Poll and thoughts on attending the National

[ullmandds]

I agree with most that has been said...I went last year in chicago...worth the trip just for the net54 dinner...although I didn't buy any cards...I DID get some graded...and Baltimore is worth the trip just to party in fells point or federal hill or any of the seafood markets...great city for a nat'l!!!!

Oops...I almost forgot camden yards, the babe ruth museum...and much more!!!!

[Jay Wolt]

What I like about card shows is seeing something that I want that's not on my list.
An oddball item or display piece that I did'nt know I "needed"
Just something that catches my fancy while browsing at the tables & something I couldn't find on ebay
since I wouldn't be looking for it.

[bbcard1]

We don't get to go to major league games often, so throwing in an Orioles game is a huge bonus. I usually find things to buy, but there are more than your fair share of museums there. I always enjoy meeting new people and I consider this more of my entertainment/travel budget than my baseball card budget. I have been to three nationals which probably isn't a lot given my passion and involvement over the years, but I am looking forward to Baltimore. You can probably find someone else going your way and split gas and possibly hotel...not coming for VA by chance are you?

[Big Ben]

Go for the experience! Last year, I went to my first National. I went on the last day, (the only day my schedule allowed me to go) and as was posted earlier, there were not any real bargains. The depth of items at the show was amazing. I ended up purchasing one card for the day, a graded T206 Cobb. That being said, I went through a lot of dealers before I got a decent deal. All in all a fun time, and I will attend another National if the show is near my area again.

[majordanby]

i would go, but it seems like they are always held in the midwest or east coast. as much as i enjoy the hobby, i dont have the time and dime to fly cross country for a card show. if it was within reasonable commuting distance, i would attend.

[Jaybird]

O's aren't in town for this national. Have to take the 45 minute train or car to DC to see the Nationals this time.

[BearBailey]

If you are a serious card collector it is a must to attend a National, just to see everything and the entire experience, which can be almost whatever you want it to be. If you are a card investor you should stay at home and buy what you want. I have been to 5 nationals since 1993 and the Baltimore venue is as good as it gets, you are in close proximity to so many things. Sadly the Orioles are not in town but there are still lots of non-baseball related things, which is good if you want to bring a family.