What was your earliest National Convention?

[Vintagedeputy]

Reading all these great posts from those of you at the National has made me decide that I’m going to try to get to next year‘s show. That caused me to think about the two Nationals that I had been to previously and boy were they a long time ago!

Growing up in New Jersey, I was very involved in sports memorabilia early on. I was actually a dealer with my own table at shows at age 14. Having attended many shows in the area, I got to know a gentleman named Ron Durham very well. Ron was a dealer and ran a card store in Dumont, New Jersey called The Dugout where he used to get players to come and sign autographs. If I remember correctly, he would actually have them sign the wall of the store. I ended up starting to work for Ron at his shows in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey at the Sheraton and have many great memories of the athletes who came to those shows.

So what was my first National Convention? 1984. I attended the 1984 convention in Parsippany, New Jersey, and since every thread needs a card, here are some examples of the cards they provided, and the autographs that I obtained from athletes appearing at the show. They were all local New Jersey guys, but it was a thrill to meet them and get their autographs, and autographs were free!

Later, Ron made a push for the National in Atlantic City and he got that. I worked for him at the 1988 National as a runner, so I have been to two Nationals that seemed like a lifetime ago.

What was your earliest National Convention?

[whitehse]

I remember the earliest National I attended was the first one in Chicago in 1983 and have been to most of the Chicago Nationals ever since. I did make it to the St. Louis show in 1995 and made the 6 hour drive down with my 8 year old son, walked the show floor and drove the 6 hour ride back home in the same day. That was one of those "I will never doo that again" days. LOL

[brass_rat]

My first National was Baltimore in 2010, having never attended it during my childhood collecting days.

Seeing the historical venues list may be helpful to some:

[nickedson]

I set up at 7 of the first 14 Nationals and even hosted a seminar at one of the Chicago Nationals. It was always a great time talking to many hobby friends.

[BearBailey]

1993 Chicago, I have been to 8 total and in the next few years should be able to make it to each and everyone, hopefully.
Great experience each and everyone, but will always remember that first one, 17 and would be going off to college come August and a week in Chicago was just a great experience. In addition to the national, new white sox stadium against the Blue Jays, Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza, the chop house, and Buddy Guy’s Legends Blues Bar. One of my Dads favorite experiences and he doesn’t collect cards.

[philliesfan]

2010 in Baltimore for me. The family went down to Inner Harbor where my wife and daughter went to the Aquarium and walked around while my son, 8 at the time went to the show.
Bob

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by nickedson

I set up at 7 of the first 14 Nationals and even hosted a seminar at one of the Chicago Nationals. It was always a great time talking to many hobby friends.

I miss those seminars, auctions and general all around BS sessions. They really should bring these things back.

[bjerome]

Only been to 2 of them. 2013 in Chicago. I only went to get a couple items authenticated. I would go back in 2017 in Chicago. Got Robbie Alomar and bought a few items.

[LuckyLarry]

1991 Anaheim

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

1991 Anaheim

Likewise. That was a doozy!

[Rich Klein]

1983 Chicago

[frankbmd]

I went to have Don Larsen sign my 1956 Perfect Game Ticket stub and he did. The sig set me back $12. I got Yogi's sig later.



I went two more times in 2013 and 2015.

[4815162342]

My first National was in 2010 in Baltimore. It was a great venue, but Chicago is the best.

[Mark]

My first National was 1993 in Chicago. I'd stopped collecting for more than a decade, then I got pulled back in!

[parkplace33]

Would love them to go back to Baltimore, but doubtful that will happen.

[oaks1912]

1983 just outside Chicago at the Holiday Inn. Still my favorite National. Three full days of buying and filled a few suitcases. I stopped by that location about 15 years ago and couldn't believe how small the ballroom was, at least by today's standards. I bypassed the first National in 1980. I went to the predecessor on Memorial Day in Anaheim, 1980. Mike Berkus told me that it was going to be better than a regular show and to come back down (The Anaheim shows were great in the day). A few friends of mine that attended rubbed it in.

[obcbobd]

Baltimore 2010 or 2012. Can't remember which. Been to Cleveland and Chicago also. Thought Baltimore was the best location, being near the inner harbor and Camden.

Hope to go next year!

[bcbgcbrcb]

1984 in Parsippany, NJ. I was a “dealer” at 15 years old as my dad who knew nothing about sports cards had to contract for the table as I was still a minor.

[Leon]

I think 2002 in Chicago. I had dinner with Marshall Fogel, Doug Allen and Scott Brockelman, as I recall.....
.

[Exhibitman]

My first show was Thanksgiving 1976 in NYC:



Finished my run of Topps Willie Mays cards at the show (boy do I wish I still had that 1952...).

My first National was 1991 Anaheim. Stood in line for four hours the first day in the broiling sun. Totally worth it but I wasn't keen to repeat it the next day. I ended up making a tentative trade with a dealer there and conditioned my coming back to close the deal on him getting me into the show. He walked me in on his dealer pass (yeah, this was pre-lanyard days) and I had a hell of a buying day at the discounters tables.

My next one was 1996 Anaheim. Then 2000 Anaheim. By that point I was on eBay and active on nascent chat boards, so in 2004 I decided to travel to a show for the first time and meet the N54 crew. Cleveland. I made it to every National after that through 2019. In '21 I chickened out because of COVID. In '23 I had a trial that conflicted with the date (we settled it on the courthouse steps but by then it was too late). I hated AC with a passion the first time I went there and was not going to go back so I skipped ‘22. This year, I had to choose between visiting my daughter in NYC or going to the show...it was close but the dealer pass crackdown and lack of a central hotel complex and amenities clinched it for me. At least I am getting the East Coast National and Fanaticsfest as a consolation prize. Then I have the 800-table Anaheim show the week I get back and Front Row's Pasadena show the first weekend in September, so lots of card shows for me in a four-week span.

Definitely plan on Chicago next year; I miss you guys (well, most of you anyway).

[Leon]

That is a cool show card.
See ya next year, Adam! I already booked my hotel from Thurs through Sunday in Chitown...

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

My first show was Thanksgiving 1976 in NYC:



Finished my run of Topps Willie Mays cards at the show (boy do I wish I still had that 1952...).

My first National was 1991 Anaheim. Stood in line for four hours the first day in the broiling sun. Totally worth it but I wasn't keen to repeat it the next day. I ended up making a tentative trade with a dealer there and conditioned my coming back to close the deal on him getting me into the show. He walked me in on his dealer pass (yeah, this was pre-lanyard days) and I had a hell of a buying day at the discounters tables.

My next one was 1996 Anaheim. Then 2000 Anaheim. By that point I was on eBay and active on nascent chat boards, so in 2004 I decided to travel to a show for the first time and meet the N54 crew. Cleveland. I made it to every National after that through 2019. In '21 I chickened out because of COVID. In '23 I had a trial that conflicted with the date (we settled it on the courthouse steps but by then it was too late). I hated AC with a passion the first time I went there and was not going to go back so I skipped ‘22. This year, I had to choose between visiting my daughter in NYC or going to the show...it was close but the dealer pass crackdown and lack of a central hotel complex and amenities clinched it for me. At least I am getting the East Coast National and Fanaticsfest as a consolation prize. Then I have the 800-table Anaheim show the week I get back and Front Row's Pasadena show the first weekend in September, so lots of card shows for me in a four-week span.

Definitely plan on Chicago next year; I miss you guys (well, most of you anyway).

[commishbob]

I've been to the three Nationals held in Texas, Arlington in '86 and '90, Houston in '94(?). I am in Chicago to visit family each summer but I don't ever seem to be there when the show is going on. Maybe next year.

[mordecaibrown1]

Chicago, 1983

[ocjack]

Wow, when you list all the shows and I realize how many I attended it's like a walk down memory lane. Attended the 1980 L.A. show, set up at the
'85, '87 and '91 shows (I still have nightmares about the crowd in '91), then '96, 2000 and 2006. I did venture out of state one time to attend the '86 show in Texas. I had business in the area and coordinated my travel with the convention dates. I know, but it really was "business."

Afraid that at my age and the problems with the airlines and travel in general, I won't be attending any more shows outside of Southern California. So pretty much guessing my National days are over.

[tjisonline]

My first national was 1988. 2nd was 2024.

[mauibeachbum]

I guess I’m one of very few who attended the first in 1980

[mauibeachbum]

Forgot to identify myself. ..the old geezer..better known as Kit young

[Fred]

Hey Kit,

I remember buying from you out of your place around the Crown Point area in San Diego (long time ago). If memory serves me correctly, there was also a place up in Washington (I think it was the Tacoma area) that I bought a few cards from your inventory. Hope your doing well and wondering if Nacho's still working with you. Nice to see Kit Young making a post!

[mauibeachbum]

Fred. Great memory. All true

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by mauibeachbum

Forgot to identify myself. ..the old geezer..better known as Kit young

You are only as old as you feel Kit! You and your guys bought a lot of cards from me at Chicago show. Glad you are still in the hobby.

[Snowman]

I have never attended the National.

[ullmandds]

I believe 1995 was my first. I roadtripped from MD to St Louis...checked out the ozarks on the way. I'm sure I still have the pass in my ticket stub collection.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by Snowman

I have never attended the National.

You and me, still on the outside looking in.

Maybe we'll get there some day!

And when we do, we can sit in the VIP lounge like ballers and trade 33 Goudeys all day long...

[refz]

2010 Baltimore was my 1st national and had a blast! Stayed at the Hilton walked out of the hotel in the am with a few Chi Sox who were playing the O’s that day. After the National my wife & I went to the game. Camden Yards was great place to watch a game!! Had few drinks with Joe Montana at the Hilton bar that evening, then caught the fireworks from my window after the game.

Here’s a Net54 pin from 2014, wish I hung onto the Net54 d304 Cobb shirt

[SteveMitchell]

Due to being physically located within a long day's drive from L.A. followed by two subsequent moves eastward, we were in place to attend the first five shows. That 1980 show featured great fellowship with many collectors vowing to "meet again next year". Flew down to the '91 extravaganza which was overwhelming.

[mark evans]

My first National I believe was in Cleveland although I can't recall the date. I do recall attending a Net 54 function at a former train station that, if memory serves, had been converted into a restaurant/bar.

[motorcitytiger]

My first National was 1997 in Cleveland.
I went to sell some vintage cards to fund my expenses for college tuition and funds for a low paying internship.

Attended my second National this past month in Cleveland again. I only went for one day, Thursday, but glad I did. A lot has changed in the 27 years especially with the increase in vintage prices. Just glad I took the advice from older collectors when I was 14 to buy and stick with vintage cards (pre-war, unique card sets, and rare Detroit Tigers items)

Wish I held onto my Cobb cards that I sold in 1997 - had the T202 Hassan Cobb/Jennings, E95 Cobb, 1914 Cracker Jack Cobb, and T206 Cobb with bat on shoulder still but as I drove back home after Thursday's show - I look at what those 4 cards provided for me to be where I am at today. One of my goals is to get a T202 Cobb/Jennings again within the next few years.

Planning on attending next year's National in Chicago and be selective on what I will purchase.

[ullmandds]

now if I could only find my wrestlemania stub!!!

[frankbmd]

A