The Unofficial 2019 Sports Collectors Convention Cliffs Notes - Contributions from ALL our Members
Stone193
Posts: 24,435 ✭✭✭✭✭
I thought it would be helpful to put all the National "experiences" in one thread since we didn't start an "official" 2019 thread.
So, this is the 2019 Sports Collectors Convention "at a glance." You'll find links to narratives, Youtube videos etc.
This may help anyone looking for certain pic they saw but couldn't remember where?
I'm going to try and get "all" the contributions of our board members here as a future reference. Many times I've gone back to a major thread from past nationals.
I'm gonna start with the pics provided by Bobby Porter.
His narrative will be in a link for those to read - and only pics will be front and center. 
Bobby's narrative LINK.
A guy was wearing this shirt throughout the day. He even went by the PWCC booth. I'm not sure what happen. I do know that PWCC had security guards at their booth this year,
More of Kurt and Brando's booth 
Rod Carew
3rd pick from Kurt and Brandon's Booth "Ripping Vintage Packs"
Dwight Gooden
4th pic from Kurt & Brandon
Here's a few of my picks
Now pics provided by KendallCat aka Keith:
and here's a video:
Jeff aka PackGeek interviewed Gary Vee who was a guest speaker at the National.
https://youtu.be/Z4eM07oa8A8And now the post by Marc aka Vagabond.
His narrative: LINK
I'll be adding more - this is enough for now - sure hope this will be helpful?
If I've missed anything - please post your additions. 
And here's Tim Carroll's artwork from the National!
And here's some "rippage" at the National:
https://youtu.be/8UlANRiRvrkAnd our buddy Nik aka Nikklos:
https://youtu.be/sd6hpoxZQOE
https://youtu.be/wgibVoT5hYwAnd here's the rippage of a 79OPC Wax box:
https://youtu.be/AQOkoEKa0I8
Comments
Center stage from BBCEx - everyone was trying to guess what they had to feature?
I thought maybe the full 52T box that was sold years ago but it turned out to the an 8 pack Cello from 1952!
My understanding was that Topps - at the end of the 1952 baseball season - took the returns from candy stores - put them in 8 pack cellos and - I guess - tried to cajole candy store owners to take them back and sell them - my guess would be at a discount from the usual 5 cents per pack?
And now let's add bounce:
This is definitely a tremendous in depth narrative down the line here with scans.
Narrative - LINK
Here is the entrance to the show, floor layout pretty much the same as other years.
This was pretty cool - Wilt Chamberlain ROOKIE jersey! Just WOW!
Some big dogs, this is some pretty serious cardboard.
A few more. That Matty is one of my favorites.
Some tough stuff here, really cool items.
Cool or creepy? I'll let you decide. These are some Michael Jordan items from middle school, one is a love letter to a girl? ...I'm probably voting creepy. "Unique" is probably how I would describe these.
This is a pretty cool set of autographs.
And yes, PWCC is here. Not really interested in talking about that in this thread other than to acknowledge attendance. I did think this Cobb rainbow was pretty cool, no two ways about that.
And last but not least, my one acquisition from Wednesday.
This guy is going in my set, I'm down to less than 10 for a fully graded 1954 set. Super happy with this one, and got it well under VCP. Best thing about it, it's centered slightly DOWN which is somewhat uncommon on this. Most are centered up with just a sliver of white between the border and his name.
Going to update two days tonight, so here goes with Day 1 (Thursday).
I was focused on getting through the rest of the show, since I only saw about 20% or so on Wednesday. Instead of picking up where I left off, I went to the far end of the show out of gates instead. As I've mentioned, the Chicago floor layout is not my favorite, as the sponsor booths are in the middle and it cuts the floor up. I'd much prefer if they had all these at one end. I'm sure the guys near the Topps booth would like that, as well, since multiple times a day Topps is screaming at the top of their lungs for the various give aways. I know it's fun for the people around the booth looking to win, but it's really tough on the dealers near them as a lot of people just walk away mid sentence because of the volume.
I wanted to drop by a couple of the auction house booths today to view some of the auction preview items, and it did not disappoint. These were at the Mile High booth, it's always cool I think to see these types of things in person. If you've got a few hundred grand to drop, I guess it's really a choice of these cards, or a house...or two houses...
Ran across this guy as well, I know they are rare, I like pitchers, a lot of people don't like the black and white cards but I thought this was pretty impressive and would definitely make a top 20 list for me.
I haven't yet taken the plunge on something like this, but I really think these packs look great and really would make a super display with some of the cards. They weren't that expensive, so I'm sure I will own some soon (just not today).
This is the other auction house preview I wanted to see. There are so many awesome cards, it's hard to really appreciate them all. It's somewhat overwhelming when they're all together. It's a really great display if you're looking for ideas for your man cave at home.
Switching gears a little, I realize certain cards are definitely iconic cards. Even in the modern era, the 93 SP Jeter, 2011 Topps Update Trout, 89 Upper Deck Griffey. I get the appeal of owning the card, but not sure I get the prices - and yes, I've owned multiples of all three of these in the past, but don't own them anymore. Part of the reason? Check out the pop reports on these cards and then try and tell me how rare they are. Then look at cases like this - it's one where supply and demand don't seem to really work in my view, but I guess that's part of what makes this hobby fun.
This isn't the only case like this that I saw, just the one I took a picture of. There were several others that looked similar, full of 2011 Update Trouts.
In the "sad but true" department, I guess he's really selling all this stuff off? Maybe it shouldn't be a surprise, I don't imagine Rickey is really about "things", but still this is a pretty awesome item. For some reason I don't really like guys not having their trophies, but I guess at some level they "lived it", so maybe they don't need the "stuff" as reminders.
BBCE also had this set, no idea if the price is right but as a fully graded set collector, it's always impressive to see these in person. And with the centering issues 1957s have, this is a pretty impressive accomplishment. This one will get you tied for 22nd on the set registry. Only 22nd? I'm a little surprised.
As for my pickups on Day 1, it was kind of slow going again.
My Astros shirt got a dealer to pull this out. I have tons of Clemens autos since he's a local, but for $40 I just couldn't say no. If nothing else this will go to a charity auction. But considering what he charges, and I got a ball holder out of it, might have been the best deal of the show for me.
As I said before, I collect a little of everything. This one was priced well, got a little more off the asking price and was an easy deal.
Other than this, my day was going slow and I was starting to feel discouraged. I experienced similar issues on Thursday as I had on Wednesday with mid-grade T206s primarily - every dealer seemed to be wanting to set the new highest price for the grade for every Hall of Famer, regardless of pose or back combo. I definitely appreciate these cards have been on the move, some seem white hot even. But not every one is "high end" for the grade, and at some level just about all of them have nice eye appeal in some way.
To address an earlier comment in the thread, I understand sellers can ask whatever they want and I agree some of the dealers are using these as "show off" cards to get people to look. I do that with some of my cards myself. But I can also say that when I asked about these other cards, the prices generally reflected a similar idea - way overpriced and probably looking for a counter. In my opinion, that plan really only works if the range from the average to the asking price is narrow enough to invite a counter. 40-50% over VCP for most non-rare cards isn't close enough and I'm sure there are other like me who just move on. As a dealer myself sometimes, this is an area that is tough to deal with on hot cards. However, for just about all dealers the overwhelming number of cards that are out are NOT hot cards - which is why we end up seeing many of these same cards year after year after year. I could point out a dozen dealers who have much of the same inventory they did in Atlantic City for instance. I don't view that as a good thing as a dealer, but maybe I'm missing something.
Another comment I've heard from dealers is how much they spent to get there and setup. Well, I spent a lot of money to fly up and get a hotel, etc. In my view, the only difference in "cost" is the table cost - we all have costs to be at the show however we're there - dealer or collector - or realistically some version of both for most? That's not to say that I expect the dealers to offer me a "deal" so I can flip cards to pay for my trip. You should try and get the best price you can for yours cards no matter what. What I do expect to find, though, is fair pricing. I don't think I'm telling folks anything they don't already know, but the "internet" basically made everyone a "dealer". It equalized the playing field in some respects in terms of knowledge and access, and that genie can't go back in the bottle now. I'm sure there are still people who do it, but I don't know why anyone would take $250 for a card they can sell on eBay or otherwise for $350, just because a dealer paid a table fee. That model is now broken - forever - and I think the people who get it have adapted and can continue to do well, and those that don't are very likely going to struggle.
Anyway, with all that in mind...as I said I was getting late in the day when this happened...
And now for Day 2 (Friday). After the close of Thursday, I'm not really sure what could happen today to top it. There are only a few specific cards on my really really want list, and some of those aren't really expensive or rare or whatever, so I knew going in that today could just be pretty chill.
I should have taken a few more pictures, and I started out with good intentions but I just got into "looking mode" and the day just kind of passed me by.
I was a little more focused on non-card stuff today, and these really caught my eye. This dealer has been there every year I can remember, and the selection seems pretty off the charts. Again, getting a bunch together like this just emphasizes how neat they are.
As for my Day 2 pickups? ZIP. Got shut out today. I was close on 3-4 buys, mostly modern stuff but there were a couple T206s and a couple mid 50s RCs. Just couldn't quite close the gap, which I'm sure was some holdover from my spending the day before. But I've got today's cards on a list, and tomorrow is my last day at the show so I might make a final pass on each and see if I can get that final budge. If not, no big deal - I have a nice haul heading home. But hey - it can always be better, right?
All was not lost. To close out the day, I went to the Net54 dinner. I had not been in previous years, but I think I may just make this part of my annual trip. It seemed pretty well attended, and I was surprised by how few "dealers" there were - most were collectors which I wasn't necessarily expecting - don't ask me why, but I just figured more dealers would be there. Sat with some folks I didn't know, and had some nice talk about cards. My table mates actually collected some rare stuff which I knew nothing about, so it was fun hearing from them about those cards and why they collected them and where they find them, etc. Totally different part of the hobby than I'm in, but the chase and their friendships and stories came through - it was really nice to hear that stuff, great reminder that this should be fun!
Also, Josh Evans from Lelands was one of the speakers. I appreciate that he got up in the front of the room and took questions, thought he did a nice job. It seems clear to me that everyone, collectors and companies alike, are all still trying to figure out how to balance hobby and business, ethics and responsibilities, and how to help find a way to root out the bad actors. There are no easy answers to a lot of these questions, but I remain hopeful that we can all keep a spotlight on some of these issues long enough to get an appropriate response and ultimately change in behavior from some of the "hobby leaders" (whether self-appointed or earned over time). I really think "transparency" is going to be the buzz word for the foreseeable future, as it should be and should have been for a long time. I think as "collectors" that is the demand we should be putting on the "businesses" and each other. How that ultimately comes together to impact "provenance" I think will be a real key to whether anything really changes or if this is the just the next in line of continuing hobby scandals. The FBI is definitely involved, we'll see if there's enough economic impact to keep them involved.
Anyway, Day 2 is now in the books. Appreciate this is a pretty short post compared to the previous days, but realistically not a lot happened for me today. I did a lot of walking and a lot of talking, but just couldn't get anything across the line. It happens like that sometimes, but good news is there's still tomorrow!
I'll be back late tomorrow or Sunday for Day 3 summary and final wrap. Hope you enjoy.
Good idea, Mike. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Awesome post and re-cap. Thanks for putting these wonderful hobbyist experiences all in one thread. I certainly enjoyed reading about the National. Did Vagabond ever reveal which 2 cards he picked up? Bounce had great insight from "both sides" meaning the dealer/ collector roles within the hobby. Heck, I've probably met him but don't know him as I attend the Houston Tri-Star shows. Other members posts were just plain great and made you feel that you were actually there enjoying the experience and creating memories. Anyways, A++, 5 stars to YOU...for taking the time to put this together.
Thanx guys.
L@@K!
Here's a nice "Virtual" walk thru with some narrative for those who have never been to the National:
Now I'm gonna add another perspective from graygator: Another First Timer
Here the opening narrative: LINK
Next I was able to meet Dan (skrezyna23) and say hello and walk around a bit. I also got to meet and talk briefly with Keith (KendallCat). If I go again I will go with someone else. There’s just too much to see and having another pair of eyes to point out cool stuff would definitely be better, and it's always good to have someone to chat with.
Just before meeting Keith, at a booth I had already visited, I found a Johnson I liked, and was able to come away with it:
The show is not just overwhelming from a number of dealers and variety of stuff perspective, but also at individual dealer tables. I’m used to being able to judge and find what I need at a glance at our local show, but when tables have hundreds of graded cards and thousands of ungraded, it’s hard not to miss what you are looking for even when you are at the right table. I missed the Johnson the first time and was lucky to happen by that table again. I learned that if you see a table with cards of the era you are looking for, you just have to ask if they have what you want. That can be difficult at busy tables, and you feel like you don't want to wait because there's so much to see, but it's worth it to stick it out and ask because your eyes just can't process everything on any given table.
I never did find an Eddie Collins in my budget that I liked. But I found something better in the late afternoon, at a table I missed earlier. I went back this morning and was able to land this sweet Ray Dandridge. I figure a rare card like this is exactly the kind of thing you ought to buy at a National.
After landing the Dandridge, I took in the auction house booths, which really do have incredible stuff, as everyone has said. In all, it was a really great time and very nice to go enjoy this great hobby.
If any of you have some pics that you haven't posted?
This would be a good time to add here with whatever points of interest you'd like to share?
It's "never" too late.
I appreciate all the hard you put into this. Thank you.
I don't understand the modern shiney cards, huge pops
and moon money. show me some t cards or pre '50's.
I noticed that you were running some tests in the testing forum stone193 and I wondered what you were up to. Now we know! This is one heck of a thread. Nice work, I really enjoyed it.
Thanx guys.
If someone does their own thread and I'm all for that.
Unless they write in 2019 National or words like that? It's lost forever - potentially.
Many times I google 2016 National Sports Collectors convention to look at a pic or something e.g.
Did anyone happen to get the eBay seller promotion link for no FVF listings this year?
eBay Store
Greg Maddux #1 Master SetGreg Maddux #2 Basic Set
in addition to the 'shill bidder shirt, one guy had a "what would gary do?" shirt. It may have been the same guy, different day.
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
Fantastic thread thank you to everyone who has posted.
Here's some more pics from Marc aka Vagabond - this one will keep ya busy for a bit.
In addition to my Mantle pickup Keith Jr and I decided to start grabbing some T206 cards. Actually he wants to start doing t206’s and Cracker Jacks with dad and moms $$. Couple of fun pickups to start - that is before we get a Wagner, Plank, and a Magie.
😂
KC
I can't find that Keith - how about a scan of the Mantle you picked up?
Was it this Mantle?
If so - really sweet card with incredible centering!
Not that one. Picked that one up a couple of months ago in Heritage. Almost sold it recently as I was trying to upgrade, but upon further review the SGC 7.5 appears really strong. Had a few collectors and dealers I trust look at it and they said I should send it in to try and get a bump. Here is the card I picked up 2 days before Chicago thus spending some of my National budget early 😉
Really nice card.
Wow Mike. That was a lot of work. I know because it was tiring for me to post all my photos along with write up. This is great. I'm sure in couple of years, were going to see some of these prices and wish we had jumped on them today.
Looking at all these photos and write ups, I miss it already. Wish I could go back and experience it all over again. Thanks for doing this.
Marc
Thanx for the kind words Marc - was my pleasure.
Great work, Mike!! This is basically a photo album of the National.
Marc, the photos you took were amazing! In fact - you captured a lot of stuff I didn't see while walking around.
I did a little tour of the National video. We were able to interview Steve Hart with BBCE, Tracy Hackler with Panini America, Reed with Dave & Adam's Card World and Kurt of Ripping Vintage Packs.
Thank you, as always for letting me share!
Jeff
Thanx Jeff.
One thing on the 52T 8 pack cello...
The "find" that Steve was talking about?
I'm guessing it's the one that Mark Murphy did in 1996 - 84 total packs
Steve mentioned that perhaps she cello'ed them?
I remember seeing a 52T 8 pack cello at the '92 National - there's some that have said they thought Topps "repurposed" returns in the form of cellos to entice store owners to try and sell them? I'm guessing at a discount?
The Panini booth is incredible - from what I can see? They're much more involved than the Topps booth?
Also, good visit with Curt and that was a great rack pack! If you go back and look at your interview there?
You'll see Mike C./aka cpamike in the background.
Really nice job - wish you had hit a few others - I'd really enjoy doing something like this but don't have your TV presence.
See you next year for the next edition!
Thank you so much, Mike! I look forward to catching up with you next year in AC. Also - cpaMike was the person who introduced me to Kurt, so I was excited he was able to make a cameo in that episode
Jeff
We were talking about the jump in some unopened prices from this year to last.
Here's one of interest - this year a 79T wax box will set ya back 2K.
last year? $1150 - that's quite a jump!
That's a strong jump! As someone always looking for '75 Topps products to crack - that year is not getting any cheaper either!
Jeff