Chicago Sports Spectacular features high-end cards, thousands of autographed collectibles

The annual Chicago Sports Spectacular card show delivered a cornucopia of collectibles, with about 10,000 attendees sifting through offerings from hundreds of dealers and meeting about 60 autograph signers.

There were boxes filled with 10-cent cards. My first pull from this stuffed box was the 2018 Score card of Kelvin Benjamin, the former Florida State wide receiver who played in the NFL from 2014-1018, primarily for the Carolina Panthers.

Then there were exorbitantly priced collectibles. Case in point: a signed 2022 Panini card of soccer sensation Lionel Messi, graded PSA 9 and priced at $30,000. I was shocked. I was speechless when the seller of that Messi card suggested I look at another of his relics for sale: a signed 2022 1-of-1 Panini card of Messi. It had a price tag of $375,000.

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Nice? Absolutely! But not even remotely an option, though the seller said he could negotiate a little, if interested.

As expected, the Chicago Sports Spectacular, held March 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, delivered cards aplenty and autographs on everything — even a Chicago Cubs football helmet, signed by Kris Bryant with multiple inscriptions, for $2,500.

There were photos of any number of sizes and stars, and even a 3-foot-tall bobblehead of Tom Brady — one of 17 made — for $3,000. There also was a 3-foot bobblehead of Albert Pujols, one of 37 made, for only $2,750.

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The autograph signing slate was impressive, to say the least: Bobby Orr, Julius Erving, Barry Sanders, Dennis Rodman, Dominique Wilkins, Rick Barry, Orlando Cepeda, Roberto Alomar, Jerry Kramer, Ray Bourque, “Mean” Joe Greene, Jim Kaat, Randy White, Gary Payton, Lance Parrish and others.

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A few of my favorite finds were:

• The 1969 All-Star Hockey Game: $40.

• A Steve McMichael cut signature, framed with a Super Bowl XX ticket: $250.

• Ric Flair-autographed, high-quality Halloween mask: $300.

• Scott Hall and Kevin Nash dual-signed 8-by-10 photo: $100.

• The 1994 University of Miami football uncut sheet of 12 cards, including Warren Sapp, then-head coach Dennis Erickson and some defensive tackle named Dwayne Johnson.

• A Josh Allen autographed jersey, framed along with two photos of the star Buffalo quarterback ($750), a reminder of the star who led my fantasy football team to the league championship this past season.

• Chicago Blackhawks three-ring set of replica Stanley Cup championship rings with a platform: $100.

• Yadier Molina game-used, autographed Stan Musial commemorative base: $10,000.

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• Doug Plank autographed 8-by-10 photo: $20.

After walking through every aisle at the show, I returned to one of the first dealer tables that I spotted. Tom Brode, an Ohio-based dealer, had arguably the most unique item I saw — a signed, framed Patrick Mahomes jersey with two photos of the Super Bowl-winning quarterback in the case. It also included a video screen that shows Mahomes highlights.

“I like items that have history and uniqueness to them. The video brings the history to life and truly makes the item unique,” Brode said.

Brode bought a custom framing company weeks before the show and is now looking to bring more such assets to life on the card show scene and beyond. The concept came to life last Christmas after Brode and his wife attended a Tim McGraw concert and he shot video of the singer. He then purchased a McGraw-signed record and added their video to the framed asset.

The self-made Christmas present became the brainchild for Brode in sports collectibles.

“That’s a unique gift for anyone — to relive your memories,” he said.

The framing cost $600 and he offers it for anyone and anything, including youth sports. The Mahomes item at the show, with the video, was selling for $3,500.

While interviewing Brode, a father-son duo stopped by to inquire about the Mahomes item. Brode answered their questions and, as they walked away, the youngster said, “That’s really cool.”

Brode plans expand the offerings with video and plans to make the screens larger, too. “This brings the Man Cave to the next level,” he said.

I was hoping to find a Sidney Crosby rookie card at the show. Not for purchase, just to see if I could, in fact, spot a 2005 Upper Deck card (#201) of the Pittsburgh Penguins great. And hopefully it’d be graded a Gem Mint 10.

It was a challenge, especially since a friend collects Crosby and always asks about hockey offerings at shows.

Sure enough, I found a dealer who had two for $4,000 each. A bit higher than you’d find on eBay and elsewhere, but these were nice.

Moments later, I spotted a $10 Funko Pop of Crosby. More likely I’d buy that than the card.

Here’s a look at other collectibles available at the Chicago Sports Spectacular:

• A rack of signed jerseys of Olin Kreutz, Lance Briggs, Jimbo Covert, Bill Madlock or Adrian Dantley: $50 each.

• Boston Bruins official logo pucks: $10.

• Replica full-size University of Michigan helmet: $175.

• The artwork of Chicago-based Al Sorenson, particularly the collage pieces, are awesome. The 22-by-28 canvas reproductions, mounted on wood were $110.

• Autographed 16-by-20 photos: Justin Fields ($225), Marian Hossa ($150), Andrew Shaw ($80), three cast members of the Dukes of Hazard ($200).

• Tony Esposito signed replica mask: $150.

• Autographed footballs: Lawrence Taylor ($300), Joe Montana with three inscriptions ($600) or Michael Vick ($200).

• Anthony Rizzo autographed replica glove: $1,300.

• Mike Ditka signed helmet: $400.

• Dick Butkus signed helmet with “Monster of the Midway” inscription: $300.

• Autographed 8-by-10 photos: Dan Hampton ($20), Bobby Hull ($25) or Billy Williams ($50).

• Factory-sealed box of Mork & Mindy cards, made by Topps in the late-1970s: $130

• Mini basketball hoops with player photos, such as Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson or Larry Bird: $30.

• Autographed and encased index cards: Clint Eastwood ($650), Telly Savalas ($150), Diana Ross ($250), Cesar Romero ($150), Woody Allen ($200) or Neil Diamond ($300).

• 12-by-18 Nellie Fox tobacco ad: $775

• Vince Lombardi signed “Run To Daylight” book, with JSA COA: $1,395

• Autographed jerseys from Upper Deck Authenticated, in original UDA boxes: Peyton Manning ($1,495) or Karl Malone numbered to 132 ($2,200).

• Michael Jordan signed, framed, dual-colored team jersey from Upper Deck: $4,995.

• Ichiro signed baseball: $289.

• Autographed 16-by-20 Photos: Rollie Fingers ($25), Joe Schobert ($15), Corbin Burnes ($35), Randy Johnson ($95), Khris Middleton ($75), Freddy Peralta ($25) and Trevor Hoffman ($35).

• The Ric Flair Package, with a replica robe and signed championship belt: $3,500.

• Kris Bryant, Jon Lester or Greg Maddux bobbleheads: $25

• Giannis Antetokounmpo signed and framed jersey, with two 8-by-10 photos encased: $600.

• Autographed 8-by-10 of Luke Appling: $25.

• Autographed jerseys: Stephen Curry ($750), Aaron Rogers ($999), Travis Kelce ($450) or Len Dawson ($299).

• More autographed jerseys: Kevin Butler, Andre Rison or Emery Moorehead ($70), Dave Robinson ($80), Paul Popovich ($60), or Tom Mack ($75).

• Jim Taylor-signed football, with HOF ’76 inscription: $250.

• Kyle Hamilton-signed jersey: $50.

• Autographed full-size helmets: Joe Namath ($575), Joe Montana with three inscriptions ($700) or Herschel Walker stat helmet ($700).

• Autographed 16-by-20 of Hulk Hogan from his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW): $175.

• Autographed 8-by-10 of the Ultimate Warrior: $500.

• Factory-sealed basketball hobby boxes from 1996-97: Hoops, Series 2 ($395), Topps Stadium, Series 1 ($425) or Series 2 ($465), or SkyBox Premium, Series 1 ($575).

• Framed, signed jerseys with two photos encased: Bo Jackson ($700), Mike Singletary ($550), Jim McMahon ($600), Mike Ditka ($550), Joe Montana from his Notre Dame days ($850), Alexander Ovechkin ($900), Larry Bird ($700), or Justin Fields ($650).

• Bronco Nagurski-signed 10-by-13 photo: $1,100.

• Muhammad Ali autographed hat with JSA COA: $600.

• Rudy Ruettiger autographed Notre Dame jersey with inscriptions: $40.

• 2009 Topps James Harden card ($80)

• 2022 Topps Baseball Series One Hobby Box: $80

• Funko Pops: Derek Jeter ($70), Mike Trout ($20), Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. ($15), Jackie Robinson ($20), Zion Williamson ($15) or Christian Yelich ($15).

• Funko Pops for $13 or 3-for-$30: Mike Trout, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Baker Mayfield, Dale Earnhardt or Josh Allen.

• Patrick Mahomes autographed jerseys, from a Kansas City-based dealer: $1,000, $1,200 and $1,500.

• Bill Russell signed, framed jersey: $2,995.

• Single-signed baseballs: Lou Gehrig, personalized ($19,000); Babe Ruth, personalized ($11,000); or Hank Greenberg, Texas League ball ($2,100).

• A binder filled with 1988 O-Pee-Chee Hockey set: $300.

• Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant autographed UDA jerseys: $12,000.

• Brett Favre autographed Atlanta Falcons jersey: $200.

• Desmond Howard signed Green Bay Packers helmet: $125.

• A 1957 Milwaukee Braves replica World Series trophy: $1,500.

• Factory-sealed hobby box of 2022 Topps Soccer, $35.

• Factory-sealed hobby box of 2022-23 Upper Deck MVP Hockey, $35.

• Tubs filled with vintage model gloves, all for 30 percent off. The Ron Guidry glove was $65.

• Mike Trout game-worn and signed cleats: $5,000.

• Tom Brady autographed New England Patriots helmet: $3,650.

• Factory-sealed 2017 Donruss Football hobby box: $450.

• Bobby Orr, 1966-67 Topps (7.5): $35,000

• Auston Matthews, 2016-17 Upper Deck (10): $12,500.

• Cy Young, T206 Piedmont (3.5): $4,800

• Walter Johnson, T206 Sweet Caporal (2.5): $3,500

• Mickey Mantle, 1953 Bowman Color (4.5): $3,200

• Tiger Woods, 1998 Champions of Golf (9): $2,750

• Willie Mays, 1952 Bowman (3.5): $2,450

• Ty Cobb, 1933 Sport Kings (1.5): $2,300

• Joe Namath, 1965 Topps (1): $1,700

• Jackie Robinson, 1956 Topps (6): $1,300

• Walter Payton, 1976 Topps (8): $1,100

• Jim Brown, 1958 Topps (1): $1,100.

• Jackie Robinson, 1953 Topps (1.5): $950

• Sandy Koufax, 1957 Topps (7): $700.

• Kylian Mbappé, 2018 Panini Prizm (10): $400

• Erling Haaland, 2019 Topps Chrome (9): $350

• Carl Yasztremski, 1961 Topps (6.5): $225

• Derrick Henry, 2016 Donruss Optic (10): $150

• Bob Waterfield, 1948 Bowman (3.5): $100

• Joe Garagiola, 1951 Bowman (3.5): $90

• O.J. Simpson, 1970 Kellogg’s (8): $70

• Leroy Parmelee, 1933 Goudey (1): $30