Mike BerkusMint Musings: In Memory of Mike Berkus – Words cannot properly express how saddened I was at the news of Mike Berkus’ sudden passing last weekend. Perhaps best known in the hobby for his role with the National Sports Collectors Convention, Mike was one of the true titans and pioneers of our hobby. More so than that, Mike was a heck of a nice guy and a friend to many. Several people who have known him professionally and personally took to social media and other avenues to express their condolences. Though I can’t speak with quite the same eloquence as those who knew him better, I shall certainly try my best.

I wish I had the pleasure of knowing Mike longer and talking to him more. I first met him back in 2012 when I covered my first National. As excited as I was to be covering the National for the first time, I remember Mike’s excitement in having us there and covering it for ESPN. That was the year of the Black Swamp find, and it proved to be a memorable event to cover. What I didn’t realize was just how incredible a man I had met in Mike Berkus.

Over the past few years, Mike and I would meet up at the National or other hobby events and catch up. It would be an understatement to say that Mike had some of the best hobby stories that I’ve ever heard. I felt like a complete novice being taught a history lesson whenever we would speak. Mike’s experiences and influences in the hobby are quite possibly unmatched by anyone else, save a few other luminaries. He knew of my love of Hall of Fame baseball autographs. Whenever we’d talk about the advancement of my collection and who else I needed, he always regaled me about meeting one of the guys I needed while I sat there in disbelief as he was telling them. No matter what the story, it always left me with a better knowledge and appreciation of where the sports memorabilia world had come from.

Beyond Mike’s friendliness, something that always struck me about him was his vision and propensity for looking ahead. This past National in particular, he was incredibly excited about the vintage group break they had at the pavilion in Chicago. It was something he had worked very hard to make happen, and I could see the pride in his face as it unfolded during the show. The case breaking craze was something he had been longing to bring to the show, as he felt it was too big a part of the hobby not to be represented at the National. He spoke to me, and undoubtedly countless other people, to get other opinions on whether he should add it. Mike knew the value of getting other opinions, no matter how big or small, and I was always flattered, and a little surprised, when he asked for mine.

No matter what success or notoriety he brought to the National, he was always looking to make it bigger and better to provide the best possible show for everyone who attended. And though he is gone far too early, I like to think he left the National on a high note. This past year’s show in Chicago was a heck of a success, with many notable events and people walking through the door to see the best the sports memorabilia world had to offer. Thanks in no small part to the policy of letting younger children in the door for free, I also saw more of them this year than any other year I’ve covered it. I sincerely hope that the amount of kids at the National in Chicago brought a smile to his face. Mike often spoke about wanting that family atmosphere at the show and trying to include something for every member of the family to enjoy there.

I’ve written about the responsibility of leaving a legacy and creating a better future for the hobby for those who come after us. In a way that gives me pause and also makes me proud to have known him, Mike Berkus quite possibly exemplified that ideal more than anyone in the hobby. The impact of the National on the sports memorabilia world can never be understated, and there’s no doubt in my mind that it won’t be the same without him. I don’t know how the show will be affected without him at the helm, and to be perfectly honest, I don’t really care at the moment. There will come a time when I have to look ahead and prepare for going to a National knowing that he won’t be there to greet me and ask me how I’m doing. When his contagious enthusiasm won’t sweep through the room. When that worry of his that nobody will attend the National doesn’t draw a bemused smile to my face.

There will come a time for that. But for now, I’m going to remember a man who made an impact on my life, the life of others and the sports memorabilia world. Mike, please rest in peace. I’ve no doubt you’re somewhere talking tales and swapping stories with those that you’re meeting again for the first time in a while. Please know that you left one heck of a legacy for the rest of us to live up to. I don’t know if any of us will be able to live up to it, but I would like to think we’ll try our best.


Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan as the producer of ESPN’s Mint Condition has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on the hobby in Mint Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Kelsey Schroyer

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