2024 Cleveland National purchases - very happy with what I was able to add to my collection

Just returned yesterday from four very enjoyable and productive days at the Cleveland National. Yes, it was crowded (but that tells me that the hobby continues to thrive) and there wasn't enough parking near the entrance I was supposed to use, but these were minor annoyances. I thoroughly enjoyed this National, as I always do. Hadn't been since 2019 and it was obvious that there were many more people there than in past years at the I-X Center. Good to see some old hobby friends, including Mike K. and his wife at the PSA Dinner on Friday night. Did VIP for the first time and liked the downstairs lounge where it was nice to decompress and connect with other collectors.

But for me, success at the National is determined by what I bring home to my PC and, as always, this one didn't disappoint.

The first two are RCs that I was looking for in Cleveland and these were the only two I saw up there. Happy to be able to buy both (from two different dealers). Wasn't looking for the Pujols in 10 but I was able to reach a fair price that the seller and I were happy with.

I think that the '52 Bowman Musial is one of the most beautiful baseball cards ever produced and I was very happy to find this "7" at 707 Sportscards.

This next card was #1 on my want list and I was thrilled to find it in one of Bill Chappelle's showcases. I wanted a second career-contemporary Ruth to book-end my '33 Goudey #144 and this was the one.

And finally, I was lucky to see this incredible card in a case next to Jeff Foy's Card Country booth (like usual, he had a bunch of high-quality HOFers). I've wanted this card for about 20 years but never had a real opportunity to land one. Thrilled to add this iconic signature to my HOF auto collection.

Already looking forward to Chicago 2025!