The National Convention is always very similar to a sports museum. Game-used jersey, bats, cards, autographs… You name it. It’s all here and available for viewing.
Today, MEARS’ lead authenticator, Troy Kinunen walked the show floor with me and pointed out his favorite ten items at the big show in Cleveland. Troy shares his thoughts about each piece:

(Pictured – John Taube and Troy Kinunen)








Johnny Unitas game-worn Colts jersey – American Memorabilia
“Originally owned by Dave Bushing, this is a top piece because it is all original and shows good game use. Originated from the Baltimore area.”















Muhammad Ali game-worn trunks – Gotta Have It

“The tag on these say ‘Made Expressly for Muhammad Ali.’ This is the best model to have of his trunks.”




















George Mikan game-worn jersey – Grey Flannel

“This is a very rare style. I like that it is a very simple style, with the white and powder blue. Great all-original jersey.”

(Pictured – Grey Flannel's Richard Russek)









Muhammad Ali game-worn robe from rematch with Leon Spinks –Heritage Auction Galleries
“This robe is from Ali’s unprecedented third championship. My personal favorite of all the items at the show.”














Barry Bonds game-worn, personalized Giants jersey – Huggins and Scott
“What I liked about this is the fact that it was personalized “To Ty.” Although a lot of people don’t like personalizations, I felt that it served as a unique form of provenance. It’s a jersey that I wouldn’t mind in my own collection.”

(Pictured – Huggins and Scott's Josh Wulkan)









Lou Gehrig game-worn Yankees jersey – Hunt Auctions
“David Hunt had what was universally regarded as the star of the show. This jersey is scheduled for full authentication my MEARS and I am looking forward to checking it out for further analysis. A spectacular piece.”

David Hunt's thoughts: “This was recently discovered and is going to be in the November Louisville Slugger Museum Auction,” said owner of Hunt Auctions, David Hunt. “We believe that it was worn in the World Series, but we are still getting it authenticated. The people who have viewed it at the show think it’s uniformly the best one that’s ever turned up."

(Pictured – Hunt Auction's David Hunt)



1979 Thurman Munson game-worn Yankees jersey – Lelands
“This jersey was worn during Munson's final season. 1970s knit jerseys are very popular right now and Munson pieces are near the top of all advanced Yankee collectors' want lists.”









1971 Al Kaline game-worn Tigers flannel jersey – Mastro Auctions
“I like that it shows great use. Period flannels from 3000th hit club and Hall of Famers are in high demand with a short supply.”

(Pictured – Mastro's Doug Allen)









High-grade Ty Cobb Spalding bat – Game Used Universe Auctions
“Spalding bats are really beginning to gain acceptance in the hobby and being that it is a rookie-era bat, I think it is a great piece to watch in their auction.”

(Pictured – Game Used Universe's Chris Cavalier)










1950s Ted Williams trophy – Sotheby’s/SCP
“This piece was given to members of the Red Sox. Great silver trophy cup.”

(Pictured – Sotheby's/SCP's David Kohler)











Honorable Mentions:
“The 1916-21 Ty Cobb bat that John Taube had would have been in the top ten, but he already sold it at the show.”

“SCD’s own Chris Nerat is shown wearing this Harmon Killebrew home run champion crown, also at Sotheby’s/SCP booth.”

(Yep, that's me... Pretty Scary!)





Unhonorable Mention: Although he was not willing to allow us to photograph him without paying him $100,000, former WWF wrestler Virgil tried to sell me his 12,000 sq. ft. Las Vegas home for $4 million.