The Collectors Exchange 2025: A Night to Remember
The Collectors Exchange, co-founded by Chris Brigandi and Chris Caserta of BC Vintage, brought together collectors, dealers, investors, and hobby enthusiasts to celebrate the spirit of collecting. Held November 12 at Manhattan’s Jackie Robinson Museum, the second floor hosted panel discussions while the first floor offered a curated trade-night experience presented by ReImage and The Chase. Guests from across the country connected, explored rare pieces, and shared knowledge amid museum exhibits and vendor tables.
The evening featured over $5,000 in raffles and giveaways and a $50,000 donation to the Jackie Robinson Museum. Every attendee received a nostalgic gift bag, including vintage Topps packs, Cracker Jacks, Big League Chew, Reggie Bars, and an exclusive Babe Ruth card signed by his granddaughter, Linda Ruth.
By combining panels, rare memorabilia, and hands-on experiences, Chris and Chris created more than a trade show—they built a space where collectors could celebrate stories, discoveries, and the joy of preserving history.
You can now watch the full event on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BCVintage
The Speakers & Their Insights
A stellar lineup of hobby experts joined Chris and Chris on stage, delivering conversations that were insightful, energetic, and occasionally provocative. They broke down the hobby with sharp analysis and memorable stories, covering topics from Jackie Robinson’s legacy and baseball card culture to authenticating game-worn memorabilia, the impact of private-equity investments, and the $13 million card involving Shark Tank’s Mr. Wonderful.
Watch the Introduction on YouTube
Barry Meisel - President & COO, MeiGray
Barry Meisel delivered one of the night’s most engaging and informative sessions—a true masterclass in game-worn memorabilia. He broke down the meticulous authentication process that has made MeiGray the industry gold standard, explaining how photo-matching, tagging systems, and guarantees protect collectors and the integrity of the hobby.
The session hit another level during his Show and Tell, where he revealed iconic game-worn jerseys. The room lit up as he held Plaxico Burress’ Super Bowl XLII jersey—the one worn during the game-winning catch against the undefeated Patriots—still marked with grass stains and impact wear that brought the moment back to life.
He followed with another stunner: Brian Noonan’s jersey from Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals, scarred with slashes, burns, and puck marks. Barry even noted that Noonan—not Messier—was the true scorer of the game-winning goal, making the jersey even more meaningful to Rangers fans.
Barry’s passion is unmistakable. To him, game-used pieces aren’t just collectibles—they’re living artifacts. His ability to turn each jersey into a story made his session one of the night’s most memorable.
Watch Barry's Segment on YouTube
SportsCardPete - Super Collector & Private Equity Investor
Pete Iannicelli is a dedicated vintage collector with a world-class lineup of historic cards and autographs. A full-time research analyst for a private equity firm, he brings a rare dual perspective—deep hobby passion combined with an insider’s view of how institutional money is shaping the market. His financial background helps bridge collectors and investors, ensuring corporate growth supports rather than overshadows the heart of the hobby.
In his session, Pete explored the future of collecting, blending vintage expertise with a sharp look at modern market forces. He discussed the rise of hedge funds, private equity, and major players like Blackstone, Fanatics, and Steve Cohen, raising the question of whether collectors should worry. Acknowledging the tension between profit and passion, he emphasized that collectibles can’t be treated purely as assets and that hobbyists—who preserve authenticity, stories, and culture—remain essential to the hobby’s foundation. Through his dual lens, Pete showed how meaningful, responsible growth is possible when passion and smart corporate involvement work together.
Before closing, Pete shared highlights from his remarkable personal collection: Jackie Robinson’s true rookie card—the 1947 Bond Bread; a signed Ty Cobb T206, one of only two known; and a bold 1969 Topps Wilt Chamberlain signed card. He also displayed a dual-signed Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig barnstorming photo from 1927, capturing a time when players toured after the season to earn extra income. With each piece, his enthusiasm radiated, reminding the room why vintage collecting remains so special.
Watch Pete's Segment on YouTube
Andre Chiavelli - Official Yankees Sports Card Vendor
Andre Chiavelli lit up the stage with stories that showcased his lifelong passion for collecting and his entrepreneurial spark. While most kids in the 1970s chased modern cards, he was hunting tobacco issues at flea markets for 25 cents each. By high school, he’d built such a large collection that he displayed it in a full dealer-style showcase at home. After selling part of it for $5,000 in 1978, he bought and rebuilt a 454 Monte Carlo—now worth a fortune, he joked.
Andre then shared how he evolved from collector to innovator. After learning a blue-light method for spotting card tampering from legendary dealer John Brigandi, he created a portable device that helped collectors detect altered cards—selling $100,000 worth in six months and cleaning up the hobby well before PSA and SGC existed.
His expertise eventually led him into Yankee Stadium. Weeks after the new stadium opened in 2009, he launched a memorabilia kiosk in prime locations, giving him a front-row seat to unforgettable moments—like watching Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit and hearing Reggie Jackson coach him moments before. He recalled emotional encounters with iconic families, including Roger Maris’s son Kevin, who teared up at seeing his father’s rookie card, and members of the DiMaggio family who bought out every DiMaggio piece in sight.
One of Andre’s most meaningful personal items is Thurman Munson’s last pair of game-worn pants from 1979—an emotional treasure for a lifelong Munson fan. The story resonated with the audience, highlighting that collecting is ultimately about memories, connection, and meaning.
As a surprise finale, Andre gifted every attendee a Babe Ruth card signed by his granddaughter, Linda Ruth—a close friend of his.
Watch Andre's Segment on YouTube
Darren Rovell - Founder, Cllct Media
Darren Rovell returned to the Collectors Exchange as a fan favorite, blending industry insight, passion, and entertaining storytelling. He offered an overview of the collectibles market, highlighting its growing role as alternative assets—while emphasizing that successful collecting requires thoughtfulness and a long-term perspective.
Darren focuses on items that spark a genuine “WOW,” rather than chasing record prices. He reflected on high-profile sales like the $13 million Jordan & Kobe Logoman card, noting that hype can overshadow an item’s true magic. For him, collecting is about story, rarity, and emotional resonance—not just dollars. Darren's show-and-tell featured several standout pieces:
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Back to the Future memorabilia: A prop ticket from the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance and a Johnny B. Goode album personally signed to him by Michael J. Fox, inscribed, “Your kids are going to love it.”
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Jackie Robinson autographs: A Brooklyn rent check revealing Jackie’s early challenges, and the only known Jackie Robinson–MLK Jr. dual-signed piece from a 1960s charity dinner.
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Historical relics: A silver certificate recovered from a Titanic passenger’s pocket and a piece of DB Cooper ransom currency,
Through anecdotes, research insights, and humor, Darren reminded the audience that collecting is about thrill, story, and the “WOW factor”—not just money.
Watch Darren's Segment on YouTube
Leighton Sheldon - Just Collect
Leighton Sheldon brought the thrill of the treasure hunt to the Collectors Exchange, celebrating the joy of uncovering, preserving, and sharing historic collections. He encouraged attendees to stay curious and value the stories behind every piece.
Leighton offered practical tips on card grading and eye appeal, emphasizing that subtle details—like centering and toning—can greatly affect value. He warned against “buying the label” blindly and stressed the importance of education and working with reputable experts.
A highlight was his story of acquiring a 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson rookie card collection, including three rare cards hidden for decades due to racism in the owner's hometown. He shared the personal significance of giving one to his son, keeping Jackie’s legacy alive.
Leighton also showcased his Vintage Breaks YouTube venture, thrilling the audience with a live pull of a 1955 Bowman Mickey Mantle card.
Throughout, he emphasized that collecting is about the hunt, the stories, and preserving history—capturing why it’s a lifelong adventure.
Watch Leighton's Segment on YouTube
The Collectors Exchange united collectors, dealers, and hobby enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of rare finds, stories, and hands-on experiences. Over $5,000 in giveaways thrilled attendees, including a Jerry Rice signed card, Pelé signed soccer ball, 1952 Larry Doby PSA, 1956 Topps Jackie Robinson SGC, Jack Hughes game-used hockey gloves, an O.J. Simpson Bronco Chase NBA ticket, and a custom 5D Sports Display. The night also made a lasting impact beyond collecting, highlighted by a $50,000 donation to the Jackie Robinson Museum.
Panelists brought collections to life with a show-and-tell, while the museum backdrop reinforced that collecting is about preserving history and legacy.
What started as a personal passion has grown into an annual event that educates, inspires, and unites collectors—always leaving room for the next story.
Watch the Raffle Winners on YouTube
Photo Gallery
