FIRST-TIMERS: Autograph collectors welcome big names for debut appearance at National Sports Collectors Convention

In collecting circles, the term “first appearance” is generally reserved for comic books.

But in the sports collectibles hobby, we focus on sports cards and memorabilia, so we use that term in a different way in regard to some of the legendary athletes making their first appearance at the TRISTAR Autograph Pavilion at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.

I've been lucky enough to meet and rub elbows with many athletes at TRISTAR signings over the years and it is truly an experience like no other.

We lead off with our baseball list, and boy, do we start with a few huge ones.

A member of the exclusive 3,000-hit and 500-home run club, Cabrera will be making his first NSCC appearance. “Miggy” is a 12-time All-Star, two-time AL MVP, World Series champion, Triple Crown winner and, needless to say, a future Hall of Famer. A player of his stature making their first appearance should draw plenty of attention, long lines and, most importantly, countless happy fans.

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Not to be outdone, quite possibly the greatest third baseman of this generation will be making his first appearance at The National as well. Also a member of the 3,000-hit club, four-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner and one of the most interesting personalities in the game, a meet-and-greet or autograph experience with Beltre should be an incredibly memorable one.

In the early 2000s, the Los Angeles Dodgers closer was the definition of lights out. The dominant closer and two-time winner of the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award added a Cy Young Award to his trophy case in 2003 and a World Series championship later in 2007. Luckily for fans, Gagne will be making his first National appearance this year as well.

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The list of first appearances for baseball is pretty impressive, as it also includes a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee (Helton) and two of the five 2025 inductees (Sabathia, Wagner).

The list of basketball greats making their first appearance at The Natty is truly jaw-dropping. “The Greek Freak” and literally his entire family will be making their first National appearance, including brothers Alex, Kostas and Thanasis.

A who's who of legendary college basketball coaches will be on hand for the first time, including Syracuse legend Jim Boeheim, UConn legend Jim Calhoun, andformer Kentucky and current Arkansas head coach John Calipari. This might as well be an All-Star Game or Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.

The New York Knicks legendary center will be making his first National appearance. Criminally undermentioned, Ewing is one of the greatest centers of all time. The 11-time All Star is a two- time Olympic Gold medalist and member of the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary teams.

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 The Pittsburgh Steelers five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, one of the most imposing figures to ever step onto the gridiron, will be a must-see first appearance as well.

The old “Ball Coach,” the 1966 Heisman Trophy winner and legendary college coach, will be on hand for the first time, too. Fans of the Gators, Gamecocks and Redskins should get their tickets soon.

With the Knicks’ playoff run over, the legendary writer, director, Nike commercial co-star and New York superfan also will be on hand for the first time.

BASEBALL

George Bell

Michael Busch

John Cangelosi

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Shawon Dunston

Philip Humber

Tommy John

Pat Mahomes Sr.

Jim Maloney

Hal Morris

Rick Sutcliffe

Dansby Swanson

Kyle Tucker

Milt Wilcox

Carlos Zambrano

FOOTBALL

Anquan Boldin

Mark Bortz

Roland Harper

Walter Jones

Joe Klecko

Jim Osborne

Orlando Pace

Julius Peppers

Patrick Peterson

Johnny Roland

Terrell Suggs

BASKETBALL

Cynthia Cooper

Dave Corzine

Vlade Divac

Tyler Herro

Craig Hodges

Dwight Howard

Cheryl Miller

Will Perdue

Dave Schellhase

Antoine Walker

HOCKEY

Ben Eager

Grant Mulvey