CLEVELAND — It's important to hear from dealers and attendees to get a full picture of The National Sports Collectors Convention.
But attending my second National, and first as a dedicated reporter, I found myself in a unique position outside the two worlds — one which allowed me to glean some insights that are hopefully unique.
My first thought was the amount of kids hustling on the floor during the day and trade nights. I am not excited to report multiple children walked by holding more cash in their hands than I’ve ever held in my life.
I’m conflicted.
Many say the wheeling and dealing is evidence of the young generations learning entrepreneurship. That might be true. But I couldn’t get myself to separate that idea from the belief that these kids — dealing in thousands of dollars — were fortunate beneficiaries of rich parents.
Knowing they were given a big chunk of cash and started their journey into collecting on third base worries me for the future of the hobby and its transactional nature.
But it’s undeniable the enthusiasm among kids from 10-16 was extraordinary.
Whether or not I love the mechanisms through which it is expressed aside, the future of this hobby will not be left to fizzle out slowly in the night as the older generations age.
CLLCT'S COVERAGE OF THE NATIONAL:
- Live at The National: Scenes from 2024 NSCC in Cleveland
- Behind the scenes with PSA's grading operation at The National
- Exclusive: Experts differ on photo-match for Babe Ruth 'Called Shot' jersey
- Young collector meets Jerry Rice, gets own set of cards from Fanatics
Next, I found myself constantly drawn to the remarkable dichotomy of pre-war vintage and modern cards on offer. It’s not that I was shocked by the availability of these categories, rather, the uniformity. It’s simply hard to reconcile how so many dealers are able to justify the price of a booth by selling the same exact product as their peers, with no differentiation whatsoever.
What does this tell me other than consumer preferences? Well, frankly, the money is on the table and dealers recognize the voracious appetite.
As for the less surface-level observations, I found the various atypical booths — scattered throughout the I-X Center — a pleasant surprise.
What I mean by this is the displays from companies such as RR Auctions — a tech memorabilia bonanza — comic book dealers, pop culture-focused sellers and even a booth specializing in the digitization of old film reels.
There’s so much to celebrate in our hobby, but to me, it’s the interest and success of categories traditionally considered to be outside the realm of the hobby that brings me the most confidence in the growth and expansion of this world.
Sports cards and memorabilia are awesome. That’s what the whole weekend is about. But when we see categories start to meld and convert collectors, it’s a sign of unquestionable momentum. The sort only possible by expanding beyond the conventional audience.
Pete Rose discusses the Hall of Fame, Rob Manfred and saying sorry.
— cllct (@cllctMedia) July 27, 2024
Hear what MLB's hit ???? has to say pic.twitter.com/xYwSHGZMHh
As for me and my experience as a collector?
In the moments I could take off my reporter hat and switch to my collector cap, I felt more joy, curiosity and enthusiasm as I’ve ever experienced in this industry.
I’m no veteran, but I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of things to a reasonable extent. And the hobbyist in me was beyond excited by the breadth of items on display, not that I was buying much, as well as the conversations I was fortunate to have with collectors.
Friends old and new, some I met in person for the first time after conversing via social media, reminded me why we love this hobby.
I love my friends and family. But getting to be around tens of thousands of people who share the crazy and totally illogical gene that is collecting? There’s simply nothing like it.
In short, this weekend was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do at cllct, and why we felt this industry deserved the serious coverage we are working every day to bring it.
It’s nice to fall in love again, even if I never fell out of love.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.