General Forum

I've canceled so many plans this year.  I feel bad for you guys out east who just had your plans canceled.  Especially the first-timers.  I know the hobby is nothing like it was when I went to my last National, but I'm sure it's still a great time.  Seems like it's on a 3 year cycle, so maybe you'll get it back in 2023.

I hope so. Last National I attended was 1988. 

My last was maybe 2002 or 03 in Chicago.  I think that was the first time I ever saw a graded card.  By December 2003, I was out of the hobby.

I went to the last Chicago one. It was ok, just take alot of money, cause nothing there is cheap.

I will agree there......things are not cheap and it's a good idea to know what you want to get and the price you are willing to pay so as to not overspend/pay for something 

I was very strongly considering going (Ive never been to national before), but now I guess I dont have to make that choice. Would have been fun as a senior year trip, but oh well. At least my wallet can breathe a sigh of relief.

Was on the fence of maybe attending, because I have so many vacation days to use and don't know what to do with myself. I wanted to go to Toronto for my birthday (July) and see the Hockey Hall of Fame, but that was a no-go.

Cleveland is the closest to me, me being north of Pittsburgh, but I'm willing to travel to other places.

It's been many years since I went to a National - maybe '99 or early 2000s in Chicago.  You definitely have to plan what you are looking for or you could end up spending your budget in 15 minutes.  If you like vintage stuff, there's nothing like it.  The wow factor is incredible.  I strongly advise everyone to go at least once.

When I was standing in a very long line waiting to get in the '92 National in Atlanta I was interviewed by SCD or Tuff Stuff or one of the big publications - they were looking for the collector perspective on some issue.  I had a friend with me who was not a collector, and I can remember him thinking I was some kind of baseball card celebrity - as if the publication had tried to track me down.  It was just totally random, but kind of cool for a young guy to get interviewed like that.

I'm not surprised it was cancelled. I hate to hear it for all of you that were planning to go this year. It was still too far away for me. I'll get to one eventually. But if they don't bring it farther south, it's going to take some serious planning and cash to get to one. I really wish they'd seriously consider NC to host one. I'd definitely go to one in my own state.

I'm always curious why they only seem to go to Chicago, Atlantic City, and Cleveland.  I know the early years they went to LA and Texas, I'm surprised they don't make a return trip to those places at least once every 5 or 10 years.  Maybe have it in Miami one year (though maybe potential hurricanes might alter plans, but then again the same could be said in Atlantic City).  Maybe have one in Seattle one year as well.  Chicago isn't too far from me, but if it ever made it back to St. Louis (or Kansas City), I'd try to make it there.

Having it in different places each year might make it more interesting for those that make it every year, and allow other vendors to come as well.  Also might make it easier for more retired players to appear for signings too.

As for this year, I think it makes sense to cancel it, but its also sad.  With the hobby seemingly heating back up, it would be the perfect chance to bring in new fans to the National, for better or worse.