![]() |
|
The National Sports Collectors Convention This is a seasonal forum that will run from about April through August each year. |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Member
|
![]()
If you need help falling asleep.... KEEP READING.
I left home around 6 am. Not fun to get going at that time, but when heading to the National I make an exception. I wanted to get a Randy Brown auto which he signed at 11 am. I got to the parking garage a little before 11. It took FOREVER to get a parking spot. Byron Scott collector had an autograph ticket for me. Thanks Paul for the free ticket! We chatted for a little while, but I was in a hurry to get in line so I told him we would chat more later. I had a 93/94 Topps Stadium Club first day issue to be signed. There was an older gentleman behind me in the autograph line and we had a great time chatting. He ended up giving me an additional Randy Brown autograph ticket so I tracked down a 7.5x11 cool photo that I also had signed. Randy was a very nice guy and was great to chat with. While waiting in line I hear someone yelling Jeff! Jeff! I look around and I see someone looking at me and yelling my name. I was convinced that I did not know this person. It was BO’s ClipsandVols (Kyle #2). Harper and Kyle #2 were in the photo line for Ron Harper. It was great to meet Kyle #2 and we had a great time chatting throughout the weekend. Met up with Harper and he was PUMPED to have just met Ron. Harper left early on Thursday and I am bummed I wasn’t able to spend more time hanging out with him. After that I was on the hunt for Deadshot (Kyle #1). I was able to track him down and he was Chad from Pack to the future podcast. Had a good time chatting with the both of them. Kyle and I found a place to sit on the floor in the carpeted area which was MUCH cooler temperature wise than the main area. We exchanged some cards and had a great time seeing what we got. Thursday night was the Trade night and the motel close to the Hotel hosted by Kentucky basketball cards and Card collector 2 on IG. Kyle #1 and I agreed that we needed to get there early to get a table to sit and score some free stuff. Kyle #2 and Bigjs_sportscards joined us waiting in the line. It was getting close to the opening of trade night and Kyle #2 stepped outside for a minute. He comes inside and says Chad Ocho Cinco was outside smoking a cigar. I couldn’t believe it. I went outside and I spotted him right away. I walk up to him and say Chad Ocho Cinco and he stood up straight faced, walked up to me, gave me a big hug and told me he loved me…. I told him I loved him too LOL! Lucky enough I had a sweet patch card of his that I was able to get signed! GREAT time. HUGE shout out to Kyle #1 for sacrificing himself to score us a great table at trade night. Might be the same table we had 2 years before. I stopped and got a trade night shirt but they didn’t have my size. I gave it to Kyle #1 but it was too big for him so he gave it to Kyle #2 since it was his size. Trade night was a BLAST. Chatted with SO many people. Sold some stuff. Met up with Artyman and Lakeshowcards who both had cards for me. Thanks again brothers! The trade night went STRONG for a long time. Kyle #1 and I were wanting to meet up with Jake@90sbballcards and Frankie3500. They ended up going to ANOTHER trade night on the 2nd floor. Kyle #1 and I decide to go up and join them. We sat there and looked through each others cards and chatted for hours. Kyle #1 asked for a ride back to his hotel. It was after 12 am. We walk back to the parking garage and the nightmare began. I knew I parked on the 3rd level but didn’t keep track exactly where. Kyle #1 and walked through the parking garage for at least 30 minutes. Seemed like an eternity. The parking garage is actually 2 separate garages that connect on certain levels. I believe at some point they navigated me to the other side of the parking garage. I was relieved to find my car. Took Kyle #1 to his hotel then stopped at Taco bell for some dinner. Got back to the hotel and couldn’t sleep. Then woke up at 7 am. NOT fun. Day 2 was also insane. Tried to meet a few of the dealers that I hadn’t seen the day before. Met up With Meelypops, Santiago sports cards/Kentuckybasketballcards, Morris Oz, and I am sure a few others that I am forgetting. Ran into MANY collectors including thosebackpages, Stanley Johnson collector, and MANY others. Day 2 was TONI KUKOC day. I was PUMPED. So pumped I forgot the most important rule of the national. I forgot deodorant. I know I know TMI! Luckily I wasn’t the worst smelling person in the place. Kukoc was signing at 2 pm so I hung out in the autograph pavilion for a while prior to getting a picture with him. There was a HUGE line to get photos with Ryan Sandberg and something was up because the timing was off. So they announced to get in line to get your picture with Kukoc so I had to walk around all the Sandberg fans that were NOT happy. Here is the interaction between Toni and I: Toni- Nice Shirt Me- Thanks Me- Since I am your BIGGEST fan can I induct you into the hall of fame Toni- You have to be inducted into the hall of fame to induct someone in. Me- I am getting inducted with you. Toni- You have to get inducted first. Me-….. Toni-… Camera guy (takes picture) So after that I am getting my stuff together to get signed. I notice I am MISSING one of my autograph tickets and I start to panic. I had 3 things to get signed: A full sized ball (premium ticket) with HOF inscription (inscription ticket) An NBA debut ticket stub (Regular ticket) with NBA Debut Inscription (Inscription ticket) FOCO bobble head base (premium ticket) Long story short I found the ticket in the basketball box. When waiting for an auto all the VIPs get the first shot of autos. Luckily some of my auto tickets were pretty low numbered so I was able to go soon after the VIPs. I get up there and it was kind of chaotic since I had a few things to get signed. This interaction with Toni was NOT as good but still very happy. Hand Toni the ticket stub. Me- Please sign and write NBA debut. Toni- signs and hands me back the ticket. Me- looks at the ticket and only see the auto. Can you write NBA debut? Toni- ummmmm you can write it Me-awkward silence. I decided to let it be since I didn’t want to cause issues. He signed the ball with HOF 2021 and signed the foco with no issues. I think he was just worried he was going to misspell something or was unsure how he wanted to write it. I am not upset about it… it was just kind of odd. When day 2 was drawing to an end we decided to get together and eat some Giordano’s pizza. Kyle #1, Kyle #2, BigJ’s and Jake 90sBBALLcards. HAD A BLAST talking cards, life, and everything inbetween. The Pizza was AMAZING. The Pineapple whip slushee at seven 11 is a game changer. Stayed up WAY too late the first 2 nights. Told myself I was going to take it easy day 3. I did NOT. Met up with Pokemaniac. Dude has an INSANE Charles Barkley collection. Had a blast dropping some of the knowledge I have picked up over the years at the national. I left the national Saturday night exhausted. I had a blast but I hit a low point. Mental health is no joke and I really didn’t take a moment to relax as much as I should have. So I went and got a BIG steak and wolfed it down. I came back to my room and CRASHED. I was falling asleep when someone pulled a fire alarm. I was hurting but went outside to make sure everything was ok then went back to sleep. Pictures to follow. Had many great pick ups. A lot of great cards to be had for fair prices. Only picked up one Kukoc card I didn’t have but I guess it is better than 0. Kyle #1 also made me 2 sweet Kukoc customs. Thanks Kyle #1! Overall the National was GREAT! Had a blast meeting new people and connect with old friends. I know I left out some people so if you interacted with me do not hesitate to speak up. This is only a SMALL fraction of what I experienced. My goal was talk cards and meet other collectors. Any questions/comments are greatly appreciated.
__________________
"You're THE Kukoc guy" Abra Calabro "Kukocitb is the GOAT??? I knew that..." Dajuan Wagner Kukoc COUNTER: 1448 different!!!!! Robin Lopez Counter 691 different! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
|
![]()
LOVE IT!!!!!
it was great meeting you Brother! and the "you can write it" is something ive never heard before! lol
__________________
Pumpers Paradise
#YouCryIBuy Four things that we cannot change each others minds about: Politics, Religion, Third Party Grading, and 2021 Bowman's Best Rookie Cards |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Member
|
![]()
Sounds like a great time
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Napa Valley
Posts: 4,334
|
![]()
Thanks for the write-up, Jeff. It must have been special to meet Toni despite your awkward interactions. Also I'm glad that you had a Chad Johnson card on you - how lucky is that?
__________________
I collect Joe Johnson - 2,719 different cards, 511 1/1's. www.ilocust.com/hobby.htm |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,482
|
![]()
“You can write it”..
![]()
__________________
THE CARD/MEMORABILIA COLLECTION https://www.flickr.com/photos/149024462@N04/albums/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/196556801@N02/albums/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/196511489@N05/albums/ |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 7,425
|
![]()
__________________
"You said the link to the Prizm hanhers was no longer available and out of stock. You lied, dreams of hoarding Prizm died." -mc1 8.6.20 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 11,305
|
![]()
Nice meeting you!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 24
|
![]()
Thanks for the recap. I've heard Kukoc say that before, along with Steve Stone. I hope you got a refund for that inscription. The handler should have known you had that ticket and had him write it. Sometimes on inscriptions besides HOF it's better to write it out for the athlete to read so they know exactly what you want.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Member
|
![]()
Who's Randy Brown?
Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 24
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Member
|
![]()
Did he play ever?
__________________
Vintage Collector's Ebay ID is - Mitcards All ebay auctions starting at 99 cents no reserve. I will also buy or trade My Cards for your Silver or Gold! Never Forget 9/11, Be Diligent and Safe! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Virginia Tech
Posts: 851
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
|
![]()
I was wondering if the Pineapple slush would make your Recap haha. Great to meet you, Kyle V1 and Jake (amongst many others). Thanks for the memories!
__________________
I don’t expect apologies because I know there is too much ego and pride in the human race- Gabriel Seraf |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Member
|
![]()
Toni Kukoc used the "you can write it" line when my friend asked for a "Pink Panther" inscription
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 11,305
|
![]()
You can write it is what the athlete says when you are getting them for free, not when you paid
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |||||
Member
|
![]() Quote:
It was unbelievably awesome! Quote:
Yeah it was odd. Had a blast chatting with you. Thanks again for the autograph ticket. Quote:
One of the many bulls role players. Exactly! Yes he did play Role players helped with the championships as well. Quote:
Made me laugh too Quote:
I agree! Still a very cool experience
__________________
"You're THE Kukoc guy" Abra Calabro "Kukocitb is the GOAT??? I knew that..." Dajuan Wagner Kukoc COUNTER: 1448 different!!!!! Robin Lopez Counter 691 different! |
|||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 7,694
|
![]()
I still can't wrap my head around "you can write it."
It was good seeing you again and glad you had a great week!
__________________
He said he name was “E”, so I introduced myself as “G”...The license plate said “IMNBITZ” or “IMNBISZ” or something. - G YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuD3WYJ0rkpLqDdyavC2WA |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Member
|
![]()
It was great going around with you. I feel like at times you got sick of my dad jokes but I appreciate the cards you gave me and appreciate you putting up with me! LOL!
__________________
"You're THE Kukoc guy" Abra Calabro "Kukocitb is the GOAT??? I knew that..." Dajuan Wagner Kukoc COUNTER: 1448 different!!!!! Robin Lopez Counter 691 different! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: DFW Texas
Posts: 3,550
|
![]()
Wow fun times, thanks for the Nationals recap!!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Member
|
![]()
If the images are large. My bad I’m doing this on my phone.
https://imgur.com/VPyb3CN 2 Manute Bol 86 Fleer. Got a good price in these https://imgur.com/lfWvTKv Gotta love gold refractors https://imgur.com/ZjUIrzy Found a few of these but I have a small pryzbilla side pc. Love this card https://imgur.com/oqk2YSY Custom cards from the topps total king himself deadshot https://imgur.com/028CVke The one Kukoc I picked up that I didn’t have. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
"You're THE Kukoc guy" Abra Calabro "Kukocitb is the GOAT??? I knew that..." Dajuan Wagner Kukoc COUNTER: 1448 different!!!!! Robin Lopez Counter 691 different! Last edited by kukocitb; 08-06-2021 at 08:34 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Member
|
![]() Quote:
Not gonna lie. Smells like pure gasoline lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
"You're THE Kukoc guy" Abra Calabro "Kukocitb is the GOAT??? I knew that..." Dajuan Wagner Kukoc COUNTER: 1448 different!!!!! Robin Lopez Counter 691 different! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 7,425
|
![]()
Did you go see Kukoc yesterday? I was there Friday, but didn't feel like hanging around.......
__________________
"You said the link to the Prizm hanhers was no longer available and out of stock. You lied, dreams of hoarding Prizm died." -mc1 8.6.20 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 | |
Member
|
![]() Quote:
No I didn’t. Living the dream in Altoona. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
"You're THE Kukoc guy" Abra Calabro "Kukocitb is the GOAT??? I knew that..." Dajuan Wagner Kukoc COUNTER: 1448 different!!!!! Robin Lopez Counter 691 different! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 11,305
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|