Some National Thoughts

[Ladder7]

Damn, I missed it! When did Cleveland lose it's 'Peepee Capital of America' status anyway?

I been there once. We had to make a beer run as our Amtrak train (enroute Great Mistakes, Ill for bootcamp) had run out of Highlife... I believe the River that runs through the city had spontaneously burst into flames at some point prior. And I thought WE had dirty water!

With our rich, ancient baseball traditions, The Hub needs to play host to the National. Then, I can finally make one. Beware however, It's rumored that Beantown is populated by overproud, pompous massholes

[David W]

I live in Indiana, so Chicago and Cleveland are close.

I went to Chicago last year, and as a guy who drives in and spends one day and leaves, Cleveland is a much better alternative. I was in Chicago last year on a Thursday, Cleveland this year on Friday.

It's much easier to drive into the Cleveland IX than Rosemont. Chicago traffic at 9:00 A.M. is just not worth it. Chicago traffic at 6:00 is just not worth it. I still remember the drive back, a bad accident on 94 south had traffic completely stopped on Thursday, I managed to get off and take an alternate route that added 50 miles to the trip, but at least I didn't spent 3 hours not moving.

I took $700 to spend, I'm guessing that I'm within range of what the majority of people walking around had to spend. I spent most of it.

My guess is way more "average joe's" show up at a National, than guys looking to spend $10K. I saw a lot more "action" at tables with bargain boxes than high end PSA graded stuff. There were a lot of set collectors scrounging through commons boxes filling out sets.

There were a lot of friendly dealers, there were a lot of un friendly dealers. I spent all my money with friendly dealers who would chit chat for a while.