My National Experience - Picture Heavy
cpamike
Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
Well I've finally caught up somewhat with my work that piled up while I was away and wanted to share my National experience with everyone. While some people simply go to the National to fill their want lists, I go to reconnect with all my collecting buddies which number quite a few here. I'd be happy if I didn't end up buying anything, but having enjoyed the company of my friends. Of course, I did buy a few things though. 
Because of work commitments I wasn't able to fly in until late Wednesday night. Luckily I had two board members on the lookout during the Wednesday sneak peek for some stuff and they were collectively able to secure these babies.
I had been looking for a 1971 Topps Baseball cello for quite some time and was very happy to secure this one.
Besides 1975, 1976 is the set I enjoy collecting and it is much more difficult to find unopened rack packs from this year, especially with someone like Thurman Munson showing on back.
I didn't have a 1978 rack pack with Reggie Jackson on top so I was happy to add this one to the collection too!!!
Unfortunately for me, my plane out of JFK was delayed so I didn't get into Chicago until after midnight. No matter, I still woke up at the crack of dawn on Thursday to begin my National journey. I met up with Mark (cincyredlegs) who surprised me with some Seaver loving. Thanks again Mark!!!
Now we were ready to head out and went straight to the BBCE booth upon entering the National. I figured I should snap a bunch of pictures before the onslaught began.
While the prices continue to climb on the unopened stuff, I was able to find a few things I could still afford, lol.
With all those posts recently showing really cool looking displays of empty boxes got me to pick up this empty 1975 Topps Baseball wax box for my collection.
Another 1976 rack pack.
A 1977 rack pack with Petey on back.
And some 1977 loose cello packs.
After spending the day meeting up with a bunch of friends while walking the floor, I headed out to Wrigley Field with the mrs. and enjoyed my first game there. And we took plenty of pictures.
One last item I didn't expect to pick up was this 1972 GAI graded rack pack which Dave (70ToppsFanatic) was gracious enough to let me buy for cost. I really liked the fact that the Seaver strikeout leader card was showing on top. Thanks again Dave!!!
While all these pickups were nice, the highlight for me was meeting up with my fellow board members most of whom I hadn't seen since last year or met at all. I apologize if I miss anyone, but it was great to hang out with you guys. Eric (thosebackpages), Nathan (1980scollector), Mark (cincyredlegs), Dan (thunderdan), Matt (MBMiller25), Mike (mknez), Don (mariner), Gary (topps29), Kirk (mrmint23), Dustin (Doublestriker), Doug (dcanfield), Manny (flatfoot816), Chris (Nikklos), Adam (Hoosierguy), Dave (70ToppsFanatic) and Ben, Tyler (dty), Logan (kingnascar), Shawn (cadets68), Scott (ssollars), Paul (Stooge), Cory (fur72), Paul (moonlightgraham), Kevin (kgibson), Jeff (76collector), David (Dpeck100), Jeremy (mantlefan23) and his dad, Terry (1neatstuff), and last, but certainly not least Scott (otwcards).
While it was a bummer to come home after having such a great time, I was happy to see this waiting for me at home.
Thanks for reading along and I look forward to seeing even more of you guys next year in Cleveland!!!
Edited to add: I knew I'd forget someone. Great meeting you Jeff (cardcountry) and your dad.
Because of work commitments I wasn't able to fly in until late Wednesday night. Luckily I had two board members on the lookout during the Wednesday sneak peek for some stuff and they were collectively able to secure these babies.
I had been looking for a 1971 Topps Baseball cello for quite some time and was very happy to secure this one.
Besides 1975, 1976 is the set I enjoy collecting and it is much more difficult to find unopened rack packs from this year, especially with someone like Thurman Munson showing on back.
I didn't have a 1978 rack pack with Reggie Jackson on top so I was happy to add this one to the collection too!!!
Unfortunately for me, my plane out of JFK was delayed so I didn't get into Chicago until after midnight. No matter, I still woke up at the crack of dawn on Thursday to begin my National journey. I met up with Mark (cincyredlegs) who surprised me with some Seaver loving. Thanks again Mark!!!
Now we were ready to head out and went straight to the BBCE booth upon entering the National. I figured I should snap a bunch of pictures before the onslaught began.
While the prices continue to climb on the unopened stuff, I was able to find a few things I could still afford, lol.
With all those posts recently showing really cool looking displays of empty boxes got me to pick up this empty 1975 Topps Baseball wax box for my collection.
Another 1976 rack pack.
A 1977 rack pack with Petey on back.
And some 1977 loose cello packs.
After spending the day meeting up with a bunch of friends while walking the floor, I headed out to Wrigley Field with the mrs. and enjoyed my first game there. And we took plenty of pictures.
One last item I didn't expect to pick up was this 1972 GAI graded rack pack which Dave (70ToppsFanatic) was gracious enough to let me buy for cost. I really liked the fact that the Seaver strikeout leader card was showing on top. Thanks again Dave!!!
While all these pickups were nice, the highlight for me was meeting up with my fellow board members most of whom I hadn't seen since last year or met at all. I apologize if I miss anyone, but it was great to hang out with you guys. Eric (thosebackpages), Nathan (1980scollector), Mark (cincyredlegs), Dan (thunderdan), Matt (MBMiller25), Mike (mknez), Don (mariner), Gary (topps29), Kirk (mrmint23), Dustin (Doublestriker), Doug (dcanfield), Manny (flatfoot816), Chris (Nikklos), Adam (Hoosierguy), Dave (70ToppsFanatic) and Ben, Tyler (dty), Logan (kingnascar), Shawn (cadets68), Scott (ssollars), Paul (Stooge), Cory (fur72), Paul (moonlightgraham), Kevin (kgibson), Jeff (76collector), David (Dpeck100), Jeremy (mantlefan23) and his dad, Terry (1neatstuff), and last, but certainly not least Scott (otwcards).
While it was a bummer to come home after having such a great time, I was happy to see this waiting for me at home.
Thanks for reading along and I look forward to seeing even more of you guys next year in Cleveland!!!
Edited to add: I knew I'd forget someone. Great meeting you Jeff (cardcountry) and your dad.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
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.
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.
0
Comments
What a stash of unopened at those tables!!! So incredible I don't have words for it...
Congrats on the additions... those rack packs are awesome. Do legit 75 racks exist with both Brett and Yount showing on the front?
Snorto~
Great stuff, Mike! I'm going next year for sure.
Justin
Retired - Eddie Mathews Master Registry Set (96.36%) Rank 1
Nice to meet you for sure.
Thanks for sharing!
<< <i>Awesome recap and photos, Mike, but you forgot to mention what you ripped while at the BBCE booth?
Congrats on the additions... those rack packs are awesome. Do legit 75 racks exist with both Brett and Yount showing on the front?
Snorto~ >>
Scott, two questions. I'll have to charge you double to answer.
You caught me, I ripped a 1980 cello pack which had a fatal tear in it. Was hoping for Rickey, but only got a Carlton in the pack.
No, unless the factory workers were screwing around that day, both Yount and Brett should be in the section closest to the header card.
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.
Cool pics, good to see you at the National.
Can't wait till next year.
Logan
Kingnascar's PSA Sets
Kingnascar's PSADNA Sets
<< <i>We all need to meet up at Mike's house and have a ripping party, then ride the party bus over to Tim's house.
Great stuff, Mike! I'm going next year for sure.
Justin >>
Seriously, it would be great to see you next year Justin.
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>Did Steve sell all those cellos with stars on top, anyone know? >>
Alex, I believe he sold most of them at the show. It seemed like the boxes flew off the shelves by Friday and on Saturday a bulk of the graded packs including the star ones sold.
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>My only question is, how did I not see you on Sunday, Mike? >>
I was in the lobby waiting for you at 4:45am. Where were you?
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.
Dave, do you have any more Racks that you are selling for 39 cents? LOL
Mike, thanks for sharing. Some nice pics.
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>One last item I didn't expect to pick up was this 1972 GAI graded rack pack which Dave (70ToppsFanatic) was gracious enough to let me buy for cost. I really liked the fact that the Seaver strikeout leader card was showing on top. Thanks again Dave!!!
Dave, do you have any more Racks that you are selling for 39 cents? >>
Shhhhhh.
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>
<< <i>My only question is, how did I not see you on Sunday, Mike? >>
I was in the lobby waiting for you at 4:45am. Where were you?
I hadn't returned from the bar, yet...
Dave
FINISHED 12/8/2008!!!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Thanks!
<< <i>Hey Mike, It was nice to meet you and spend the day at the game with you. Your lucky I took care of your wife while you left her behind!!
Dave >>
I forgot you are on here. Great meeting you too!!!
Lets not tell the fellows about the bus incident.
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>One last item I didn't expect to pick up was this 1972 GAI graded rack pack which Dave (70ToppsFanatic) was gracious enough to let me buy for cost. I really liked the fact that the Seaver strikeout leader card was showing on top. Thanks again Dave!!!
Dave, do you have any more Racks that you are selling for 39 cents? LOL
Well played!
<< <i>BTW were there dealers other than Steve selling quantities of 80's unopened at the National?
Thanks! >>
There were a couple. One actually had some '80's cases, but his prices were way higher than Steve's. Surfice to say that he still had most of his boxes on Saturday last I looked. Another guy had some 1979 Topps Baseball boxes for a fair price, but someone just beat me to them.
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>
<< <i>
<< <i>My only question is, how did I not see you on Sunday, Mike? >>
I was in the lobby waiting for you at 4:45am. Where were you?
I hadn't returned from the bar, yet... >>
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.
Hey guys ... these are the responses from the 6th, 7th and 8th posts directly above this one. Are you guys sure you are talking about baseball cards????? LMAO
Hey Mike Your lucky I took care of your wife while you left her behind!!
Thanks for sharing Mike!
Mike, those are a terrific assortment of racks!
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>Mike ... I'm only saying this because I know you! LOL
Hey guys ... these are the responses from the 6th, 7th and 8th posts directly above this one. Are you guys sure you are talking about baseball cards????? LMAO
Hey Mike Your lucky I took care of your wife while you left her behind!!
Thanks for sharing Mike!
Mike, those are a terrific assortment of racks! >>
LMAO, looks like the mind is as sharp as ever Doug...and in the gutter.
The wife comment is one I'm sure I'll be hearing about for quite some time, lol.
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.
Wish I was there.
aconte
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>I wish you were there too Tony. Everytime I walked past those '75 minis I thought of you. >>
Hey, I love minis, too! LOL!!
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>
<< <i>I wish you were there too Tony. Everytime I walked past those '75 minis I thought of you. >>
Hey, I love minis, too! LOL!! >>
]
heehee
Collecting:
post world war II HOF rookie
76 topps gem mint 10 commons 9 stars
Arenado purple refractors(Rockies) Red (Cardinals)
successful deals with Keevan, Grote15, 1954, mbogoman
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.
cant believe it was a week ago already that we were heading back from Wrigley
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
Appreciate today-
Bill
BTW, when Mike goes to shows, he converts to Stealth mode. He disappears and then reappears with this un-opened haul. I am still trying to figure out how he does it.
Mark
T206 Set - 300/524
<< <i>One last item I didn't expect to pick up was this 1972 GAI graded rack pack which Dave (70ToppsFanatic) was gracious enough to let me buy for cost. I really liked the fact that the Seaver strikeout leader card was showing on top. Thanks again Dave!!!
Dave, do you have any more Racks that you are selling for 39 cents? LOL
Mike, thanks for sharing. Some nice pics. >>
ROTF. Going through those GAI racks with Mike was awesome!
A guy came by with about a dozen 1970-73 GAI racks for sale and
Mike and I had a blast going thru them. We only took 3, as many of
the ones we rejected had flips starting with the dreaded 103 prefix and
had so many stars showing it was just too risky.
The 1970 series 4/5 rack with McCovey AS in the center, Bench AS on the right
and Rose AS on the back next to the header card was one of the tempting rejectee.
A 1971 with Seaver and a Seaver LL showing was another.
I ended up with a common 1970 series 5 rack and a1973 series 1 with Aaron and Brooks
Robinson showing.
A great highlight from the show.
Dave
Paul
Jeff
Card Country
Graded stars 1950's-1980
See you in Cleveland
joe
Jeff
I'll find you that rack pack before next year's National somehow. At least I saved that '85 cello from certain doom.
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>Mike- It was really great meeting you at the National. I'm already looking forward to Cleveland!! Maybe in a year's time I can convert you to an IU fan? LOL
Jeff >>
I think I'd probably rip all my packs before that happens.
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.