National: Memorabilia side

[perezfan]

If looking at it from a strictly monitary basis, it's probably not worth the investment. There are no blockbuster deals or even low prices (from my experience, anyway...) Anyone who sets up a booth there is not necessarily looking to "give stuff away". It's very difficult to "pull a Brock" at the National (I revived that term, based on the Baseball Humidor he just posted).

If looking at it from a more global perspective, the National is a great experience, and a chance to see some terrific things in person... much different (and better) than viewing them on-line or in a catalogue. Plus there are opportunities to bond with other collectors and dealers, network, and make some great connections. From that persective, the experience is well worth it.

As far as game-used Bats, uniforms, autographs and other various memorabilia... there is plenty to see. Just no bargain prices, if that's what you were seeking. You really cannot put a price on the experience, as it's kind of a personal thing. If you like shows, it is the best one of the year, bar none. I can't go this year, but sure wish I was. Thanks goodness for the updates from Mike H. and Carlton's amazing annual recap!

[mjkm90]

I attend as much for the people as the show. Ryan Sims, Carlton Hendricks(sportsantiques.com) and I all met there 5 years ago and have become great friends and attending the show together since. From that perspective, it's worth every penny.

I always spend the $ I bring and do ok with prices paid, but I'm not buying the ultra high end game used pieces. I do MUCH better on ebay. The show is almost more fun once you have purchased an important addition or two and are left with just a couple hundred bucks in your pocket. Then you can slow down and comb through the amazing museum that is the National. I enjoy looking at the things I don't collect, asking questions of the experienced dealers, and watching people wheel and deal. Granted, there are a lot of cards, plastic football helmets, gawdy modern sports art, and a few jerky dealers, but overall, the memorabilia is terrific and people are quite nice.

Let's put it this way. I've never been sorry about the investment. Hell, some guys will blow $450 on a couple rounds of golf at a top resort and they still stink at the end of the day...ha ha.

[Jewish-collector]

You have to realize that the National has changed focus over the years. It is not really a place to get bargains anymore. Much of the memorabilia is priced very high and probably will end up in an auction catalog if it doesn't sell at the show.

I definately am going to the National, even if I am a low-end collector & can't afford to buy much stuff. After hotel, gas, food, parking, admission, etc,... I really don't have much money left for any memorabilia. But, I usually make the trip a mini-vacation as I usually go downtown for the nightlife. The Net54 dinner is easily the highlight of the entire National weekend. It is one of the most rewarding aspects of the being at the National. I truly enjoy meeting other collectors & dealers from this forum. GO TO THIS SHOW !!! You will have a fantastic time, regardless of how much or how little you find/spend. I can't stress enough how enjoyable the show is, especially meeting fellow collectors.

Last year in Chicago, I tried organizing a get together for vintage collectors on the Friday night. It didn't really work the way I had hoped, because most guys (if they didn't go to the Mastro live auction) flew into the National and had no way to get to the restaurant that I picked (which was a few miles away). It might have worked if I picked a restuarant across from the hotels/convention. Cleveland is actually worst in that respect, because there are no hotels and/or restaurants withing walking distance of the Expo Center, so I'm organizing anything like this I don't think.