Joan Rubenfeld’s article about the 1991 Anaheim National in Allan Kaye’s Sports Cards News & Prices Guides premier issue in October/November 1991 is a wonderful piece that still holds up today!
Here are a few of my favorite lines:
- “The first impression one gets on entering the convention hall is of the people- thousands of people – old, young, in carriages, toddling, serious looking, smiling, intense.”
- “Despite the long lines for everything…”
- “Strangely, many of the people seem to be dressed alike…”
- “The majority of those attending the convention was older adults.”
- “The array of merchandise for sale was mind boggling.”
- “Among the stars in attendance the day I was there were Warren Spahn, Pee Wee Reese, Reggie Jackson, Billy Herman, Duke Snider, Lou Brock, Y.A. Tittle, Paul Hornung, Monte Ervin, and Emmitt Smith.”
- “Nostalgia flooded me…”
- “By this time, I was worn out, and spying a vacant chair…”
And finally, “Next time there is a sport card show in your neighborhood, and particularly if there is a ‘biggie’ like the National Convention, go to it!”