The National Sports Collectors Convention will be held in Rosemont July 31-August 4. Once again, I will be "On the Beat" and reporting back here, on Patch.com and GlobalTravelerUSA.com.
When I was asked to cover The National in 2017, I immediately checked the sports guest list and saw John Cappelletti's name. I was a huge fan of Cappelletti's and made him my main target to meet.
Cappy was a star running back at Penn State when his younger brother Joey was diagnosed with leukemia. His special bond with Joey led to his famous, tear-filled Heisman trophy acceptance speech.
The story is beautifully told in Something For Joey, an old movie starring Marc Singer as John. It is less well-known, but every bit as heart-wrenching as Brian's Song.
Everything went great at The National until it came time to meet Cappy. There was some sort of mixup in the scheduling and I missed my opportunity. Disappointed, but not deterred, I approached a staffer and plead my case. Cappy had moved onto the autograph signing portion of his day. I plead some more and the staffer said he would talk to Cappy. I figured that was a polite blow-off, but minutes later, he returned and told me Cappy would meet me after his signing session if I wanted to wait.
Would I wait? Oh certainly I would wait.
About an hour later, the staffer got me and brought me to Cappy. He didn't have much time, but I was thankful for the few minutes. Cappy appreciated my effort to see him and my interest in his entire career.
I really appreciate Cappy for taking the extra time to see me. He didn't have to do that. I also appreciate the staffer at The National for going above and beyond in making this happen. He didn't have to do that either. Of course, I also appreciate The National for granting me access and giving me a great experience, highlighted by meeting Cappelletti.
Go to NSCCShow.com to get all of the info on the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention. You can also check here for more updates.
John Cappelletti and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.
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