One of the Best Nationals (Thanks Guys for a Great Weekend)

BPorter26

This was my 5th National and I have to say it was probably my favorite over the past few years of attending—and not for the card pickups, but just for the camaraderie of hanging out with friends and fellow collectors who share the same passion I do for the hobby. Even though some dealers wouldn't come off their inflated prices we met many who would. I felt I saw a lot of collectors getting decent deals throughout the weekend. The highlight of the weekend was probably Friday night as we started at the Net54 dinner where we had a few drinks and appetizers. Beckett was giving away card vouchers and a new graded card book and our own Mike (MKnez) won one of the books. Then we moved over to the Steiner party which was a complete blast; no exaggeration. We hung out for a short time with Dwight Gooden, Barry Larkin, Brandon Steiner, and the Ball Boys (Rob Jr, Sweet Lou and Shaggy) of TV fame. The best part was hanging out with the CU Boys Matt (MBMiller), Dan (ThunderDan), Eric (thosebackpages),Mike (CPAMike), Mike (MKnez), Mike K (miconelegacy), Mark (cincyredlegs), Kirk (MrMint23), Andy (paleocards), Dustin (Doublestriker), Val (Nascar360), Logan (Kingnascar) and Jeff (Orbitmarz).

I also can’t forget watching Nathan (1980scollector) and Mike K (miconelegacy) open up the 86 Fleer basketball at the BBCE booth—which was pretty awesome and ballsy. I opened a box of 1989 low series UD and did not pull a Griffey, but did open a box of 90 leaf (pulled 2-Big Hurts, 3-Walkers and 3-Justices) Matt opened 4 boxes of 89 UD pulled 5 Griffey's. The highlight of opening 89 UD was Miller pulling 8 -John Smolts and 7-Randy Johnson's from one box. It was unbelievable to see him pull 15 of those cards from one box. BBCE was outstanding as well; Steve runs a great business with unbelievable customer service. I wanted to thank him, Reed, Rick and Andrew for taking care of the CU family.

It was also good to see and talk to George (Heritage) again.

All I can say is I left the National with a few more friends then I started with. Thanks again for a outstanding weekend.

Here's a few of my Nat pickups.



This cut auto was made by Doran (HeritageAddict) and I had it PSA/DNA this weekend


I bought the cards raw with the Greene and White auto's




Edit- Wrong pics

swartz1

Awesome YAZ pick-ups... he is so underrated...

1980scollector

It was great meeting you and getting to watch you bust the 1990 Leaf Series 2. I used to bust those when I was on a tight budget and would pay 5.00 per pack. I seem to remember they may have even been going for more than that come to think of it. Those boxes brought back great memories.

Anyway, really like the look of that Hines Ward autograph. I have had alot of respect for him since I saw him treat Randy Pausch (huge Steelers fan that wrote The Last Lecture) really well before his passing. He and the Steelers really gave him a day to rememebr and for that I have always liked Hines Ward but don't tell any of my Cincy friends I like a Steeler.

We got to see some really cool stuff busted and that was just a thrill for me. If there are boxes with 8 Smoltz that means one thing. There are boxes out there with 8 Griffey's. We may need to find that box next year.

Again, great to meet you in person.

mcadams

Great pics, thanks for sharing. Nice pickups- That Reggie looks amazing...why the 7.5?

Also, its so odd seeing Hines Ward wearing #15....

RookieWax

That Reggie rookie is just amazing! What did that cost you?

BIGBEN7

Bobby it was nice meeting you and Matt.

BPorter26

<< <i>That Reggie rookie is just amazing! What did that cost you? >>



I paid right around VCP for it



<< <i>Bobby it was nice meeting you and Matt. >>



Joe I can't believe I didn't add you to my write and of all people a Pirate and Steeler fan. BTW love your Stargell PSA 8.5 rookie!

nam812

<< <i>........That Reggie looks amazing...why the 7.5?....... >>



Because it's Reggie Jackson. If it were Sonny Jackson it would be an 8 or an 8.5

Beck6

Wish I could have stayed longer. It was nice to have a drink and lunch with everyone and it sounds like I missed a good party. I also learned a valuable lesson regarding railway transportation. Who knew it was so easy?

thunderdan

Bobby, that's a really nice looking Yaz. Eye appeal looks much nicer than a 5, so great pickup. Sweet Reggie as well.

Great meeting you and the boys. I think I'm still a little buzzed.

goodtricks

Great pickups! Good to hear you had a good time!

ThoseBackPages

See! told you that Yaz was a keeper!

otwcards

I see how it is . . . Go out Friday night, have the time of your life and drink until you can't stand up. Missed you at breakfast, but sounds like you had a great time. It was good seeing you again!

scmavl

That sounds like a GREAT time, glad it was a good time for you. I'll PM you my address where you can send the Killebrew...

bobbyw8469

I think the Yaz looks good to be only a '5'....

cpamike

Bobby, it was great meeting up with you but next time you need to pace yourself buddy.

I really like that 1960 Yaz. It looks even better in person guys. And that Reggie is definitely the strongest 7.5 you'll ever see.

Looking forward to next year already!!!

fiveniner

Nice Pick ups!!

jmmiller777

Guys, thanks for sharing the stories and the picts. I hope to meet alot of you in Chicago next year!

fur72

Nice pickup! Thanks for sharing.

cincyredlegs

Bobby, great pick-ups. Love the Jackson, Yaz and Killer rookies. Glad you went back to get the Jackson. Thanks also for the Reds scorecard. You are the man.

Mark

leathtech

really like the Hines sig... looks cool!

WinPitcher

Nice cards, thanks for sharing, sounds like a few of you had a great time!