My love affair with the National (long with lots of scans)

MarsAttacks

Back home after 5 glorious days in Chicago, 2 1/2 of which were spent at the National. After a year of excitement building around attending the show, I find myself already thrilled at the prospect of another gathering next year in Cleveland. This marked my 10th consecutive National, and 11th overall, all of which have been really awesome for their own reasons. I am scanning the message boards all year long for posts chatting about the National, typically have reservations by February, and am really counting down the days until the show starting around Memorial Day, so needless to say, it's pretty high up on my list of fun things to do every year. Since this was the first attended with my own family (wife and daughter), rather than with my dad, who was out of town this year, an exciting new chapter opens. Luckily, my daughter is (currently) absolutely enamored with baseball, baseball cards, and meeting people, so here's hoping that excitement continues for her next year, and well beyond!

We arrived well rested on Wednesday afternoon, thanks to an apparent airline pricing glitch that allowed me to upgrade our 6am flight to first class for $40. Headed straight to the show and to the PSA line to drop a bunch of cards off for review that I'd been studying for bump potential (more on the results later). Then went to meet Jose Canseco (highlights of that visit in another post), and to BBCE to check out what wound up being my first purchase of the show.

Steve and I had been chatting about this box over email and once I saw it, I knew it had to come home with me. Love the idea that there's nearly 3 sets represented in this box (assuming decent collation), which means somewhere around 3 Ruth, 3 Mays, 3 Mantles, and 3 Koufax cards. Also satisfies my passion for non sports cards, and is the first high end complete box I've ever owned. We also picked up a box of 87D for our next family box rip, which is scheduled for later this month

Only regret from my visit to BBCE on Wednesday was not picking up the 1993 Finest sealed case that Steve had. Having never seen one before, I thought about it, but at the National, too much thinking usually means it will be gone by the time you decide to buy, and in this case (no pun intended), that's what happened.

Back on Thursday, and we spent the entire day there, highlighted by the group rip at BBCE, which I was determined to make this year and so glad I did. Just an awesome community of people gathered round to chat about cards. We all have many different collecting interests, and a common appreciation for what draws us to the National. The group broke a box of 79 Topps cards, and one of our packs contained these beauties -

The next contained nothing of note, except the awesome memories, worth well more than the price of the pack!

Thursday's other highlight was passing by a table and noticing this beauty, which I could not believe was in a 7 holder, especially after (very) close inspection. The dealer and I haggled on his original asking price, which was more like an 8, down to the 7.5 area. I really wanted to pay less, but he was prepared to let me walk away, and after leaving a 60 Topps PSA 8 Mantle at the 2013 NSCC that I have never forgotten, I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice -

Delicious dinner at Gibson's on Thursday night and Sox game, river cruise, and lots of great sightseeing on Friday & Saturday. Was prepared to head back to the show on Saturday morning after my PSA subs popped, but decided that Sunday would be interesting, as I've never been on the last day.

Sunday at the National - Many of the tables were empty/being packed up by the time I arrived, and those that I visited (aside from the modern wax dealers), were ready to deal. I didn't see anything I absolutely had to have, although didn't want to leave without at least a couple Dodgers items, so I picked these up -

Finally on to PSA, to pick up the review candidates. Subbed 14 cards from my 2 main set pursuits (1940 Superman & 1962 Mars Attacks), was delighted to get 4 half point bumps, and love the new holder! Fabulous way to cap off the show!

Was a 6

Was a 7

Was a 7.5

Was an 8.5

There is so much interest in this show, wonder if there's any chance of adding another smaller version, like the "Early Spring or Late Fall National?" One can dream right?

Until Cleveland my friends - Thanks again for making the show so much fun!

KendallCat

4 bumps in one show? Awesome job on those. The Superman cards present much higher than the technical grade.

KC

Kyndbrotha

Nice read. Thx

Dboneesq

Damn, those were some nice additions (and bumps) to your collection. Enjoy them.

Tibor

Who made the Kershaw action figure? Are there any others in the series?
I have not seen any action figures in my area in over 5+ years except for
Star Wars and wrestling.

grote15

Awesome recap!

Stone193

Incredible stuff Michael.

The Jackie is sweet.

I'll get that box out ASAP BTW.

It was a pleasure to meet and talk with you.

ThoseBackPages

AMAZING write up!

cpamike

It was great to meet you and your daugther Michael. Congrats on the bumpage and excellent pickups especially on the Who Am I? box!! Till next year...

mikelowell25

Great recap Michael and sorry I missed you!

paleocards

You really captured the anticipation leading up to, and the excitement of being at the National. Excellent read! And that's a beautiful Jackie, congrats.

originalisbest

Really like your taste in the items you picked up. The "Who Am I?" box is super cool, as is the Jackie with that sharp as a tack black corner and corners all around. Really really nice.

divecchia

Thanks for sharing your story about your trip to the National. It brought back many great memories from my previous visits there.

Congrats on your pickups and your bumps.

Donato