For the past few weeks, we’ve mentioned the The
National Sports Collectors
Convention. Last week, the anticipated event finally occurred and
representatives from Geppi’s Memorabilia Road Show (GMRS), as well as Morphy
Auction, were on hand for the festivities.

With more than 35,000 collectors expected and about 100 sports and
entertainment celebrities on hand to sign autographs, the five-day convention
(July 27-31)–affectionately called “The National”– had the Donald E. Stephens
Convention Center constantly abuzz with activity in Rosemont,
Illinois.

Thursday was White Sox Day, where members of the team held raffle drawings
for memorabilia and signed autographs. The White Sox mascot also appeared and a
silent auction benefitting Chicago White Sox Charities was held. In similar
fashion, Saturday was Chicago Bulls Day and Sunday was Chicago Bears
Day.

Geppi’s Memorabilia Road Show’s booth was a huge hit with its display of
Jack Johnson’s letter to The Ring Magazine, claiming to have thrown the
Jess Willard fight and Joe DiMaggio’s 1941 Yankee contract, among many other
collectibles that will be available for bid in the house’s October
auction.

Geppi’s Memorabilia Road Show’s Jim Pratt, Mike Zachary, Will Pratt, Tony
Cocchi, and Patrick Scholz were all in attendance, as was Gemstone Publishing’s
Russ Cochran. The GMRS booth also hosted a drawing for a chance to a Cal Ripken
signed bat and a commemorative 2,131 ball. Jim Bower of New Washington, IN was
the delighted winner.

Check out the staff photographs for a closer look at some of the prized
collectibles the convention had to offer.