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Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The ultimate Fanatics Fest review: Fun with numbers
There is a ton to cover from Fanatics Fest. I think the best way to do it is a thorough review of everything I saw and did. But there's no room here, so we're going to have fun with numbers!! JR Fickle bought a sum total of zero things there this weekend (I am an oddities guy, as you know, and there wasn't a lot of that), but I did get an 'in' on having my Vincent Price check authenticated — more on that another time! So personally, it was all wins for me. Let's jump right in! 3: The number of new people I'm following on social media MaryGambleGamble : Full disclosure, I followed and unfollowed a long time ago. I'm back to following. Screw it, I think she's fun. I have zero interest in the cards she deals with ($200+ modern Prizms are like 50x the price and 30 years older and 100% more sport-y I like to pay for cards) but she's enthusiastic, she seems to be enjoying herself, and her videos are very good. OH BUT SHE'S ONLY BEEN IN THE HOBBY FOR A YEAR! Are we suddenly gatekeepers? Who cares? Good content is good content. Advertisement WhoKnewCollectors : I met him at the Mantel party at Bleecker Trading — and I'm not sure if he told me his Mantel username as just a dude talking to another dude or what, so I'll protect all that here — but what a fantastic guy who has scarily parallel interests to mine. On the way home from the event, I checked out his Instagram feed, followed his logic on this Richard Pryor Superman 3 post, and raced to ebay to buy a few . They're cheaper than you think!! Michael Salfino : He was holding court in the back room at Bleecker, opining on vintage cards and then streaming shows to watch. He was quizzing people on how many HBO Max shows you can name (try it – you have 30 seconds). Michael came to the event with a stack of cards to do some trading with and let us rifle through them. They were fantastic. I held a very old Mickey Mantle in pristine condition. His big thing is 'centering' and you could see in his stack how they're all just wonderfully centered; it's a different feeling than seeing all these old cards – in near-perfect condition – online. Very cool. WARNING: His social account is most definitely not very cards focused, I have learned quickly. 0: The number of beers I had at the Mantel/Bleecker party I was told where the beers were, to be fair. But I wasn't going to be the only one drinking in a card shop. Especially with Salfino letting people touch his old cards. I won't be the one spilling Coors Light on a Tom Seaver rookie. 10000: The amount of times I have almost bought a 'Pieces of Sh*t' box on eBay I did not see these live in person. I heard about them, like a whisper, after. And now I'm stuck. I think I would pay $20 for one. I might pay $30. Once we start hitting $40, I'm out. They're small, as you can see. But I keep going back and forth – I am an annual Comic Con attendee, and 'exclusives' tend to get more expensive over time. But they have to hit just right. Is it too obscure? Maybe. What if the movie sucks — will anyone care? I could see this being worth $200 encased and graded, but a lot of these have dinged corners. Interestingly, most of the ones I'm seeing online have a dinged top left corner. No idea why. By the time you read this, I may have bought one. I don't know. I am completely perplexed by this. 14: the amount of seconds I cringed watching this video 'Autograph people' are like the monkey's paw cruel twist if you make a wish to be famous. 1: The number of movies I will recommend if you laughed seeing John Cena fake punch a punching machine You may be able to tell this just from me being a normal person, but my wrestling knowledge ends around 1990. You know what I know John Cena from? That show with the Bella Twins (I was a passive participant in watching it), the movie Blockers (I cannot recommend this movie enough), and the TV show Peacemaker (instant classic). I love the guy. I'm telling you, watch Blockers. Tonight. It's incredible and he's really great. And so him doing this with the punching machine – and kind of half-heartedly doing the 'can't see me' hand thing – that's the John Cena I know! 7-10: The amount of minutes more that Aiden from Lil Pullman negotiates than I do Jake Singman wrote a great piece from the Fest about the vendors at the show, asking them a series of questions about how they collect. One of the questions was how long they will haggle/negotiate on cards. One guy said he could go months over email. But Aiden said he knows right off the bat and will stop at 10 minutes. My negotiating runs about 0 minutes – I can't do it. I need to get better at it and if there's something I really want, I'll probably do it. Even my 'Best Offer' strategy on eBay sucks… I either go too low or just hit the heart and hope they come to me with something more than 8% off. I need a negotiating primer! Someone help me!! Anyway, that was a quick review of the weekend. It was fun. I can see how if you love celebrity culture and follow former athletes you would leave this event having the best time ever. I'm not wired that way; but I can see it. Will I go next year? Yes. Will I probably have a better 'what I bought' recap from The National? Also yes. But there was a lot of thoughtful effort put into this event, and I truly appreciate the Herculean effort. The widespread praise from fans is well-deserved. Advertisement On a final note, shoutout to Javits for blasting the AC – I've been to a bunch of NY Comic Cons where I just sweat and it was miserable. Quick Hitters I found this story on how to increase the holiness of your Pope card pretty great. I did not know you couldn't sell something that has been blessed. I mentioned how I know nothing about wrestling. But I caught some buzz about Mr. Iguana on twitter and saw something about this being his first card … and I jumped in without knowing anything else. The good news? I bought it for $9.98 and it's already up to $14.98! INSTINCTS!! We've heaped praise on Markie Devo here before. He tipped us off to the BK Advent calendars, after all!! Today's special? A Gatorade Shirley Temple flavor made especially for Paige Bueckers . I bet there's a 'limited run' of this in the near future. Oh sorry, did you want actual card investing advice? Go buy Miguel Vargas autographed rookies . He is quietly having a nice season and was a monster in the minors . The White Sox suck so nobody's paying attention to anything but their occasional dysfunction, but Vargas, who is just 25, could be a stud. Your collection deserves a community. Download Mantel today.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mantelpiece Stories: Inside one collector's passion for PSA 1 cards
One of the best things about collecting is that it's a different experience for everyone, and no one can tell you if it's right or wrong. At Mantel's pre-Fanatics Fest trade night at Bleecker Trading, we met a collector, Steve Loff of Throwback Cards, who embodies this perfectly. His passion? Cards graded PSA 1, typically the lowest grade possible. Advertisement His goal? Own the world's largest collection of PSA 1 cards. Intrigued by his unique collection, we sat down with him to dive into the world of 'imperfectly perfect' cards. How did this unique collection begin? Steve: It all started when I saw a guy posting random PSA 1s on Instagram. I found it hilarious yet intriguing. Interestingly, my own journey actually began with a PSA 3, not a 1. I got a 2019 Pete Alonso #475 back from PSA expecting a 10, but it was a 3 due to an accidental fold in the card. I laughed, looked at the pop report — Pop 1, none lower — and decided, 'I'm keeping this card.' Then I thought about iconic cards I'd always wanted in high grades, like the '93 Jeter SP. Curious, I checked and saw a Pop 1 in PSA 1, found it immediately on COMC, and snagged it for $195. It remains my most expensive PSA 1 to date. That card changed my entire collecting approach. 1993 SP Derek Jeter PSA 1 (Via Mantel) Do you mostly buy your PSA 1 cards or grade them yourself? Steve: Around 95% are already graded as PSA 1. I often wonder how they ended up that way. Were they treasured by someone for a long time, graded out of curiosity, or a grading newbie's submission? Occasionally, when I can't find a Pop 1 or Pop 2 card I really want, I'll intentionally submit a beat-up card myself, hoping for a PSA 1. What's the secret to consistently getting PSA 1 grades? Steve: It's funny — just like spotting a PSA 10, you need an eye for a 1. It takes practice. I've aimed for 1s and sometimes ended up with 2s, which felt like overgrading! A perfect PSA 1 has good centering and registration but clearly visible creases and worn corners. My 1981 Topps Kirk Gibson is an ideal example: childhood-loved, pocket-worn, yet charmingly intact. 1981 Topps Kirk Gibson PSA 1 (Via Mantel) Do you ever intentionally damage cards for a lower grade? Steve: Occasionally, yes. However, I don't usually like taking shortcuts like pinholes —though I confess I did it once with my 1989 Topps Traded Barry Sanders. I let my kids play with it, creased it up, but wasn't confident it would grade a 1, so I added a pinhole. That card graded PSA 1 and has since become a centerpiece of my collection. I've even declined offers for it that exceeded PSA 10 prices! Which cards in your collection mean the most to you? Steve: The Sanders, despite the pinhole, because of the memorable story around its grading. The Jeter SP as my first PSA 1. The Kirk Gibson card for its ties to my childhood. Also, my junk wax-era PSA 1s — cards like the 1986 Canseco Rated Rookie, the 1987 Topps Bo Jackson Future Stars, and the 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn. I particularly love my 1969 Victoria Stevie Wonder, Pop 1, none lower! 1989 Topps Barry Sanders PSA 1, 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 1 and 1990 Fleer Michael Jordan PSA 1 (Via Mantel) What might surprise people about the pricing of PSA 1 cards? Steve: PSA 1 cards are often rarer than higher grades, so there's a surprising premium sometimes. For example, my Barry Sanders card has drawn offers higher than PSA 10 counterparts. Generally, PSA 1 collecting is affordable and fun, but certain low-population cards can unexpectedly outpace mid-level grades in value. Any cards still on your wishlist? Steve: Definitely! I'd love an '86 Jordan, '79 Gretzky, or '58 Jim Brown, even though they're relatively common in PSA 1. My true wish list includes modern iconic cards you rarely see graded PSA 1, like the 2018 Prizm Luka Doncic or Tom Brady Bowman Chrome rookie. But at the very top are the 1984 Topps or Donruss Don Mattingly and the 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant — both hard to find and pricey. Any final thoughts you'd like to share? Steve: It is the best conversation starter. One fun thing is bringing these PSA 1 cards to shows and displaying them prominently. Collectors always react positively, often amazed or amused. As quirky as it sounds, PSA 1 collecting is incredibly rewarding — it's affordable, personal, and brings genuine joy and conversations every single time. Do you have a unique collection you would like featured on Mantelpiece Stories? Let us know on Mantel.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mantel takes Manhattan for Fanatics Fest
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: Michael Rubin (C) with Verizon "Moment of Freak Out" winner Dwight Lake and Joshua Booker, during the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 at Jacob Javits Center on August 18, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor Fanatics) We're finally here, Collectors. Fanatics Fest Week. Heading to NYC for the show? Check out Yahoo Sports' primer on what to expect from Michael Rubin and team this year. And don't forget to stop by Bleecker Trading to hang with the Mantel crew. We'll be there after the show every day, with a packed schedule of events , giveaways, authentic NYC pizza… everything you'll need. We can't talk about Fanatics Fest without talking about the engine driving Fanatics' push to dominate the sports and collectible businesses: Michael Rubin. The Fanatics founder and CEO's rise offers a masterclass in strategic evolution, risk tolerance, and obsessive focus on customer value. As described in Boardroom's cover story article and video, Rubin sees Fanatics not as an empire, but a 22,000-person startup, still just getting started. Regular readers of these pages are probably pretty aware of the love we have for Bleecker Trading, an NYC hobby shop that puts culture and community at the forefront of everything they do. With Mantel hitting the Big Apple, deciding where we wanted to post up was a no-brainer, and for Yahoo Sports, we wanted to take readers behind the scenes at the shop. I also had the pleasure of joining Bleecker honcho Mark Zablow on The Hobby With Cage , so give the article a read, the video a watch , and then come hang with us at the shop this week if you're in town. At this point you've probably heard of Labubu, the cute/creepy dolls that have taken over the world over the last few weeks. (If you are unfamiliar, check out this piece from NPR , which explains the toy's origins). We also enjoyed the video below from the Wall Street Journal, which showcases how the store behind the phenomenon, Pop Mart, has made the dolls go viral, and as a result, is now minting money. Are Labubu dolls here to stay, or just this year's Furby ? In a heart-warming twist of hobby fate, a Caitlin Clark 2024 Panini Prizm WNBA Black Finite 1/1 rookie card, graded PSA 9, sold for $274,500 via Goldin Auctions just months after a collector landed it for $27 in a Whatnot stream. The card is now the most valuable non-autographed Clark card ever sold, and the second-priciest overall behind her $366K Gold Vinyl auto. Kudos to the seller, Valerie Coleman, for turning her windfall into a good cause, with her pledge to match up to $50K in donations collectors make to animal rescues. One of only four known Ceratosaurus skeletons, and the only juvenile, is hitting the auction block at Sotheby's on July 16. Measuring over 10 feet long with a complete skull and razor-sharp teeth, the fossil stands mounted in a dramatic, roaring pose. Originally unearthed in Wyoming and once housed at Utah's Museum of Ancient Life, the specimen is estimated to bring in $4-6M at the sale, a huge number, though still tiny in comparison to the Stegosaurus 'Apex' , which sold for $44.6M back in 2022. Not all are thrilled, by the way, that fossils once destined for museums and scientific research, are ending up in private collections through these auctions. Another week, another Mantel update. Yesterday we launched new features including Streaks, Polls and better image display tools (including zoom). Not on Mantel yet? Grab a (free) account and username today , and join in the excitement as we take in the sights, sounds and conversations from Fanatics Fest in NYC. Your collection deserves a community. Download Mantel today.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside Fanatics Fest: How one hobby shop prepares for the big show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: (L-R) Michael Rubin and JAY-Z enjoying JAY-Z's Iconic The 40/40 Club in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook at the center of Fanatics Fest NYC at Jacob Javits Center on August 18, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor Fanatics) Fanatics Fest is no ordinary trade show, it's a place where sports, fan culture, and the trading card hobby converge. But how can smaller hobby shops make the most of such a major event? We sat down with the team at Bleecker Trading, one of NYC's most celebrated hobby shops— and our partner for an exclusive trade night event —to get the inside scoop. Q: Let's start from the beginning. How did Bleecker Trading become such a notable hobby shop? Bleecker Trading: 'When we founded the shop in 2020, we didn't just want to be another card store. We aimed to become a cultural destination in NYC's West Village. By combining hobby, streetwear, community events, and influencer culture, we created a unique space. We quickly became known for our premium trade nights, celebrity appearances, and live-streamed breaks. It helped bridge the gap between traditional collectors and younger enthusiasts.' Advertisement Q: What makes Fanatics Fest such a crucial event for you? Bleecker Trading: 'Fanatics Fest is one of the biggest stages in the hobby, it's where collectors, influencers, athletes, celebrities and brands meet. Being there is critical because it boosts our national visibility and credibility. We can interact face-to-face with manufacturers, athletes, content creators, and especially collectors themselves. It's more than sales; it's about positioning ourselves as active players in the hobby's future.' Q: What's your main focus at Fanatics Fest? Sales, branding, or something else? Bleecker Trading: 'All of it! Of course, we sell high-end items and exclusive products at the event, but buying inventory from collectors is equally important. Networking is huge, we're always building relationships with Fanatics leadership, industry brands, athletes, and creators. And content is key; we capture tons of video and photos to keep the buzz alive long after the event.' Advertisement Q: Based on last year's Fanatics Fest, what have you learned to do differently this year? Bleecker Trading: 'Definitely to plan earlier. We started preparing inventory, staffing, and marketing content about 60-90 days in advance this year. We're also introducing more exclusive drops, items you can only get at our booth, to drive foot traffic. Plus, our booth setup now includes areas for podcast interviews, live breaks, and creator meetups. We also realize how important it is to attract visitors from out of town and encourage them to experience our shop firsthand. Creating memorable experiences at the shop helps build long-term brand awareness and loyalty, so we've organized daily post-show events featuring well-known hobby players like Mary Gamble Gamble, Mojo Sports, King of Kards, CollX, and This way, visitors have an engaging reason to stop by our store, hopefully making them more likely to return whenever they're back in town.' Q: For first-time vendors, what's your number one piece of advice? Bleecker Trading: 'Start your planning early—don't leave anything to chance. You need a range of products at different price points, and enough staff to handle the chaos of selling, buying, and networking simultaneously. Don't underestimate how busy it can get. Also, content creation is critical. Capture videos, photos, and go live during the event. It's not just about immediate sales; think long-term relationships and brand growth. Stay flexible, adjust quickly, and network aggressively!' Advertisement Q: Any final thoughts for shops looking to follow in your footsteps at Fanatics Fest? Bleecker Trading: 'Leave nothing to chance. Fanatics Fest is more than just a sales opportunity. It's a chance to elevate your brand, strengthen relationships, and create content that will benefit your business long after the event ends. Approach it strategically and creatively, and you'll see a significant payoff in both the short and long term.' Will you be attending Fanatics Fest? Be sure to share your pickups on Mantel all week! Download Mantel today.
