My 2012 National Experience (yea, another one of "those threads")
ThoseBackPages
Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
My 2012 National Experience ...
Day One ...
My trip west was a smooth one, not much to report, trains were on time, Amtrak was crowded, but comfortable and didnt seem all that bad. I will use them again. I enjoyed my view of America as I rolled on down the tracks. Got to the hotel and checked in, no problem. Then it was time to check to see what was around here as far as grocery stores go. Well, that was a big big "fail". They don't seem to have any of those around here. They have a CVS, a 7-11 and a knock off 7-11 that refuses to use plastic bags. WTF? right? lol
Well after checking out all three stores, i found that the knock off was the only one selling diet cherry pepsi. So that was the "winner". I picked up 6 20oz' and headed back to the hotel room to put them in the fridge. As I was walking back, i got some strange looks as I'm guessing it looked liked I was carrying a six-pack of beer on a Wednesday afternoon lol
Then it was time to head to the show to pick up my VIP bage and promo package. On the way there I ran into a twitter fella I knew and we hung out until the doors opened. The doors opened at 3:30 and it was time to "enjoy the show". First place I went to was the Topps booth. I wanted to sign up for their panel, and the list filled up quickly last year. Well they told me to wait on the line like everyone else. Problem being that the line for the promo giveaways was HUGE! I just wanted to sign up, didnt want to rip for promos. Eventually they got a list together, I signed up, and was on my way. Next stop was BBCE. Made my first pickup of the show, a PSA 3.5 Wilhelm RC (NICE!). Then of course, chewed the fat with those fine fellas. Then it was time to start walking the floor.
Wow, it sure is easy to forget how MASSIVE the show is. its sheer volume is not easily put to words. Wow. I will admit to feeling a little overwhelmed, punch drunk even. i stood there for a mintue and took it all in. Then it was time to get to business. As a self admitted slab head, its easier for me to get through it all then those that are raw fans. That being said, it still took me a couple of hours to give all the tables a once over. There seem to be less slab sellers this year then I remembered there being last year. Maybe it's just me.
Through it all, I was only able to make one more purchase on day one, a PSA 3 George Kell Leaf RC. Happy to have it, price was decent. That pickup brought my PSA Post War HOF RC want list down to five. Before you knew it, the show hours for day one were over and it was time to head out. I ran into some friends and we went to some burger and beer joint to consume some food and drink. Overall day one was a good day at the show. Not Great, but good. There were going to be a lot more people showing up for day two, and its always nice to see old friends again. went to bed that night thinking about another Focus that i had been thinking of last month ... yea, cause you know I don't have ENOUGH of those, eh? lol
Day Two ...
The day started out well. Woke up before my alarm went off. What is it about being on vacation that make a person sleep even less then when they're at home? lol
I went for a little stroll as I waited for the show to open. Took a walk down around Camden Yards. The place is now 20 years old and it still looks amazing. I also walked over to where Baba Ruth was born. Then it was time to head in for day two.
Day two means that its a good time to make some purchases and not risk them being available later on. I was quite successful in scoring things that I wanted to pick up.
Then the rest of my day was spent talking with old and new friends that were at the show. Then it was time for the Topps Panel. This years was about the same as last years (but the food was better last year). I did enjoy myself thought.
Then day two was a wrap. A few of us were hanging around outside of the hotel to decide where to go for some dinner and such. As we were waiting, two fellow collectors were walking by and in one of those "Wow moments", one of the guys recognized me from my blog! Right on, that was awesome.
We as a group decided to then head down to the "Inner Harbor" to see what we could see, and what there was as far as eating establishments. We decided on an Irish Bar & Grill (that did not have cheddar cheese available, go figure lol) A good time was had by all. Then it was time to head back and rest up for tomorrow. So my day two was fantastic. I was really enjoying myself. Anytime I can make new friends, AND talk about cards? NIIIIICE!!!
Day Three ...
Well, the charger for my iPad died, but it was such an awesome day that it didnt bother me as much as you'd think, had you known me really well.
in the morning I was able to land four PSA RCs and the card side of the day ended with another one. But what made today amazing was the stuff away from the showroom floor.
Today was the PSA Luncheon. What a great time that was. There was a great speaker, and also a really funny video. The shindig lasted about two hours.
Then it was back to the show for more browsing and chatting. Did that for the rest of the day. After the show was a get together for the net 54 crew. A group of us went, and it was fun. The cheese was good.
About 8:15 we headed over to an exclusive party for Steiner Sports. It was at some happening place in the inner harbor. Lots of young people everywhere. Once we got into the club, who do we see standing near the bar? Yep, the one and only Dwight Gooden!
Having known that he was supposed to be there, I was prepared to tell him the story about my favorite card that I keep in my wallet. For about the last three years ive kept a 1985 Topps #620 Dwight Gooden card in my wallet that i personally pulled out of a pack back in 1985. It's my favorite card of all time, and the card that got me to where i am today as a collector. I told Dwight my story and he was very nice and politely agreed to sign my card. He even personalized it "To Eric, Best Wishes" Man i couldnt believe it, i really couldnt. i was like a flustered kid again, having just talked with my childhood idol. After all that took place, I was on cloud nine! Barry Larkin was also there. We pretty much all took pictures with both of them. Everyone was having an amazing time. We then stayed there a few more hours before it was time to head back to grab some shut eye for the evening
Day Four ...
this was a good day as far as picking stuff up goes. Since the last card that i "need" for my Post-War HOF RC Collection was being held "hostage", that meant that the fundage i saved up for it could be used for other things. That meant that it was time to really delve into a new Focus. Football HOF RC's
i was thinking about it a lot as i was trying to get to sleep after Friday nights events. it was then that i decided to go ahead and really go "all in" on the new focus. As soon as the doors opened, i went straight to one table (on purpose) and picked up four of the huge 80's rookies. Very happy to have added them. i also decided it was time to buy one of those 2012 Topps Mini Boxes that EVERYONE seemed to be ripping. so i bought one (yay for free promos!)
i was able to hang out with some of the new friends i made. it was a really great day overall.
Day Five ...
the last day of the 2012 National. im not going to lie, it just ALWAYS goes by so damn fast. im not even kidding.
What i wound up picking up today were some ..... wait for it ..... yes, what im about to type is not typed in error .... modern .... BGS RCs! ::gasp:: yep, two of them even! saved me some money on one, and the other is just not to be found in a PSA (actually, the other one is pretty damn hard as well). also today i met another Twitter Card Friend, always a good thing in my book. then it was more walking around, chatting, saying goodbye to those that were still around today. Most everyone left early this morning to catch flights, so i said farewell to the last night.
Here are a few scans .....
and My Best Pickup this year ...
Day One ...
My trip west was a smooth one, not much to report, trains were on time, Amtrak was crowded, but comfortable and didnt seem all that bad. I will use them again. I enjoyed my view of America as I rolled on down the tracks. Got to the hotel and checked in, no problem. Then it was time to check to see what was around here as far as grocery stores go. Well, that was a big big "fail". They don't seem to have any of those around here. They have a CVS, a 7-11 and a knock off 7-11 that refuses to use plastic bags. WTF? right? lol
Well after checking out all three stores, i found that the knock off was the only one selling diet cherry pepsi. So that was the "winner". I picked up 6 20oz' and headed back to the hotel room to put them in the fridge. As I was walking back, i got some strange looks as I'm guessing it looked liked I was carrying a six-pack of beer on a Wednesday afternoon lol
Then it was time to head to the show to pick up my VIP bage and promo package. On the way there I ran into a twitter fella I knew and we hung out until the doors opened. The doors opened at 3:30 and it was time to "enjoy the show". First place I went to was the Topps booth. I wanted to sign up for their panel, and the list filled up quickly last year. Well they told me to wait on the line like everyone else. Problem being that the line for the promo giveaways was HUGE! I just wanted to sign up, didnt want to rip for promos. Eventually they got a list together, I signed up, and was on my way. Next stop was BBCE. Made my first pickup of the show, a PSA 3.5 Wilhelm RC (NICE!). Then of course, chewed the fat with those fine fellas. Then it was time to start walking the floor.
Wow, it sure is easy to forget how MASSIVE the show is. its sheer volume is not easily put to words. Wow. I will admit to feeling a little overwhelmed, punch drunk even. i stood there for a mintue and took it all in. Then it was time to get to business. As a self admitted slab head, its easier for me to get through it all then those that are raw fans. That being said, it still took me a couple of hours to give all the tables a once over. There seem to be less slab sellers this year then I remembered there being last year. Maybe it's just me.
Through it all, I was only able to make one more purchase on day one, a PSA 3 George Kell Leaf RC. Happy to have it, price was decent. That pickup brought my PSA Post War HOF RC want list down to five. Before you knew it, the show hours for day one were over and it was time to head out. I ran into some friends and we went to some burger and beer joint to consume some food and drink. Overall day one was a good day at the show. Not Great, but good. There were going to be a lot more people showing up for day two, and its always nice to see old friends again. went to bed that night thinking about another Focus that i had been thinking of last month ... yea, cause you know I don't have ENOUGH of those, eh? lol
Day Two ...
The day started out well. Woke up before my alarm went off. What is it about being on vacation that make a person sleep even less then when they're at home? lol
I went for a little stroll as I waited for the show to open. Took a walk down around Camden Yards. The place is now 20 years old and it still looks amazing. I also walked over to where Baba Ruth was born. Then it was time to head in for day two.
Day two means that its a good time to make some purchases and not risk them being available later on. I was quite successful in scoring things that I wanted to pick up.
Then the rest of my day was spent talking with old and new friends that were at the show. Then it was time for the Topps Panel. This years was about the same as last years (but the food was better last year). I did enjoy myself thought.
Then day two was a wrap. A few of us were hanging around outside of the hotel to decide where to go for some dinner and such. As we were waiting, two fellow collectors were walking by and in one of those "Wow moments", one of the guys recognized me from my blog! Right on, that was awesome.
We as a group decided to then head down to the "Inner Harbor" to see what we could see, and what there was as far as eating establishments. We decided on an Irish Bar & Grill (that did not have cheddar cheese available, go figure lol) A good time was had by all. Then it was time to head back and rest up for tomorrow. So my day two was fantastic. I was really enjoying myself. Anytime I can make new friends, AND talk about cards? NIIIIICE!!!
Day Three ...
Well, the charger for my iPad died, but it was such an awesome day that it didnt bother me as much as you'd think, had you known me really well.
in the morning I was able to land four PSA RCs and the card side of the day ended with another one. But what made today amazing was the stuff away from the showroom floor.
Today was the PSA Luncheon. What a great time that was. There was a great speaker, and also a really funny video. The shindig lasted about two hours.
Then it was back to the show for more browsing and chatting. Did that for the rest of the day. After the show was a get together for the net 54 crew. A group of us went, and it was fun. The cheese was good.
About 8:15 we headed over to an exclusive party for Steiner Sports. It was at some happening place in the inner harbor. Lots of young people everywhere. Once we got into the club, who do we see standing near the bar? Yep, the one and only Dwight Gooden!
Having known that he was supposed to be there, I was prepared to tell him the story about my favorite card that I keep in my wallet. For about the last three years ive kept a 1985 Topps #620 Dwight Gooden card in my wallet that i personally pulled out of a pack back in 1985. It's my favorite card of all time, and the card that got me to where i am today as a collector. I told Dwight my story and he was very nice and politely agreed to sign my card. He even personalized it "To Eric, Best Wishes" Man i couldnt believe it, i really couldnt. i was like a flustered kid again, having just talked with my childhood idol. After all that took place, I was on cloud nine! Barry Larkin was also there. We pretty much all took pictures with both of them. Everyone was having an amazing time. We then stayed there a few more hours before it was time to head back to grab some shut eye for the evening
Day Four ...
this was a good day as far as picking stuff up goes. Since the last card that i "need" for my Post-War HOF RC Collection was being held "hostage", that meant that the fundage i saved up for it could be used for other things. That meant that it was time to really delve into a new Focus. Football HOF RC's
i was thinking about it a lot as i was trying to get to sleep after Friday nights events. it was then that i decided to go ahead and really go "all in" on the new focus. As soon as the doors opened, i went straight to one table (on purpose) and picked up four of the huge 80's rookies. Very happy to have added them. i also decided it was time to buy one of those 2012 Topps Mini Boxes that EVERYONE seemed to be ripping. so i bought one (yay for free promos!)
i was able to hang out with some of the new friends i made. it was a really great day overall.
Day Five ...
the last day of the 2012 National. im not going to lie, it just ALWAYS goes by so damn fast. im not even kidding.
What i wound up picking up today were some ..... wait for it ..... yes, what im about to type is not typed in error .... modern .... BGS RCs! ::gasp:: yep, two of them even! saved me some money on one, and the other is just not to be found in a PSA (actually, the other one is pretty damn hard as well). also today i met another Twitter Card Friend, always a good thing in my book. then it was more walking around, chatting, saying goodbye to those that were still around today. Most everyone left early this morning to catch flights, so i said farewell to the last night.
Here are a few scans .....
and My Best Pickup this year ...
Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
0
Comments
<< <i>Love the Wilhelm! Do you have a scan of the Leaf Kell RC? >>
Thank you for your kind words.
Heres the Kell
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
PSA HOF Baseball Postwar Rookies Set Registry- (Currently 80.51% Complete)
PSA Pro Football HOF Rookie Players Set Registry- (Currently 19.80% Complete)
PSA Basketball HOF Players Rookies Set Registry- (Currently 6.02% Complete)
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
<< <i>
<< <i>Love the Wilhelm! Do you have a scan of the Leaf Kell RC? >>
Thank you for your kind words.
Heres the Kell
Wow that is awesome. Always loved the 1948-49 Leaf cards. That one looks really nice for a 3. Thanks for the scan!
PSA HOF Baseball Postwar Rookies Set Registry- (Currently 80.51% Complete)
PSA Pro Football HOF Rookie Players Set Registry- (Currently 19.80% Complete)
PSA Basketball HOF Players Rookies Set Registry- (Currently 6.02% Complete)
"Molon Labe"
Great meeting you at the National. What a blast.
Glad you were able to make it down and enjoy the show. Always enjoy talking cards with you even if you collect the shiny stuff too.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
I'm curious, as well what you picked up in BGS slabs.
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
<< <i>Fair enough, here's one
Well those are some great pick ups my friend! Looks like our lists were close as I picked up a Namath
Brown as well,LOVE that 7!Really super clean.
Needs'
1972 Football-9's high#'s
1965 Football-8's
1958 Topps FB-7-8
thanks for taking the time to post your experience at the National. With time so precious, it is much appreciated
Nice Namath !!
Jeff
Card Country
Graded stars 1950's-1980
Just curious, did anyone happen to pick up one of those Probstein duffel bags that he was giving away? If so, can someone post a pic?
I really enjoyed reading your post,sounds as though you had a great time.
Oh, and by the way you have a great eye for cards.....very pleasing to the eye.
Also I would just like to add that an older gentleman years ago told me to never buy "junk" (as in coins) and you will never tire of looking at them,and will never have a problem selling them.
I think you have hit the bullseye with your pick ups.
congratulations
Rob