This hobby is like a rigged slot machine that keeps paying off every time you pull the arm. But the payoffs are great times, great feelings, great memories, great friends and, yes, great collections! The story of that '91 Topps pack might be the best thing I heard all week. I'm very glad I got a chance meet you in Cleveland, Mike. Thanks for leaving the light on all these years.
That pack of cards you were gifted was an incredible gesture, given the story behind it. What a truly wonderful, humbling, thing to receive. Glad it'll be cherished, and hopefully the story of it passed down for future generations. Thank you for showing us your new additions, and taking us along for the journey of the National. Purely as an observer from afar of this year's and last year's National... this year's National looked less chaotic, and less daunting.
Wow! I wasn’t expecting to tear up watching this video! I’ll remember that story every time I see 1991 Topps, forever! Great stories! I’m bummed I missed this show. I’ll will be in Chicago next year, God willing!
OMGosh that is the most important pack of 1991 Topps ever. Thank you for sharing these great interactions. Those are some nice autographs for your collection.
Mike, great to meet you in person in CLE. Agree with you - best part is seeing old friends. This is an annual trio for two of us that started in 2nd grade opening packs in late 1970s. We're still collecting today and it's a great excuse to see each other at least once/year! Enjoy!
Perfectly said, Mike! You poignantly expressed why the hobby community is incredible and the National is a yearly pilgrimage. We’ll forget about some of the annoyances and have memories for a lifetime
Mike, I didn't end up going this year and have now realized that won't happen again. The planning for Chicago 2025 starts tomorrow! I've watched a lot of your videos, but I think this is the best one you've ever done. Straight from the heart and what this hobby is all about.
Great video Mike. The story of the 91 pack had me chocked up. Thank you for sharing that. On a much lighter note, that Ichiro auto is sweet! Looks like you had a great National my friend!
It was great to finally meet you, Mike. Thank you for pointing me towards the other side of the room for the Mantle Perez-Steele auto. I did find one, and although it was a little more pricier than the one you were able to find, I was happy to add it to my collection. Hopefully, next year I can show you a photo of the second beast I was telling you about.
It was great (quickly) meeting you at the UA-cam get-together, Mike. I really enjoyed it and felt very welcomed into the community, which made my first National that much more special. -Marc
Mike I really enjoyed your coverage of the show and meeting you Saturday! This was my first National and definitely plan to attend next year in Chicago. See you there!
This is spot on man, all of the positive things certainly outweigh the little inconveniences that we deal with throughout the week. The get together was a lot of fun, thanks for always putting it together and great to see you! I’ll continue to go for as long as I can, great times with great people
Great story on the Uber driver ball. The National is so fun it is worth the lines. Sad story on Tom congrats - cards brought my whole family together growing up-it is part of why I get so much joy from them today. Lines can be a good thing too. Talked cards to strangers and someone showed me his MMA cards - I couldn’t care less about them but his enthusiasm made me enjoy seeing them. I bought a grail card - a 1948 Bowman Musial - met a bunch of people, talked cards - an amazing week-end. Was great to say hi to you at the UA-cam event and glad you liked the Rangers WS card. Lots of cool cards given to you - shows how much fun we all have seeing you share your passion. The Campy you picked up is a collection highlight for anyone.
@@Brad-mj3tg Thanks Brad. A great point you had was that we can all be upset about how busy things were, but it seems like you made the most out of the opportunity to get to know More Collectors. Love that.
Had the pleasure of going to Milwaukee Braves games and watching Warren Spahn pitch...amazing form. Matthews...Aaron..Del Crandall...Joe Torre...tons of good memories.
Thanks for sharing videos of the National! It's on my bucket list to attend the convention and meet you and other UA-camrs, but I live halfway around the world 😅
Hey Mike, you always do such a fantastic job of articulating the essence of the hobby and what makes it so great! Some amazing stories, the pack story wow, what an honor! Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic video! The focus on camaraderie, relationships, and pure love of the hobby is what made this video great for me. Love what you do Mike. Keep em coming.
Thanks Mike for the wrap-up video of your experience at the National. I followed you all week & enjoyed every one of your entertaining videos. Yes please let us know when the movie, The Diamond King, will be aired on TV, definitely looking forward to it. Congratulations on obtaining so many cards for your collection this year.
Wow Mike some great stories man. Didn’t run into you at the National. But got to meet some other great UA-camrs while I was there. Definitely looking forward to going again. And other shows too!
Hi Mike, I would like to thank you for your continuing coverage of The National. I enjoy your channel very much and I learn a lot about cards that I have never seen before! Thank you for your continuing support of the hobby. Have a great Sunday, Peter
It was great seeing you, Mike. Thanks for sharing those stories. The hobby is so much more than the cardboard. That said, more awesome pickups -- love that Mariano auto!
Good video Mike. Everyone is going to have their own opinion, good or bad, which is why i live through my own experiences without listening to anyone else's viewpoint. When it comes down to it the only opinion that matters to me is my own. You did an awesome job, and i feel like based on what i saw i would like to go to a national someday.
I shared this story on my Instagram but don't have many followers. My favorite interaction from the National was with a vendor that used to be the Oakland Athletics visiting team bat boy. He showed me pictures of him in the dugout with former players and his old Athletics credentials. I ended up buying two game used jerseys from him. The jerseys are a 1980 Jerry Don Gleaton Texas Rangers game used powder blue and a 1986 Luis Salazar game used Chicago White Sox batting practice jersey. It was very cool to deal with and purchase these items that have been in his own collection for years.
So cool that you got the Perez-Steele guide signed! If I remember correctly from reading it, it mentions Pres. Bush in there somewhere so it couldn't be from earlier than '88. Thanks again for all you do and I hope it remains a unique 1/1 piece in your collection.
Thanks Mike, I don’t watch you because of negative comments, but do I can see your experiences, hear your stories, and view your pickups. As a 69 yr old that has never been, I enjoy seeing positive aspects of this bucket list event. Thanks Mike, keep sharing and continue collecting!
It was crowded but my experience was even though of some of the setbacks it was still a good experience everybody I bought from was very nice.The hobby is alive and well
Never really paid attention to the Perez Steele stuff, but what a cool way to get some legend autos for a reasonable price. One of the reasons I like this and other channels like it, is I find out about cool stuff I would otherwise miss. Whoever doesn't vote for Ichiro should have their voting privileges revoked.
Enjoyed watching the videos over the last few days and glad you had a good time there. I would love to go one day regardless. It's just a touch too difficult living 7,000 miles away and not having vacation schedules that line up with the national dates. But someday I plan to make it. Probably once I decide to quit working in Korea. lol
Mike, I'm glad I got the chance to meet you at breakfast at the Hotel, I appreciate you taking a few minutes to talk with me. Keep up the good work, I'm already looking forward to next year's National and hope we get a chance to meet up again, As I told you if you are ever around Upstate New York let me know would love to show you my collection. (Greg from Upstate N.Y.)
I met up with a friend and had a blast! I won't be able to go next year unfortunately. The Nashville dates will work for me next Summer. Perhaps I will be back in 2026.
I saw you toward the end of the day Friday and lingered as you spoke to one of the dealers... didn't feel like interrupting. Really enjoy your content and honesty, and appreciate the type of cards and memorabilia you talk about that most of us sure don't see every day. Keep up the great work and hope to say hello in person next time.
@@BaseballCollector, I knew it would mean a great deal to you. I also gave one to the dealer who was a Vietnam Vet helicopter pilot. Very humbling for all of us. Still get choked up every time I think of the significance of what they represent.
Missed the show .looks much more space in the aisles..than last year ..I'm off to New Orleans .Houston .then .Dallas ..selling my ultra modern QBs .about half sold already .
It'd be interesting if you had to wait in those insane lines to get into the show you showcased as you walked on past with ur media passes if ur opinion would be different. The complaints for the show seemed quite warrented to me. The conditions looked not fun quite frankly. I'm super content with not having gone this year. Chicago does it best and I'll be there again in 2025 with high hopes.
"And he never came home" I almost lost it hearing you say that. What a meaningful story. Thank you
I almost lost it too. You can hear it in my voice.
Same here. Same here
This hobby is like a rigged slot machine that keeps paying off every time you pull the arm. But the payoffs are great times, great feelings, great memories, great friends and, yes, great collections! The story of that '91 Topps pack might be the best thing I heard all week. I'm very glad I got a chance meet you in Cleveland, Mike. Thanks for leaving the light on all these years.
What an absolutely crazy story about the ball. These stories are the best and what it's all about!
Totally!!
Wow that 91 Topps pack story is remarkable. Thank you for sharing. This hobby represents more than just cardboard.
No doubt!
That pack of cards you were gifted was an incredible gesture, given the story behind it. What a truly wonderful, humbling, thing to receive. Glad it'll be cherished, and hopefully the story of it passed down for future generations.
Thank you for showing us your new additions, and taking us along for the journey of the National. Purely as an observer from afar of this year's and last year's National... this year's National looked less chaotic, and less daunting.
@@Johndeplume. Thanks John. It was really chaotic at times.
Wow! I wasn’t expecting to tear up watching this video! I’ll remember that story every time I see 1991 Topps, forever! Great stories! I’m bummed I missed this show. I’ll will be in Chicago next year, God willing!
Thanks Brian. You definitely should go next year.
OMGosh that is the most important pack of 1991 Topps ever. Thank you for sharing these great interactions. Those are some nice autographs for your collection.
Mike, great to meet you in person in CLE. Agree with you - best part is seeing old friends. This is an annual trio for two of us that started in 2nd grade opening packs in late 1970s. We're still collecting today and it's a great excuse to see each other at least once/year! Enjoy!
The people at The National in our community make it special!
@@LegendsNeverDieCollection They do indeed Jake
Great seeing you Mike! Love all the stories, and I feel like had the same experience hanging out with my friends.
Perfectly said, Mike! You poignantly expressed why the hobby community is incredible and the National is a yearly pilgrimage. We’ll forget about some of the annoyances and have memories for a lifetime
Amen to that Josh.
Mike, I didn't end up going this year and have now realized that won't happen again. The planning for Chicago 2025 starts tomorrow! I've watched a lot of your videos, but I think this is the best one you've ever done. Straight from the heart and what this hobby is all about.
@@briankane759 Thanks Brian. Glad you will be there next year.
So many great stories Mike! What a great way to wrap up the week. I love the Pedro and Mo. they came out great
Great video Mike. The story of the 91 pack had me chocked up. Thank you for sharing that. On a much lighter note, that Ichiro auto is sweet! Looks like you had a great National my friend!
Thanks. You are the first to comment on the Ichiro auto which I thought was a steal.
It was great to finally meet you, Mike. Thank you for pointing me towards the other side of the room for the Mantle Perez-Steele auto. I did find one, and although it was a little more pricier than the one you were able to find, I was happy to add it to my collection. Hopefully, next year I can show you a photo of the second beast I was telling you about.
Good deal Tony. Glad you got your Mantle and I can't wait to see the 2nd Beast!!
Awesome video Mike! Been a lot of fun seeing people’s experiences at the National. Have yet to get to one. Amazing Ichiro!
Thanks Austin. I love the Ichiro.
It was great (quickly) meeting you at the UA-cam get-together, Mike. I really enjoyed it and felt very welcomed into the community, which made my first National that much more special. -Marc
Absolutely!
Mike I really enjoyed your coverage of the show and meeting you Saturday! This was my first National and definitely plan to attend next year in Chicago. See you there!
@@jimburchfield3992 Great meeting you as well Jim
This is spot on man, all of the positive things certainly outweigh the little inconveniences that we deal with throughout the week. The get together was a lot of fun, thanks for always putting it together and great to see you! I’ll continue to go for as long as I can, great times with great people
Great recap Mike!! What a great National week of experiences you had!
@@SconnieTradition Absolutely great experience Scott. As you well know
Great story on the Uber driver ball. The National is so fun it is worth the lines. Sad story on Tom congrats - cards brought my whole family together growing up-it is part of why I get so much joy from them today. Lines can be a good thing too. Talked cards to strangers and someone showed me his MMA cards - I couldn’t care less about them but his enthusiasm made me enjoy seeing them. I bought a grail card - a 1948 Bowman Musial - met a bunch of people, talked cards - an amazing week-end. Was great to say hi to you at the UA-cam event and glad you liked the Rangers WS card. Lots of cool cards given to you - shows how much fun we all have seeing you share your passion. The Campy you picked up is a collection highlight for anyone.
@@Brad-mj3tg Thanks Brad. A great point you had was that we can all be upset about how busy things were, but it seems like you made the most out of the opportunity to get to know More Collectors. Love that.
Had the pleasure of going to Milwaukee Braves games and watching Warren Spahn pitch...amazing form. Matthews...Aaron..Del Crandall...Joe Torre...tons of good memories.
Great story. ❤
Thank you! 😊
Hey mike, I'm looking forward to seeing you next year in Chicago! Thanks for sharing your experience
Thanks for sharing videos of the National! It's on my bucket list to attend the convention and meet you and other UA-camrs, but I live halfway around the world 😅
Hey Mike, you always do such a fantastic job of articulating the essence of the hobby and what makes it so great! Some amazing stories, the pack story wow, what an honor! Thanks for sharing!
@@vintageonvintage817 Thanks. I try my best
Great video Mike. Looks like a very successful National.
It was!
Fantastic video! The focus on camaraderie, relationships, and pure love of the hobby is what made this video great for me. Love what you do Mike. Keep em coming.
@@RaoulDelaCruz Thanks. That is what it really should be about
The PACK, What a story. And the Norman card are the highlight. Glad it was a time to remember for you. Thanks for sharing it.
@@BringingTheHeat-VBC thanks. I will only remember the good things
Thanks Mike for the wrap-up video of your experience at the National. I followed you all week & enjoyed every one of your entertaining videos. Yes please let us know when the movie, The Diamond King, will be aired on TV, definitely looking forward to it. Congratulations on obtaining so many cards for your collection this year.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great stories from the National. I like your positive frame of mind. Nothing is perfect.
@@kenscardboard isn’t that the truth Ken
The stories and experiences are the best, cards are secondary. Love you my friend.
@@ACollectorsDream Love you too. I appreciate you more than you know
91 pack #priceless . Nationals memories #priceless . Sweet pickups too
Thanks Adam. The memories matter.
Wow Mike some great stories man. Didn’t run into you at the National. But got to meet some other great UA-camrs while I was there. Definitely looking forward to going again. And other shows too!
Hi Mike,
I would like to thank you for your continuing coverage of The National. I enjoy your channel very much and I learn a lot about cards that I have never seen before!
Thank you for your continuing support of the hobby.
Have a great Sunday,
Peter
@@s.macintosh-jc9rf Thanks Peter.
Hi Mike - Thanks for all of your National Updates and Videos, I really appreciate it. Have a good day. Barry
You bet Barry. I am glad you liked them.
It was great seeing you, Mike. Thanks for sharing those stories. The hobby is so much more than the cardboard. That said, more awesome pickups -- love that Mariano auto!
@@jpcards Thanks John
Great stories
Pickups are great but the memories of the stories are what the show is about
Thanks for sharing
Thanks James.
Really appreciate your coverage of the show, mike.
@@the_card_closet Thanks Eric. It was fun
Nice seeing you. Heritage items were fantastic. It was a fun show.
Yes it was!
Good video Mike. Everyone is going to have their own opinion, good or bad, which is why i live through my own experiences without listening to anyone else's viewpoint. When it comes down to it the only opinion that matters to me is my own. You did an awesome job, and i feel like based on what i saw i would like to go to a national someday.
I look forward to your National coverage and watch every second of it.
Thank you very much Chris. I really appreciate it.
what a great video mike keep the videos coming hope to meet you one day
For sure!
I shared this story on my Instagram but don't have many followers. My favorite interaction from the National was with a vendor that used to be the Oakland Athletics visiting team bat boy. He showed me pictures of him in the dugout with former players and his old Athletics credentials. I ended up buying two game used jerseys from him. The jerseys are a 1980 Jerry Don Gleaton Texas Rangers game used powder blue and a 1986 Luis Salazar game used Chicago White Sox batting practice jersey. It was very cool to deal with and purchase these items that have been in his own collection for years.
That is awesome. What is your IG name so that I can go check out that Rangers uniform?
@@BaseballCollector @justrun7_sports
This was a fantastic episode Mike. It would be worth it alone to meet you and Chris Sewall. Would be neat to watch him do his business.
Great stories Mike!!
So cool that you got the Perez-Steele guide signed! If I remember correctly from reading it, it mentions Pres. Bush in there somewhere so it couldn't be from earlier than '88. Thanks again for all you do and I hope it remains a unique 1/1 piece in your collection.
Great point about Bush. And yes, he is mentioned in it. It is staying in the Perez-Steele collection as a prized item for sure. Thanks so much.
Now this is what the hobby is all about!!!
@@brad8671 You are pretty amazing for the hobby as well Brad
Thank you for this, Mike
@@ricklimpertinfo You bet Rick.
Thanks Mike, I don’t watch you because of negative comments, but do I can see your experiences, hear your stories, and view your pickups. As a 69 yr old that has never been, I enjoy seeing positive aspects of this bucket list event. Thanks Mike, keep sharing and continue collecting!
It was crowded but my experience was even though of some of the setbacks it was still a good experience everybody I bought from was very nice.The hobby is alive and well
Never really paid attention to the Perez Steele stuff, but what a cool way to get some legend autos for a reasonable price.
One of the reasons I like this and other channels like it, is I find out about cool stuff I would otherwise miss.
Whoever doesn't vote for Ichiro should have their voting privileges revoked.
Great seeing you Mike that get together was all time 👊👊🤙🤙
Enjoyed watching the videos over the last few days and glad you had a good time there. I would love to go one day regardless. It's just a touch too difficult living 7,000 miles away and not having vacation schedules that line up with the national dates. But someday I plan to make it. Probably once I decide to quit working in Korea. lol
It will happen for you someday.
Mike, I'm glad I got the chance to meet you at breakfast at the Hotel, I appreciate you taking a few minutes to talk with me. Keep up the good work, I'm already looking forward to next year's National and hope we get a chance to meet up again, As I told you if you are ever around Upstate New York let me know would love to show you my collection. (Greg from Upstate N.Y.)
@@gregmillard1012 Thanks Greg. Great meeting you as well
I went to the national last year and had a blast. I plan on going next year. Maybe me and a buddy of mine might even set up and sell.
Made it Sunday with my dad got a 57 bunning rookie 61 mays 86 Malone rookie and some other great psa graded awesome time for first national
That's awesome. Congrats on your pickups.
Awesome, seeing you again, Mike! I bet it's nice to be home. Look at all these awesome autographs.
Thanks Billy. Great seeing you as well.
Chills for the pack story.
Totally.
I met up with a friend and had a blast! I won't be able to go next year unfortunately. The Nashville dates will work for me next Summer. Perhaps I will be back in 2026.
I saw you toward the end of the day Friday and lingered as you spoke to one of the dealers... didn't feel like interrupting. Really enjoy your content and honesty, and appreciate the type of cards and memorabilia you talk about that most of us sure don't see every day. Keep up the great work and hope to say hello in person next time.
You should have totally interrupted. Would have been totally fine.
Great to meet you at The National, Mike! The cards are fun, but the people matter immeasurably more. God bless you and thanks for sharing.
@@tommayrant2279 thanks Tom. It meant a lot to me that you gifted me that pack.
@@BaseballCollector, I knew it would mean a great deal to you. I also gave one to the dealer who was a Vietnam Vet helicopter pilot. Very humbling for all of us. Still get choked up every time I think of the significance of what they represent.
Missed the show .looks much more space in the aisles..than last year ..I'm off to New Orleans .Houston .then .Dallas ..selling my ultra modern QBs .about half sold already .
If the demand is so high why dont they do it over two weekends and 10 total days to spread out the demand enough to make conditions better?
That is an interesting idea...
Thanks for sharing all videos about the national =)
Maybe I will return next year
Good vid, Mike, especially the check in with Craig who I see and talk with in SW Indiana shows now and then.
Great meeting you for the first time
Same here
Less than a year til the next National
Set your reminder on your phone.
Norman card is the best pickup imo.. nice video
No argument here!!
Dog card is the best lol
Thanks.
Nice Norman card =)
I keep staring at the food in your beard.
Food in my beard?
@@BaseballCollector Whatever you fixed @5:39
It'd be interesting if you had to wait in those insane lines to get into the show you showcased as you walked on past with ur media passes if ur opinion would be different. The complaints for the show seemed quite warrented to me. The conditions looked not fun quite frankly. I'm super content with not having gone this year. Chicago does it best and I'll be there again in 2025 with high hopes.
I am sure that my opinion would be different.
Congratulations Mike and great pickup at the show.
Was Foo3112 at the show?
Not this one
@@Philmington ok