National Recap from a Newbie

[aharvey2000]

So this is my 2nd National. Last year I made a day trip to Cleveland and meet my friend from Cincinnati there for Sunday.

This year we planned it out more, so we got some more time. I drove from Detroit Thursday morning and got to the show about opening time 10:30am. Right off the bat I will say I like the Cleveland Convention Center better, it has taller ceilings, the aisles seemed wider and more spaced out and it was easier to see the booth signs from the big companies.

Before I go too far into this, I will give some background on myself. I am near 40, with 1 child and frugal. Wife keeps me in check LOL. I collected though my childhood until the mid to late 90’s and picked up again in 03-04 unfortunately for me I picked the wrong guy to collect and stopped again until recently. I only collect Basketball.

Thursday – I met my friend inside and we walked around the show from 10:30 to about 2:30. No purchases made but was scoping out a lot of the tables, the older boxes of my childhood and walking around. We went back to the Hotel and then I went to the Beckett Night later. Beckett Night to be honest was rather lame but it got me out of the hotel. I did win a Box of 2019 Topps Archives Signature Series and got a Jose Altuve Auto /15 so that was cool. I got an autograph from Ron Kittle on a Sports Digest from 1983 and ate. I didn’t win anything else but honestly, they were raffling off boxes of cards that could have been found in the Kmart clearance racks, so I am fine with not winning.

I wanted to make it to Trade Night but it didn’t happen, it seems like it was probably out of my comfort zone. Maybe next year.

Friday – We had breakfast and got to the show right after opening. I had access to the PSA Luncheon but we didn’t go and I wish I would have. It was more walking around, joined the Upper Deck and Pristine Auction raffles. My friend and I Bought Goodwin Boxes for the Wrapper Redemption. We didn’t hit anything of value, but it was still fun. We got in line for the Hunter Greene Signing at Topps and got his card. Then I made some small purchases of a 93-94 Fleer and Topps Archives Basketball boxes lol. We stayed until close. After dinner at Murray Bros we opened the boxes.

Saturday – Goth there at open, continued to walk around and again purchased some older boxes (92-93 Stadium Club and 92-93 High Series Upper Deck). I needed up leaving about 12 as we were leaving at 1pm to drive back to Detroit. I got my grades from my RCR submission when I was half way home. I was hoping to have them during the show but oh well.

Overall a good time with friends and away from the house. Enjoyed seeing the cards and collections of the Dealers and other collectors. Seemed like a lot of Basketball was for sale this year. Show was pretty busy, Saturday being the busiest obviously.

I have a decent collection, but nothing compared to the young kids of today. I wish more Dealers asked if you brought anything to the show instead of forcing the people to ask if they are buying.

I need have 1 year to upgrade my collection, as I hope to be back for my 3rd National in Atlantic City.

Hope to gain some friends on IG and on here so I am not the Lone Ranger at these places.

Adam

[KnicksLife]

Thank You for sharing. Sounds like a good time you had. Next year will probably be my first National as it is more closer to home.

[smalltown]

Nice recap. Sounds like fun with the old boxes. What’s your Instagram so people can add you?

[aharvey2000]

Originally Posted by smalltown

Nice recap. Sounds like fun with the old boxes. What’s your Instagram so people can add you?

Thanks man! IG is Harvbocards

[ClipsandVols]

Sounds like you had fun! Look forward to following your updates on IG.

[byronscott4ever]

Great summary, always good to hear different perspectives

[kukocitb]

sounds like you had a good time! Just followed you on IG. If you ever run into me at the national say hi!

[theLUCKYshow]

Nice recap! Thanks for the share.

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