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Is it worth it to go to the National?

parkerjparkerj Posts: 1,098 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
Hi Folks.

I have the chance to take my family to Baltimore next weekend - we can stay at our friend's house, so lodging cost isn't a big deal - its a 5-6 hr drive. I am on the fence about going. On one hand, I'd like to meet some people I only know from here and other boards. Also I haven't been to a national since 1983 in chicago when i was a teenager.

On the other hand, with ebay, are there still good deals to be had at the show? We have 3 big shows a year here in central ny, and the buying opportunities are typically pretty few and far between. I collect only Heritage (modern) and 67-73 vintage topps. I understand that if i were into something more exotic it would be a great chance to probably find stuff i can't normally find.

Looking for any opinions from you guys - has everyone enjoyed going to the national show? Granted my costs are not terribly high, but I still have to consider the upheaval to doing a family trip (3 boys 8,6, and 3).

Thanks for your input.
EbayId=Parkerj33
Topps Heritage - Trade Page

Comments

  • TNP777TNP777 Posts: 5,710 ✭✭✭
    Jim, I've been to two (both in Anaheim) and thoroughly enjoyed both. I don't get to go to too many large shows, so I love looking at all the cool stuff that's out there. I also like seeing the cards in person, being able to look the dealer in the eye, and the minor haggling/bartering that goes on. The other thing that's very important about the Natty is seeing old friends (OBC members in particular) and meeting up with new ones. I'd imagine that should the National ever come west again, I'll definitely be attending and hoping to meet up with some of the guys I've met here.

    If you can swing it, I think you'd have a blast.

    Dodgers collection scans | Brett Butler registry | 1978 Dodgers - straight 9s, homie
  • lsutigers1973lsutigers1973 Posts: 11,093 ✭
    I'm driving 1500 miles with an 11 year old to go to my first one. It better be worth it.
  • thedutymonthedutymon Posts: 4,323 ✭


    << <i>I'm driving 1500 miles with an 11 year old to go to my first one. It better be worth it. >>



    Evening,

    And I'm Flying from Colorado with my 13 Year Old Boy and spending Thousands between the Show and DC for Lodging, Travel, Food, Buying at the Show, Ect., and......................Wait a minute, to be able to do this with my Son the Jock.............Priceless...........No Joke !!!!!!!!!!!!....Period!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    YeeHahimage

    Neilimage
    Actually Collect Non Sport, but am just so full of myself I post all over the place !!!!!!!
  • diamondmandiamondman Posts: 2,020
    The national has grown up since 1983.
    my opinion : Go to it !, deals are still to be had,not everyone sells on ebay and my guess a lot of great items never get listed on ebay due to cost of listing fees/final value fees/paypal fees/shipping fees/ scam buyers and just dealing with ebay/paypal and the kooks that are on ebay (example had a BIN item or BO listed 99.00 and get offered 10.00) or any of the numerous idiots that want something for nothing and free shipping.

    the last national I went to was 1997 in Cleveland. had a great time and found numerous deals/steals & great people on both sides of the tables. Wish I was able to go even if it was just to look.

    Go and have a mini vacation with the family and good time. sneak off to national by yourself one day, dragging a 3 & 5 year old around the national could be a migraine, take them when they are older.
  • diamondmandiamondman Posts: 2,020


    << <i>I'm driving 1500 miles with an 11 year old to go to my first one. It better be worth it. >>



    good to here that you will be chaperoned at the show. who knows what could happen if you were by yourself.imageimage
  • 08HALA2008HALA20 Posts: 3,066 ✭✭✭
    Here is a good reason to go:

    Collectors opening 10 packs of 2010 Topps/Bowman branded baseball cards (except Topps Attax, Topps Opening Day and the .99 cent Topps Cello Pack) at the Topps booth will receive Stephen Strasburg’s 2010 Topps Heritage card (# NCC1). The card, which will be sequentially numbered to 999, will be available in designated quantities and at designated times from Wednesday, August 4th to Sunday August 8th. The card will be limited to one copy per person per day.


    In addition, Topps will be giving away free codes to collectors visiting the booth that unlock actual Topps baseball cards on the Topps Million Card Giveaway site (www.toppsmillion.com). The codes will be limited to one per person per day.

    A good one to keep since you like modern Heritage

    Wish I could go.

    Enjoy,

    Joe
    EBAY AUCTIONS
  • parkerjparkerj Posts: 1,098 ✭✭✭
    Guys, great advice. Although i would expect nothing less from this board (believe it or not). I would love to go, i hope the 3 yr old and the wife will find other things to do....i would want to hit it alone at least one of the days for sure.

    Very cool idea on the Heritage strassburg...dragged the whole family to see him pitch twice here in syracuse.
    EbayId=Parkerj33
    Topps Heritage - Trade Page
  • lsutigers1973lsutigers1973 Posts: 11,093 ✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I'm driving 1500 miles with an 11 year old to go to my first one. It better be worth it. >>



    good to here that you will be chaperoned at the show. who knows what could happen if you were by yourself.imageimage >>



    Didn't say he was going to the show with me. Although I may take him as my designated driver.
  • parkerjparkerj Posts: 1,098 ✭✭✭
    By the way, I'd love to meet up and at least say hi with anyone from the boards who will be there friday or saturday. PM me if interested.
    EbayId=Parkerj33
    Topps Heritage - Trade Page
  • mcadamsmcadams Posts: 2,618 ✭✭✭
    Its been about 15 years since I've last been, but the show in Atlanta that year was pretty awesome I thought. The #1 thing that the national offers that ebay doesn't is the opportunity to meet dozens of former players who show up for signings. You can spend all day meeting former legends and not look at a single card. I say "legends" but I have no idea who is signing this year or doing photos.

    -Michael
    Successful transactions with: thedutymon, tsalems1, davidpuddy, probstein123, lodibrewfan, gododgersfan, dialj, jwgators, copperjj, larryp, hookem, boopotts, crimsontider, rogermnj, swartz1, Counselor

    Always buying Bobby Cox inserts. PM me.
  • nam812nam812 Posts: 10,587 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>By the way, I'd love to meet up and at least say hi with anyone from the boards who will be there friday or saturday. PM me if interested. >>



    That sounds like someone who's going, not trying to decide. image
  • BoopottsBoopotts Posts: 6,784 ✭✭
    Personally, I wouldn't bother. The National makes sense for big time dealers, since they're looking to buy AND sell. If you're just looking to buy for your PC-- and not looking to scour showcases for cards that may bump, or to make deals that range into the five figures-- then the show is, in my opinion, a waste of time. And I've been to two of them recently, so I know a bit about them.
  • otwcardsotwcards Posts: 5,291 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Personally, I wouldn't bother. The National makes sense for big time dealers, since they're looking to buy AND sell. If you're just looking to buy for your PC-- and not looking to scour showcases for cards that may bump, or to make deals that range into the five figures-- then the show is, in my opinion, a waste of time. And I've been to two of them recently, so I know a bit about them. >>



    So I guess I won't get to buy you a brewski . . . image
  • BrickBrick Posts: 4,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The National and other larger shows are to me like going on vacation. As a collector you will not get such good deals to make up for travel, lodging, etc. expenses. Its nice to see all the vintage cards, talk with dealers and collectors. Also I tend to pay a little more for cards similar to buying at a gift shop on vacation. There is so much to see it is hard to do it in a day. Having 3 youngsters with you could be problematic. They may be excited at first but they will be ready to leave long before you are.
    Collecting 1960 Topps Baseball in PSA 8
    http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/

    Ralph

  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm on a lazy side - and - now - find a show like the National cumbersome.

    Would I go?

    Only to hook up with many of my collector friends.

    If one has never gone - I recommend the experience - the shear number of booths - including the corps - is a sight to behold!

    Booths of people that I can recommend this year - good people:

    Brian Marcy #808p
    Bob Marcy #812p
    Tom Papa #2370p
    Marty Pritchard #304
    Gary Nuchero #1005
    Joe Yanello #1605
    Josh Adams & John Spano #1909
    Bob Snyder #1933

    I do not recommend anyone try to drag a 3 yr old to the national - I'm sure you will regret it.

    In fact, if I went again - one day I would do it totally on my own - and then a day to walk and talk - and say hi to friends - and walk along with a crew - perhaps.
    Mike
  • twileytwiley Posts: 1,923 ✭


    << <i>I'm driving 1500 miles with an 11 year old to go to my first one. It better be worth it. >>



    Back in my younger party daze I once drove 3,000 + miles to catch a bunch of Grateful Dead shows. It was worth it for me at the time. Now I am a lot older I rather fly or take a train anything over 500 miles...
  • marinermariner Posts: 2,603 ✭✭✭✭
    I love the National. I would highly recommend that you go.
    Don

    Collect primarily 1959-1963 Topps Baseball
    set registry id Don Johnson Collection
    ebay id truecollector14
  • RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    I'll be there. If you can find me. image
    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
  • lsutigers1973lsutigers1973 Posts: 11,093 ✭


    << <i>I'll be there. If you can find me. image >>



    I have a pic of you. Paypal me $50 and I won't post it on this thread.
  • lwehlerslwehlers Posts: 934 ✭✭✭✭✭
    where is the national next year. i wish the national would be in st louis one time.
  • thedutymonthedutymon Posts: 4,323 ✭


    << <i>where is the national next year. i wish the national would be in st louis one time. >>



    Hopefully, someday the'll have it in the Real World, Denver, Co.

    That would be the year the Rockies win the World Series !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    We are Due !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks

    Neil





    Actually Collect Non Sport, but am just so full of myself I post all over the place !!!!!!!
  • RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    It would be nice to have it in a kick-arse city like Denver. Love that town.
    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
  • thedutymonthedutymon Posts: 4,323 ✭


    << <i>It would be nice to have it in a kick-arse city like Denver. Love that town. >>



    Thanks Ron,

    Spent 12 Years Living/Working in Downtown Denver, I can't begin to tell you how much fun that was !!!!! Went through two Ex-Wifes...That should gve you a clue. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1


    Neil
    Actually Collect Non Sport, but am just so full of myself I post all over the place !!!!!!!
  • CubbyCubby Posts: 2,096 ✭
    2011 will be in Chicago, 2012 in Cleveland and 2013 back to Chi town. I'm hoping it will
    swing back to Anaheim in 14!


    BTW: Cubby=Cub Fan
  • RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    Neil.......I could see how you could plow thru a couple marriages in that town.............good times!!
    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
  • thedutymonthedutymon Posts: 4,323 ✭


    << <i>Neil.......I could see how you could plow thru a couple marriages in that town.............good times!! >>



    Ron,

    And then I chose to move to the Mountains in Colorado (From Denver). And Life has changed to the point where I can't even desribe it. Met my Wife on Match.Dot Com 9 years ago, she said when I picked her up for our first date she was scared to death, just because I picked her up on my Harley, and I am Scary Looking !!! Spent the afternoon with her talking and within an hour she realized that I was just another good guy with my 5 year old boy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Neil
    Actually Collect Non Sport, but am just so full of myself I post all over the place !!!!!!!
  • kingnascarkingnascar Posts: 636 ✭✭✭
    I say go!
    I have many old friends that I hook up with.
    I enjoy looking for cards and tickets.

    Flying in Tuesday to do some sight seeing first.

    I will be there wearing my Richard Petty tennis shoes.

    Logan

    Kingnascar's PSA Sets
    Kingnascar's PSADNA Sets
  • SidePocketSidePocket Posts: 2,901 ✭✭✭
    Whatever you do don't listen to negative Boo. Shoot, he's been to 2 of them.

    "Molon Labe"

  • TreetopTreetop Posts: 1,474 ✭


    << <i>I'll be there. If you can find me. image >>



    Ron, won't you be the guy with a miners hard hat on? complete with flashlight atop? thought so...
    Link to my current Ebay auctions

    "If I ever decided to do a book, I've already got the title-The Bases Were Loaded and So Was I"-Jim Fregosi
  • SalinasSalinas Posts: 326 ✭
    I went to my first and only one back in 90 or 91 in Arlington Texas, as a teenager. So I am looking forward to going to my second one, 20 or so years later. Just a 45 minute drive from DC, so I am not passing up the chance to see all of the cards on display. Although I have made it to a couple of shows out at Chantilly the last few years, the National should be much bigger and better.

    So, if you can, make the trip. This show is probably closer than the next few in Cleveland or Chicago.
    I collect PSA graded 1980-81 Basketball.

    Successful transactions with bouwob, lifeshouldbefun, SDSportsFan, Bkritz, tsalems1, kwtoz, johnny1976, Topps29, Calaban7, nascar20, bking, bedellsonics, Beck6, Dialj, Echocanyon, mdkuom, gosteelers, artimus.
  • alnavmanalnavman Posts: 4,129 ✭✭✭
    I've been to three different cities for the nationals, Chicago, Atlantic City and Cleveland twice (I live in suburb of Cleveland). I enjoyed all of them, including the gambling in AC but have to admit the best show was in Chicago. They had a bigger venue then either of the other places and when I went they had a separate room set up with batting cages, pitching cages to time your throws and a bunch of Playstation games set up...Don't remember the year but my son and I both enjoyed the show...went for three days. Did like someone else said, walked one day checking everything out, browsed and looked up friends and folks I've met thru the hobby the second day and bought things I wanted the last day if they were still available....worth the experience.

    al.
  • SmuggoSmuggo Posts: 425 ✭
    If you go (I recommend it) please take comfortable shoes, a backpack, a pad to take notes and stay away from the food. It may be the only thing more overpriced than some of the cards. I have been to 8 of the last nine and will be there TU-SAT.
    Collecting Pre-War, Pre-War HOF Types, Pre-War Postcards
  • pdub1819pdub1819 Posts: 1,988 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>2011 will be in Chicago, 2012 in Cleveland and 2013 back to Chi town. I'm hoping it will
    swing back to Anaheim in 14! >>



    It would have been perfect to have it here this year with the All-Star Game and all, but I am all for 2014! I mean, everyone can bring the family, drop them off at Disneyland or the beach and have a the rest of the day to spend at the convention, your happy, your family is happy...what could be better!!!
    Plus, it's 10 miles from my house!!!!

    https://www.psacard.com/psasetregistry/pdub1819/othersets/6204

  • alnavmanalnavman Posts: 4,129 ✭✭✭
    if it swings out to Anaheim in 2014 I want to be there. it will be my 25th year of matrimony and that is one of the stops the wife and I made on our honeymoon....maybe we will retrace our route from 1989....let's see San Diego, drive up the coast on Highway 1, Anaheim, LAX, Las Vegas and back home to beautiful Parma Ohio....won't be the same though since the kids will be with us...... hey wait a minute, by 2014 my son will be 20 and my daughter 17...maybe they won't want to go..... does anyone know for sure it's going to be in Anaheim in 2014....better start saving now...
  • slaphappyslaphappy Posts: 145


    << <i>I went to my first and only one back in 90 or 91 in Arlington Texas, as a teenager. So I am looking forward to going to my second one, 20 or so years later. Just a 45 minute drive from DC, so I am not passing up the chance to see all of the cards on display. Although I have made it to a couple of shows out at Chantilly the last few years, the National should be much bigger and better.

    So, if you can, make the trip. This show is probably closer than the next few in Cleveland or Chicago. >>



    I went to that one as well, me and my dad had tickets to the game that night, got to see Ryan pitch as a 15yo I was completely overwhelmed by it all.
  • fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    I have been to Chicago once,twice to Cleveland and once to St Louis.They were all great.I am going to retire from work this coming January and plan to see the circiut as often as I can.I always enjoy them and buy stuff I do not find anywhere else.Can not ayyend this year as I have to have another Surgery in a week or two as I will find out tommorrow.Tuff year so far.
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
  • onebamafanonebamafan Posts: 1,318 ✭✭
    I have only been to one (St. Louis), that being said, i thought it was awesome and i did WAY more looking than buying, and i had a great time. I can only imagine how it has grown since then.
  • meuandthelotmeuandthelot Posts: 183 ✭✭
    Besides the great cards displayed, great people you can arrange to meet, and the dealers(well most)

    It was for this alone
    Sig: Looking for a recent smr magazine, Please pm if you have one to recycle. Thank You
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