National - Worth it for Just One Day?

[mab]

New member to the forum. Home recovering from shoulder surgery and just realized the National is in Baltimore this year. I live in N. Virginia so it's very close by (a day trip even). Problem is I will be out of town for work that week.

Is it worth the experience if I can only go on the last day? I've never been and only recently returned to collecting after losing my entire collection in Hurricane Katrina (am from New Orleans).

Mostly collect baseball: 1950s - 70s, and football: 1970s - 80s. Don't care much about autographs.

Thanks!
mark

[Rob D.]

You bet!

[E93]

It is worth it, but if at all possible, I would try to go Saturday rather than Sunday. A lot of dealers start to break things down early on Sunday. Some do not even set up on Sunday.
JimB

[Matthew H]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

You bet!

I don't remember everyone getting hammered at the national. Although, I was just 11 years old when I last went.

Sounds like good fun!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by E93

It is worth it, but if at all possible, I would try to go Saturday rather than Sunday. A lot of dealers start to break things down early on Sunday. Some do not even set up on Sunday.
JimB

This is a very true statement....however, that being said, some of the best deals can also be found on Sunday as dealers want to sell inventory and know there won't be another day. Saturday would be better but if you can only go Sunday (yes, I think it's still worth it too) then do try to get there early. Some dealers will set up but only for half a day.

[barrysloate]

Rob- post of the day!

I was thinking that if Alan had a beer with everybody he invited to have a beer with him, he wouldn't even remember he went to Baltimore!

[bbcard1]

totally worth it for one day. You need to be efficient. The room is large enough to where you can't always easily find your way back...so you want a pad in easy reach to note anywhere you may wish to go back to. Largely, trust your gut, make your deal and don't go back is the best way to do a one day natty show.You'll have a blast.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

totally worth it for one day. You need to be efficient. The room is large enough to where you can't always easily find your way back...so you want a pad in easy reach to note anywhere you may wish to go back to. Largely, trust your gut, make your deal and don't go back is the best way to do a one day natty show.You'll have a blast.

Agree 100%. Collectors overlook the importance of a notebook and pen to jot down the names and prices of cards and table numbers. You can really get twisted around and just plain forget where a particular card was located. If you are doing the one day thing, get up early and get there as soon as it opens and wear comfortable shoes and zip along. If pre-war cards are your thing, go only to tables with pre-war cards, then if you have time, go back and check out the interesting memorabilia, etc. It will definitely be a full day. Have fun!

[martyogelvie]

If you start early, you should be able to see most everything in 1 day... i have been for 1 day only, many times.

[tennisguy]

I am glad to hear one day will work! I will also be heading to the National one day, Thurs. Aug 5. My first National; looking forward to seeing some great cards and meet some great people.

Ryan

[mark evans]

Do it. A unique experience.

[asoriano]

Originally Posted by rob d.

you bet!

Definitely the post of the day!

[Jewish-collector]

HA HA HA HA.....



The National is something you can enjoy in one day, but you'll have to keep moving and not get distracted.

[Rich Klein]

Many dealers just show up to honor their agreements and start leaving immediately. Last year, the vendors next to me left at 9:45 and I've seen that happen at other shows as well.

If I were going for one day; it might depend on your purpose. If you want a decent chance of seeing most of the tables open; go Saturday -- if you want to bargain hunt/bottom fish/pick up freebies from corporates who dont want to ship items home -- then go Sunday

Rich

[mab]

Thanks. I was going to stay in Cleveland (site of my work conference) to catch an Indians game, since I've never been to the stadium there. All the feedback is making me think I should come back Friday, and try to go to the National Saturday and Sunday.

[Rob D.]

Originally Posted by mab

Thanks. I was going to stay in Cleveland (site of my work conference) to catch an Indians game, since I've never been to the stadium there. All the feedback is making me think I should come back Friday, and try to go to the National Saturday and Sunday.

Having been to both Indians games at Jacobs Field (sorry, Progressive) and a few Nationals, my advice would be to catch a Tribe game some other time.