Ribbon Cut on Sports Memorabilia Store "The Dugout;" Grand Opening is Today and Sunday
By Julie Perine on April 20, 2024
Mosie and Kendra Ruderman are pumped about the grand opening of Main Street’s newest retail outlet. The Dugout begins two days of grand opening celebration at 2 p.m. today.
Once entering the sports memorabilia store, shoppers will encounter a vast collection of both high-end collectible and inexpensive sports cards, as well as autographed prints, helmets and other gear.
A painter by trade – owner of All Star Painting LLC - Mosie has spent plenty of time over the past few years collecting the items which fill two rooms at 143 East Main Street. After working a full day, he typically spends hours
evaluating and organizing cards; many graded by professional companies. He has also traveled regularly to shows to buy, sell and trade.
evaluating and organizing cards; many graded by professional companies. He has also traveled regularly to shows to buy, sell and trade.
With such a vast collection, as well as passion for his hobby, it seemed the next step was to open a retail shop.
“We’re taking a leap of faith,” said Kendra, who manages the store and has integrated a skill of her own into the business. She mats and frames prints and jerseys, turning them into statement wall pieces and shadow boxes.
Even the couple’s daughters are helping with the business, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday each week.
On the heels of a ribbon cutting which took place Friday afternoon, The Dugout celebrates its grand opening weekend with door prizes, a raffle, and even pet adoption and a reptile display.
“Pet Supplies Plus and the Humane Society will be here 2-4 p.m. Saturday and possibly Sunday,” Kendra said.
Twenty door prizes will be awarded,10 on Saturday and 10 on Sunday. Also, an impressive package for sports lovers will be raffled off. (See photo below.)
“Tickets are $10 each and you can buy as many as you want. The whole package - valued at $1,000 - will be won by one person,” Mosie said. “The drawing will be held Monday, so people can buy tickets all weekend.”
Memorabilia for sale at The Dugout features athletes including Mike Trout, C.J. Stroud, Randy Moss, Aaron Judge, Auto McCombs, Caitlin Clark, Gino Smith, Ben Roethlisberger, TJ Watt, Joe Namath, Christian McCaffrey, Jerry West, Charles Barkley, and many more. The
Dugout also carries hobby boxes, sleeves, and everything a collector – either experienced or new – needs to hone his or her own collection of favorites.
Dugout also carries hobby boxes, sleeves, and everything a collector – either experienced or new – needs to hone his or her own collection of favorites.
The Rudermans hope area kids will get in on the action.
“We have $1 to $14 cards of all different sports,” Mosie said. “College cards are sorted by name and all others by team.”
Once established, Mosie hopes to feature personal appearances by athletes, and he will give plenty of notice so fans can make plans to be present.
Friday’s ribbon cutting was facilitated by the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. Bridgeport City Councilman Jon Griffith was on hand to provide welcoming remarks.
