Posted By:
leonI was fortunate to spend a long time speaking with the new regime at the National. Dave Foreman (not sure about the spelling) is a nice guy and also a COLLECTOR. I think it's great to not just have bean counters run companies but people who enjoy the hobby too. He will also quickly defer to his graders on grading issues, which is very smart, imo. I did also speak with Scott Heilmann (sp?again) for a long time over many beers. They seem like they are still focused on vintage but, as in any business, are wrestling with how to increase revenues. I did frequent the PSA folks too as I had one card cross graded for a friend. I can tell you that none of the grading companies were going gangbusters. It was a little light for all of them. My choice is still SGC even though I absolutely do not agree with everything and every grade. They did bump me up one grade on an '09 Obak that is nrmt-mt but for some almost imperceptible paste on the back. They took it from a 40 to a 50 
The corners on the dang card would cut you if you touched them. They also are giving serious thought to grading a 1920's Babe Ruth Headin' Home card I picked up. I am trying to make a case that it has been listed in the SCD for years and that there are several experts that will vouch for it's authenticity. The old "we've never done it before so we don't want to do it now" story is just not too hip to me. They are thinking about it and are at least very open to discussion. I showed it to Dave F. and he looked at it, gave me a puzzled look (which is expected for this card), and handed it to Scott. Scott and Bob (one of the other graders) still haven't made a decision. So, as for SGC, the future looks very bright with some new blood and energy and I am glad to still be in their corner. I don't have anything against the other companies but will do what I think is best for my collection. I did see some of Ryan's GAI graded cards that had totally slipped down in their holders and looked like a mess. Extremely awful job on holdering. Regards all.....