Fans See Philly Sports Legends and Memorabilia at Ocean City Show

By MADDY VITALE The Music Pier was transformed into a sports lover’s paradise Saturday, with everything from autographed baseball cards, helmets and photos to just about any other collector’s item having to do with local and national sports teams. The Ocean City Sports Memorabilia Show, in its fourth year, definitely had a little something for everyone. Not to mention two special guests, former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner and former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. Fans got to hear from Joyner in a morning Q&A session with city official Michael Allegretto and Manuel in the afternoon. After each interview, fans were able to meet with them and get photos with the sports legends and their autographs. Roslyn and Eric Del Fava, of Buena Borough, and their son, Mase, 7, check out some items. Eric and Roslyn Del Fava, of Buena Borough, and their son, Mase, 7, couldn’t wait to hear Joyner speak in the Q&A. “He was my favorite Eagles player growing up in the '90s,” Eric Del Fava said. “I have an old jersey for him to sign.” Mase exclaimed, “I want him to sign my football!” Joyner was a Pro Bowl linebacker and fan favorite with the Eagles during a career that extended in Philadelphia from 1986 to 1993 and continued with the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos. He got his Super Bowl ring in 1998 with the Broncos. When asked what his favorite moment was with the Eagles, he said, there were too many to choose one big moment. Baseball fans have their share of autographed balls to check out. He also said that winning the Super Bowl with the Broncos was a proud moment, but that he would have preferred it if there were “eagles instead of horses” on the championship ring. “Green Bay was a phenomenal year. But nothing compares,” he said of his time on the Eagles. “Even after I got my ring I said, ‘How cool it would have been if they were eagles instead of horses.’” He said friendships were forged after practice in 1987, when he and fellow Eagles would get together on Fridays for beer and a barbecue. Late head coach Buddy Ryan came up with the idea to have the get-togethers after practice one night a week. “Buddy understood the power of getting to know the guys next to you,” he said. “Buddy wanted to keep us together.” Joyner said there is just something special about Philly. “Philly fits my personality,” he said. “A give-it-to-me-straight feel. It was a good place for me. I got there when I was 20 years old.” Former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel talks to Phillies fans. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City) Manuel, the other Philly sports legend appearing at the show, managed the Phillies from 2005 to 2013. He led the team to a World Series title in 2008 and five consecutive National League East titles from 2007 to 2011. He has been a player and coach in Major League Baseball for more than 40 years. After Manuel's Q&A session, fans lined up for his autograph and to have a chance to meet the man whose baseball career spanned decades. Manuel talked about the importance of positive thinking to succeed. He also talked about playing baseball in Japan, of his time as a minor league manager and of his special relationship with player Jim Thome. He also spoke of how great it was to win the World Series and how the team and fans joined together in celebration The audience listens to Seth Joyner. While some audience members and showgoers planned to attend the free event, others were happily surprised to come upon it during a stroll along the Boardwalk. Jim Heron, of Springfield, Pa., was down for the day with his son, Shane, 6, and saw the sign out front of the Music Pier advertising the show. “We were just walking by and saw the show was here,” Heron said. “It is a really good show. There is a lot to see.” Shane was gazing at one card in particular, the rookie card for Kansas City Chief’s starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “He likes the Patrick Mahomes rookie card. We both do,” Heron said with a smile. Jim Heron, of Springfield, Pa., and his 6-year-old son, Shane, enjoy the show.