Long-running collectible show comes to Ocean County

Bill Brodhead displays an extensive collection of T0206 type sports collectible cards from the early 1900’s.  “These were sold on cigarette packs,” he explained.  The cards are sent out to an independent company to be graded for quality, with the grading information clearly displayed on the case for each card.

Dan Gallop has a wide selection of sports jerseys.  If he doesn’t have it, he can get it for you.  Want your own name on the jersey?  He can do that, too.

Sports card and collectible fans in Ocean County no longer need to hit the Parkway to find the treasures they seek to fill out their collections, and those who missed the Jan. 9 show held at the Toms River Elks building will have nine more opportunities this year. 

Gary Sipos, promoter and self-described patriarch of this cards and collectibles show-business family has been organizing these events in North Jersey for the past 20 years, primarily at the Garfield Boys and Girls Club.  Sipos, along with his wife Donna and their grown sons Joe and Kris, spotted the Toms River Elks Club while visiting his parents in Whiting.  Sipos recalls remarking to his father, “That’s a good building for a show!”

There’s something for everyone here- a great variety of sports and interests are represented at a wide range of price points.  Collectors can find every kind of storage supplies for their collections, from one-card top loading slip cases to boxes that hold thousands of cards and everything in between.  Comic book storage and display cases for sports balls are also available.  There’s even a lucite case meant to protect those prized Wheaties boxes.

Sipos and several of the vendors pointed out that the prices at the shows are considered below market.  The use of the Beckett price guides is encouraged by Sipos and the vendors.  The Beckett guides are available at the show, and may also be accessed online.  It is anticipated that many of the vendors will return, allowing the collector to develop a relationship with the vendors.  Good-natured bargaining could be heard taking place, as well as exchange of information as the sellers educated the potential buyers regarding the memorabilia.

Some of the memorabilia provides a real taste of history.  Angelo Sanguine has many pieces of autographed equipment, including the baseball bat signed by the 1960 World Champion New York Mets.  The bat boasts twenty-five signatures, including Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman.  Check  out the basketballs signed by LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, and the football signed by Joe Namath.  All of Mr. Sanguine’s collectibles come with certificates or letters of authenticity.  In addition to these higher ticket items, Sanguine has a variety of cards and other items, including $2- card packs, “For the kids.”

The Cards and Collectibles show will return to the Toms River Elks Club at the corner of Clifton Avenue and Washington Street nine more times this year.  February 13, March 13, May 8, July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11.  All shows are from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Drawings for door prizes are held hourly and The Elks have the snack bar open for business.

For further information, visit www.cardscollectibles.com or call Gary Sipos at 732-849-5599.