Big Sports Card & Autograph Show Garnered Big Crowd

Sports fans of every flock and creed showed up to peruse the impressive collection of sports cards and memorabilia that was offered at the show Sunday. Collectors young and old came out in droves to the Holiday Inn at 31 Hampshire St. to browse or buy sports gear and collectibles of every kind.

There were signed baseballs(mostly signed by at least one Red Sox player), football helmets, jerseys, bobble-heads, action figures, cards of innumerable variety, guides, almanacs, toys and various other collectibles that would fill up this entire article if they were all mentioned specifically.

Former Red Sox starter Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd showed up to sign autographs for fans. He started his career with the Red Sox from 1982-89. He got his nickname because in his hometown of Meridian Mississippi, beer can also be referred to as "oil."

Jermaine Wiggins, a pro tight end, also appeared for autographs at the show. He played for the New England Patriots during the 2000-2001 season, and earned a Super Bowl ring with them in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Doug Keating, of Cardboard Promotions, organized the event. He has been hosting similar events for over 20 years, starting when he was a freshman in college at Bentley College in Waltham out of a local VFW.

"Like a lot of people I loved [these shows] when I was a kid," he said. "I just thought I could do a better job and put on a better show than the existing promoters."

Keating said that one of his favorite professional players to come to one of his events was former Bruins center Milt Schmidt. He was born in 1918, and played for the Bruins from the 1930s to the 1950s. In 1961, Schmidt was inducted into the hall of fame.

Keating said that it was Schmidt's professionalism and dedication to the fans that impressed him the most.

"He's 93 years old and he signed over 300 autographs," he said.