Now that the dust has settled...

[Vintagecatcher]

Now that the dust has settled, and people have returned from the 2014 National...

How was this year's National?

Seems like there was light coverage compared to previous years.

Would love to hear highlights and impressions from those of you whom were fortunate enough to attend the 2014 National.

Thanks in advance,


Patrick

[timn1]

Smaller than previous years (there was 100 feet at the west end of the convention hall not being used, and I'm pretty sure it was used in previous Cleveland nat'ls. I think Cleveland has really worn out its welcome over the past decade, and not as many people showed up.

Less exotic vintage than I remember at previous ones, although this may be a subjective impression.

Prices seemed a little less absurd than in previous years, although maybe I'm just inured to them by now.

Still a heck of a lot going on, and amazing cards around.

Everybody come next year to Chicago (if I remember right) and let's make it the best ever-

[vthobby]

I think next year is Atlantic City.....

mike

[refz]

year is Atlantic City.....

mike[/QUOTE]

Speculation or concrete? This would be great.

[Vintagecatcher]

Here is the upcoming National Schedule which I copied from there site:

What is the schedule for future Nationals?
2014 - International Exposition (I-X) Center - Cleveland, OH

2015 - Donald E Stephens Convention Center Rosemont IL

2016 - Atlantic City Convention Center - Atlantic City NJ

2017 - Donald E Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont IL

2018 - International Exposition (I-X) Center - Cleveland, OH


Patrick

[kamikidEFFL]

This is the schedule for the next few years, the reason I know that is I asked if there would ever be a east coast show close to Boston and they said no because the venu was to small. Anyway below are the Venus for the next 5 years as of now.

2015: Chicago
2016: Atlantic City
2017: Chicago
2018: Cleveland
2019: Chicago

I really want to just hit one up to see what all the buzz is. I watched a few YouTube videos from this year. Some interesting stuff. I posted a link of a few different 2014 national videos. Kid rambles a bit but still just nice to see what the fuss was all about.

http://youtu.be/y8kmjYScck8
http://youtu.be/nbsaOYK9O10

[mrvster]

will be off the CHAIN! I missed the last time it was there, but I hear it was great! ac airport right there......tons of casinos....tons of stuff to do within a small radius, almost over whelming.....

does anyone remember ac?? I cant wait to go.....

[rainier2004]

The was the first year I had 3 days to toil around, be social and try to actually take the whole thing it. The thing that really surprised me was how little money I saw exchanging hands. The National seems to not be a place of business, but is morphing into a place for us dorks to hang out. People rent tables, some have very little interest in selling their cards and is a medium to just hang out or to talk to collectors/buddies all week. It was extremely fun and the true key to the hobby is meeting other collectors, but socially and for your collection.

It was huge as usual, lots of things going on everywhere and there some definite impressions I had.

Tons of t206s, just loads in binders, piles, they seemed everywhere. I don't ever remember seeing that many before. So a massive amount of t207s as well, probably 1000 cards? Baltimore had maybe 100 and Chicago last year even less. Saw a bit of t202s as well and the mainstream t-cards seemed plentiful.

Much less memorabilia f/s sale, and what was were all autos. Just less stuff, I'm not a memorabilia guy but there just didn't seem to be the displays that pulled you in just the see their wares. Lots of rings, past that was not much in comparison.

It sucks having 1914 CJs so hot for an old CJ collector, no deals to be had. There was a complete 1915 set for $75,000 for Wed., that was neat.

Pre war seemed to represent well, but the extremely rare/unique pieces seemed to be lower than normal. Tons of the mainstream stuff, 50s and 60s is still king but lots of cards. I only made a single purchase at the show but my purchase of the show was made in the bar rather late. It seems more of a social thing now.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

People rent tables, some have very little interest in selling their cards and is a medium to just hang out or to talk to collectors/buddies all week.

Steven, that's crazy talk. I would have rather been spending my time selling stuff. But given the situation, I was very happy to get to spend all the free time talking with collectors and dealers alike. No one wants to spend the time and money it takes to set up at the National for five days, and then purposefully price their items too high to sell. I was also able to buy some stuff for bargain prices - sorry the stuff you were looking for was priced higher than you wanted to pay.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Steve, you have lost your mind.

Hey Scott
Hoping your comment is tongue in cheek as I think a lot of going to the National has to do with seeing friends. If it was only for the cards I wouldn't even think about going. It's all of the camaraderie that I go for....

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Leon

Hey Scott
Hoping your comment is tongue in cheek as I think a lot of going to the National has to do with seeing friends. If it was only for the cards I wouldn't even think about going. It's all of the camaraderie that I go for....

My initial response was to the comment that sellers weren't interested in selling cards.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Runscott

My initial response was to the comment that sellers weren't interested in selling cards.

I think most were interested more than I was, so I guess it's an unfair comparison on a personal level. (Actually, I imagine almost every other seller was more interested than me). I had a great time and I am glad I nabbed this one card from you. I had been looking at it for a long time. Glad we could make it happen and not sure we could have had it not been in person. What a great card....

[cincyredlegs]

WOW Leon. That is a really beautiful Cobb. Nice pick-up.

Mark

[bwbc917]

My sense of the National this time was that there was a lot more memorabilia and less cards. I also felt there was less variety in the cards. I attended on Friday and both items I purchased I got at a discount. In past years dealers were unwilling to budge, but I had no trouble this time. Not sure if that's because of the economy or the 100's in my pocket.

[kamikidEFFL]

It sounds like people enjoyed themselves for the most part. Just wish one would come closer to where I live

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by kamikidEFFL

It sounds like people enjoyed themselves for the most part. Just wish one would come closer to where I live

Half of the country feels the exact same

[drcy]

As a West Coaster, I used to always say I'd go when it was in Portland or Seattle.

[Exhibitman]

Reflecting on what I saw and heard after a week home, I have the following impressions:

--The show has shrunk. Not only was there sizable dead space at one end, there was a big gap in the middle where the ferris wheel is. The first few Cleveland shows I attended there were tables clustered around that space. This time, big open gap. I'd say easily 10% fewer tables than pre-2008.

--Showstopping quality material is not being offered for sale. At least not really. There were some great items on display but at prices that were essentially dares.

--So many auctioneers. Only slightly less common than a Bob Feller autograph. They've taken over for eBay in many ways. From a show standpoint it means there were a couple dozen more tables with nothing for sale than in recent years.

--The people were the usual assortment of misfits, weirdos and addicts. Many dealers with no interpersonal skills or sense of hygiene. This guy would have been right at home at many tables:



--One thing I cannot fathom are the pack breakers and modern card guys. I saw one group of youngish men break open a full box of cards at the eating area on one of the tables and just walk away from the contents--and the crazy part was that no one, not even a kid, bothered to pick up the cards. The manufacturers should just scrap the base sets entirely and package a dozen plain, unprinted white cards in every pack with the chase cards at random, or even better, just skip the whole thing and put one chase card in each box.

--I was actually pleased to see less manufactured crap memorabilia. I guess worthless consumer goods are finally ceasing their run at the show?

--I kinda missed the Olympics pavilion from Chicago. It's nice to see thin people [Europeans] and women at the show. Though the elderly German with the 1936 Olympics memorabilia was one I did not miss...

[Donscards]

I did the Cleveland show---I deal in graded cards mostly 50's but also some early N300--T206 Goudeys--etc. I was there tuesday thru sunday and had a great time---Sales were just about what I wanted--I sold 3 Goudey Ruths--One T206 Cobb--plenty 1952's---My friend Paul hit his goal--We both were pleased with sales and needless to say, signed up for Chicago---I price all my cards with stickers and work very close to where they are prices which I feel is reasonable. I walked around a bit but mostly stayed at my booth---I get too jealous seeing all the great stuff. Leon I love the E95 Cobb u purchased---my friend has a psa 7 E95 Cobb---I tried to get him to allow me to take it to the National (I said I think I could get 20K or better--I think I am in the right range due to the grade) Anyway, maybe next year I will get it for Chicago. But again I thought it was a great National and most collectors certainly got what they were looking for. Don

[brass_rat]

I'd like to echo the comments that there are a lot of auction houses advertising and displaying upcoming auction lots (which is kind of neat -- I got to hold a Ruth gamer and take photos with it). One well-known ebay specialist, however, simply setup a bunch of la-z-boy recliners and took up a lot of space.

On the whole, the show very much feels like a card museum with a gift tables (where you can buy autographed items hot off the press). Pre-war definitely felt underrepresented.

I like Cleveland more than Chicago and Baltimore because the I-X Center is larger. (I-X has about 1 million sq. ft. compared to 840k sq. ft. in Chicago and 400k sq. ft. in Baltimore.) A side note, the food inside Cleveland is much better than either of the other two locations.

Had it not been for the case breakers (with whom I have no issues), the show's attendance would have been abysmal.

I look forward to weekends in cities where I can catch ballgames as well -- I made it to two exciting Rangers/Indians games on Friday and Sunday. Atlantic City won't have that...in fact, AC in 2016 may very well be one of the most depressing cities in the US. The local economy there continues to dive, and crime is only destined to get worse after the next few casinos close.

Overall, I really enjoyed the National. Hopefully, the case breakers will breath life into the future of the hobby and perhaps some of those chasing the lottery inserts will find enjoyment in pre-war in the future. (I understand that it's easier for young collectors to relate to modern players more so that historical figures.)

Have a nice day,
Steve

[Tyler]

I have family in Cleveland, so it is a good excuse for me to time my trips around the National there.

I dropped my young child off at my sister's and spent 5 hours on my own...I had an absolute blast.

Highlights...

-Finally got to meet Leon (hi Leon). It was so cool to finally see and hold his multi-strike and Matty proof. I have been following the board and occasionally participating for around 7 years.

-I filled a bunch of holes in my 59 Topps set. Met some really cool dealers in the process. They were far more friendly than I had anticipated.

-I got to see some AMAZING items. I like the fact that the auction houses are there to show their upcoming lots. T206 Wagner, that Cy Young collection of cabinets, etc.

-Thanks to the overwhelming amount of beer stands, I caught a buzz and decided to overpay for some items. I have no regrets, I am not the fizziest pop in the fridge, but I wasn't going to go home empty handed.

Overall, it was a great experience. I had a great time making some deals with Levi of 707. I took home a '33 Goudey Gehrig and I could not be happier.

See you in Cleveland '18!

[kamikidEFFL]

Tyler sounds like you had fun. Glad to hear that you were able to score some PC items

[the 'stache]

If they had the National in Dallas, I'd be there in a heartbeat. Traveling to Chicago, or Cleveland, is an impossibility for me.