My National Reports

[LuckyLarry]

I took the hotel shuttle to the convention center arrived at 2pm picked up VIP pass autograph tickets and promos no line for that. The promos I’m kind of excited about because there are at least two Trevor Lawrence cards! Went to the VIP lounge/mixer it was very crowded and just promoting an upcoming auction I think. I left right away even before pizza was served. The VIP line to get in the show at 3:30 was at least 1/2 mile long wrapping around several conference rooms then back towards the entrance door, I took my place in line about that time they opened the doors to the show and I made a 180 and walked right in. The show was very crowded from doors open until closing at 8pm. I started out in the back of the show tried to make a loop of sorts got distracted by this and that and didn’t really have much of a plan the whole show but of course running into OBC members and dealer friends I haven’t seen in two years so awesome. With the VIP package you get some autographs, and I was interested in getting a Billy Shaw (Bills HOFer) card signed. Long line moved slow I left for awhile still a long wait forget it I’m done with autographs at the National. PS before the show some guy offered me $20 for three of the autograph tickets he needed and I gladly sold. I was ready to spend some money today started out with $2225 cash and got a lot of cards but mostly low grade bargain stuff and just counted what I have left $1,997 I only spent $228 shocked me, I spend more at our local monthly show! I’ve got to get a more organized plan tomorrow. Pickups included 53 different 1952 TOPPS Look N See cards $15 plus discount then 33 different 1959 TOPPS Wacky Plaks for $12 plus discount then 15 1951 Bowman Jets Rockets and Spacemen $8 plus discount all low grade. I have these sets already but they are so cheap I couldn’t help myself. Bought 30+ 1971 OPC baseball cards they have yellow backs $1 each. Eights hits to my 1964 Rosen US Army in Action these were priced $3 each fair price dealer discounted some too. Finished 1980 You’ll Die Laughing set 3 cards $3 a couple hits 1963 Post baseball including #36 Nellie Fox no bat showing $6 I’ve been looking got this card awhile. Lots of other cards plus 1954 Wheaties Musial in action and George Mikan in action also 1951 Berk Ross hit Dick Sisler. Closed the show down at 8 and ate dinner with about 11 or 12 OBC guys at a reported “biker bar” which is right next door to our hotel thanks Bob B picked up the tab. Tomorrow will be a longer day at the show I hope to be more organized in the search no time at the autograph area either I’m done with that. Time now 12:36 and time to pull out the sofa bed. Larry

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

I took the hotel shuttle to the convention center arrived at 2pm picked up VIP pass autograph tickets and promos no line for that. The promos I’m kind of excited about because there are at least two Trevor Lawrence cards! Went to the VIP lounge/mixer it was very crowded and just promoting an upcoming auction I think. I left right away even before pizza was served. The VIP line to get in the show at 3:30 was at least 1/2 mile long wrapping around several conference rooms then back towards the entrance door, I took my place in line about that time they opened the doors to the show and I made a 180 and walked right in. The show was very crowded from doors open until closing at 8pm. I started out in the back of the show tried to make a loop of sorts got distracted by this and that and didn’t really have much of a plan the whole show but of course running into OBC members and dealer friends I haven’t seen in two years so awesome. With the VIP package you get some autographs, and I was interested in getting a Billy Shaw (Bills HOFer) card signed. Long line moved slow I left for awhile still a long wait forget it I’m done with autographs at the National. PS before the show some guy offered me $20 for three of the autograph tickets he needed and I gladly sold. I was ready to spend some money today started out with $2225 cash and got a lot of cards but mostly low grade bargain stuff and just counted what I have left $1,997 I only spent $228 shocked me, I spend more at our local monthly show! I’ve got to get a more organized plan tomorrow. Pickups included 53 different 1952 TOPPS Look N See cards $15 plus discount then 33 different 1959 TOPPS Wacky Plaks for $12 plus discount then 15 1951 Bowman Jets Rockets and Spacemen $8 plus discount all low grade. I have these sets already but they are so cheap I couldn’t help myself. Bought 30+ 1971 OPC baseball cards they have yellow backs $1 each. Eights hits to my 1964 Rosen US Army in Action these were priced $3 each fair price dealer discounted some too. Finished 1980 You’ll Die Laughing set 3 cards $3 a couple hits 1963 Post baseball including #36 Nellie Fox no bat showing $6 I’ve been looking got this card awhile. Lots of other cards plus 1954 Wheaties Musial in action and George Mikan in action also 1951 Berk Ross hit Dick Sisler. Closed the show down at 8 and ate dinner with about 11 or 12 OBC guys at a reported “biker bar” which is right next door to our hotel thanks Bob B picked up the tab. Tomorrow will be a longer day at the show I hope to be more organized in the search no time at the autograph area either I’m done with that. Time now 12:36 and time to pull out the sofa bed. Larry

Very Nice sharing and sounds like some nice pickups

Keep it coming

[NiceDocter]

Nice pickups…. your Mikan in action will go well with your portrait you bought a few months ago from Robert at the local show! Keep the reports coming wish I was there instead of the office …. Rocky in Jax

[Seven]

thanks for sharing your experience so far. I'm attending my first National next year, when it's in AC and I always wondered how the situation was like with the autograph guests. I'm most likely going to have to dedicate a day to the ones that I really want, when it comes to waiting in line for certain players that is.

On the subject of being overwhelmed, the Philly Show back in June, gave me that overwhelmed feeling, probably because it was my first show in a bit as well. I'm looking forward to what your experience will be today, and congratulations on the pickups.

[keithsky]

Any autograph guys cancel yet?

[Wildfireschulte]

Great post Lucky. I had a bunch of OBC guys at my booth today (#796) and had a blast talking Pre-war baseball. I’m trying to find some more cards to fill all the voids you guys left. Make sure to stop by for a free V&CBC magazine. The energy level at this National is the best.

[LuckyLarry]

Apple Watch stats: 3hr 55 min sleep. Steps:17,632 just over 8 miles. Today I returned with $1,184 in my wallet so I spent $813 today note money spent includes parking meals etc etc I’m paying cash whenever I can. Plus $1,800 in reserve stashed in the sock drawer here in hotel room.
Up to late last night I’m on minimal sleep hot shower free breakfast downstairs and we are off for day two. Another long line for the VIP opening at 9:30 but I walked up as they opened the doors and I went right in the show. I did a much better job today covering the floor and I was able to walk down each aisle. I wanted to spend some money today I didn’t save and then bring cash up here to take home I wanted to buy some cards! The show is very busy and crowded. I am 67 years old but in good health and fully vaccinated but I still wore a mask maybe 10% are wearing masks it doesn’t bother me one way or the other. I got elbowed or run into a couple times and it was sort of irritating until I accidentally cross checked this other collector who was bent over a show case. I did see one you tube celebrity filming. It would be nice to be able to take a break and sit down with a coffee or soft drink but the snack bars are packed long lines and no place to sit down. 100 people waiting in line outside at Starbucks. Tomorrow I may exit the venue and walk across the street to take a breather. Lots of those hand held suitcases that carry “Slabs” lots of collectors dragging suitcases too. Some females lots of kids too!
Big pickups include 11 hits 1967 Philadelphia Marvel stickers if you don’t know these are TOUGH. I bought a full set 1973 OPC hockey funny rings inserts all 17 also ten hits 47-66 exhibit baseball I’m closing in on the set so some of these were toughies. I collect the 1961 Post baseball cards in both box and company style I got Mays company also picked up the Mantle company I had to come off my wallet for that Mantle but glad I did. Hits to 39 and 40 Playball sets too. I nearly finished my 48 Leaf boxing set I need one more I bought Joe Louis Max Schmeling among some others. I did finish my 1960 Leaf baseball set #118 John Callison that’s a tough card. Lots of other stuff too. I haven’t added a card to my 1961 Fleer basketball set in a couple years but William Chapel came through with #47 Wilt Chamberlain in action. Last story I finished my 1966 TOPPS rub off set (wax pack insert) I FINALLY found the Orioles pennant TOUGH card paid $7. An hour later I was at Ron Estes table and saw a fellow collector pull the Orioles pennant ruboff charge was $2.50 I steamed a bit that I missed that one but all ended well as I found another Orioles pennant in a dollar box and of course I bought it lol! Roommate Matthew is at the minor league Chicago Dogs game Taylor and I ate at the “biker bar” next door to hotel burgers were 1/2 price and delish! 9:30 time to shut down and try to get some sleep tomorrow day three! Larry

[Case12]

Originally Posted by keithsky

Any autograph guys cancel yet?

David Ortiz.

[familytoad]

Vi Vi Vi- Vicarious !

(sung to the tune of “Notorious” …For Phillies Phans it’s also Sir Didi’s walk up song played right before he grounds into the shift)

Guru your reports are “must read material “
Please keep them coming!