Tell your National thoughts and show your pick ups thread

[SPauthentic84]

This was my 4th National and by far the best overall. I was there 3 days and by the end I was dead. Overall, there were probably about 10 tables with high end hoops. I am not sure what I think on selection. I thought there would be more available MJ and UD products. There was a decent amount of eye candy to look at though. The one thing that is great about the National is you see all these 90s inserts and high end products in person and you are in awe of how beautiful they are in person. Flickr just doesnt do them justice lol

This is the part where it probably only matters to me, but what made this such a fun experience this year was the people I got to spend some time with. The enthusiasm and passion for the hobby was contagious. I spent a lot of time at AlabamaSlammas, Spursfanattech, stivsoloveienna, and bballcards4days table. Ive known Slamma for a while, but this was my first time meeting Spurstanattech, Herbert and bballcards4days. Their table in my opinion was in the top 2 for basketball tables between Slamma's collection, Spur's TD collection, and BBallcard's Kobes. Also hanging around Croatiantwins (Kiki) and Helge was awesome. Their energy is awesome to be around. You get the feeling they leave an impact on everyone they meet on their travels. Spinotron is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Just by talking to him, his passion and knowledge of the hobby is obvious. Also, its been about 8 years in the making, but finally met ebitz in person (buynicecards). It was great finally making some deals in person with Eric that neither of us are happy about lol Also talking cards with bdrr was great. Walking around with Matt, Randy, and Nick is always a blast. It was also great putting some faces to names with Jpayne and Jhardy. Great guys.

Now onto the cards. I didnt buy much but very pleased with the outcome. Big thanks to meelypops. I found the Trajan on the left for 50 cents.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/35458379803_c826c91234.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W2ksXV)New Doc 2017-07-29 (3)_1 (https://flic.kr/p/W2ksXV) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

I picked this up to match my KG Buyback. Ebitz said it best. "It is a very Joe thing to do"
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4291/36262326275_ef7e2f61f0.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XfnUeZ)New Doc 2017-07-29 (1)_1 (https://flic.kr/p/XfnUeZ) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

The highlight for me was getting this graded. I just wanted it protected and did not expect this. Would love to get the MJ, Kemp, and MightyMouse to match. I want to pick up a few more 90s nostalgia auto cards now lol
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4328/35429257334_5f21099972.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VYLcSo)New Doc 2017-07-29_1 (https://flic.kr/p/VYLcSo) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking. Looking forward to seeing some pick ups

[Jpayne7787]

It was nice meeting ya! Hope you landed some monsters!

[ThoseBackPages]

i have two words for NBA cards and this years National:

BEN SIMMONS

TONS of Simmons Slabs to be had

....as for pickups, i need to take a pic of it, but i picked up a PSA 6 Jordan Action Packed Promo

[SPauthentic84]

It was nice meeting ya! Hope you landed some monsters!

Great meeting you as well brother

[Jin]

Spent a little time at Bama's booth too. Had nasty stuff

[TWard]

i have two words for NBA cards and this years National:

BEN SIMMONS

TONS of Simmons Slabs to be had

....as for pickups, i need to take a pic of it, but i picked up a PSA 6 Jordan Action Packed Promo


No one cares about your Action Packed promo.

[Cervantes]

This was my 4th National and by far the best overall. I was there 3 days and by the end I was dead. Overall, there were probably about 10 tables with high end hoops. I am not sure what I think on selection. I thought there would be more available MJ and UD products. There was a decent amount of eye candy to look at though. The one thing that is great about the National is you see all these 90s inserts and high end products in person and you are in awe of how beautiful they are in person. Flickr just doesnt do them justice lol

This is the part where it probably only matters to me, but what made this such a fun experience this year was the people I got to spend some time with. The enthusiasm and passion for the hobby was contagious. I spent a lot of time at AlabamaSlammas, Spursfanattech, stivsoloveienna, and bballcards4days table. Ive known Slamma for a while, but this was my first time meeting Spurstanattech, Herbert and bballcards4days. Their table in my opinion was in the top 2 for basketball tables between Slamma's collection, Spur's TD collection, and BBallcard's Kobes. Also hanging around Croatiantwins (Kiki) and Helge was awesome. Their energy is awesome to be around. You get the feeling they leave an impact on everyone they meet on their travels. Spinotron is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Just by talking to him, his passion and knowledge of the hobby is obvious. Also, its been about 8 years in the making, but finally met ebitz in person (buynicecards). It was great finally making some deals in person with Eric that neither of us are happy about lol Also talking cards with bdrr was great. Walking around with Matt, Randy, and Nick is always a blast. It was also great putting some faces to names with Jpayne and Jhardy. Great guys.

Now onto the cards. I didnt buy much but very pleased with the outcome. Big thanks to meelypops. I found the Trajan on the left for 50 cents.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/35458379803_c826c91234.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W2ksXV)New Doc 2017-07-29 (3)_1 (https://flic.kr/p/W2ksXV) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

I picked this up to match my KG Buyback. Ebitz said it best. "It is a very Joe thing to do"
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4291/36262326275_ef7e2f61f0.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XfnUeZ)New Doc 2017-07-29 (1)_1 (https://flic.kr/p/XfnUeZ) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

The highlight for me was getting this graded. I just wanted it protected and did not expect this. Would love to get the MJ, Kemp, and MightyMouse to match. I want to pick up a few more 90s nostalgia auto cards now lol
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4328/35429257334_5f21099972.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VYLcSo)New Doc 2017-07-29_1 (https://flic.kr/p/VYLcSo) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking. Looking forward to seeing some pick ups

WOW, cool stuff! I love your story, though; I would enjoy the people and experience, as well.

That Trajan for $.50! :eek: To some, it's no big deal, but I love it, lol.

Thanks for sharing, glad you had a blast!

[SPauthentic84]

Spent a little time at Bama's booth too. Had nasty stuff

He sure did. Hope you had a good time

[jrfillini]

Nice Penny - I remember that one catching my eye as I walked around the floor. Get that complete 1996 SPX set signed and I'll be really impressed, even with a Jordan camp auto, haha!

Kind of disappointed, but not surprised by the number of tables with high-end basketball. Then again, I wouldn't have been buying anyway, so just as well because any more quality stuff would've just made the jealousy all the more painful. But the ones that had the goods REALLY had the goods (Slamma, etc.). Chatting with Gerald, I was going on and on about the cool Jordans at his table (I think a Stitches In Time auto patch and 2004 Exquisite auto patch, in particular) and then laying my eyes on the Jordan/Pippen/Rodman triple auto and just about fainting. A good addition to any collection, to say the least.

Most impressive thing about the national - I was there for five hours and walked the whole floor and only caught an unbearable whiff of BO once - good job fellow collectors!

[AbraCalabro]

This was my 4th National and by far the best overall. I was there 3 days and by the end I was dead. Overall, there were probably about 10 tables with high end hoops. I am not sure what I think on selection. I thought there would be more available MJ and UD products. There was a decent amount of eye candy to look at though. The one thing that is great about the National is you see all these 90s inserts and high end products in person and you are in awe of how beautiful they are in person. Flickr just doesnt do them justice lol

This is the part where it probably only matters to me, but what made this such a fun experience this year was the people I got to spend some time with. The enthusiasm and passion for the hobby was contagious. I spent a lot of time at AlabamaSlammas, Spursfanattech, stivsoloveienna, and bballcards4days table. Ive known Slamma for a while, but this was my first time meeting Spurstanattech, Herbert and bballcards4days. Their table in my opinion was in the top 2 for basketball tables between Slamma's collection, Spur's TD collection, and BBallcard's Kobes. Also hanging around Croatiantwins (Kiki) and Helge was awesome. Their energy is awesome to be around. You get the feeling they leave an impact on everyone they meet on their travels. Spinotron is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Just by talking to him, his passion and knowledge of the hobby is obvious. Also, its been about 8 years in the making, but finally met ebitz in person (buynicecards). It was great finally making some deals in person with Eric that neither of us are happy about lol Also talking cards with bdrr was great. Walking around with Matt, Randy, and Nick is always a blast. It was also great putting some faces to names with Jpayne and Jhardy. Great guys.

Now onto the cards. I didnt buy much but very pleased with the outcome. Big thanks to meelypops. I found the Trajan on the left for 50 cents.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4323/35458379803_c826c91234.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W2ksXV)New Doc 2017-07-29 (3)_1 (https://flic.kr/p/W2ksXV) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

I picked this up to match my KG Buyback. Ebitz said it best. "It is a very Joe thing to do"
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4291/36262326275_ef7e2f61f0.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XfnUeZ)New Doc 2017-07-29 (1)_1 (https://flic.kr/p/XfnUeZ) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

The highlight for me was getting this graded. I just wanted it protected and did not expect this. Would love to get the MJ, Kemp, and MightyMouse to match. I want to pick up a few more 90s nostalgia auto cards now lol
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4328/35429257334_5f21099972.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VYLcSo)New Doc 2017-07-29_1 (https://flic.kr/p/VYLcSo) by Joe Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152354202@N02/), on Flickr

Thanks for looking. Looking forward to seeing some pick ups

Oh man, those SPx cards are dream-like. Absolutely spectacular cards man, I am filled with envy. I really need to get the Penny some day. Now you NEED to get the Kemp and MJ, but there is no Mighty Mouse...unless they did a later buyback well after the 90s.

That Penny is F'ing gorgeous.

[lietuvalabas]

Nice Penny - I remember that one catching my eye as I walked around the floor. Get that complete 1996 SPX set signed and I'll be really impressed, even with a Jordan camp auto, haha!

Kind of disappointed, but not surprised by the number of tables with high-end basketball. Then again, I wouldn't have been buying anyway, so just as well because any more quality stuff would've just made the jealousy all the more painful. But the ones that had the goods REALLY had the goods (Slamma, etc.). Chatting with Gerald, I was going on and on about the cool Jordans at his table (I think a Stitches In Time auto patch and 2004 Exquisite auto patch, in particular) and then laying my eyes on the Jordan/Pippen/Rodman triple auto and just about fainting. A good addition to any collection, to say the least.

Most impressive thing about the national - I was there for five hours and walked the whole floor and only caught an unbearable whiff of BO once - good job fellow collectors!

You're lucky, it's bo and stale piss smell city.

My favorite of geralds is that Jordan ud black 1/1

[lietuvalabas]

And Joe, yes always a pleasure. Just wish you could have made it to dinner with us if you were in a night earlier. Likely see you in Cleveland bud.

[jrfillini]

You're lucky, it's bo and stale piss smell city.

My favorite of geralds is that Jordan ud black 1/1

I avoided the dudes camped out in front of the nickel boxes, so maybe that's why I had a better experience, haha.

That's right, the Black 1/1! That was something else.

[6celtics33]

You're lucky, it's bo and stale piss smell city.

My favorite of geralds is that Jordan ud black 1/1

Is Gerald windycitysportscards?

[TWard]

My thoughts:

- lots of vintage baseball and lots of prospecting. More than I recall in years past. Not much football but still got some cool stuff.

- I've seen more kids here than in years past as well, which makes me happy. We need more kids in this hobby so I'm stoked to see a nice amount.

- Some of these guys need to bathe themselves. I've encountered several people throughout my time here that smelled like they had just shat their pants. Absolutely disgusting.

- I'm not one to judge people on their eating habits because I'm not exceptionally healthy either but the amount of morbidly, morbidly, MORBIDLY obese people here is amazing and not so amazing at the same time. I've seen enough buttcrack this trip to last me the rest of my life.... and not sexy buttcrack either.

- Of the 6-8 National's I've been to, this is the busiest one I've ever seen. Thursday's crowd was insane, but that's a good thing.

- While there's a lot of nice dealers here, there's also a lot of douches as well. But that's not shocking.

- Topps need to stop doing Q&A's because it pretty much always turns into a bi***fest. One woman went crazy on them and was definitely a little intense.

- Feel bad for the Starbucks employees inside the convention center. They are balls to the wall busy from the time they open til the time they close.

- Coming to these things makes me love the hobby even more. This is my favorite time of the year, except for maybe NFL Draft season. I'm so happy to see a lot of younger collectors here, and Panini, PSA and the Mike Berkus main stage folks knocked it out of the park by doing a lot of stuff for kids, which I was happy to see. Overall, it was probably my favorite National as everything has been stupendous. Can't wait for next year.

[SPauthentic84]

That Trajan for $.50! :eek: To some, it's no big deal, but I love it, lol.

Thanks for sharing, glad you had a blast!

The Alaskan Assassin was the greatest Duke 3 point shooter to me

Nice Penny - I remember that one catching my eye as I walked around the floor. Get that complete 1996 SPX set signed and I'll be really impressed, even with a Jordan camp auto, haha!


Hey if it was bright blue sig and legit, I would love it. You of all people know I still cant tell the difference lol

Oh man, those SPx cards are dream-like. Absolutely spectacular cards man, I am filled with envy. I really need to get the Penny some day. Now you NEED to get the Kemp and MJ, but there is no Mighty Mouse...unless they did a later buyback well after the 90s.

That Penny is F'ing gorgeous.

Thanks brother...I think I saw a buyback. I could be wrong though.
And Joe, yes always a pleasure. Just wish you could have made it to dinner with us if you were in a night earlier. Likely see you in Cleveland bud.

For sure

.....And I definitely got a few wiffs of BO...not Blowout either

[rangeljon]

Was only around for Thursday but had a ball. Walked six miles after it was all said and done around the hall.

Met plenty of BO and IG people in person for the first time -- all of whom were super friendly and excited to meet in person.

Was my first National, but felt basketball was definitely the third wheel behind baseball and football. (Kinda figured that'd be the case, just by looking at board numbers on here.)

Most dealers were super friendly and about the hobby. A few came across as cardboard brokers and unenthused to talk about their collection, and could not be bothered. That was disappointing, because they were usually the ones with the big boppers.

But it's not about who has the best stuff, in my opinion; it's about who finds it most enjoyable. And there were plenty of people there who shared that sentiment, and it was awesome to be able to share in the day with them.

Bought some wax, hit some nice cards. Would definitely go next year in Cleveland.

[lietuvalabas]

Is Gerald windycitysportscards?

I'm pretty sure that's him. Geralds awesome very cool and friendly to talk to guy.

[DajuanWagner]

Was only around for Thursday but had a ball. Walked six miles after it was all said and done around the hall.

Met plenty of BO and IG people in person for the first time -- all of whom were super friendly and excited to meet in person.

Was my first National, but felt basketball was definitely the third wheel behind baseball and football. (Kinda figured that'd be the case, just by looking at board numbers on here.)

Most dealers were super friendly and about the hobby. A few came across as cardboard brokers and unenthused to talk about their collection, and could not be bothered. That was disappointing, because they were usually the ones with the big boppers.

But it's not about who has the best stuff, in my opinion; it's about who finds it most enjoyable. And there were plenty of people there who shared that sentiment, and it was awesome to be able to share in the day with them.

Bought some wax, hit some nice cards. Would definitely go next year in Cleveland.



I had one dealer (won't mention his name since he is a member here), but he said that basketball was the most plentiful. I said, "what National did you go to????"..........goes a little something like this, baseball, football, and then basketball...............

[ThoseBackPages]

Try finding NHL slabs at the show! LOL

[Jay9Suited]

I could only make it down Thursday but was able meet a few BO members. Card wise I went home with nothing. I had about 5-10 cards on my radar and didn't see any of them at the show. Regardless it was still a good time, I would love to set up next year to meet some more people as well as get the opportunity to make deals with ppl walking around.

[SPauthentic84]

I could only make it down Thursday but was able meet a few BO members. Card wise I went home with nothing. I had about 5-10 cards on my radar and didn't see any of them at the show. Regardless it was still a good time, I would love to set up next year to meet some more people as well as get the opportunity to make deals with ppl walking around.

Yeah the setting up part I feel is a big part of making deals with people walking around

[AbraCalabro]

Thanks brother...I think I saw a buyback. I could be wrong though.


If it's out there, I'm sure you will track it down. You have great taste no doubt about it. Thanks for sharing the pics. MAN, I really need to get that Penny soon.

[spiderico]

hi SPauthentic84 how are you? it been awhile. 4 nationals that is awesome. i hopefully one day get to know. i agree seeing cards in person only way to go. sick pickup penny hardaway autographs. he my one of many favorites players growing up. i was look forward to your pickups. i cant wait for more. you, will and 15ncounting best collection on blowout. that my opinon

[Brett Keith]

I sold most of my collection, and the card that most caught my eye (Klay Thompson Immaculate logoman rc auto), I waited too long and it disappeared. Time to start over and maybe more money to buy Lonzo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kukocitb]

Well said Tward. I was sweating like no other but hopefully I was not one of the stinky ones...LOL!

My thoughts:

- lots of vintage baseball and lots of prospecting. More than I recall in years past. Not much football but still got some cool stuff.

- I've seen more kids here than in years past as well, which makes me happy. We need more kids in this hobby so I'm stoked to see a nice amount.

- Some of these guys need to bathe themselves. I've encountered several people throughout my time here that smelled like they had just shat their pants. Absolutely disgusting.

- I'm not one to judge people on their eating habits because I'm not exceptionally healthy either but the amount of morbidly, morbidly, MORBIDLY obese people here is amazing and not so amazing at the same time. I've seen enough buttcrack this trip to last me the rest of my life.... and not sexy buttcrack either.

- Of the 6-8 National's I've been to, this is the busiest one I've ever seen. Thursday's crowd was insane, but that's a good thing.

- While there's a lot of nice dealers here, there's also a lot of douches as well. But that's not shocking.

- Topps need to stop doing Q&A's because it pretty much always turns into a bi***fest. One woman went crazy on them and was definitely a little intense.

- Feel bad for the Starbucks employees inside the convention center. They are balls to the wall busy from the time they open til the time they close.

- Coming to these things makes me love the hobby even more. This is my favorite time of the year, except for maybe NFL Draft season. I'm so happy to see a lot of younger collectors here, and Panini, PSA and the Mike Berkus main stage folks knocked it out of the park by doing a lot of stuff for kids, which I was happy to see. Overall, it was probably my favorite National as everything has been stupendous. Can't wait for next year.

[stang_crazy]

Nice pick ups there.

I have never been to the nationals I hope someday I can go. This may sound silly but is it mostly high end cards there or is there a good selection of low mid range stuff for broke ppl like me?

How many tables are there normally roughly for people that set up to sell besides places like blowout, hobby stores so in other words just your average joe.

[SPauthentic84]

Nice pick ups there.

I have never been to the nationals I hope someday I can go. This may sound silly but is it mostly high end cards there or is there a good selection of low mid range stuff for broke ppl like me?

How many tables are there normally roughly for people that set up to sell besides places like blowout, hobby stores so in other words just your average joe.

The mid end selection is probably better than the high end stuff for sure. All types of dealers as well

[DajuanWagner]

Nice pick ups there.

I have never been to the nationals I hope someday I can go. This may sound silly but is it mostly high end cards there or is there a good selection of low mid range stuff for broke ppl like me?

How many tables are there normally roughly for people that set up to sell besides places like blowout, hobby stores so in other words just your average joe.




I am a low end guy (well, low-mid end) and I "dumpster dive" every time I go to the National. They have everything from 10 cent boxes on up. Literally, something for everyone. I wanted to buy a Pistol Pete on card auto graded. Yep, I found 5 of them (couldn't afford them, though). So, something for everyone. It is a blast, especially if you find another dumpster diver to go with you..........

[Idol]

Good meeting you bro and thanks for the Lebron 2008 Topps Chrome xfractor

[bballcards4days]

Was an amazing time at the national I think more than the cards, I just simply enjoyed spending time with the guys at the show and outside the show. I could have sold tons of my cards but I wasn't there to sell and make money I was there for the experience. Glad to have met all the people that I was privileged to have met and looking forward to the next show.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SPauthentic84]

Good meeting you bro and thanks for the Lebron 2008 Topps Chrome xfractor

Was an amazing time at the national I think more than the cards, I just simply enjoyed spending time with the guys at the show and outside the show. I could have sold tons of my cards but I wasn't there to sell and make money I was there for the experience. Glad to have met all the people that I was privileged to have met and looking forward to the next show.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great meeting you guys

[Deadshot]

I am a low end guy (well, low-mid end) and I "dumpster dive" every time I go to the National. They have everything from 10 cent boxes on up. Literally, something for everyone. I wanted to buy a Pistol Pete on card auto graded. Yep, I found 5 of them (couldn't afford them, though). So, something for everyone. It is a blast, especially if you find another dumpster diver to go with you..........

Wow, interesting. Do you remember what years the Pete's were?

[SPauthentic84]

Wow, interesting. Do you remember what years the Pete's were?

Dont remember the years...71 was in there

And they were wayyyyyyy overpriced.

[Deadshot]

Dont remember the years...71 was in there

And they were wayyyyyyy overpriced.

I'm just being nosey anyway - definitely not going to buy another one :)

[WillC]

Dont remember the years...71 was in there

And they were wayyyyyyy overpriced.

What kind of asking prices?

[SPauthentic84]

What kind of asking prices?

Between 4-5k on them

[WillC]

Cheers, that's interesting. Who was the seller? Anyone 'well known'?

[SPauthentic84]

Cheers, that's interesting. Who was the seller? Anyone 'well known'?

They have been on the bay from time to time

[duron]

I've wanted that 96 SPx Penny auto since, well, 1996. Still do. Ridiculous pick up.

[croatiantwins]

I spent a lot of time at AlabamaSlammas, Spursfanattech, stivsoloveienna, and bballcards4days table. Ive known Slamma for a while, but this was my first time meeting Spurstanattech, Herbert and bballcards4days. Their table in my opinion was in the top 2 for basketball tables between Slamma's collection, Spur's TD collection, and BBallcard's Kobes. Also hanging around Croatiantwins (Kiki) and Helge was awesome. Their energy is awesome to be around. You get the feeling they leave an impact on everyone they meet on their travels. Spinotron is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Just by talking to him, his passion and knowledge of the hobby is obvious. Also, its been about 8 years in the making, but finally met ebitz in person (buynicecards). It was great finally making some deals in person with Eric that neither of us are happy about lol Also talking cards with bdrr was great. Walking around with Matt, Randy, and Nick is always a blast. It was also great putting some faces to names with Jpayne and Jhardy. Great guys.



Very well said J !! very well said!!
I was sooo super glad when i saw that KG beeing graded a BGS 9.5. gold label- great decision to get it graded!

Dream card with a dream grade, thats how its supposed to be !

big respect and thanks for all those talks we had!
Hakuna Matata :-)

-kiks