2022 National Sports Collectors Convention

[hcv123]

I was set up at the national last year and will be set up again in NJ. There is a TON of vintage at the show. Pricing is a different question - but isn't it so with most venues these days (Ebay, Auction houses, etc.)

[Snapolit1]

The first National I attended was in AC maybe 4 years ago. It was totally worth the effort to get there. There is so much vintage at the National your head might explode. I remember being simply overwhelmed at all the cases to look through. If you've never been to one I would strongly recommend it. The venue is sort of in the middle of nowhere, but a bar is right across the street which is a great place to rest for a few hours. Best advice I got was wear comfortable shoes and bring a little pad to write notes, because at some point you are going to want to double back and see something again and with the sheer of stuff it's easy to get overwhelmed.

I'd say highly desirable stuff will be grossly marked up. But always interesting things to see and buy. Also nice to see people face to face you've done business with or heard about.

[drazz5]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

The first National I attended was in AC maybe 4 years ago. It was totally worth the effort to get there. There is so much vintage at the National your head might explode. I remember being simply overwhelmed at all the cases to look through. If you've never been to one I would strongly recommend it. The venue is sort of in the middle of nowhere, but a bar is right across the street which is a great place to rest for a few hours. Best advice I got was wear comfortable shoes and bring a little pad to write notes, because at some point you are going to want to double back and see something again and with the sheer of stuff it's easy to get overwhelmed.

I'd say highly desirable stuff will be grossly marked up. But always interesting things to see and buy. Also nice to see people face to face you've done business with or heard about.

Thanks for the tips Steve. I will make a point to check out that bar! haha

[Jewish-collector]

IF I go, let's meet up and have a couple cold ones at one of the bars there.

[x2drich2000]

I think it really depends on your objective. If you are going to just get the best deals possible, you might want to rethink it. By the time you factor in flights, hotel, food, etc, you could easily have bought a HOFer or two from your living room. However, if your going for the experience, meeting friends, meeting other collectors, being overwhelmed, etc, then definitely I would think about going. Seeing that your in CA, I doubt you'll get the chance to go to one locally anytime soon.

[drazz5]

Originally Posted by x2drich2000

I think it really depends on your objective. If you are going to just get the best deals possible, you might want to rethink it. By the time you factor in flights, hotel, food, etc, you could easily have bought a HOFer or two from your living room. However, if your going for the experience, meeting friends, meeting other collectors, being overwhelmed, etc, then definitely I would think about going. Seeing that your in CA, I doubt you'll get the chance to go to one locally anytime soon.

Great point. I think it would be more about the experience. I like the idea of having an opportunity to connect with other t206 collectors (particularly the net54 guys). If I have to overpay for a few cards at the expense of a fun trip, so be it. I just wanted to make sure there were actually going to be t206 cards to look at before I showed up.

[Belfast1933]

Have not been since an early 90's visit in San Francisco not even sure that was a "national" or just a huge show.

I am planning to attend too - more for fun and probably a few cards to bring home. From the way you all describe it, I'm picturing a museum of baseball collectables (but with an option to buy the exhibits!)

(Does anyone host a Net54 Meet/Greet/Drink event?)

Jeff G

[Yoda]

For me, it depends whether Leon is going to organize a dinner for Board members. Leon, didn't you get some financial help from REA or Heritage to defray the costs in prior years? No pressure, just saying.

[rjackson44]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

The first National I attended was in AC maybe 4 years ago. It was totally worth the effort to get there. There is so much vintage at the National your head might explode. I remember being simply overwhelmed at all the cases to look through. If you've never been to one I would strongly recommend it. The venue is sort of in the middle of nowhere, but a bar is right across the street which is a great place to rest for a few hours. Best advice I got was wear comfortable shoes and bring a little pad to write notes, because at some point you are going to want to double back and see something again and with the sheer of stuff it's easy to get overwhelmed.

I'd say highly desirable stuff will be grossly marked up. But always interesting things to see and buy. Also nice to see people face to face you've done business with or heard about.

steve hope to hang out

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by rjackson44

steve hope to hang out

Absoultely.

[judsonhamlin]

Here’s a vote for Tony’s Baltimore Grill

[Republicaninmass]

Wait, there is a Tony Bartirome Grill

[bbcard1]

The only real success I've had at the national is sort of bottom feeding...getting cards from the quarter boxes of lower grade cards. It works fine, though.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

Wait, there is a Tony Bartirome Grill

It's housed by one staff member, who pays you to eat there, assuming you can give him a 52 Bartirome in return lol.

I am actively going to try to make it to this years National. Would love to meet some members from the forum.

Also to one of the posters above, Howard is a great guy, who has things very fairly priced. Bought a nice 58 All Star Mantle from him, at the Philly Show last June!

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by judsonhamlin

Here’s a vote for Tony’s Baltimore Grill

Would be an awesome place for a meet up.

HAPPY HOUR MENU
4PM TO 6PM EVERY DAY

BOOZE
9oz ANY DRAFT $2
HIGH LIFE $2
PBR & JIM BEAM $7
WELL DRINK $4
JACK & GINGER $5
BOTTLED RED/WHITE $10
H. H. SNACKS
MOZZ STICKS $1
AC FRIED SHRIMP $2
BREAD & SPREAD $3
FRENCH FRIES $4
ROAST BEEF SANDO $6
MEATBALLS (2) W / AC BREAD $5
BACON-WRAPPED SCALLOPS $7
CHARCUTERIE BOARD $8
NOT BOOZE
HEINEKEN 0.0 $5
BRAVUS AMBER $5
ATHLETIC UPSIDE DOWN $5
ATHLETIC STOUDT $5
BRAVUS RASPBERRY GOSE $5
FOUNTAIN DRINK
PEPSI | DIET PEPSI | SIERRA MIST | ORANGE | GINGER ALE | BRISK ICED TEA | BIRCH BEER $3.50

[drazz5]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Would be an awesome place for a meet up.

HAPPY HOUR MENU
4PM TO 6PM EVERY DAY

BOOZE
9oz ANY DRAFT $2
HIGH LIFE $2
PBR & JIM BEAM $7
WELL DRINK $4
JACK & GINGER $5
BOTTLED RED/WHITE $10
H. H. SNACKS
MOZZ STICKS $1
AC FRIED SHRIMP $2
BREAD & SPREAD $3
FRENCH FRIES $4
ROAST BEEF SANDO $6
MEATBALLS (2) W / AC BREAD $5
BACON-WRAPPED SCALLOPS $7
CHARCUTERIE BOARD $8
NOT BOOZE
HEINEKEN 0.0 $5
BRAVUS AMBER $5
ATHLETIC UPSIDE DOWN $5
ATHLETIC STOUDT $5
BRAVUS RASPBERRY GOSE $5
FOUNTAIN DRINK
PEPSI | DIET PEPSI | SIERRA MIST | ORANGE | GINGER ALE | BRISK ICED TEA | BIRCH BEER $3.50

You could have stopped at $2 draft beer and you would have earned my vote. I second the motion.

[drazz5]

Originally Posted by hcv123

I was set up at the national last year and will be set up again in NJ. There is a TON of vintage at the show. Pricing is a different question - but isn't it so with most venues these days (Ebay, Auction houses, etc.)

Great to know! Do you know where you will be set up? I would love to stop by.