Why the National?
thunderdan
Posts: 3,036 ✭✭✭
Before I started attending in the National in 2012, I wondered if the experience was truly worth the expense. I'm not super local to any of them, and it's time away from work and family. And I'm not nearly as much of a collector as some of you, so what was the point? There's maybe a card or two I'm looking for at any given point which most likely won't be available at National.
And then I spent a bunch of time with some of you in Baltimore. Hanging out, chatting, drinking, even speaking with a few athletes. Yes, some of us buying, some of us ripping, but really just enjoying the hobby and the friendship. Collectors into sets and players I've never heard of and cards I've never seen. And the passion. I love seeing the passion--even bordering on obsession.
But after Mike Kelley died a while back, I better appreciate the National as a way to bring people together of a shared love of the hobby regardless of what you collect, how much you spend, where you live, what you look like, etc. The time goes so fast, and those memories hanging with Mike will be etched in my memory forever. But, I've loved every minute of the National. Sometimes I find the card I want, sometimes I don't. But I always love the time spent with friends.
There are probably 15 of you I've gotten to know a lot better since 2012, and it's a blast hanging with you every year. I'd name names, but if I accidentally left somebody out, I wouldn't want anyone to feel slighted. And I always meet a few people for the first time each year as well. You guys are pretty good dudes. Thanks for the fun once a year.
I'm just settling back in the last few weeks after doing a climb on Mont Blanc and spending some time in Switzerland. Loved every minute of that adventure:
Mantles continue their upward trajectory, and this is one of my favorites. The tilt and t/b centering bugs me on most 9s, so I didn't go to National with this card on my list, though to me it's truly one of the classic Mantle cards. When I saw this card, it fit the bill for me. Love the centering on it as well the image clarity. Huge thanks to Jeff (card country) for working with me on this. Jeff and his family are top notch people. I won't embarrass him too much here, but I truly value his friendship and who he is as a person. And he has a really great family that are so fun to be around.
I had recently sold my other 52 Mantle, so was looking for nicely centered PSA 7. That didn't happen, but I really got this one for the very vivid, clear, and flawless blue background image. The centering is reasonably good, but to me the image and color is everything on this card. Really pumped about this one.
Some deals take longer than others. This is one of the longest ones I've ever done. Was a blast to meet and work with him (he who shall not be named--and no I didn't buy this from Voldermort). To me, this is one of the classics in all of collecting, and I've been looking for one in high grade. Excited to have it--it's amazing a card this old can be in such good shape. And a plus was that with PSA being close by, I could get it in a sharp new holder.
Looking forward to many more nationals, guys. Thanks for all the great memories. Maybe next time I can come a little earlier and arm wrestle Evan.
And then I spent a bunch of time with some of you in Baltimore. Hanging out, chatting, drinking, even speaking with a few athletes. Yes, some of us buying, some of us ripping, but really just enjoying the hobby and the friendship. Collectors into sets and players I've never heard of and cards I've never seen. And the passion. I love seeing the passion--even bordering on obsession.
But after Mike Kelley died a while back, I better appreciate the National as a way to bring people together of a shared love of the hobby regardless of what you collect, how much you spend, where you live, what you look like, etc. The time goes so fast, and those memories hanging with Mike will be etched in my memory forever. But, I've loved every minute of the National. Sometimes I find the card I want, sometimes I don't. But I always love the time spent with friends.
There are probably 15 of you I've gotten to know a lot better since 2012, and it's a blast hanging with you every year. I'd name names, but if I accidentally left somebody out, I wouldn't want anyone to feel slighted. And I always meet a few people for the first time each year as well. You guys are pretty good dudes. Thanks for the fun once a year.
I'm just settling back in the last few weeks after doing a climb on Mont Blanc and spending some time in Switzerland. Loved every minute of that adventure:
Mantles continue their upward trajectory, and this is one of my favorites. The tilt and t/b centering bugs me on most 9s, so I didn't go to National with this card on my list, though to me it's truly one of the classic Mantle cards. When I saw this card, it fit the bill for me. Love the centering on it as well the image clarity. Huge thanks to Jeff (card country) for working with me on this. Jeff and his family are top notch people. I won't embarrass him too much here, but I truly value his friendship and who he is as a person. And he has a really great family that are so fun to be around.
I had recently sold my other 52 Mantle, so was looking for nicely centered PSA 7. That didn't happen, but I really got this one for the very vivid, clear, and flawless blue background image. The centering is reasonably good, but to me the image and color is everything on this card. Really pumped about this one.
Some deals take longer than others. This is one of the longest ones I've ever done. Was a blast to meet and work with him (he who shall not be named--and no I didn't buy this from Voldermort). To me, this is one of the classics in all of collecting, and I've been looking for one in high grade. Excited to have it--it's amazing a card this old can be in such good shape. And a plus was that with PSA being close by, I could get it in a sharp new holder.
Looking forward to many more nationals, guys. Thanks for all the great memories. Maybe next time I can come a little earlier and arm wrestle Evan.
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Comments
Now if they would just bring the National back to Anaheim...
"Molon Labe"
Glad you had a blast on Mont Blanc. I'd love to try climbing sometime, but I think I'd need a bunny hill to start with first. The scenery looks beautiful, thanks for sharing the picture.
And awesome pickups Dan. You have a great eye and are smart to be flexible when the right card presents itself.
Btw, no offense but my money is on Evan, heck I'd even take JPP.
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.
About the National, I have yet to have attended but its on the list for sure. Excellent writ up on your experience and how its not all about the cards but the friendships that we build along the way. Superb cards as well. I am certainly I fan of all 3 of those cards. Monster grades too.
Marc
Hope to meet you in Atlantic City next year. I have been to only one National and that was the first one in Atlantic City 25+(?) years ago.
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.
Awesome post and insane cards!
One of the highlights for me when I went to the National in 2013 was meeting thunderdan. Awesome dude.
<< <i>Great post.....I keep hearing great things about Card Country Jeff on these boards. Does he have a website? Is he a full time dealer? I would like to see what they have for sale >>
Card Country
Bosox1976
<< <i> I better appreciate the National as a way to bring people together of a shared love of the hobby >>
This nails it Dan.
I went to my first National since 1992 - met a great bunch of guys!
I'll sum up the value by something that I never understood:
The lights in the convention center have been turned off. They're NOT even cold and people are already talking about the next National.
I just "didn't get" talking a "year" in advance.
After attending the National this year in Chicago? I get it!
edit: BTW, those cards are beyond adjectives!!!!
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.
-George F. Will
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.
-George F. Will
AND I'm so glad you reeled in some monsters, especially the Williams that you've been looking for. It's breathtaking!!
Jeff
Card Country
Graded stars 1950's-1980
------
stupid print dots
The National really IS about seeing everyone
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
<< <i>OMG and I post cards of the Big Boss Man. Haha
Awesome post and insane cards!
One of the highlights for me when I went to the National in 2013 was meeting thunderdan. Awesome dude. >>
David, listening to those brother cab drivers speak in Arabic with us in the back of the cab was a very memorable experience. My Arabic was a little rusty, but when I started chatting back with them about what they had been discussing, the look on their faces were priceless. For sure they thought I was with the CIA. Lol.
Edited to add: my drunk Arabic isn't very good. Lol
<< <i>
<< <i>OMG and I post cards of the Big Boss Man. Haha
Awesome post and insane cards!
One of the highlights for me when I went to the National in 2013 was meeting thunderdan. Awesome dude. >>
David, listening to those brother cab drivers speak in Arabic with us in the back of the cab was a very memorable experience. My Arabic was a little rusty, but when I started chatting back with them about what they had been discussing, the look on their faces were priceless. For sure they thought I was with the CIA. Lol.
Edited to add: my drunk Arabic isn't very good. Lol >>
That cab ride was wild. I think they thought you were an FBI agent or something. I have never seen anyone speak Arabic. We pounded a ton of drinks on that roof top bar and you whipped out two 1971 Topps PSA 9's which were awesome.
It was a great time. Michelle has told that story to several people.
<< <i>I have never seen anyone speak Arabic. We pounded a ton of drinks on that roof top bar and you whipped out .... >>
Damn Dave, you were getting me a little worried! HAHAHA
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.
As for the cards, unbelievable!!!
judgebuck (David)
Always looking for Mantle cards such as Stahl Meyer, 1954 Dan Dee, 1959 Bazooka, 1960 Post, 1952 Star Cal Decal, 1952 Tip Top Bread Labels, 1953-54 Briggs Meat, and other Topps, Bowman, and oddball Mantles.
My Podcast - Now FEATURED on iTunes
You mentioned you recently sold a 52 topps mantle. What grade was it?
And Holy Smokes .. THAT TED WILLIAMS!!!!