2019 National Report - Sneak Peak, DAY 1 and DAY recaps - UPDATED 8/2 PM

[bounce]

This is the other auction house preview I wanted to see. There are so many awesome cards, it's hard to really appreciate them all. It's somewhat overwhelming when they're all together. It's a really great display if you're looking for ideas for your man cave at home.





Switching gears a little, I realize certain cards are definitely iconic cards. Even in the modern era, the 93 SP Jeter, 2011 Topps Update Trout, 89 Upper Deck Griffey. I get the appeal of owning the card, but not sure I get the prices - and yes, I've owned multiples of all three of these in the past, but don't own them anymore. Part of the reason? Check out the pop reports on these cards and then try and tell me how rare they are. Then look at cases like this - it's one where supply and demand don't seem to really work in my view, but I guess that's part of what makes this hobby fun.

This isn't the only case like this that I saw, just the one I took a picture of. There were several others that looked similar, full of 2011 Update Trouts.



In the "sad but true" department, I guess he's really selling all this stuff off? Maybe it shouldn't be a surprise, I don't imagine Rickey is really about "things", but still this is a pretty awesome item. For some reason I don't really like guys not having their trophies, but I guess at some level they "lived it", so maybe they don't need the "stuff" as reminders.



A couple other things that I found pretty impressive. BBCE has teased a "monster" for the show, I'd say they delivered. 1952 packs - WOW! They were still there on Friday, so at least for the moment price exceeds demand for unopened.



They also had this set, no idea if the price is right but as a fully graded set collector, it's always impressive to see these in person. And with the centering issues 1957s have, this is a pretty impressive accomplishment. This one will get you tied for 22nd on the set registry. Only 22nd? I'm a little surprised.

[bounce]

As for my pickups on Day 1, it was kind of slow going again.

My Astros shirt got a dealer to pull this out. I have tons of Clemens autos since he's a local, but for $40 I just couldn't say no. If nothing else this will go to a charity auction. But considering what he charges, and I got a ball holder out of it, might have been the best deal of the show for me.



As I said before, I collect a little of everything. This one was priced well, got a little more off the asking price and was an easy deal.



Other than this, my day was going slow and I was starting to feel discouraged. I experienced similar issues on Thursday as I had on Wednesday with mid-grade T206s primarily - every dealer seemed to be wanting to set the new highest price for the grade for every Hall of Famer, regardless of pose or back combo. I definitely appreciate these cards have been on the move, some seem white hot even. But not every one is "high end" for the grade, and at some level just about all of them have nice eye appeal in some way.

To address an earlier comment in the thread, I understand sellers can ask whatever they want and I agree some of the dealers are using these as "show off" cards to get people to look. I do that with some of my cards myself. But I can also say that when I asked about these other cards, the prices generally reflected a similar idea - way overpriced and probably looking for a counter. In my opinion, that plan really only works if the range from the average to the asking price is narrow enough to invite a counter. 40-50% over VCP for most non-rare cards isn't close enough and I'm sure there are other like me who just move on. As a dealer myself sometimes, this is an area that is tough to deal with on hot cards. However, for just about all dealers the overwhelming number of cards that are out are NOT hot cards - which is why we end up seeing many of these same cards year after year after year. I could point out a dozen dealers who have much of the same inventory they did in Atlantic City for instance. I don't view that as a good thing as a dealer, but maybe I'm missing something.

Another comment I've heard from dealers is how much they spent to get there and setup. Well, I spent a lot of money to fly up and get a hotel, etc. In my view, the only difference in "cost" is the table cost - we all have costs to be at the show however we're there - dealer or collector - or realistically some version of both for most? That's not to say that I expect the dealers to offer me a "deal" so I can flip cards to pay for my trip. You should try and get the best price you can for yours cards no matter what. What I do expect to find, though, is fair pricing. I don't think I'm telling folks anything they don't already know, but the "internet" basically made everyone a "dealer". It equalized the playing field in some respects in terms of knowledge and access, and that genie can't go back in the bottle now. I'm sure there are still people who do it, but I don't know why anyone would take $250 for a card they can sell on eBay or otherwise for $350, just because a dealer paid a table fee. That model is now broken - forever - and I think the people who get it have adapted and can continue to do well, and those that don't are very likely going to struggle.

[bounce]

Anyway, with all that in mind...as I said I was getting late in the day when this happened...



Just when I was about to lose hope for the day, a very nice stack of cards just kind of fell my way, and ultimately made my show to be honest. Great conclusion to a solid Day 1.

[bounce]

And now for Day 2 (Friday). After the close of Thursday, I'm not really sure what could happen today to top it. There are only a few specific cards on my really really want list, and some of those aren't really expensive or rare or whatever, so I knew going in that today could just be pretty chill.

I should have taken a few more pictures, and I started out with good intentions but I just got into "looking mode" and the day just kind of passed me by.

I was a little more focused on non-card stuff today, and these really caught my eye. This dealer has been there every year I can remember, and the selection seems pretty off the charts. Again, getting a bunch together like this just emphasizes how neat they are.




I also ran across these, and they are just way bigger in person than you can even imagine. It's hard to imagine a human foot could even be this size, the damn things are bigger than my chest.



Back to cards, I'm familiar withe Wagner but had never seen these others in person. I've always thought the Wagner looked kind of funny, but next to these other two maybe I kind of "get it" a little better now. Not sure how rare Laj and Matty are, but assume it must be pretty rare since I'd never seen or noticed them before.



I also thought this was a really solid selection of cards.



And my favorite sign of the show so far...he had another one that said "don't care about your eBay fees", I told him that one wasn't as good to me but this one works.

[bounce]

As for my Day 2 pickups? ZIP. Got shut out today. I was close on 3-4 buys, mostly modern stuff but there were a couple T206s and a couple mid 50s RCs. Just couldn't quite close the gap, which I'm sure was some holdover from my spending the day before. But I've got today's cards on a list, and tomorrow is my last day at the show so I might make a final pass on each and see if I can get that final budge. If not, no big deal - I have a nice haul heading home. But hey - it can always be better, right?

All was not lost. To close out the day, I went to the Net54 dinner. I had not been in previous years, but I think I may just make this part of my annual trip. Here's a shot of the room.



It seemed pretty well attended, and I was surprised by how few "dealers" there were - most were collectors which I wasn't necessarily expecting. Sat with some folks I didn't know, and had some talk about cards. My table mates actually collected some rare stuff which I knew nothing about, so it was fun hearing from them about those cards and why they collected them and where they find them, etc. Totally different part of the hobby than I'm in, but the chase and their friendships and stories came through - it was really nice to hear that stuff, great reminder that this should be fun!

Also, Josh Evans from Lelands was one of the speakers. I appreciate that he got up in the front of the room and took questions, thought he did a nice job. It seems clear to me that everyone, collectors and companies alike, are all still trying to figure out how to balance hobby and business, ethics and responsibilities, and how to help find a way to root out the bad actors. There are no easy answers to a lot of these questions, but I remain hopeful that we can all keep a spotlight on some of these issues long enough to get an appropriate response and ultimately change in behavior from some of the "hobby leaders" (whether self-appointed or earned over time). I really think "transparency" is going to be the buzz word for the foreseeable future, as it should be and should have been for a long time. I think as "collectors" that is the demand we should be putting on the "businesses" and each other. How that ultimately comes together to impact "provenance" I think will be a real key to whether anything really changes or if this is the just the next in line of continuing hobby scandals. The FBI is definitely involved, we'll see if there's enough economic impact to keep them involved.

Anyway, Day 2 is now in the books. I'll be back late tomorrow or Sunday for Day 3 summary and final wrap. Hope you enjoy.

[jimtigers65]

All was not lost. To close out the day, I went to the Net54 dinner. I had not been in previous years, but I think I may just make this part of my annual trip. Here's a shot of the room.

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Pxd2r6gl.jpg[/omg

It seemed pretty well attended, and I was surprised by how few "dealers" there were - most were collectors which I wasn't necessarily expecting. Sat with some folks I didn't know, and had some talk about cards. My table mates actually collected some rare stuff which I knew nothing about, so it was fun hearing from them about those cards and why they collected them and where they find them, etc. Totally different part of the hobby than I'm in, but the chase and their friendships and stories came through - it was really nice to hear that stuff, great reminder that this should be fun!

Bounce, it was nice to met you. I enjoyed listening about your collection and travels throughout Texas. I struck out on finding a 1962 Ford Motor Company Detroit Tigers postcard. But like you mentioned it’s the chase of finding these oddball items.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by bounce

Anyway, with all that in mind...as I said I was getting late in the day when this happened...



Just when I was about to lose hope for the day, a very nice stack of cards just kind of fell my way, and ultimately made my show to be honest. Great conclusion to a solid Day 1.

wow

[Rhotchkiss]

David, I really love these posts (thank you), especially this year since I am not there. Those Cobbs you picked up are awesome - that;s a year's work in a day. Well done. Great point about the cost of attendees vs the cost of dealers -- we all need to commute, pay for meals, and hotels, etc., which we need to capitalize into the cost of cards we may buy, just like dealers with cards they sell.

I am looking forward to the next installment.

Ryan

[RedsFan1941]

did not know you aren’t at the National. Seems hard to believe.

[Rhotchkiss]

Didn’t work out this year. But now that it’s going on, I am having major Fomo. But I was able to pick this up at the National, even though I am in North Carolina (thanks to some friends keeping an eye out).

[DeanH3]

Thanks for posting these write ups David. I appreciate all the perspectives I can get since I won't be there.

Congrats on that Banks. I agree 100% on the centering as well. Much better to shade towards the bottom on that card.

Oh snap! Just saw your addendum. Big time congrats!!

[70ToppsFanatic]

Originally Posted by bounce

They also had this set, no idea if the price is right but as a fully graded set collector, it's always impressive to see these in person. And with the centering issues 1957s have, this is a pretty impressive accomplishment. This one will get you tied for 22nd on the set registry. Only 22nd? I'm a little surprised.

Based on the flip numbers visible in the photo you provided it looks like it’s set #21 on the Registry. Looks like there are two PSA 8.5 commons showing in the Registry that broke the tie.

[bnorth]

Great posts David, thanks for sharing. I will be the oddball and say, that Clemens ball is awesome. That style is my favorite autograph of his.