by Mathew R. Warren
For 19 Years, Alex's MVP, at 256 East 89th Street, has been an institution for sports card, and comic book enthusiasts, of all ages. Alex Gregg, owner, and longtime Upper East Side resident and bartender, opened the store after amassing a large personal collection of sports cards and sports memorabilia. Originally intending to do just mail order business, Alex’s MVP started out in a basement on East 88th Street, but as Gregg explained, "The response was so good that within two years I decided to open a retail store, and moved to our current location."
Gregg admits his personal interest is more in sports collectibles than comic books, but he saw there was a demand for comics, and began to carry both in the store. "Comics started as a small part of the business, but it grew to be fifty/fifty, cards and comics," said Gregg. Considered an authority in the field, Gregg has been featured on major T.V. networks, and in newspapers, talking about collectibles. He was recently quoted in the Daily News discussing a Derek Jeter card, in which Topps super imposed pictures of Mickey Mantle and George Bush into the background. Gregg remains humble about his knowledge of collectibles though, exclaiming, "There is still always something to learn every day, like life."
Even as a successful entrepreneur, Gregg has continued bartending, and currently works a few nights a week at Elaine's, the renowned hot spot for famous writers, artists, and actors. Gregg enjoys his work as a bartender, explaining, "When I'm bartending I put on a different suit, so to say — I'm performing. Elaine’s is a great place to work. It is a bar for mature people, with a lot of mature conversation, and you never know who’s going to walk in.” Despite having met countless celebrities, politicians, and all around important people while bartending at Elaine’s, Gregg’s personal biggest thrill was meeting Joe DiMaggio a year before the legendary Yankee Clipper passed away. Gregg described DiMaggio as being, “sprightly, full of humor, and quite the gentleman.” Elaine’s is not the only place where Gregg meets celebrities. Some famous parents who have brought their children to Alex’s MVP include Mayor Giuliani, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Kevin Klein, Tatum O’Neal, Carolyn Kennedy, Jane Pauley, and Lawrence Fishburne. Gregg remains passionate about Baseball cards, and boasted that he had physically handled three Mickey Mantle rookie cards, and once sold a complete set of 1952 Topps. He appreciates having Alex’s MVP, because, as he stated, “It keeps me young. I even notice when adults come in with their kids, it makes them happy.”
Recently Alex’s MVP hosted a troop of Cub Scouts working to earn their collecting badge. “It was very rewarding,” said Gregg, “We are very good to kids. Parents feel comfortable letting their kids come to the store, and we want to keep it that way.” Gregg’s outlook on the future of sports collectibles is positive, “There was a while when the companies got greedy and put out too many products, but they’ve cut that out, and things are becoming more collectible again. Baseball cards are still the top seller, but Football is closing in, especially last season with Reggie Bush and Vince Young. Cards do well when you have good rookies.” When asked about his own plans for the future, Gregg responded simply, “I plan to live at least another 20 years.”