Report from the Richmond Classic show today...

[SouthernSportscards]

I went to the big Richmond Classic (formerly Tuff Stuff Show) today. Overall, I was disappointed. I usually go on Saturday but decided to attend Sunday to see if there was a difference. First off, I went to buy an admission ticket and saw a sign that said that Gaylord Perry would not be appearing Sunday as promised but that he showed up Saturday unannounced and signed then instead. It was not the promotor's fault but rather Perry had a family commitment and came a day earlier. I'm sure those folks arriving Sunday were mad!
Next I spotted the cast members from "A Christmas Story" who were signing autos in the entrance. I should say they wanted to sign autos but there was no one waiting to get their sigs.....sad.
Once inside, dealer tables were pretty much like normal. I arrived at noon on Sunday and found 1 or 2 dealers packing up. By 1:30pm, more were heading out. This show was limited to one large exhibition hall when it used to be 2. In an effort to bring more folks in, this show was also combined with a coin and old toy section. Auto guests were moved into this main room and the lines were non existant. I walked by and saw Steve Carlton and Don Sutton just sitting there. Imagine, 2 of the greatest pitchers of all time, hoping someone would come up and ask them to sign something......also sad.
I made one loop through all the tables and spotted the usual assortment of over produced shiny, refractor, limited edition, serial numbered, game used/worn, autographed, 1 of 1 junk. It all looked the same. Vintage cards were fairly well respresented in raw and graded form although PSA was the prominent one followed at a distance by GAI material. The only people who seemed to be doing any business (including my $2) were the supply guys. Dealers were busy buying top loaders and 900 count boxes. I picked up a dozen 8 pocket sheets for my oversized 50's Topps/Bowman cards and headed for the door.Anytime you can go to a big show and walk away after only spending $7, you are doing ok.