Legendary autograph signers delight fans, create priceless memories at record-setting National

CLEVELAND—Some of the backstage interactions in the TRISTAR Autograph Pavilion at the 44^th National Sports Collectors Convention were priceless.

For one, Bo Jackson and Reggie Jackson were talking and taking pictures with actor and comedian Chevy Chase. All were smiling and fans of each other.

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Then there was Carlos Baerga talking and filming video clips on his cellphone with some of the greatest baseball players ever, all together: Reggie Jackson, Pedro Martinez, Sammy Sosa, and Pete Rose. All wanted photos of the group.

Many stars greeted each other, such as Roberto Alomar Jr. and Dave Stewart. And many wanted photos with other celebs, such as Michelle Akers and Briana Scurry.

This year’s event had the most signers ever at The National, and TRISTAR Vice President Bobby Mintz said the autograph sessions “went very well.”

“We had a great group of celebrities who enjoyed being with the fans,” he said.

Mintz confirmed that the 2024 show set a record for the most autographs signed in public at The National. The highlight of the five-day event was simply the stars who appeared—from Hall of Famers and legendary athletes to celebrities and everything in between.

Just consider some of the 2024 signers: Sosa, Cal Ripken Jr., Manny Ramirez, Albert Pujols, Cheryl Miller, Reggie Jackson, Andre Dawson, and a 100-plus others.

Mintz said the 2024 show exceeded pre-show expectations, “and that was hard to do because our expectations were so high.”

He added that the autograph pavilion ran smoothly thanks to “enhancements we made customer service-wise at the autograph ticket booth and the photo booth, which both ran the best they ever have.”

The top signers were Ripken, Pujols, Sosa, Ramirez, Reggie Jackson, Bob Jackson, Rose, Roger Clemens, Julius Erving, Rickey Henderson, Dan Marino, Mike Schmidt, Joe Montana, David Ortiz, Jim Thome, Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Dan Marino.

The biggest surprises and those who signed more autographs than expected were Andy Katzenmoyer, Omar Vizquel, Cory Snyder, and Dennis Eckersley.

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The most popular first-time signers were Sosa, Penny Hardaway, Chauncey Billups, Alonzo Mourning, and Dominic Hasek.

Mintz’ favorite moments included seeing Rose, 83, hanging out in the backstage area, talking with other celebs. Same for Reggie Jackson, “and seeing the reverence the players had for [Rose and Jackson].”

Jackson and Carlos Baerga were among the stars snagging signatures from others.

Here are some of the highlights of the TRISTAR Autograph Pavilion:

• Kudos to the super-sized identification signs hanging behind each autograph signer, including a photo from their playing days.

• Former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden often flashed the Shaka hand sign when asked to pose for photos during his signing session.

• Omar Vizquel took a few small swings with a game-used bat before he signed the collectible.

• Barry Sanders took photos with many collectors who asked for his autograph and it was his son, Barry Jr., who clicked many of the pictures. Barry James Sanders played college football at Stanford from 2012-15, and then at Oklahoma State in 2016.

• Roberto Alomar’s daughter sat next to him during his session but seemed more interested in playing her video game.

• Dave Stewart walked over to hug and talk to Alomar, his former teammate in Toronto.

• I thought the famed Sports Illustrated cover featuring soccer sensation Brandi Chastain would be the No. 1 individual item she was asked to sign, outside of an 8-by-10 photo or a soccer ball. Well, she also signed many of her Funko Pops.

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• Many collectors said they wanted to see Nomar Garciaparra sign at this year’s National, and not just his wife, Mia Hamm. The two were married in November 2003.

• The U.S. Women’s Soccer stars were wearing apparel for The 99ers. After all, it was the 1999 Women’s World Cup held at different venues across the U.S. that was a milestone event for women’s soccer in America. The final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. was attended by 90,185 fans, an international record for a women’s sporting event. Chastain ended the 5–4 shootout against China with a penalty kick.

• Pro wrestling legend and former WWE star Jerry “The King” Lawler walked over to meet and get a photo with actor Randy Quaid.

• Robin Yount could have been on the DL as he appeared despite needing a sling on his right arm.

• Tony Perez and Terry Francona embraced during their public autograph signing sessions.

• Cory Snyder wore a Cleveland Indians polo shirt, or maybe it was for the Cleveland Guardians. J.T. Thomas wore a Pittsburgh Steelers hat.

• Wade Boggs won the award for the most colorful shirt: a sky-blue, long-sleeve button-down with floral patterns. He also wore his Yankees World Series ring.

• Many signers were incredibly meticulous, signing exactly where and how collectors wanted, such as Bob Lilly, Reggie Jackson and Cory Snyder, among others. Many also were incredibly friendly and jovial with collectors, such as Manny Ramirez, Fred McGriff and Rich Gossage.

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• Dave Winfield often went the fist-bump route as opposed to shaking hands.

• Albert Pujols signed two three-foot-tall bobbleheads that the collector needed a wagon to transport.

• Steve Carlton still delivers one of the best, most legible signatures.

• Dealer Scott Schwartz was selling autographed 8-by-10 photos of actor Ed O’Neill and actress Christina Applegate from their “Married With Children” TV show.

• A fan was dressed just like Randy Quaid (cousin Eddie) from “Christmas Vacation.” And, yes, he did chirp, “Sh----- was full.” Quaid also was selling pictures of that classic movie moment.

• Dennis Rodman had a face tattooed on his face. He inked an image of his girlfriend about a year ago. Rodman also was wearing his now-normal nose and lip rings. He wore sunglasses during his signing session and had another pair hanging from his shirt.

• Bob Golic was a national champion at Notre Dame in 1977, then played 14 seasons (1979-1992) in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Raiders. He signed plenty of football souvenirs in Cleveland, including photos, cards, helmets, and more. He also signed collectibles tied to “Saved by the Bell: The College Years,” arguably his best-known acting role when he played Mike Rogers, a retired San Francisco 49ers player who became the resident adviser of Cal U, the fictional college attended by the cast. He also appeared in the role for NBC’s made-for-TV-movie “Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas” in 1994.

• Ray Lewis was an exceptionally friendly signer, particularly for young collectors and fans.

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• Dick Ambrose laughed when he signed arguably the largest football helmet at this year’s National.

• Cheryl Miller went out of her way to make sure every collector who approached her for an autograph had a memorable experience—and she stood up to pose for pictures with anyone who asked.

• Rico Petrocelli wore a shirt and baseball hat promoting “The Great American Collectibles Show,” which airs every Wednesday at 6:30 ET with a range of guests from around the sports and hobby world. The show is hosted by author Tom Zappala, writer John Molori, and Petrocelli the retired Red Sox player.

• Collectors grabbing autographs from Reggie Jackson also were given a free REGGIE! candy bar, a milk chocolate flashback to Opening Day 1978 at Yankee Stadium which has been brought back for a limited run in 2024.

• Ozzie Smith is always one of the friendliest autograph signers. This year was no exception.

• David Thompson showed support for his alma mater with an NC State hat and shirt. Jerry Lucas and Archie Griffin did the same, wearing attire representing Ohio State. Lynn Swann simply showed his long-time allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers, wearing a black and yellow short-sleeve Steelers shirt.

• Doug Flutie stopped signing to walk over and greet Jim Kelly. Flutie, who played college football at Boston College, was autographing a University of Miami (where Kelly played) helmet at the time, so naturally, the two had some collegiate memories to share.

• “Mean” Joe Greene signed several mini-helmets from North Texas State University—now the University of North Texas—where he earned consensus All-America honors as a senior. He was selected by the Steelers fourth overall in the 1969 NFL Draft and earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

• Randy Grossman stood for most of his signing session.

• Ellis Burks was a last-minute addition to the VIP Party on Wednesday.

Time to start planning for the 2025 National in Chicago, and yes, Mintz and the TRISTAR crew already have.