2018 Cleveland National Report - Sneak Peak, Round 2 and Round 3 is LIVE

[bounce]

Market commentary for today is a little better. Seems to me that some of the dealers started loosening up a bit. Some of the cards I was watching disappeared on return, but a few others were still there. The most action by far is on the modern stuff, which may be somewhat of a commentary on the different dealers. I think this younger bunch may "get it" a little more, just in terms of willingness to move things around. The "old guard" can be so difficult to work with.

There's one guy in particular, he's got some really nice stuff. But good grief he is so gruff, and I saw all these same cards in his case last year - and the year before that - and the year before that. And he's still the same unlikable fellow he's been every time. Here's an example. A guy walks up with a 1955 Ted Williams PSA 5, nice looking card, asks if they might be interested in it. Guy doesn't even get out of his chair, his "assistant" walks it over to him. And he says, just about as disgustedly as he could, "I've got a low grade one of those in my case already for $425, why would I be interested in that?". OK, good information. Except, the one in the case is a PSA 6, with a VCP of $376, and last two sales are $350 or less. Just saying. How about just be nice, hey that's a great card but I have one, however keep shopping it - people are always interested in nice looking HOFers. I mean he never even got to the part of whether the guy was selling or trading.

Saw this sign at another table, just so inviting isn't it? I'm thinking about making one for my buddy above.
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Anyway, enough complaining. Here's my haul for the day.

BBCE and their singles helped me out on my set. 1957 Football, all 8s.
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Also snagged these beauties, so nice for the grades. Corners are rounded which is the only thing holding these back.
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I love Walter Johnson. Wasn't really looking for this, but got a pretty good deal I thought so went ahead and picked it up.
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Always love the autographs, this is one of my favorite items. Just can't get enough of them.
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And ran across these walking around. Told them "I'm really your only shot at selling these." They tried to tell me how Tiger was having a resurgence, but I reminded them that David wasn't. Masters flags are always cool, but the US Open flag is a 2008, which is his last major...so far. I've got several Tigers, but these were just too cool to pass up.
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That's it for Thursday. I'm headed out for Round 3!

[kailes2872]

Saw this sign at another table, just so inviting isn't it? I'm thinking about making one for my buddy above.
[source: imgur.com]

I saw that table as well. I don't collect hockey so it wasn't a big deal. However, he did have a nice '56 set I wanted to leaf through. I started to look at it and tried to turn the page - only to realize it was under the plastic. I already have one, so no big deal... but I am sure there was someone today that wanted to look at the set and possibly buy it but took a walk instead.

[gman]

Originally Posted by bounce

Oh - and one more star sighting. I won't give this one away yet, let's see if you guys can figure it out.
One hint - he's SEXY!

Well, Kevin Nash is the Big Sexy, but I don't think I see him in this picture.

[LuckyLarry]

Thur/Fri report

Thursday arrived at opening time and walked the aisles all day until closing met many Net54 and OBC members and had “lunch” with the Net54 football collecting crew. I bought quite a few cards today I just started collecting the 50s/60s Parkhurst hockey cards and I added a big stack even though I can’t tell what year is what yet lol. I also just started 1960 Nu-Card Baseball Highlights (post card sized) and made several purchases. First large purchase I bought a 1954 Dan Dee Mickey Mantle a card which I have been seeking for several years and that card finished my set my wantlist noted PSA1 for around $400 was my target price but this was a few years old and prices have gone up I advised the dealer of my price point (dealer is a friend) he said he was into the card for more than that. Did not see another Dan Dee until the next day one Dealer had three and his bottom line price was very slightly more than what I paid although his were slabbed. (2 days later I’m still glad I got it lol card was $540 it would probably grade a 2 or maybe 3).

Plenty of tables to sit down at IX Center and they have a coffee kiosk and the guy makes a great Americano which served as a pick me up each day.

I met Scott Brockelman owner of Brockelman Auctions I have won lots a few times and wanted to say hi. I pictured a frail thin old guy in my mind. Oh crap was I wrong lol my Auction payments will never be tardy! Great to meet OBC and Net54 friends old and new!

Picked up two hits 1935 Goudey 4 in 1 I’m down to four cards left for my master set 707 cards had one but Levi knows what he has lol!

Final pickup story for day two 1953 Topps World on Wheels cards 160-180 are SP very tough come with blue Backs I have all these cards 171-180 also can be found with Red backs tougher still I have not even seen one but new dealer friend sold me two of them $50 each I was glad to get them.

After the show OBC members had a BBQ at Sams house it was so great but we got back to the hotel exhausted and didn’t get to sleep until after 1 or so. To tired to report yesterday.

Friday still in shock from spending over $500 on a piece of cardboard I started out slow and no better place than Chandys $1 bargain bazaar to kill some time and settle in. I did purchase a $5 item from him which turned out to be a fake or fantasy card and I went back later and he refunded my purchase. Any semi knowledgeable collector should have know what it was I should have known it was a fantasy piece Chandy is top notch in my book. Then I helped via texting a friend of mine Doug D. Purchase a 1935 Goudey Babe Ruth thanks William Chappell the best took PayPal from Doug D in North Carolina and I’ll get the card to him in the mail.

By now after a couple hours at Chandys and then spending someone else’s money I’m about recovered from my big pickup so let’s get shopping. I restocked my doubles box with beautiful 1959 1962 1964 Topps hi numbers $1 each WTH I’ll upgrade my sets and have plenty to send around to OBC. Bought more Parkhurst hockey and several more bargain box finds. Pick up a nice stack of Civil War News cards I am building nine sets to fit in a binder my favorite set as a kid oh I forgot I purchased a CWN wax wrapper yesterday my first it was $10 a good price I think.

I took a peek into this random cardboard box it was filled up with non sports cards but dealer said he was selling as starter sets. But he had not listed the few 1953 World on Wheels cards that were in there and I told him I needed one card for my set. I gave him the card and he sold it to me for one dollar you guessed it was hi number 171 “Pontiac Strato-Star” hi number with a red back. Yesterday I purchased two of these for $100 today I purchased another but this one was $1. So I’m into these high numbers with red backs for $33 each that’s pretty good right?

We turned the lights off at the IX Center and had a great dinner at this great sports bar. Then back to the hotel by 8pm we are all exhausted. But we will be ready in the AM!

Larry

[albrshbr]

I guess my report is like what many others have already stated.

First, my focus this trip is my young son who is with me. There has been a tremendous amount of activities for the younger kids, and he's having a great time! With that being said, I haven't done much shopping for me yet.

As usual, my first stop is Net54's own Ed Hans. I was able to pick up 4 T205's for my set I have been taking my time on. I'm trying to focus on a little bit tougher backs, and I was able to pick up 3 American Beauty's and 1 Sovereign from Ed for good prices. Other than that I picked up 2 other T205s for very reasonable prices a bit later. My only other pick up was 2 E135-type blank backs for $15 each. Don't know why but I pick these up whenever I find them for reasonable prices.

As others have also stated, I have seen quite a few prices that were quite high. A few weeks ago I picked up a T205 Phelan SGC 40 with a Hassan back off eBay for $82. I saw the same card with an asking price of $240.

What's bothering me is the inattentiveness of some of the dealers. I can't begin to count the number of tables I've walked away from. It's not that they're busy with other customers, they just act like they're not interested in selling. I've also stopped by a particular table that has some scarce regionals I'm interested in, and the other guy sharing the booth tells me the guy with the regionals has "stepped away for a few minutes". 3 times in 3 days. I guess it's just bad timing.

And how do some of these folks sell enough to even cover their expenses?

[LuckyLarry]

David: I’m enjoying your reports very much but wanted to comment on the “PLEASE DO NOT PUT HANDS UNDER PLASTIC” table. I do not know this dealers name but he is quite nice and managing his large set up by himself. I assume his stuff (all hockey) is under plastic to prevent theft.
Larry

[Rhotchkiss]

I was there Wednesday and Thursday. I had a great time. The facility was phenomenal and I was very pleased with the selection of pre war (WWI) cards. I made two huge trades and a large purchase. I met many Net54ers - David (the patron of this thread), Sam, Danny, Evan, AJ, etc., met some iconic collectors and industry personalities, caught up with old friends, and made some new friends. My only complaint is there was too much to look at that I left both days starving (never ate) and exhausted. Yes, many cards were overpriced, but whose surprised? Awesome show!

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

Does the Donald Stephens Center charge for every event?

If you knew about the city of Rosemont you would know they are trying to find a way to charge for the air that you breathe. Yep....they charge for every event.

[bounce]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

David: I’m enjoying your reports very much but wanted to comment on the “PLEASE DO NOT PUT HANDS UNDER PLASTIC” table. I do not know this dealers name but he is quite nice and managing his large set up by himself. I assume his stuff (all hockey) is under plastic to prevent theft.
Larry

Not to be snarky, but is a sign truly necessary if you've got the plastic over them? I appreciate the concern for theft, but why not just get cases like everyone else? Again, to each their own, it's his stuff and he can handle how he desires. However, I'm sure I'm not alone in the feeling that it just sends the wrong message, and people like me just keep walking so he never gets a chance.

[bounce]

Okay - Round 3 is in the books and what a day it was!

First off, I knew today was going to be a short one for me, as one of my buddies had tickets for the Indians/Angels game tonight, including ON FIELD PASSES for batting practice. As you can tell from some of my previous posts, I'm an autograph collector, too, so the chance to get Trout, Ohtani, Pujols and/or Lindor was exciting. I've gotten Pujols before, but he'd still be a nice score.

I mean we were right there, I could not quite spit on them but it would still be close.
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To get ready for the potential, I bought a 2014 All Star ball (Trout MVP), a 2016 All Star ball (first time Lindor was an All Star) and a regular MLB baseball (could use for anyone). I was ready to rock!

Well, as terrible luck would have it...Lindor had finished BP before they let us down on the field. Strike one.
Trout is hurt with a right wrist injury and apparently hasn't swung a bat in two days, so he didn't participate today. Strike two.
Ohtani doesn't pay attention to anyone, including the Angels family folks. Strike three.
Pujols actually walked over right next to us to talk to someone he knew. By that time, it was one little kid and me and my buddy - 3 total autographs - but when we asked he says "Not right now, Papi" to my friend and walks off. Strike four. Thanks, Albert.

COMPLETE DISASTER! My buddy said that has never happened to him before, and he travels the country and does this frequently in many different cities thanks to his job. To borrow a phrase from someone on Instagram who was disappointed that Trout wasn't in the lineup after they planned their trip including a 7 hour drive - "I'm getting a good taste of the Cleveland fan experience." UGH, really disappointing but still cool to hang out on the field. I'd been to BP many times before, but never that close so it was neat. The stadium is pretty cool as well. Tough to really complain, and yes I understand no one is crying for me. First world problems - I get it.

[bounce]

Moving along to the action, today I did something I rarely do. I just sorta wandered through the aisles, hoping that the cards that wanted me to own them today would somehow draw me near. And sure enough, they did!

I'm sometimes a set collector, so when I saw this on top of a stack at a good price I just knew my 57 set was going to make another leap forward. Of course, foreshadowing things to come, it was literally the only card I needed in a stack of 8s and 9s that was probably 50 cards total. But still, you take them when you can get them.
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I'm also a set collector of the 2012 Topps Chrome football refractor sets. I had put them together in raw form, but had decided in the last few months to go ahead and upgrade my Lucks and Wilsons to BGS 9.5s. So this one was a great add for me at a great price. Got it form a guy who only does baseball, but it took it in on a trade yesterday and it was the only non-baseball card in his case. He was excited to sell it, and I was excited to own it. WIN WIN!
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My wandering then led me to this. Certainly one of the more interesting items I've seen at the show, and I feel like maybe this is one of those odd collections that just about anyone could start - signed coasters? That's a Wilt Chamberlain in case you don't know, and someone actually paid PSA to slab the thing. To each their own, and no I did not purchase this - in fact I forgot to ask the price, I should do that tomorrow.
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This might be one of the coolest booths at the show, not sure my picture does it justice at all. The Card Bar is pretty cool, I'm sure the man-cavers can latch onto some version of this in the future.
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Dumbest thing I heard today...
Me - What are you asking for the PSA 4?
Dealer - These are only available as a pair.
Me - Fine, how much for the pair?
Dealer - $16,000
Me - Ok, but I really only want the PSA 4.
Dealer - I need to keep it so people can see the comparison to the other one.
Me - I'm not sure they need to see both to understand, but good luck to you.

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Yes, I'm willing to concede I'm probably a jerk, as long as everyone else is willing to concede that neither one of those cards are actually for sale.

Moving on to big guns, just know that there's always a bigger gun out there. I finally found them today.
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This next one I think qualifies as a big gun? However, since we've been talking refractors earlier I think this one needs to be re-slabbed as a "Sepia Tone" variation. I'd much rather have the real one, but I know people like the weird T206 stuff and this one definitely qualifies on several levels.
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Some incredible baseballs, a couple of these may just make my pursuit list for the 2019 National. That second Ruth is really a stunning ball.
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[bounce]

In terms of time line, this post is going to fast forward again to tonight after I got back from the game. I sat down at the hotel with one of the guys I met last year at the National, we saw each other Wednesday on the way out and talked, but didn't finally connect in the show until today and planned a meet up tonight. It just reminded me that I'm not doing a very good job of getting to know some of the other collectors as well as I should, not because I'm not interested but more because sometimes I'm not that outgoing. However, I really enjoy meeting with him tonight and talking cards, and jobs, and families and life and all kinds of things. And ultimately getting a nice sized trade done was just the icing on the cake. Anyway, I walked away with these.
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Not a bad day, right? Well, let's rewind back to about 1:30pm this afternoon, when my WHOLE SHOW got made. Remember, I was just wandering aimlessly around, no direction, just zig-zagging my way across the floor. I turned the corner at a booth, and lo and behold...THERE IT WAS! Literally the ONE CARD that was at the VERY TOP of my want list. The National is the only place I would ever see this card, other than online auctions. I won't bore you with details, but it took about 45 minutes to close the deal, but I'm the proud new owner of this. Walter Johnson is my absolute favorite of the original Hall of Famers, and this my absolute favorite card of his. That's right, the T204 Ramly.
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Short day the show for me today, but I bagged my whale this trip. My only other National experience that even compares to this is when I picked up an Abraham Lincoln autograph. If today isn't the best, it's runner up only to that, but I think it's probably 1A and 1B for me. I absolutely LOVE the Ramly design, I've wanted this card for two years now and finally was in position to get it done.

Tomorrow will be my final day here, but who knows what might be in store? I've had my eye on a couple other things, here's hoping to some good fortune tomorrow and a couple dealers who are truly ready to make a deal? We shall see.

[DeanH3]

Fantastic haul David. Congrats on harpooning your whale! Thanks for write ups.

[Stampsfan]

Thanks for the efforts on the write-ops, David, and everyone else. Much apreciate the information you guys are posting. And what a beautiful T204 you picked up.

I'm guessing the guy with the plastic over the hockey cards might be Len Pottie. From Nova Scotia, if I recall correctly. Good guy, have bought from him for years.

[glynparson]

Originally Posted by bounce

Not to be snarky, but is a sign truly necessary if you've got the plastic over them? I appreciate the concern for theft, but why not just get cases like everyone else? Again, to each their own, it's his stuff and he can handle how he desires. However, I'm sure I'm not alone in the feeling that it just sends the wrong message, and people like me just keep walking so he never gets a chance.

Lem, the hockey dealer being discussed here, has had his tables set up that way for at least 20-25 years and it doesn’t seem to have effected his sales. He has also had a sign for as long as I can remember. I don’t see this as wrong to not want someone to reach under the plastic. I know I don’t want someone I didn’t say it was ok to to just open and reach in my showcases. I honestly do not see a difference.

[bounce]

Originally Posted by glynparson

I don’t see this as wrong to not want someone to reach under the plastic. I know I don’t want someone I didn’t say it was ok to to just open and reach in my showcases. I honestly do not see a difference.

I never said it was wrong - read what I wrote.

Do you post a sign in your cases that says "PLEASE DO NOT OPEN MY CASES"?

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by bounce

My wandering then led me to this. Certainly one of the more interesting items I've seen at the show, and I feel like maybe this is one of those odd collections that just about anyone could start - signed coasters? That's a Wilt Chamberlain in case you don't know, and someone actually paid PSA to slab the thing. To each their own, and no I did not purchase this - in fact I forgot to ask the price, I should do that tomorrow.
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I have a good feeling that's actually an item on my want list as they are not uncommon. If you asked to see the obverse, it is most likely a coaster from Wilt's restaurant which is a cool basketball design with the restaurant title. The bummer is that most examples are signed on the reverse like this one as Wilt logically would for legibility as the design is dark. I have always wanted one ( at a reasonable price, which is always the problem isn't it?) that is signed on the design for display purposes.

It is labeled as a "cut" so it might also be just cut in a circle for some weird reason, but if it is one the coasters, I think you'll think it's nifty.

[RedsFan1941]

from the website of the IX center:

Parking for all I-X Center shows is $10.

http://www.ixcenter.com/directions/

so it is not the evil show promoter who is taking food out of dealers' mouths (insert joke here)

[KMayUSA6060]

Originally Posted by RedsFan1941

from the website of the IX center:

Parking for all I-X Center shows is $10.

http://www.ixcenter.com/directions/

so it is not the evil show promoter who is taking food out of dealers' mouths (insert joke here)

I don't know who he car show promoter is, but I wonder if they pay the estimated total parking tab.

At the very least, it should have been a $10 parking pass or something like that, valid for multiple days.

[823dek]

Crying thinking all or most were i my collection a decade back

[scooter729]

Did anyone get to see the '55 Mantle get pulled from the Bowman pack? Must've been pretty exciting to see that happen!

[bounce]

Originally Posted by JustinD

I have a good feeling that's actually an item on my want list as they are not uncommon. If you asked to see the obverse, it is most likely a coaster from Wilt's restaurant which is a cool basketball design with the restaurant title. The bummer is that most examples are signed on the reverse like this one as Wilt logically would for legibility as the design is dark. I have always wanted one ( at a reasonable price, which is always the problem isn't it?) that is signed on the design for display purposes.

It is labeled as a "cut" so it might also be just cut in a circle for some weird reason, but if it is one the coasters, I think you'll think it's nifty.

Yep you nailed it - signed coaster from Wilts restaurant/bar. $1200 ask.

[LuckyLarry]

Saturday another full day at the show. Crowd seemed pretty heavy and while selection has been picked over I still found was to spend my money.

I need three cards to finish 1961 Nu Card football set including the most expensive card Ernie Davis. Spotted a partial full unopened box 19+ packs sticker said $320 but negotiated to $170 hey collectors of the shiny stuff pay $10 for a pack so why can’t I? Was going to open it tonight at the OBC swap party but to much other activity going on so I’ll bust it open when I get home. Discovered the set includes some inserts in each pack I didn’t even know about. Hopefully I’ll pull that Ernie Davis card from a pack and use the others to upgrade my set. I gave one empty wrapper to Sam T who needed one for his set binder always great to help a friend. I know there might be some value in the wrappers and even the empty box so I’m glad I bought it. Also a couple flyers in the box for retailers. That’s gonna be fun!

Other pickups more exhibit baseball and random hits to my list. Revisited the dealer who sold me those red World on Wheels SP high numbers and he had another waiting for me at $37. So I picked up a total go four SP high numbers with red backs for $50 $50 $37 and $1 avg $35 that’s pretty good right? More Civil War News and other non sports overall another great day.

Final purchase of the day left me wondering if I had made a good purchase or not. Dealer saw my OBC hat and called me to his table to see my wantlist. I asked to look at his Red Man baseball cards as I only need a few and he had some I needed. 1952 Larry Doby and Ted Williams 1953 Stan Musial (last Card needed) and 1954 George Kell. All cards had the tabs cut off. Dealers sticker price came to over $600 he discounted to $350 and I almost choked. Then the dealer asked me what I wanted to pay. Of course the Ted Williams holds good value as does Musial who finishes my set. I counter with $150 which the dealer accepts. Dang it should have came in lower rookie mistake. After the show I ran the scenario back to Mac W and his offer would have been $100 so maybe I learned a $50 lesson plus I did get a Ted Williams and Stan Musial Red Man cards. And on a related note, I know exactly where this dealer is and he does have a large inventory and I want another crack at him! Call me “Low Ball Larry” lol

Our annual OBC trading session pizza party was a huge success thanks to Sam T and wife for hosting! Thanks to all the dealers who gave us cards for our rookies to scour through!

Closing in on 1am hard to tell what tomorrow will bring. I’ve seen the dealers really mark down their stuff and present good buying opportunities for collectors. I’ve also seen dealers start to lock things down at noon. We shall see!

“Low Ball Lawrence”

[kailes2872]

Originally Posted by scooter729

Did anyone get to see the '55 Mantle get pulled from the Bowman pack? Must've been pretty exciting to see that happen!

I was there. Front left. When they showed the Mantle, I thought no way it is a 9. I thought it was a 6.5 - 5 if I submitted it!

[Hxcmilkshake]

Its on the you tube. Minute 28 i think. Awesome.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

Does the Donald Stephens Center charge for every event?

You do not need to park at the Stephens Center or at the parking garage across the street. The Rosemont subway station is about 1/3 mile north of the convention center on the same street. It is just north of Rte 190. Parking there was $7.00 all day (up to 14 hours). If you are in reasonable shape it is a less than 10 minute walk. The trick to parking there is to make absolutely sure of your space number. I remember pre-paying at a kiosk and you entered your space number. A local told me to pay with a credit card so you would get a receipt to prove payment. They check the spaces during the day and tow for non-paying parkers. From the CTA website:


Rosemont
5801 N. River Rd. •$7.00 for 0 to 14 hours
•$9.00 for 14 to 18 hours
•$13.00 for 18 to 24 hours
•Each additional 24 hours (or fraction thereof) $13.00
•Lost ticket: $39.00
750

[glynparson]

Originally Posted by bounce

I never said it was wrong - read what I wrote.

Do you post a sign in your cases that says "PLEASE DO NOT OPEN MY CASES"?

Do you honestly not see a difference between a lockable showcase and a piece of plastic? I know I do. I can understand a customer not knowing it is wrong to reach under the plastic. Where as I think it s easily inferred to not open and reach in a showcase. If I had the number of instances of people
Opening showcases as he did people reaching under his plastic I would absolutely not hesitate to put up such a sign.

[pow323]

Thanks for the post and the pictures! I really liked the old Cracker Jack Box, I was just thinking about what one looked like back then and there it was!!! Thanks for reading my mind! LOL! Have a great time !! Marc

[ruth-gehrig]

Originally Posted by kailes2872

I was there. Front left. When they showed the Mantle, I thought no way it is a 9. I thought it was a 6.5 - 5 if I submitted it!

Guess it's now known it was a legit unopened pack

So the guy throught it would grade a PSA 3 and it came back a PSA 9?

[LuckyLarry]

Short day today Taylor and I dropped Spike off at the airport and we are inside the show at 9 you can tell everyone is exhausted. I did return for round two and today did better with the dealer. Picked up a few random hits here and there and then spotted a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144 at JDs table that drew me in lol. Never though I would pull the trigger but I did. Card is solid but does have some writing on the back. I walked this card, the 1954 Dan Dee Mantle, and a friends ‘35 Goudey over to SGC for slabbing 20 business day turn around. JD took a PayPal f/f which also got me a slightly better discount but still looks like Ramen noodles for a month lol.

Taylor is driving home to NC and needs to get started but we are both suffering from cardboard burn out. I have about a five hour wait here at CLE but I don’t really care as I can use the rest! I’ll be home after midnight.

Larry

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

So the guy throught it would grade a PSA 3 and it came back a PSA 9?

Read the article again. He *already owns* a PSA 3. The card was straight out of the cello pack and the major issue was centering; nobody thought it might grade a PSA 3.

[ruth-gehrig]

I stand corrected. I completely read that wrong

[kailes2872]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

Guess it's now known it was a legit unopened pack

So the guy throught it would grade a PSA 3 and it came back a PSA 9?

Guilty as charged. I still can’t believe it was a 9 and feel that there was some “national pressure” to get that grade. Not meaning to accuse of anything nafarious and I admit that even after these years I can’t seem to tell the difference very well of a 6 and a 9 - other than if I submit it is a 6 and if the AH submits it is a 9 - but it seemed that there was some grade politicking from be stage and Leighton chuckled when he made the “plea” to PSA but it seems easy to get caught up in the story and the hysteria.

[jp1216]

Living 5 minutes away - always a plus. Brought my 12 year old son this time. His 2nd National but first since he was 8. Amazing difference. This show was all about him. The eye candy etc would've kept me entertained for days but he wanted the cheap stuff. Loved the 50 cents or $1 boxes. Especially those divided into teams. We spent hours sifting through boxes finding cards. The best moments were my son finding Trout (chrome, glossy, platinum whatever), Indians stars and a retro Joe Jackson (he identified it - not me). Mission accomplished. At the end, we spent $50 inside and left with more than $50 in memories.

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Living 5 minutes away - always a plus. Brought my 12 year old son this time. His 2nd National but first since he was 8. Amazing difference. This show was all about him. The eye candy etc would've kept me entertained for days but he wanted the cheap stuff. Loved the 50 cents or $1 boxes. Especially those divided into teams. We spent hours sifting through boxes finding cards. The best moments were my son finding Trout (chrome, glossy, platinum whatever), Indians stars and a retro Joe Jackson (he identified it - not me). Mission accomplished. At the end, we spent $50 inside and left with more than $50 in memories.

Jeez, talk about beautiful sentiment. I don't think there's a dry eye left on the board.

[52ToppsMantle]

Originally Posted by jp1216

Living 5 minutes away - always a plus. Brought my 12 year old son this time. His 2nd National but first since he was 8. Amazing difference. This show was all about him. The eye candy etc would've kept me entertained for days but he wanted the cheap stuff. Loved the 50 cents or $1 boxes. Especially those divided into teams. We spent hours sifting through boxes finding cards. The best moments were my son finding Trout (chrome, glossy, platinum whatever), Indians stars and a retro Joe Jackson (he identified it - not me). Mission accomplished. At the end, we spent $50 inside and left with more than $50 in memories.

Doesn't get any better than that. Well done.

[CW]

Originally Posted by glynparson

Do you honestly not see a difference between a lockable showcase and a piece of plastic? I know I do. I can understand a customer not knowing it is wrong to reach under the plastic. Where as I think it s easily inferred to not open and reach in a showcase. If I had the number of instances of people
Opening showcases as he did people reaching under his plastic I would absolutely not hesitate to put up such a sign.

I can see both sides here. Maybe a good compromise is to change the sign a bit, like "PLEASE ASK IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE WHAT IS UNDER THE PLASTIC".

Thanks everyone for the recaps. I attended Friday and Saturday but it's still nice to see everyone's experiences and observations.

As I scanned the entire floor on Saturday, I was pleased to see how busy it was and also how many younger people I saw asking about prices on cards at the tables.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by kailes2872

Guilty as charged. I still can’t believe it was a 9 and feel that there was some “national pressure” to get that grade. Not meaning to accuse of anything nafarious and I admit that even after these years I can’t seem to tell the difference very well of a 6 and a 9 - other than if I submit it is a 6 and if the AH submits it is a 9 - but it seemed that there was some grade politicking from be stage and Leighton chuckled when he made the “plea” to PSA but it seems easy to get caught up in the story and the hysteria.

On the video they said it could be an 8.5 and it came out a 9. I looked at the card on the video and it's pretty nice but I'm not perfect at seeing how the centering matches PSA standards.

But we know it's pack fresh and with the publicity I'm OK with the 9 under the circumstances.

[CW]

Originally Posted by bounce

Short day the show for me today, but I bagged my whale this trip. My only other National experience that even compares to this is when I picked up an Abraham Lincoln autograph. If today isn't the best, it's runner up only to that, but I think it's probably 1A and 1B for me. I absolutely LOVE the Ramly design, I've wanted this card for two years now and finally was in position to get it done.

I have seen some amazing hauls from the National this year, and yours easily ranks in the top 3, if not THE best. You not only have good taste, but you know how to make a deal. Congrats!

[basesareempty]

I know next year is in Chicago followed by Atlantic City in 2020. Do they have the schedule set past that?

[LuckyLarry]

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[vthobby]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

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Cool stuff!

I feel bad though for the 1964 Topps Stand-Up in the back there. He looks so damn lonely!

Peace, Mike

[Jdoggs]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

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Is that an authentic 33 goudey lajoie?

[LuckyLarry]

Originally Posted by Jdoggs

Is that an authentic 33 goudey lajoie?

no

[Donscards]

Larry---Great buys---nice seeing you again this year--always nice to chat with you. Don

[glynparson]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

On the video they said it could be an 8.5 and it came out a 9. I looked at the card on the video and it's pretty nice but I'm not perfect at seeing how the centering matches PSA standards.

But we know it's pack fresh and with the publicity I'm OK with the 9 under the circumstances.

Rich in order to get an 8.5 it would have to meet the centering standards for a 9. The .5 For PSA must have centering within the parameters of one grade higher. I honestly have no problem with that card in a 9 holder, and i believe Leighton said he thought it could get a 9 when he was going around the show understandably pumped up.

[ValKehl]

I was surprised to find a relatively long piece about this 1955 Bowman Mantle pull in the Metro Section of this morning's Washington Post. This is certainly great publicity for our hobby. Here's the link to this piece, which includes pics of both the Mantle card in its PSA slab and the cello pack in its PSA slab before it was removed: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.228a0d3e0bff

[Hxcmilkshake]

Originally Posted by LuckyLarry

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Dinner table?

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by KMayUSA6060

Does the Donald Stephens Center charge for every event?

That parking venue is a cash cow for the owner. They just keep raising prices, I'll not miss them when I retire. They charge for every event I have attended, which includes the March and November Fanatics Shows and an occasional summer show.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by kailes2872

I saw that table as well. I don't collect hockey so it wasn't a big deal. However, he did have a nice '56 set I wanted to leaf through. I started to look at it and tried to turn the page - only to realize it was under the plastic. I already have one, so no big deal... but I am sure there was someone today that wanted to look at the set and possibly buy it but took a walk instead.

I want to say that the gentleman who puts the plexiglass over his cards is a top notch Canadien dealer, and a genuinely nice guy. He is Mr. Hockey in my book!