the walls of course.

I was lucky enough to meet Steve and spend at least 20 minutes talking about the unopened vintage market. He and his staff made me feel very welcome. I dropped off several baseball boxes from 1979-1984 and 70's racks & wax trays for him to authenticate and wrap for me. I will post scans when I get them back. I did drop some cash on some 70's and 80's packs. It's a good thing my wife stayed in the car with her book, because she has no idea about the cost of things. Lol.

It was a really good experience. If you collect anything sports and have the chance, you must visit the store.

On a side note, we attempted to visit the 3 Floyd's Brewery right up the road from BBCE, but the line to get in the door was 50 people deep, so there was no Gumball Head draft for me today.

Edited on 5-23-14

Here are the boxes Steve authenticated and wrapped. The cello box is a 1979:

Here are some wax trays:

a 1975 and 1976 rack packs:

A 78 rack with Murray on the back next to the header and a 79 with Ozzie on the front: (Sorry for the glare)

A couple more racks:

I love the rack packaging that Steve does.

I thought I would add a couple photos of my display that is a work in progress. I hope to get another display case this summer and I have another book shelf to put up for cards All of the boxes are BBCE wrapped:

A close-up of my 1980 shelf, with both Topps and its Canadian counterpart:

... the 1979 shelf version:

vintagefun · May 17, 2014 10:50AM

Good Stuff!

I wish I was a reasonable drive away from BBCE.

grote15 · May 17, 2014 11:07AM

Great recap, John~I wish I were closer to Indiana, LOL!

thehallmark · May 17, 2014 12:45PM

You know what it's like to see the BBCE booth at The National? It's like that feeling but a lot better.

...and while you're stressing over how much unopened you want to acquire, you don't have to walk around a gigantic convention center pretending you might find anything better to spend your money on.

galaxy27 · May 17, 2014 1:02PM

I can't even imagine how sweet that must have been, j. Cannot wait to see the scanage!

slum22 · May 17, 2014 3:16PM

Nice to hear about your trip. I wish BBCE was in driving range for me, but I will have to live vicariously through you guys. Looking forward to your next unopened update.

elsnorto · May 17, 2014 5:56PM

I don't get to Chi-Town much aside from flying through O'Hare. My best chance at making a pilgrimage to cardboard Makkah would be around one of the Nationals in Rosemont... but obviously a good deal of the inventory would be at the show instead of the shop.

Snorto~

BLUEJAYWAY · May 18, 2014 3:54AM

Despite the convenience and many good deals on the "Bay", there is nothing like going to a shop where you can "smell" the gum and cardboard.

fiveniner · May 18, 2014 4:20AM

he has good stuff besides unopened boxes and his prices are good.Glad I do not live to close to there as I would eventually have to file for Bankruptsy.

jmaciu · May 23, 2014 10:57AM

for photos!

grote15 · May 23, 2014 10:59AM

Terrific display, John!! Very well done!

tsalems1 · May 23, 2014 11:08AM

Great stuff John!

I like the display

Tom

baz518 · May 23, 2014 11:23AM

I'm obsessed with rack packs, those are some great ones you got... but the display is awesome! I long for the day. I have to keep all my stuff tucked away, having two boys around... who rip into old TMNT wax and Panini stickers like there's no tomorrow.