BALTIMORE -- The slowly building surge of momentum at the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention turned into a full-blown frenzy Friday inside the Panini America booth, with the largest crowds of the week creating overwhelming buzz and precious little elbow room.
BALTIMORE — The slowly building surge of momentum at the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention turned into a full-blown frenzy Friday inside the Panini America booth, with the largest crowds of the week creating overwhelming buzz and precious little elbow room.
Panini America officials kick started Friday with a special appearance and autograph session from avid collector Ryan Tatusko, a promising pitching prospect in the Washington Nationals’ organization. Tatusko dazzled every collector he interacted with and set the stage for the ensuing madness of wrapper redemptions.
Other scintillating scenes from the Panini America booth during the National’s third day included a brief visit by legendary baseball speedster Rickey Henderson . . . media stops by ESPN’s Michele Steele and Baltimore’s ABC affiliate . . . and three more riveting Box Wars contests.
Meanwhile, the Friday announcement of Panini America’s 2012-13 Kobe Bryant Anthology set made major headlines at the show — and in Times Square.
After the show ended Friday evening, we followed some of the most popular and passionate product breakers in the YouTube and Blog TV universe to the top floor of a nearby hotel for a little after-hours bust that lasted well into Saturday morning. Panini America briefly crashed the party to donate a few extra boxes to the cause and to soak in the ambiance. Filling the packed room were video-break heavyweights the likes of ThetTruth17, ads912, mynyceguy168 (BT), kingofsteak, foxborosensation11, scatshot, bbexpress2, swatko4, lil bb, nosauce21, rbicru7, Brianjs14, 1duh1, briophia, gustopher14, jayhawk1971, balthsar, kollectornet, tricitykid, Jasonheywardfan, wiidiis, rye eagles, Asfan7 and more.
It was another fascinating day in Baltimore that simply set the stage for more. Good thing we have Saturday . . .
Love Rickey Henderson…such a class act…reminds me of Barry Sanders…both had tree trunks for legs!
Fantastic gallery as always, love the additional coverage of the big blogTV event as well. Thanks Tracy!
I just wish I could go one year! Looks like so much fun and great deals and great people!
some happy collectors. Wished I was there! More importantly..I would love to sit in the center of that National packs and start opening them from the middle to the outside.
Woot. Thanks for the massive stash of loot!
Nothing covers this except the word CRAZY.
It was an awesome event! Tracy and the Panini team was great, I can’t wait to next year!!
Fun, fun, fun, and more fun.
It was great meeting you guys on Friday, you had a heck of a layout!
Wow looks like It was an awesome event!Wish i could have been there.
You guys are always great, and very personable. Thanks for posting a pic of me!
Awesome pictures. Im actually in the one, but in the back looking at the redemption prizes 🙂 So great, Im still very happy with having such a great week in Baltimore. Hope to take part in more of Panini’s promotions very soon. Thanks again Tracy!