National Sports Collectors Convention proves hobby still thriving

I've heard some other content creators declare recently that the hobby is dead or dying.

If they attended the 43rd National Sports Collectors Convention July 26-30 in Chicago, they've changed their tune or they're just trying to sell you clickbait.

As you most likely have heard already, this year's event broke the all-time attendance record set in 1991 in Anaheim, Calif. I was at this year's event from Wednesday through Saturday and if that's a dead hobby, I'm scared to think what a live one may look like.

The 100,000 extra square feet added to this year's National was palpable. I could feel the difference. It seemed more airy with more open spaces. All the more impressive when you realize this National had more attendees than ever before.

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Now listen, the hobby is in a different place than it was during the pandemic boom. Prices mostly have come down. Guess what, that trend happens across every hobby or industry at some point. It's a great opportunity to buy cards that maybe skyrocketed out of your price range but now are back within grasp.

Dealers seem to have made the adjustments many were reluctant to initially make. Although my quest for a mid-grade Tom Seaver or Roberto Clemente rookie card was not fruitful, part of that might be on me. The show was immense and between appointments, stopping to talk to folks, etc., I don't believe I covered all the ground or saw all the tables during the course of the week.

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Many dealers told me this was their best National or featured one of their best days ever. It's a good sign that the hobby is still transacting on such a high level. There was a buzz on the show floor and there were buzz-worthy items on display.

Two in particular stood out to me: Michael Jordan's 1996 Mercedes, which you could potentially win with a $23 raffle ticket; and yet another 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, this time a SGC 9 grade at Heritage Auctions. There were plenty of interesting and expensive items to go around.

Speaking of grading, most of the big four grading companies were busy. SGC returned to on-site grading again and their booth was jamming most of the week. CCG, fresh off their rebrand, brought the carnival atmosphere they promised and Beckett is trying to build their brand back up under new leadership hobby veteran Kevin Isaacson.

Trade nights (although not my cup of tea) spontaneously popped up in hotel lobbies and in the lobby of the Donald Stephens Convention Center itself.

As always, I really enjoyed meeting people again and some for the first time, but there's just not enough time to meet everyone I’d planned to.

I was blessed once again to do two main stage appearances, one with Sports Card Nation, where I was joined by Topps artist Andy Friedman, Double D Vintage's Dylan Davis, Adam from Splendid Sports and my “Card Mensches” partner Danny Black. We talked The National, card art, the hobby and gave away some prizes.

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The other was with the conglomerate podcast “Hobby Hotline.” We also did some planned dinners. They are one of my favorite things for various reasons. One is that I skip lunch during the show, but it's also nice to get off your feet and enjoy conversation with people you really like about life and the hobby.

Anyone else think The National is the shortest week on the calendar? It sure feels that way to me.

Wi-Fi was back. Heat was, too. I thought Thursday was the worst day for the struggling air conditioning but it seemed to improve after that.

I mentioned not getting a Seaver or Clemente rookie, but I was able to get some really good deals on Bob Gibson, Al Kaline and Frank Robinson rookies.

I believe a good time was had by most and now we start crossing the days off the calendar as we get ready for the return of the Cleveland National. Hopefully I see you there!

— John Newman is a collector, dealer and the host of the Sports Card Nation podcast. Catch his Hobby Quick Hits on Monday and his guest interviews on Friday on your favorite podcast plat­form. You can reach him at sportscard­nationpc@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ sportscardnati1