Reggie Jackson, Roger Clemens, Dusty Baker thrill fans at TRISTAR Houston show

Tal Smith is a 2022 inductee into the Houston Astros Hall of Fame, remembered for multiple stints as the team’s general manager, a run as the president of baseball operations and immortalized through a (since removed) 30-degree hill in center field named “Tal’s Hill” as a tribute to his creativity and contribution to the Minute Maid Park project.

Smith attended the 38th annual TRISTAR Productions Sports Memorabilia Show, a three-day event held Feb. 2-4 at NRG Arena. He was the biggest surprise autograph signer, drawing a lengthy line of fans eager to grab his signature and reminisce about their beloved Astros.

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A veteran of 54 years in baseball, Smith spent 35 seasons with the Astros over three separate terms and was the 2005 recipient of a lifetime achievement award. He is 90 years old yet was not the oldest signer ever at a TRISTAR show, though this was his first public show appearance.

Smith was a draw at the 2024 show, which attracted about 5,000 collectors, eager to buy, sell and trade sports cards, memorabilia and more. And, of course, snag some signatures of a loaded autograph lineup.

The show’s top 10 signers were: Tank Dell, Nico Collins, Yainer Diaz, Dusty Baker, Warren Moon, Roger Clemens, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Reggie Jackson, Joe Espada, Johnny Bench, and Cesar Cedeno.

“There was a lot of excitement for Tal,” said TRISTAR vice-president Bobby Mintz. “Overall, it was a great show, well attended. The industry is still vibrant and hot. There was a lot of activity on the show floor. I talked to many people who attended; they said it was a strong show on multiple fronts.”

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The show featured baseball, football and basketball stars, including Hall of Famers and prospects, such as Jace Jung, a second baseman in the Detroit Tigers organization who appeared star-struck seeing Jackson, Clemens, Bagwell, and others. 

Jackson, as usual, talked with many of the other signers.

Spencer Arrighetti, a right-handed pitcher in the Astros organization, also had a lengthy line of autograph-seekers.

Former basketball players Terry Cummings, Alvin Robertson and Rolando Blackman attracted fans, many looking for signatures on 1986 Fleer cards.

Russell Maryland also attracted a large line.

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On Sunday, the late Justin Morrill (Batter’s Box) was named the winner of the 28th Starry Award, presented by TRISTAR since 1996 to an exemplary show dealer who has at least 10 years of experience in the business; demonstrates strong business ethics and standards; and markets all aspects of the hobby and business with honesty and integrity.

Here’s a look at some of the collectibles for sale at the Houston show:

• 1957 Topps Hank Aaron card: $1,000

• 1957 Topps Roberto Clemente card: $800.

• Signed and framed 16-by-20 photos: Mike Schmidt $450, Jordan Walker $425, Ted Williams $600.

• Cool Collectible: Framed team photo of the 1946 St. Louis Cardinals with cut signatures of Joe Garagiola, Red Schoendienst, Stan Musial and Enos Slaughter, and others: $400.

• Framed 32-by-24 photo of Jackie Robinson stealing home: $495.

• WOW: 1952 Topps Mantle, $125,000; 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson (3.5), $21,000; 1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson (8), $33,000.

• The Quote: “There was a lot of interest in [Mickey] Mantle cards, but they’re still pretty high,” said dealer Roland Belcher.

• Collection For Sale: Asking price $35,000.

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• 1962 Topps Baseball unopened pack (8): $4,000.

• 1967 Topps Baseball complete set high numbers: $12,000.

• 1968 Topps Baseball complete set: $1,800.

• 1979 Topps Wayne Gretzky cards: grade-7 $1,800; grade-6 $1,400; and 5-grade $1,000

• 1979-80 Gretzky O-Pee-Chee: grade-7 $3,200; grade-3 $1,050.

• Bill Russell 1957-58 Topps card: $9,500.

• Larry Bird-signed and framed 16-by-20 photo: $350.

• Alex Bregman framed, signed game-used jersey from 2017 World Series: $8,000.

• Dusty Baker-signed baseball from his 2,000th win: $8,000.

• Jose Altuve signed, game-worn jersey: $4,500.

• Kyle Tucker-signed 2022 World Series ball: $220.

• Christen Press-signed 16-by-20 photo: $50.

• Paul Hornung-signed 16-by-20 photo: $100.

• Lou Holtz-signed jersey: $100.

• 2022 Topps F1 cards: $6 a pack; two for $10; or the box for $75.

• Shoes boxes filled with cards, 80 percent off Beckett price.

• Autographed mini helmets: Drew Pearson ($130), Montez Sweat ($125).

• Bobbleheads: Mark McGwire $10, Tom Seaver, $20, Ivan Rodriguez $40, Mike Piazza $10.

• Bray Wyatt action figure: $15.

• Kyle Tucker-signed, game-worn 2021 jersey: $800.

• Calling Nolan Ryan fans: 1969 Topps (grade-5) $300; 1974 Topps (8.5) $250; 1976 Topps (8) $190.

• Soccer diehards would have been kicking for a 2014 Panini Prizm Ronaldo/Lionel Messi matchup card (grade-9) for $350.

• 2023 Panini Select Hulk Hogan card: $2,800.

• 2020 Topps Steve Austin card, signed and numbered 3/10: $1,500.

• Mystery Grab Bags: $20; any with a star inside earned the buyer an additional grab bag.

• Jeremy Pena framed, signed 16-by-20 photo: $225

• Yordan Álvarez framed and signed jersey: $800.

• Signed mini helmets: Bob Lilly $49, Deshaun Watson $99, Randy White $79.

• George Springer-signed 2014 Sports Illustrated: $350.

• Will Fuller-signed replica helmet $149; Jadeveon Clowney $199.

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• Taylor Swift comics: $6.

• Harmon Killebrew-signed bat with JSA certificate: $300

• Pete Rose bat: $275

• 1951 Bowman Willie Mays (5), $17,000

• 1954 Topps Willie Mays (5.5): $1,550

• 1964 Topps Mantle (4.5), $1,400.

• 1967 Topps Bob Gibson (8): $250

• 1967 Topps Roberto Clemente (4.5): $125

• 1957 Topps Brooks Robinson (3): $575

• 1957 Topps Eddie Mathews (8): $500

• 1964 Topps Bob Gibson (7): $300

• 1986 Topps Jerry Rice (7): $100

• 2021 Donruss Optic Mac Jones (10): $60

• 1956 Topps Ted Williams (5): $300

• 1954 Bowman Willie Mays (3), $500

• 2018 Panini Prizm Trae Young (9), $850

• Enos Slaughter, $75

• Edgar Martinez, $50

• Steve Garvey, $30

• Brooks Robinson, $75

• Johnny Damon, $20

($10 each; 3 for $20)

• 1990 Fleer Baseball

• 1990 Pro Set Football

• 1990 Topps Football

• 1990 NBA Hoops

• Chrome Update, $130.

• Heritage, $65.

• Chrome Black, $140

• Tier One, $209

• Archives, $139

• Stadium Club, $175

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