The National Sports Collectors Convention is back for its 46th year, camped out at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois through August 2, and organizers are billing it as the largest trade show in the event's history — 500,000-plus square feet of floor space and 600-plus dealers slinging everything from vintage rookie cards to game-worn jerseys. Naturally, Barstool sent its resident memorabilia degenerates to go poke around, and they did not come back empty-handed.
Big Cat kicked things off with what he's calling an all-time snag, no further explanation needed once you see the photo. When a guy who's built a reputation on quality-controlling everything from bagel takes to sports gambling says something is an all-timer, you pay attention.
He wasn't done. A few hours later Big Cat was back with round 2, this time framing it as picking up "fine art" at The National — which, depending on what's actually in that photo, is either a joke or a completely accurate description of what six-figure vintage cardboard has become in this hobby.
Meanwhile BFW was putting together his own haul on the other side of the convention floor, and he actually documented the damage. His day 2 recap shows him back home unrolling a Space Jam poster in the driveway before laying out the rest of the day's finds — a bobblehead, framed photos, a football helmet and more — next to his truck like a proud kid dumping out a Halloween bag.
BFW unrolls a Space Jam poster and lays out his day 2 haul — bobbleheads, framed photos and a football helmet — next to his truck.
The National has always doubled as a pilgrimage for anyone who grew up ripping wax packs, and with the hobby's resurgence over the last several years, this year's show is reportedly the biggest one yet in terms of both floor space and dealer count. That means more junk, more gems, and apparently more chances for Barstool personalities to blow their per diem on cardboard and framed posters.
With the show running through the weekend, don't be surprised if Big Cat and BFW keep the finds coming. The National rewards patience and deep pockets, and based on the early hauls, neither guy is holding back.