(Editor’s note: this story on The National will be updated daily during the show, so check back often! Thanks to Mark for providing some on-the-ground reporting and observations! -Matt)

Monday: Calm Before the Storm

It’s the calm before the storm. Dealers are packed and en route or already there. The convention center is ready. Collectors are filled with anticipation. It’s the Monday before the biggest event in the sports card year – the National Sportscard Collector Convention, this year in Cleveland, Ohio.

This will be my 3rd or 4th National. The first one I attended was in 1985 at the Disneyland Hotel. I was 9 years old and it was AMAZING! I still remember the endless rows of tables and display cases of high end cards I’d only read about. My memory is hazy, but I think I may have gone in 1991 at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Then, like many people my age, I took a collecting hiatus (or partial hiatus – I still picked up some things in my 20s and 30s) until COVID hit and I got my collection out. I fell in love with baseball cards again and dove headlong back into the hobby. I attended the National last year in Chicago on the way back from a work trip to DC and am doing the same this year (following work and a family vacation). 

Planning Your Approach

You may hear people talk about how special the National is or how it is not like any other card show. In many ways that’s right. It’s much bigger than other shows, has an extremely wide selection of vintage dealers (I’m a vintage only collector), and brings the most people by far. For these reasons, you can do things at the National you can’t do at other conventions. 

Last year I was there for one day and it was too much. I was constantly rushing around and then exhausted at the end. This year, I’m arriving on Wednesday and leaving on Saturday, giving me time to enjoy things at a leisurely pace. Last year I came in with some loose goals, but having seen the modern National, I developed some more specific goals this year. I’m looking to do things at the National I cannot do on ebay, in facebook groups, or at other smaller shows. Here’s a rundown of my goals for the convention this year:

First Day at the 2024 National!

My first day at the Cleveland National was a whirlwind. So many showcases with so many amazing cards. I also got to meet up with some other people who make videos on Youtube – was great to meet people and talk cards. 

In terms of the facility, I thought it was great. Huge rooms, plenty of space, lots of food. Wifi was not great. My feet are tired from all the walking, but in a good way. And I’m looking forward to the Youtube get together this evening. 

In terms of cards and prices, there was a huge selection of cards, but I thought the prices were on the high side. Still, there are deals to be had if you’re looking. I came in with a goal of trying to get one big card with cash and some trade. Was unsuccessful on this count, largely because prices were a bit on the high side and the two dealers I wanted to try and made a deal with weren’t open to partial trades. 

I did, however, buy a bunch of cards. I bought almost 20 commons and semi stars to fill out Dodgers team sets. I also identified a few dealers I’m going to hit up tomorrow for and do a lot more of this (I have a lot of needs). 

I also wanted to make sure to add at least one rare card. I did that by adding my first 1914 Cracker Jack to my collection – a nice looking Nap Rucker. 

That’s about it for Day 1. Will share more tomorrow. Check out my day 1 video!

Day 2 Recap: A Big Deal!

I arrived at the National today pretty tired but also with a clear plan. I knew the booths I wanted to hit first so I was able to be much more efficient in picking things up. 

First stop was a table where I had seen a 1922 E121 American Caramel Zach Wheat (card says Zach, not Zack). Dealer wanted $500, I offered $350, he said $450. At that point I excused myself as this was more than I wanted to pay. (More on that later.)

Second stop was an awesome booth I’d been to the day before. I camped out there for about an hour going through binders and pulling Dodger cards – lots of high numbers, semi stars, and other commons I needed to complete team sets. Their prices were super reasonable and they had a great selection. I think I did well there. 

Having checked off a bunch of things, I went back to the American Caramel and offered $400 – we ended up settling on $425, which is still a little more than I wanted to spend, but happy to add this one to the collection.

The highlight of the day was a big deal – the biggest I’ve ever done – to acquire a 1933 Goudey Hack Wilson SGC 4.5. I ended up trading a bunch of Hall of Fame rookies from the 60s and 70s and some cash. You can see all the details in this video. I’m really pumped about this one!

 

Overall, today I thought prices were still on the high side but more deals to be had today. I expect that will be more true as the convention moves along. It also didn’t feel like crowds were any worse than yesterday, and may actually have been better. Hard to tell. 

Finally, it’s been so awesome to connect with other card collectors here. One of the real highlights of the trip. Had some great conversations with folks both yesterday and last night at the youtube get together, and today.

More on The National coming soon!

Keep up with this article and other news from the National at Cardhound Vintage.