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-   -   2018 Cleveland National Report - Sneak Peak, Round 2 and Round 3 is LIVE (http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=258163)

bounce 08-01-2018 10:38 PM

2018 Cleveland National Report - Sneak Peak, Round 2 and Round 3 is LIVE
 
I've done daily write-ups for the National on another site for the past couple years, thought folks who couldn't make it might enjoy reading/seeing what's going on so thought I'd post here this year as well.



And here...we...go.

I booked my trip to the National this year pretty late - literally just less than two weeks ago. I have to confess, Cleveland just didn't sound or feel like a great place to attend. I've never been here before, so I had no real basis for the feeling, but the thought of Cleveland did absolutely nothing to get me excited about the show this year. However, a couple consecutive rough weeks at work and it was clear I needed a break. I really enjoy the cards and memorabilia, even if just looking, so I decided to book the trip.

I arrived early Tuesday night so I could get settled in, and saw this at the airport.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/bXR0uDE"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/bXR0uDEl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

Gotta be a great sign of how awesome and lucky this show is going to be, right? I mean this was at a freaking AIRPORT!

I goofed around Wednesday morning and early afternoon, as the show was officially open 4-8pm today so no real hurry to start standing in line for no good reason. VIPs get in 30 minutes early each day. Speaking of VIPs...I was fortunate this year to get a VIP pass from a friend of mine who ended up not being able to attend. I've gotten the VIP pass myself the past three years, but at this point I have to completely honest with you - I doubt there are many other times when you'd feel like LESS of a VIP than at the National. When you break it down, the daily admission is $19 in advance, so $95 for the week. I think the VIP passes start at $140 or so. Primary benefits appear to me to be the 30 minute early admission, and access to some free autographs and the VIP lounge. While those are nice, in four years I've never gotten a single one of the autographs and I've visited the lounge sparingly. That 30 minutes is about enough to visit maybe a couple rows of tables, so unless you know there's something that you've got to get to (I'm sure many would say the BBCE booth), I don't really think it's worth the extra money. My view is that the VIP tickets are just a way to squeeze an extra $50 out of you to attend the show - there is no real tangible benefit. Yes, I got some cards, too, but there's nothing in there that's rare and the free autographs are not anyone you'd much care about. I guess I can post pictures of the cards tomorrow.

Here's the view of the front of the show and the VIP lounge access. It was so packed in the VIP lounge, only a few tables to sit at (which were all filled) and long lines for the autographs (I think most people were there for Mike Hargrove?), I walked in and turned and walked back out.

[<a href="https://imgur.com/dIUk59b"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dIUk59bl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/KU1ycHc"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/KU1ycHcl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

The hall itself is nice and big and spacious. Seems to me it is actually nicer than Chicago, and food/drink amenities are definitely better which should come in handy tomorrow. The layout seems a little different than Chicago, but I only made it halfway through today so don't that for a fact just yet. Unlike Chicago, there weren't stairs anywhere I saw to get more of an aerial view of the show, so these will just have to do.

[<a href="https://imgur.com/S9yg55E"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/S9yg55El.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/JfrCooR"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/JfrCooRl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/pLV7Ifd"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pLV7Ifdl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/gH37MWl"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/gH37MWll.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

I did not make it to the BBCE booth until right before show close, so unfortunately I don't have any pictures of that share today.
The bit I did see looked pretty good, though, and I'm sure there are plenty of great items still available so check back in tomorrow for that. There was an $80,000 case of something, and looks like they were running daily specials as well.

bounce 08-01-2018 10:39 PM

In terms of cool stuff I saw, the following is what caught my eye. In the half of the show I got through today, I'd say the biggest volume was modern stuff, mostly baseball and basketball. Virtually everything was autographs, almost to the point where if I didn't know any better I would think the everything modern was signed.

That said, here was a pretty impressive unsigned card - Trout superfractor. Ask is $200,000 - WHAT?!?!?
[<a href="https://imgur.com/PkFixzV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PkFixzVl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

Nice looking Mantle I thought. Ask is $45,000.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/mdQbBh8"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/mdQbBh8l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

For you unopened fiends, I did run across a table that had what looked like to some solid unopened. I didn't really pay attention to prices, just thought they looked cool.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/CXamOHj"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/CXamOHjl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/sXSFSq4"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sXSFSq4l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/zzTGKOT"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/zzTGKOTl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/dnKg0js"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dnKg0jsl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/8mvnH9G"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8mvnH9Gl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

I also saw this display, although I must admit one item in here seemed awfully out of place. Pretty "official" looking authentication, no? :wink:

[<a href="https://imgur.com/sXSFSq4"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sXSFSq4l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/ruUkKva"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ruUkKval.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

I also ran across this, and instantly knew what and who it was.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/fn98in3"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fn98in3l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

Yes, today I got to meet the junk wax card cutting artist, Tim. I have to say, his stuff is even more impressive in person and he's a really interesting and nice guy. Again, these creations are unlike anything else you've ever seen, and it's kind of fun to watch him cut some of the cards up and put the pieces in place. Really unique, and again a super nice guy. He answered basically every question I asked about how he did it, how he picks the colors from the cards for the pieces, etc. Just check these out, if you've seen the other threads you now how cool some of the others are as well.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/KnKZ9kS"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/KnKZ9kSl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

In the art theme, I saw these late in the day, too. While I'm not really an art collector, I could easily see how some people would be drawn to these types of items. Again, in person they are so much better than in pictures.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/l7pFC5z"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/l7pFC5zl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/QTnb3Vh"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QTnb3Vhl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/cbebdQG"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/cbebdQGl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

bounce 08-01-2018 10:39 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Most of you know Jeff and the Card Country crew, as well as Brady who sets up in their same pod. If you know them, you don't need me to tell you how nice they are or how great their cards are, so I'm not going to do that. I will share one photo form their pod, just because I think the Lajoie Goudey is a super cool card.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/nVhAJ1r"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/nVhAJ1rl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

Couple of other interesting cases that I saw. The first is full of turn of the century tobacco cards of various people. I don't know much about the issue, etc. but there were all kinds of subjects like Mark Twain, various Presidents and other famous people from the era. I had not seen a lot of these types of cards before, and considering many were from 1901 or so, it was just impressive they were still around in decent condition like this. The old tobacco packs were also pretty cool.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/sJhpB4v"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sJhpB4vl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

And finally, some pretty impressive cardboard and a turn of the century Cracker Jack box. According to this dealer, this box slightly pre-dates the cards, but again just not something you see very often and it caught my eye.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/brU2Jkt"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/brU2Jktl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


Before I comment on what seemed like the overall tone of the "market" today...I did actually get on the board today with a purchase. As some of you know, I collect almost everything - modern and vintage cards, autographs and memorabilia, I have a little bit of everything. I do have a list of what I'm primarily looking for, and didn't see much of it today, but because I hit a lot of different areas there's always something for me to find. Last year it took me almost two days to finally get on the board, but today it only took about 90 minutes. This is a Calvin Coolidge autographed White House card. I've always liked his signature, and this one is pretty clean. Nice addition to my Presidents autograph collection.

bounce 08-01-2018 10:40 PM

Brief comment on tone of the market and pricing. I personally did NOT see a lot of buying action today, but when I did it was more of the modern cards. Rare Trout RCs were selling pretty well, things like the 2011 Update parallels (especially the red border), and lot of people were asking about the Chrome refractors and base autos.

In terms of pricing, in general I would say I was pretty disappointed today. Every single dealer that bothered to price their cards (so many of them still don't even bother) had them priced IN MY OPINION at least 20% or more over current market. Many of the dealers price them on the back, so you have to ask to find out but at least in those cases there is a price they can quote you. There are still plenty of dealers who can't even do that, which is a huge turnoff to me now. However, except for a couple of Nolan Ryan and Sandy Koufax rookies I asked about, virtually every other price quote was so high it almost couldn't even be countered. Couple of specific examples, I've been looking for a nice 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson. I saw a couple of nice looking 5s today, they weren't perfect centering by any means but they were nice looking cards. VCP is $4,360 on a 5, highest price in 2 years is right at $6,000 - two asks today were $7,000 and $6,750. Again, these cards did not qualify as high end by any stretch. When you're more than $2,000 above a normal selling price, which is around 50% higher than that average price, you're just not inviting a counter - you're basically saying I'm not here to sell, I'm just here to show.

There is also another 10-15% of the booths that I honestly have no idea how they even cover the cost of their booths. I don't collect everything, obviously, but I collect enough different things that it's really tough to not have even something I might be interested in. But there are booths like this. Again, honestly no idea how they make any money and wondering if they just setup to have something to do because they certainly aren't busy selling much if anything.

Finally, I will wrap today with probably the dumbest three things I heard. I'm hoping this gives folks at least a small chuckle.

1) Gentleman at a booth as me and another customer start to ask for prices on some vintage graded cards:
"This isn't my booth. Let me call him, I'm just sitting here." - NOTE TO BOOTH OWNER, if you aren't available and you don't price your cards, you probably can't sell them. This happened less than 20 minutes into the show opening.

2) Couple of young-ish guys who were sharing part of a pod. This pair was definitely past college age, but reminded me of this newer generation and how much I just don't understand them. I could have never done this, despite however much economic sense it may make. And their cases were full of modern basketball cards priced anywhere from $100 to $5,000 each.
Dude 1 - "I'm back with my parents."
Dude 2 - "Do you pay rent?"
Dude 1 - "No, so I can just stash away."
Dude 2 - "Yeah man, why not? Just have to obey a few rules?"
Dude 1 - "Yeah, it's not a big hassle and they cook for me to, so why not?"

3) Young guy showing off an impressive Stockton autograph card, and discussing prices with one of the dealers. The dealer is a guy I've seen each year, and he has some really nice stuff but it's always overpriced. I didn't get a good look at the card but I really think it was a 2003-04 Exquisite Number Pieces autograph numbered out of /12 - you can find it on eBay, it was listed for $12k but didn't sell.
Stockton Owner - "Yeah, the prices are really crazy on some of this stuff."
Dealer - "Yes, sometimes I price things and I think it's high and I come back in the morning and it's already been bought now."
Stockton Owner - "I know what you mean. I listed the card for like $10,000 and was scared to death someone might actually buy it."
LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING RIGHT NOW - unless John Stockton is the one who is trying to give you ONLY $10,000 for that card, you should take that money from literally anyone else who would give it to you and run immediately to the bank and deposit it before they change their minds.

Okay gang - that's it from me today. I will be at it again first thing tomorrow, and will get you the BBCE pics that I know so many of you are longing to see. They have some 1957 football I may need for my set. :smile:

CW 08-01-2018 11:24 PM

Fantastic recap, David. Thank you!

BruceinGa 08-02-2018 05:09 AM

Thanks for the report and great pics! Maybe I'll make it there in the future.

ullmandds 08-02-2018 05:17 AM

sounds like a typical national!!!! this year...like most...i have little expectation of finding/buying much of anything...it will be a social trip while viewing showcases of museum pieces!

Leon 08-02-2018 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ullmandds (Post 1799933)
sounds like a typical national!!!! this year...like most...i have little expectation of finding/buying much of anything...it will be a social trip while viewing showcases of museum pieces!

+1 the way it's been for me for around the last 5-8 yrs.

Great write up, Bounce. Thanks so much!!

insidethewrapper 08-02-2018 07:32 AM

Should just call it "The Traveling Sports Card Hall of Fame" and take it to various cities. Most dealers are not their to sell anything. No prices, not at table, no greeting etc. I stopped going .
Note: Report on attendance as the week progresses. I don't believe the show will give that information.

sgbernard 08-02-2018 07:57 AM

Great post! Thanks

kailes2872 08-02-2018 08:16 AM

Thanks for the update. I am driving over tomorrow from Pittsburgh. I went in '14 and to AC in '16. The AC trip was a disappointment as I felt that I got through everything in half of a day. I was trying to decide if I wanted to deal with tolls, gas and admission to look at cards at nose bleed prices. I finally relented as I figured it would be no different than going to the baseball hall of fame - as I will look at my favorite cards and memorabilia and take some pictures.

How things have changed for me... In '14, we did two days with a hotel mixed in. I took the boys. We had backpacks full of stuff to trade or sell (we didn't end up getting rid of anything and ended up taking it back to the car and putting it in the trunk). I bought a few things that I didn't need at prices that I justified by the fact that I had the cards in hand.

I didn't even go to the Strongsville or Pittsburgh shows this year. I am in a unique spot where the want list right now is narrow but not rare - so they are always available, it is just a matter of when I want to pull the trigger.

aconte 08-02-2018 08:44 AM

Thank you for an excellent write-up!

AGuinness 08-02-2018 08:56 AM

Fun read, thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SMPEP 08-02-2018 09:08 AM

My annual reminder of why I won't go back to the national until they bring it back to the West Coast. BRING BACK ANAHIEM!!!!!!!

Cheers,
Patrick

ibuysportsephemera 08-02-2018 09:11 AM

Great review...please keep them coming.


Jeff

Neal 08-02-2018 09:21 AM

Good stuff, thanks for sharing!

calvindog 08-02-2018 10:40 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I was there from 10-7 yesterday. The Cleveland floor/food/spacing is significantly better than Chicago and Baltimore Nationals. While the IX Center is not attached to the airport or any hotel, it's five mins away and not a problem to get back and forth. I'd pick Cleveland ahead of the other cities just for the actual floor walking experience. The hotels are dumps but adequate if you're mostly there to see cards. Nearby restaurants are fine+ for dinner.

I didn't see much extraordinarily different material than what I'm used to from other Nationals but pretty much you can find something you want or need.

Just picked up a couple of items: a Seattle Pilots ashtray which I'm giddy about and this Hoss Radbourn Red Stockings Cigar card from Glen Mechanick who, year in and out, has the most interesting cards/material on the floor and is a pleasure to speak to and deal with (a pearl before swine in the dealer pool).

Spent some time with Brian Dwyer of REA who is a serious, hard-working dude. Head and shoulders ahead of what you'd expect from an auction house owner these days, Joe T and Dan McKee who are always great to see, and Deplorable Dewolf who took me out for some great dinners. I'm looking forward to next year in Chicago.

insidethewrapper 08-02-2018 01:22 PM

Do you have to be a dealer to set up at the National or can a collector set up and sell parts of their collection ?

packs 08-02-2018 01:40 PM

What do you mean? If you want table space you'd have to pay for it. If you see someone at a table advertising that they're buying, you're free to see if you can make a sale.

Jason 08-02-2018 01:53 PM

I agree with bounce. I have been a fan of Tim's card artwork from afar and after seeing him working on a sweet Thome for myself I have to say im very impressed. I will have to sacrifice some extra cards one day and purchase one of those masterpieces. Any guess who the subject/card would be??

bobbyw8469 08-02-2018 02:52 PM

Cool writeup. I laughed out loud about the dealer who thought he had gold in his John Stockton card.

samosa4u 08-02-2018 03:53 PM

I love this thread! Thank you!

Peter_Spaeth 08-02-2018 04:38 PM

DR nice report. Year after year we hear the same thing, almost nobody prices at a point where an educated cost-conscious collector would buy, everyone wants to hit the home run against the guy who doesn't know better. Oh well.

Those turn of the century cards look mostly like Ogdens to me, and/or Felix Potins, for the most part very plentiful.

lloydchristmas 08-02-2018 05:50 PM

Thanks for the show report, Dave! I just got into town, can’t wait to see everything tomorrow.

As an aside, if anyone wants to grab a beer or something like, now, send me a PM.

h2oya311 08-03-2018 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvindog (Post 1799983)

Just picked up a couple of items: a Seattle Pilots ashtray which I'm giddy about and this Hoss Radbourn Red Stockings Cigar card from Glen Mechanick who, year in and out, has the most interesting cards/material on the floor and is a pleasure to speak to and deal with (a pearl before swine in the dealer pool).

Delicious card! Great pick-up on that Red Stockings Cigar Radbourn!

that T206 Guy 08-03-2018 04:21 AM

I am excited.

Going today.

Will be my First Time at the National Show :)

RedsFan1941 08-03-2018 04:53 AM

don’t be shy about asking plenty of questions.

rhettyeakley 08-03-2018 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvindog (Post 1799983)
I was there from 10-7 yesterday. The Cleveland floor/food/spacing is significantly better than Chicago and Baltimore Nationals. While the IX Center is not attached to the airport or any hotel, it's five mins away and not a problem to get back and forth. I'd pick Cleveland ahead of the other cities just for the actual floor walking experience. The hotels are dumps but adequate if you're mostly there to see cards. Nearby restaurants are fine+ for dinner.

I didn't see much extraordinarily different material than what I'm used to from other Nationals but pretty much you can find something you want or need.

Just picked up a couple of items: a Seattle Pilots ashtray which I'm giddy about and this Hoss Radbourn Red Stockings Cigar card from Glen Mechanick who, year in and out, has the most interesting cards/material on the floor and is a pleasure to speak to and deal with (a pearl before swine in the dealer pool).

Spent some time with Brian Dwyer of REA who is a serious, hard-working dude. Head and shoulders ahead of what you'd expect from an auction house owner these days, Joe T and Dan McKee who are always great to see, and Deplorable Dewolf who took me out for some great dinners. I'm looking forward to next year in Chicago.

Jeff sorry I missed you at the show. If you were coming back stop by 2255.

bbcard1 08-03-2018 06:52 AM

I picked the all star game over the national this year and have no regrets. I have heard the prices being asked are...shall we say...looking to achieve a new watermark. Did you find that?

calvindog 08-03-2018 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley (Post 1800191)
Jeff sorry I missed you at the show. If you were coming back stop by 2255.

Sorry I missed you as well. Next year for sure.

rainier2004 08-03-2018 08:28 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Spent two days the show, thought it was great. Looked like lots of people, seems like attendance has been on the rise and will continue that way.
My observations were:
1. More FB and BB than I remember, I don't collect either but thought it was more prevalent than I have ever seen.
2. Less "crap" and non-card displays. I remember beanie babies and all sorts of odds and ends being sold at the show, seems to be less of that. Also, I noticed less memorabilia and art being sold. This show seems to have piles of cards and photos.
3. Tons or 50s and 60s per norm.
4. I thought there were some good deals to be had and did p/u a couple cards that are far from rare but was happy with my buys.
5. Lots of excitement among collectors.

KMayUSA6060 08-03-2018 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rainier2004 (Post 1800239)
Spent two days the show, thought it was great. Looked like lots of people, seems like attendance has been on the rise and will continue that way.
My observations were:
1. More FB and BB than I remember, I don't collect either but thought it was more prevalent than I have ever seen.
2. Less "crap" and non-card displays. I remember beanie babies and all sorts of odds and ends being sold at the show, seems to be less of that. Also, I noticed less memorabilia and art being sold. This show seems to have piles of cards and photos.
3. Tons or 50s and 60s per norm.
4. I thought there were some good deals to be had and did p/u a couple cards that are far from rare but was happy with my buys.
5. Lots of excitement among collectors.

I agree with the above bold. I had a blast yesterday, and came away with a helluva haul of Pre-War. A couple of notes I would like to add regarding the show...

1. Few dealers are as professional, genuine, and pleasant to speak with than Chris Bland and Michael Piech. I was surprised to see them both in the same space, and really enjoyed my conversations with them. There are lots of great dealers out there, but few compare to those two, and many dealers would do well to be more genuine and engaging with their customers. Also, Just Collect was TERRIFIC as well!

2. I can't believe TriStar or whoever runs the show is charging $10 to park PER DAY. I'm very jaded by that money gouging scheme, especially since the car show (held at the IX Center around March) is free parking. That's $10 yesterday that didn't go to dealers, and $10 on Saturday (if I choose to go now) that won't go to dealers. Multiply that by the thousands of people that will attend, and that's a lot of money not going to the dealers. It is a bit of a turnoff.

3. I really, really like this event in Cleveland (it has nothing to do with me living 45-50 minutes away ;) ). The layout is terrific, very easy to navigate, and well organized. The only suggestion I would have is better markings on dealers' booths for their booth number.

Bugsy 08-03-2018 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvindog (Post 1799983)
I was there from 10-7 yesterday. The Cleveland floor/food/spacing is significantly better than Chicago and Baltimore Nationals. While the IX Center is not attached to the airport or any hotel, it's five mins away and not a problem to get back and forth. I'd pick Cleveland ahead of the other cities just for the actual floor walking experience. The hotels are dumps but adequate if you're mostly there to see cards. Nearby restaurants are fine+ for dinner.

I didn't see much extraordinarily different material than what I'm used to from other Nationals but pretty much you can find something you want or need.

Just picked up a couple of items: a Seattle Pilots ashtray which I'm giddy about and this Hoss Radbourn Red Stockings Cigar card from Glen Mechanick who, year in and out, has the most interesting cards/material on the floor and is a pleasure to speak to and deal with (a pearl before swine in the dealer pool).

Spent some time with Brian Dwyer of REA who is a serious, hard-working dude. Head and shoulders ahead of what you'd expect from an auction house owner these days, Joe T and Dan McKee who are always great to see, and Deplorable Dewolf who took me out for some great dinners. I'm looking forward to next year in Chicago.

Fantastic pick-up!

Does anyone have contact info for Glen Mechanick? I tried emailing him about a few trade cards several months ago and never heard from him. I want to make sure I have the right email address.

Thanks!

Chris

ullmandds 08-03-2018 10:03 AM

Mechani5@aol.com...im sitting next to glen right now!!

Bugsy 08-03-2018 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ullmandds (Post 1800256)
Mechani5@aol.com...im sitting next to glen right now!!

Thanks Pete!!!

calvindog 08-03-2018 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060 (Post 1800253)
The only suggestion I would have is better markings on dealers' booths for their booth number.

Agreed, this would help a lot.

buymycards 08-03-2018 12:27 PM

Parking
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060 (Post 1800253)
I agree with the above bold. I had a blast yesterday, and came away with a helluva haul of Pre-War. A couple of notes I would like to add regarding the show...



2. I can't believe TriStar or whoever runs the show is charging $10 to park PER DAY. I'm very jaded by that money gouging scheme, especially since the car show (held at the IX Center around March) is free parking. That's $10 yesterday that didn't go to dealers, and $10 on Saturday (if I choose to go now) that won't go to dealers. Multiply that by the thousands of people that will attend, and that's a lot of money not going to the dealers. It is a bit of a turnoff.

If I remember correctly, parking at the Donald Stephens Center at the Chicago National was $20 per day.

I regret missing the National in Cleveland. I love going to the National, and my wife and I are already making plans to attend next years National in Chicago.

Rick

KMayUSA6060 08-03-2018 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buymycards (Post 1800289)
If I remember correctly, parking at the Donald Stephens Center at the Chicago National was $20 per day.

I regret missing the National in Cleveland. I love going to the National, and my wife and I are already making plans to attend next years National in Chicago.

Rick

Does the Donald Stephens Center charge for every event?

buymycards 08-03-2018 03:47 PM

Stephens
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060 (Post 1800301)
Does the Donald Stephens Center charge for every event?

I don't know. I have gone to card shows at that venue in the spring, in the fall, and at the National and they have always charged for parking. I'm guessing that they also charge for parking for antique shows, art shows, etc.

Promethius88 08-03-2018 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buymycards (Post 1800289)
If I remember correctly, parking at the Donald Stephens Center at the Chicago National was $20 per day.

I regret missing the National in Cleveland. I love going to the National, and my wife and I are already making plans to attend next years National in Chicago.

Rick

I haven't been to a National in years and all the pictures and posts have got me excited about next year. Started looking at hotels already and hoping that the Hyatt across the street has free parking. Don't mind spending a little extra for the convenience if I get free parking!

kailes2872 08-03-2018 05:34 PM

4 Attachment(s)
I was thinking about doing a new a new post but didn't want to muddy the waters. I made the decision on Wednesday to take the day off today and travel over to the National. I had low expectations and event though I took about a grand, I really didn't expect to find anything worth buying - since my want list was pretty short and the prices tend to be high.

The toll on 76/80 keeps going up. It was $7.45 to get back into Pennsylvania. plus the I-80 tolls. Couple that with $3.09 per gallon and it was probably $20 bucks just getting there and back.

The $10 parking seems to be over the top. I know that admission ($22) is paying a promoter versus paying the IX center but $32 before walking in the door was kind of a bummer.

But I digress... on with the show.

I have been to Cleveland in 2014 and AC in 2016. Both prior times I took the boys. Unfortunately today the 19 year old had to work and the 16 year old had band camp so it was a solo trip. I didn't think I would miss them as much as I did. They go for me, but, it is our thing and deep down, I think that they enjoy it. Without them, I went table to table very quickly without a plan or purpose.

My original intent was to just look at tables and make a note of anything that stood out. I then decided that my want list would consist of a '64 Topps Giant Set - even though they are readily available, I wanted to pull the trigger and get it into the collection. I was also looking at 74/75 and 73/74 Topps basketball. Again, a couple of low dollar sets that would continue to round out the collection. I was also hoping to find a '76 Topps Traded baseball - as I really need to get it to put it in the binder and I keep forgetting (If anyone has one, let me know).

I found a '64 Giant Set. It was $250. I looked at completed sales and it seemed high but I at least wanted to engage with the dealer. I stood there for about 5 minutes but the guy did not even look at me, despite no other customers. After a while, I just left the table and figured that I would make a note of the table and come back if it was the best that I found. I went to another table and they had an ungraded Giant set... for $1400. I passed.

I then went to a table where they had a bunch of sets listed. They had the Topps Giants listed for $185. I asked if I could see it. The lady, as she handed it to me, immediately said, we have some room in that if you like it. It looked nice, mid grade and she offered it for $170 so that was where we settled.

On the 14th or 15th row, I found a guy, Mike McKee, I believe. He had a going out of business sign and a sign that said make an offer on the entire table. He had both 74/75 and 73/74. Both were sharp. He had the older one for $175 and the newer one for $160. I asked if he would take $320 for both and he said yes. Of course, after he said yes, I wondered if he would take $300... such is life.

So, I was about 90 minutes in and only missing the '76 traded set which I couldn't find.

I spent the next 3-4 hours going to different tables. I met Evan at his table but Sean was already gone. I saw Kevin & Pat from Kevin Savage Cards. I saw Uncle Dick and Wayne from Shoebox Cards. I got the chance to meet Don from Don's Cards and saw all of those beautiful CJ's (oh...my...goodness...). I met Adam at the LOTG table and told him that my neighbor got food poisoning last week and immediately thought of his act (my buddy lost about 20 pounds - Adam's routine had that joke in it)...

At 3:30 Leighton from Just Collect did a break on a 20ct cello pack from '55 Bowman. In the break was a really nice Ernie Banks. Then, card 19 was the Mickey Mantle - pack fresh and 60/40 centered. It was really cool seeing that happen.

I was back in the car by 4:30 heading back home - happy that I made the decision to go. I have attached some of the picture highlights over the next couple of posts.

It was great meeting Net54 friends in person.

As my set run has gotten closer to complete, I have realized just what a large % of the material is 50's and 60's topps. Since I have almost all of it, I would scan quickly to the next table. Modern is not my thing, so I would natually be pulled to pre-war. I am still a couple years away from 52 Topps and 51 Bowman being finished so I won't be full on into pre-war until probably 2021 or 2022 - but I am getting excited about the prospect! I love looking at those '38 big head Goudey's. The CJs are so bright red. My favorite table had 3 complete Goudey sets, a 34, a 35, and a 36. Of all the prewar, I am probably the least interested in T206 (blasphemy, I know), but it is still nice to look at those familiar cards. For the folks that are all pre-war, all the time, I would guess that maybe 10% of the tables would have had your material. For those looking at thinly traded stuff - beyond the big pre-war sets, you might have had a half dozen tables that would interest you.

Pricing was such a wide swath. I could usually look at the price of a commonly traded card - a 33 Ruth, a Red Cobb, etc., and know right away if they had any interest in selling anything. A lot of times that answer was no - but a few tables had strong prices and were even willing to negotiate on top of that.

I probably won't be in Chicago next year, but AC is definitely a possibility in 2020.

Edit - I have about 10 more pictures but every time that I attempt to upload, it says upload failed. I even tried to rename them to a generic name to see if that was the reason. I would be happy to add more if anyone can coach me through it. Otherwise, I only have these 4 posted.

kailes2872 08-03-2018 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ullmandds (Post 1800256)
Mechani5@aol.com...im sitting next to glen right now!!

There were two guys at that table (1669 if I recall). An older gentleman and a guy in a ponytail (I think). I hovered around the table hoping to say hello but I didn't recognize the company name on the sign and thought I might have had the wrong table. Bummer as I was hoping to meet you guys.

kailes2872 08-03-2018 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbcard1 (Post 1800209)
I picked the all star game over the national this year and have no regrets. I have heard the prices being asked are...shall we say...looking to achieve a new watermark. Did you find that?

Todd,
The observation that I made on pricing was that it was about 2 grades off of VCP. for example, a PSA 4 Mantle would have the price of PSA 6 VCP. If you found it one grade off that was a nice starting point to get closer.

One guy had a booth with a big sign that says prices are firm. I don't care about your Ebay fees. Soooo... not a lot of camaraderie and negotiation going on at that table.

KMayUSA6060 08-03-2018 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buymycards (Post 1800340)
I don't know. I have gone to card shows at that venue in the spring, in the fall, and at the National and they have always charged for parking. I'm guessing that they also charge for parking for antique shows, art shows, etc.

Wouldn't surprise me. I just don't like that the IX Center doesn't charge for the car show, yet the National is $10 parking + ticket prices. No need to money gouge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Promethius88 (Post 1800352)
I haven't been to a National in years and all the pictures and posts have got me excited about next year. Started looking at hotels already and hoping that the Hyatt across the street has free parking. Don't mind spending a little extra for the convenience if I get free parking!

I stayed at that Hyatt Regency for a conference in April. Gorgeous hotel. 70"+ flat screen in my room. Haha.

glynparson 08-03-2018 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kailes2872 (Post 1800364)
There were two guys at that table (1669 if I recall). An older gentleman and a guy in a ponytail (I think). I hovered around the table hoping to say hello but I didn't recognize the company name on the sign and thought I might have had the wrong table. Bummer as I was hoping to meet you guys.

That’s my table. I’m the guy with a ponytail and my dad is the old guy.

kailes2872 08-03-2018 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glynparson (Post 1800374)
That’s my table. I’m the guy with a ponytail and my dad is the old guy.

Bummer I made the mistake of looking for a guy that looked like the Dos Equis guy (old habits die hard... I am still convinced that Leon looks just like Babe Ruth in the 144 card.

I was wearing a red National League batting practice jersey from the all-star game. My ears aren’t quite as big as Mossi’s in the picture.

glynparson 08-03-2018 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kailes2872 (Post 1800377)
Bummer I made the mistake of looking for a guy that looked like the Dos Equis guy (old habits die hard... I am still convinced that Leon looks just like Babe Ruth in the 144 card.

I was wearing a red National League batting practice jersey from the all-star game. My ears aren’t quite as big as Mossi’s in the picture.

Lol. Sorry we didn’t get to meet. Hope you enjoyed the show.

bounce 08-03-2018 06:49 PM

Sorry for the delay on this, I honestly passed out exhausted last night and didn't quite have time to copy in this morning.

Anyway, this is my Thursday Round 2 recap. I'll be posting Friday Round 3 later tonight, and have something exciting to show off.

Okay, Round 2 in the books.

Apologize for not getting this posted last night, but the Surgeon General has indicated that walking around in this body for 8 hours a day with very little sitting is not good for your health. I passed out watching the Goldin auction last night, I think there were a couple nice deals in those lots but I was only half coherent during most of it.

Anyway, let's start with PICTURES! Here you go, you BBCE fan boys! :smile: FYI - as of yesterday the 1986 Fleer box break HAD NOT SOLD OUT, but it's close and Reed said they're soon going to open it to the multi-pack buyers so it will happen.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/UwH7YHg"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UwH7YHgl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/GY0y7Kn"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GY0y7Knl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/WxWfcE0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WxWfcE0l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/ug3gHWM"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ug3gHWMl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/jBuZ1gr"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jBuZ1grl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/REgJBty"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/REgJBtyl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/YCgUmad"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/YCgUmadl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/noumQb7"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/noumQb7l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/fnNU01a"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fnNU01al.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

Overall, seems to me their best offering were probably the football boxes. They also have an impressive number of rack packs, and they've got tons of singles and sets. There's a little bit of something for everyone. Really great display, as they have every year. I will show you a few of those singles a little later in this update.

Oh, and one more quick thing. I spent about 10-15 minutes talking to Reed today. I usually do not jump into the fray on the board non-sense and fights, but anyone who rips on these guys for their opinions on forums without having actually spoken to them or gotten to know them is just so wrong. Reed and Steve are top notch, every interaction I have ever had with them has been good. They are booth genuinely good dudes who care about the hobby, collectors and especially their customers. The written word can be a strange thing sometimes, and can easily be taken out of context, especially if you don't have the full context. Rant over.

As just small proof of the above, I brought this rack back to them to re-wrap because the logo was over Earl's face originally. Steve re-did it overnight for me, no charge. I'm not a great customer of theirs, but he took it no questions asked. Thanks, men.

[<a href="https://imgur.com/IfKikho"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IfKikhol.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

bounce 08-03-2018 06:50 PM

Next up, how about a few "big guns"? I've searched for a Wagner, but didn't see one. However, these aren't too shabby.

[<a href="https://imgur.com/6fjDWLc"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6fjDWLcl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

[<a href="https://imgur.com/GjrwZl1"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GjrwZl1l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

[<a href="https://imgur.com/35YgC2p"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/35YgC2pl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

[<a href="https://imgur.com/bseid1E"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/bseid1El.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


Pretty solid pair of balls here, no? They're leather, not brass, but they might be gold.

[<a href="https://imgur.com/3R5lvft"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3R5lvftl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


This is probably the most impressive thing I've seen in a while. These are going to be in the upcoming REA auction, there are honestly no words so I'm not even going to try. I'm only showing you the truly awesome, but this collection of autographs spanned all the way to modern day. It's a jaw dropping collection, event the REA guys had trouble describing it.

[<a href="https://imgur.com/Z3T02O4"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Z3T02O4l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/WMy0PCi"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WMy0PCil.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


Speaking of auction houses, I'm honestly a little disappointed in Heritage for having this on display. The Vice President of Common Sense obviously did not get a chance to chime in on this one.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/WFgD9GC"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WFgD9GCl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


But let's swing this back the right direction with a hunka-hunka burnin' love! Who doesn't love Elvis?!?!
[<a href="https://imgur.com/PNd9bwI"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PNd9bwIl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

bounce 08-03-2018 06:50 PM

Did you know there's a ferris wheel in this place? I do now!

[<a href="https://imgur.com/xzWu9b2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xzWu9b2l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

And I also found this guy - if you notice my shirt celebrates his world championship. My son thought this was absolutely hilarious!
[<a href="https://imgur.com/Gtf9M0D"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Gtf9M0Dl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

Oh - and one more star sighting. I won't give this one away yet, let's see if you guys can figure it out.
One hint - he's SEXY!
[<a href="https://imgur.com/riCISHG"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/riCISHGl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


Few more things that interest me. I really do like the old stuff. Autographs, cards, Presidential items especially - I just think they're absolutely fascinating. And the old tobacco packs are so cool - they're much smaller than I expected, but makes sense when you see them why the cards are so small. Can you just imagine people standing around on the corner trading their cards while having a smoke? It had to have happened, right?
[<a href="https://imgur.com/KO2IiSF"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/KO2IiSFl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/LZqLdn6"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/LZqLdn6l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/WLtugbT"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WLtugbTl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]
[<a href="https://imgur.com/Hw1rxkJ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Hw1rxkJl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]

This case is incredible.
[<a href="https://imgur.com/sdxszkU"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sdxszkUl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>]


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