What is YOUR reason for going to the National ?

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Posted By: <b>Alan</b><p>There are about 40 sports auction houses, ebay, and the B/S/T threads available to buy cards so...I'm just wondering what is everyone's reason for actually going to the national show in July (obviously other than than the Network 54 dinner meet & greet) ?????<br /><br />When I went to the Atlantic City national in 2003, I was really disappointed with the show generally, but meeting the dealers, other collectors, making contacts, etc,... really made it worthwhile. <br /><br />Alan

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Posted By: <b>peter ullman</b><p>i went to the national in chicago last year and bought nothing for myself! I was disappointed at the high prices as well. but...I did get some cards graded by scg and I got to meet Leon and a few others from the board. I just like to look at stuff and talk to other collectors. will I go this year...probably nopt...I can't drive there in a timely fashion. like the entire hobby...the once yearly national isn't what it once was!<br /><br />pete in mn

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Posted By: <b>jay behrens</b><p>The big reasonfor going is the face time with other collectors. Last year was my first National since setting up in 1991. It was great to meet the people of the board and put faces and personalities to the names. Plus, the late night bull session was even better than the dinner. The best part was when someone mistook Rob Van Dam in the bar for a hot chick, lmao!!!<br /><br />Jay<br><br>I like to sit outside, drink beer and yell at people. If I did this at home, I would be arrested. So, I go to baseball games and fit right in.

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Posted By: <b>Richard Masson</b><p>To find those last few 2006 Topps Heritage single prints...

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Posted By: <b>Jay</b><p>I go to crash the major auction house parties for high rollers. Hookers and free drinks, that's worth a 3000 mile trip isn't it?

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Posted By: <b>Joe Jones</b><p>LOL.. I dont know about you but I will be attending the International National. <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14>

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Posted By: <b>Paul Stratton</b><p>Free hookers and booze? I definitely should have bid higher in all the auctions. Are they high grade,mid grade or god forbid low grade?

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Posted By: <b>David Vargha</b><p>I promised my 12-year old son that I would take him. It's a great chance for him to see in person cards that he might only otherwise see on eBay or in auction catalogues. He's a big fan of the pre-war HOF'ers; especially Cobb, Matty and Honus.<br><br>DavidVargha@hotmail.com

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Posted By: <b>anthony</b><p>mainly to meet this group but i'll be looking at a bunch of cards "first hand" for once, instead of on the internet

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Posted By: <b>Anson</b><p>Disneyland?<br /><br />Actually, there's something about the ability to examine cards in hand as opposed to a website. You also have more of an ability to negotiate, as opposed to bid-warring. For some, trading is also an option that is only available on the board. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Paul</b><p>I live next door.

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Posted By: <b>JimB</b><p>1. I had a great time last year meeting a lot of you folks.<br />2. To go though piles of T206s and make my last dozen or so upgrades.<br />3. To see and potentially buy cards in person.<br />4. To get a few cards graded.<br />5. To visit my parents and other friends who live in L.A.<br /><br />JimB

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Posted By: <b>warshawlaw</b><p>It is great fun. <br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>Bob</b><p>To put faces with names. There aren't many deals at the National and if you go for that reason, you'll be disappointed. I also was disappointed in the lack of off the beaten track cards, like D311s and even M116s, but the comraderie (sp?) made it worthwhile, that and finally getting to Wrigley.

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Posted By: <b>warshawlaw</b><p>then the National is a bonanza <img src="/images/happy.gif" height=14 width=14> . Seriously, I find that with effort there are great cards and great deals to be had, but you have to be willing to wade through a lot of dreck to get to them.

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Posted By: <b>Max Weder</b><p>Jennifer and I will be having a booth at the national at which examples of her paintings of vintage baseball players will be on sale. <br /><br />I've been to one National before (Anaheim, 1996? I think), and it was fun even though I only knew a few people. It will be great to put a face and a real life personality to the net54ers. (And one thing is guaranteed, you will all ask the question: what the heck is Jennifer doing with that guy?)<br /><br />Max<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ettinger.ca" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.ettinger.ca</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/baseballart" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/baseballart</a>

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Posted By: <b>Mike</b><p>Hopefully going to work a booth with a dealer. But I just like to visit with people. I could chat all day long. Just ask my wife. I love being surounded by this stough. I am a sick man, I know that. If I find a few nuggets there, so much the better, but mostly to meet people and shoot the breeze.<br /><br />

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Posted By: <b>nbrazil</b><p>im planning to go to my first one this year since it's in CA. Not expecting to buy anything...just go for the experience. hopefully, i'll meet some of you guys as well.

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Posted By: <b>Glen V</b><p>I'm going to meet people, talk to friends, see amazing cards that I can't afford, and to spend time with the kids showing them about the hobby. Friday kids are free and a number of activities are too. Last year my son had a great time dressing up like a ball player for an old-time picture, getting numerous cards, meeting some players and getting their autographs, and seeing me buy some cool cards with money meant for his college fund...

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Posted By: <b>Robert</b><p>I will be setting up a booth for vintagepricecards.com for our launching of the site and promoting it. Would really like it if all of you come by and see it or just say hi so we can put some faces to the names on the board. If anybody wants to help work it email me and we can see what we can do. The site is almost completed and should be live in the near future.