The National Day 1- The Biggest Purchase Of My Life!! That Wait Is Over!! It Actually Happened!!

The National Sports Card Convention is here, and Day 1 is in the books. I went into the show hoping to make a major purchase, and it actually happened. I made the biggest addition to my collection that has ever happened, and it's the card that I've been searching to add for over 30 years. Yes, it's real. Yes, it actually happened. I was surrounded by my Dad and some of my best friends. Even better, the purchase was from the best dealer in the hobby. I'm absolutely thrilled. The show was filled with modern and vintage cards. Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and more. If you can imagine that a card exists, it is probably at the National. This Card Show is incredible, and the first day was absolutely amazing.
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#vintagecards #baseballcards #sportscards #cardshow
All statements and opinions shared in this video (and all of my videos) are for entertainment purposes only, and are not investment advice. I consider Sports Cards to be a hobby, and not an investment. If you're interested in investment advice, I recommend connecting with a certified financial planner.

[@royakard8536]

Yaaahh! Got yourself a fine card! NO possible way you will ever regret that purchase! Every time you walk by it, a good story will greet you! We all are giddy for you!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@vintageonvintage817]

I know that Banks RC has been a dream card of yours for a while and you have come close to pulling the trigger before. That one was worth the wait, what a beautiful card. Congratulations Graig!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks my friend.

[@CraigsCards62]

Great video and card ... super happy for you, Graig, and you couldn't have bought from a better guy. I'm glad that your Dad & your buds were there with you.

[@MidLifeCards]

Me too. Thank you.

[@RetroCardSpective1]

Congratulations on the new centerpiece of the collection! To be able to buy it from a friend, with your dad there, and other buddies there will be a memory you keep forever. Everything else at the National is just bonus points I think.

[@MidLifeCards]

So true!!

[@fanstream]

Bravo, Graig! What a beauty -- Ernie RC "Let's Play 2" Banks! As good as this hobby gets :)

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@memphis370z]

Beautiful card obtained under beautiful circumstances shared with family and friends. Congrats!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks!!

[@micheltoledano1270]

Congrats on this amazing pickup Graig! It was a pleasure meeting you at the show. Cheers!

[@MidLifeCards]

The pleasure was mine.

[@snowliondragon]

Oh man! Congratulations, Graig! Nice pickup... 30 years in the making, and you were with your dad too. Perfect.

[@MidLifeCards]

So perfect.

[@scottvaughn9]

Congrats on the beautiful Banks pickup! Wow, I’ve always loved that card. What a great copy. Kudos for following your instincts, great memory to have!

[@MidLifeCards]

I appreciate it!!

[@tonyleebrick9050]

Congratulations on the Banks!!! I am so glad I got to meet you and your dad and I got to see the Ernie Banks in person! Great video. My first National has been amazing!

[@MidLifeCards]

You picked up a massive card yourself. So very glad I was able to meet you and your friend. Your auto grade and pickup....incredible. I look forward to hanging with you more in the future.

[@halfcenturycollectingcards]

So gorgeous of a card!!!! Way to pull the trigger!!!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much.

[@johnquinn8506]

I'm so happy for you! That is a gorgeous Banks and I know how long you've wanted one. It was the perfect storm of circumstances, you definitely found the right one, I'm sure it was worth the wait, congrats!

[@MidLifeCards]

So worth the wait!!

[@thinkblue7718]

Congratulations Graig! That 54 Banks is awesome. You'll never forget where and when you got it that's for sure and the crew surrounding you when you got it was great. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@MidLifeCards]

So true. So awesome.

[@billkhan3789]

Congrats on the Banks rookie! And the story you’ll have to tell behind the purchase is so much better than if you just snagged it online. You dad was there, your friends were there, you bought from a dealer you’re friends with and who is well-respected. That purchase has so much more meaning than just checking it off the bucket list. Enjoy!

[@MidLifeCards]

So epic!!

[@ken-pr2df]

Congratulations Graig on finally finding your grail card, the 1954 Topps Ernie Banks rookie!! That is a tremendous looking treasure!! I couldn’t be more excited for you!! You waited 30 years for this moment!! The way this whole scenario developed, you couldn’t have written a better storyline!! It will be a memory you will never forget!! Thanks for sharing this video and this special moment!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much, Ken.

[@davidlapointe7446]

Congratulations on your grail pickup. Have fun at the National!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@briankane759]

You couldn't have written the script any better on the Banks purchase. The stars aligned! Great card! You didn't have to settle on a lesser condition one either. Good luck the next few days!

[@MidLifeCards]

It was perfect.

[@VintageCardboard87]

Congratulations on Finally getting the Banks rookie. It's a beautiful copy of it so worth the wait 😊. I would be overwhelmed by the amount of huge cards but still awesome to see so thank you. Enjoy the rest of the show

[@MidLifeCards]

I really appreciate it.

[@JayAverageVintageCollector]

Awesome! Great pickup and great virtual tour!

[@MidLifeCards]

I appreciate it.

[@larrygitlin6017]

CONGRATULATIONS! Perfect Banks rookie and it will be special forever as will this National.

[@MidLifeCards]

Amazing memory.

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. So nice to see you again. Congratulations on the Banks rookie! Hope you have a wonderful rest of the show.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you.

[@JeffsCardJourney]

Congrats on the Banks. Banger Card! Incredible inventory there. Thanks for sharing.

[@MidLifeCards]

Amazing memories.

[@bobwhite4671]

Way to pull the trigger! Thanx for taking us along.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks!!

[@davewebbtheauthor]

That Banks is a beauty! So happy for you. I have the reprint and look at it often.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm so fortunate to have it.

[@davidhenry4392]

Great pickups Graig!! That Banks is sweet. And all the guys I watch and follow. . your buds are there to see it!! 👍

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much.

[@leehaskins307]

cool video love all those older cards.. those cards were so cool so many I own which is fun to see and many I’d like to own...

[@MidLifeCards]

Me too!!

[@blixcards]

BOOM!!!! You got it... The White Whale Banks has officially been harpooned... What an amazing Blessing, congratulations Graig! Couldn't be a better copy in that grade, just wow...

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. It happened!!

[@warrenking3526]

Congratulations Graig - way to knock it out of the park on Day1! Great Banks card and so cool how it all came together 👊

[@MidLifeCards]

Epic start to the show.

[@davidallen2133wolfy]

Very happy for you your patience amazes me 30 years wow thats awesome

[@MidLifeCards]

It sure took a while. But, was worth it.

[@brandonhenry5878]

Beautiful Ernie Banks, great card congrats!!

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm still in shock.

[@billysikes1374]

What a gorgeous Banks rookie card, I wanted the 56 Topps Mantle for 30 years, I now own it

[@MidLifeCards]

Congrats!!

[@leftfieldsports8703]

Whoo hoo! Congrats! Absolutely beautiful rookie card of one of the greatest players of all time.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks!!

[@RipFan8]

Hi Graig. A simply amazing pickup, what a card. Well done my friend.

[@MidLifeCards]

You did pretty well yourself!! My shirt is awesome!! Thanks for it!!

[@user-jh8rj8xs3g]

Great video love seeing all the old cards. Love the Banks rookie I've always said it was the best looking card of all time. With all the egos in today's market it's nice to see a man like you. I'll be watching all your stuff from now on. Thanks for sharing

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means more than you know. Thanks so much!!

[@4softcorners728]

You do such a great job of recording showcases and explaining what’s going on. Dude! Congrats on the Banks. You are so right, that setup could not have been written any better. I think Matt and I were just walking up to the table as we heard all the cheering. Lol

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. It was a really special memory, for sure!!

[@vintagesanctuary]

Graig, that Banks was meant to be! What a truly amazing copy! 🤯🤯🤯I am so happy for you, my collecting brother! 😊👊P.S. My glorious Bob Feller shows up at 4:46 in your video!

[@MidLifeCards]

So glad I was able to spend time with you this week.

[@Bostnfn]

Congrats on the Banks! I am thrilled just watching, and getting goose bumps from your friends' reactions. So happy you could pick up this biggie! I am also jealous looking at all these pictures. I immediately see a card that I would buy in an instant if I was there (Freddy Parent T206 at scottsdale cards for $60 seems like a steal). ~Allon

[@djbrennan3801]

Congrats on the grail! Good memory to last a lifetime

[@MidLifeCards]

100%

[@stevezeppieri]

Yessss!!! Congratulations Craig! I’m soooooooo happy for you. 💪🏼 The pickup of a lifetime. I know how much this means to you. God Bless buddy.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much.

[@ThatVintageCardboardSmell]

Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! I felt like I was there sharing your special moment with you.

[@MidLifeCards]

You were all there with me in my heart. Truly.

[@robertlanham7830]

That’s a beautiful Bank’s RC. You finally got that one! My 54 Ernie is the only card aside from my Aaron run that I did not bring to the National as possible trade bait! An iconic card!

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm thrilled with it.

[@gocrazycardcollecting]

Congrats Graig! I am having a blast watching you guys score some amazing cards. Happy for you brother!

[@MidLifeCards]

Incredible experience.

[@tris21]

I love it! Congratulations on your gorgeous Banks rookie.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you. It was awesome.

[@southern7002x]

Congratulations on the ‘54 Banks rookie card Graig! Stunning and beautiful card! Take care, Brian M.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much.

[@luckypetercardcollector]

Awesome video. thanks my friend. Great pick up 🍀🍺

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@luist5887]

Graig that was perfect card, deal and dealer Ash it was meant to be, it’s been on your wishlist forever so congratulations 👍🏼 NY Lou

[@MidLifeCards]

🙂

[@Tim.K.1976]

Awesome I'm so glad that you got one of your grail cards and that it was the perfect situation. Something similar happened with me and my grail card pickup from the National. I had searched 2 long days for the right 79 OPC Gretzky card saw plenty none were the right one I had given up my search. On my way outside to go home kind of disappointed I stopped to talk to Petros a hockey vender from Toronto who I had met Friday I told him my woes about not finding the right card. He told me that he just picked up a beautiful version of this card and he would let it go because he knew how hard I had been looking for the right one and that he didn't want me going home disappointed. He gave me a good deal and it felt so right how it all went down. I had a huge grin on my face and my 3 hour drive home flew by. Mission completed!

[@MidLifeCards]

That's amazing!!! I'm so happy for you!! Congrats!!

[@ClementeCollector]

So happy to be a part of your big day!!!! 😊😊😊

[@MidLifeCards]

The celebratory beer!!

[@thedrewavintagelegacy6455]

Man I was so thrilled for you when I saw you right after the Banks purchase. Absolutely the best card for you. Congrats again Graig

[@MidLifeCards]

Great hanging with you, Drew.

[@boletus2001]

That Banks looks absolutely GORGEOUS! I would be tempted to unslab it and resubmit it for grading, lol. Looks way better than a 5. Either way, congrats. What a find.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. I'm so thrilled to have picked it up.

[@mikethesportshistorycollec1947]

Congrats Graig! That Banks is a beauty, and so cool that you got it from Ash.

[@MidLifeCards]

Ash is the best.

[@jumpoffstake5875]

Congrats! Sweet Banks at a great price. Well centered Banks rookies are over $2k so you did VERY WELL!

[@MidLifeCards]

I got an amazing deal.

[@michaelcreeden1560]

Thanks Banks is AWESOME. Super sharp for the grade.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you.

[@collegehoopsguy]

Dude that Banks is unreal big ups and congrats! Ash had the goods this week for sure!

[@MidLifeCards]

Amazing inventory, for sure.

[@u_s_a_cards]

Congrats. That's a beautiful Banks. Nothing better than an after purchase beer, either ⭐️

[@MidLifeCards]

That beer was incredible.

[@aerograd]

Congrats on the Banks RC Graig! I was looking for a Banks RC at the Nashville Nash-ional a few weeks ago and struck out on finding THE ONE for me, so the hunt continues!

[@MidLifeCards]

Keep hunting.

[@RatedRookie]

Congrats buddy!! So fired up for you. Hope to see you today

[@MidLifeCards]

Great seeing you at the KZbin party.

[@user-ex8po7xb2p]

Awesome pick up Graig, great to see your patience paid off, that copy is perfect

[@MidLifeCards]

It was amazing.

[@The_Cincinnati_Kid]

Happy for you getting the ‘54 Banks. Hope you enjoy it for many years.

[@MidLifeCards]

It took a while, but was worth the wait.

[@davidbobo9740]

Happy for ya . 30 years it took but you finally got the Ernie. Congrats , you made it . Better than a Rolex any day .

[@MidLifeCards]

100%

[@signsofthepastime]

I don’t think you can script it better than that! With your dad and buds around it’s the perfect opportunity to finally get the Banks. Congrats Graig, it’s a beauty!

[@MidLifeCards]

It was an amazing way it happened.

[@fastbreaksbreakfast]

Nice Graig! Congrats on picking up your Banks. Cheers!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much.

[@shoeboxlegends]

Graig, so happy for you buddy, what a killer pickup! Huge congrats! 👊😃

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks my friend.

[@te2edgesportscards177]

Awesome - great card and great price...congrats!

[@willg.2045]

Wow, congratulations, Graig! That Banks looks awesome.

[@MidLifeCards]

I really appreciate it.

[@stevegallo8483]

Congratulations on getting your grail card: the 1954 Topps Ernie Banks rookie. In that one case my eyes jumped onto that 1959 Three Stooges card of Curly, and the price was where I expected it to be: high. That Curly is card #1 in that 1959 set which makes it hard to find in good condition. Then Curly is everyone's favorite Stooge which also contributes to the high price.

[@MidLifeCards]

I ALMOST bought that Curly.

[@davelachey8118]

Great looking Banks RC, congrats Graig! Looks like a great show, wish I could have been there.

[@MidLifeCards]

It was such an amazing week.

[@mangobango6970]

Nice pick-up! Some of those dealers seemed priced a little to high, while others seemed to know the market a little better.

[@MidLifeCards]

Stickers were high but dealers were negotiating.

[@luthravin4774]

You just made my day!! That was fun..Getting your personal grail card after 30 years!! Congratulations!!

[@MidLifeCards]

That means a lot. Thank you.

[@undraftedplayer]

Hello, congrats for this beautiful Ernie Banks RC ! Thanks you for sharing and Enjoy the Nationals.

[@MidLifeCards]

My pleasure.

[@3WordsCollector]

Fantastic card, congrats. Stars aligned

[@MidLifeCards]

Totally.

[@danielbernier6095]

Nice that you were able to take in this National with your dad and the KZbin cardmunity. I've been following your journey looking for the Banks rookie. So nice you were able to do it at this show.

[@MidLifeCards]

Totally agree.

[@mozzie22]

Beautiful Banks! Wow! Congratulations.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you.

[@brentrichardsbaseballcards]

I knew it was supposed to happen there, and I’m so glad it did! ❤ And from Ashsh. 🎉

[@MidLifeCards]

You called it.

[@user-id8vv4lw2l]

Congratulations on joining the Banks RC group! Great pick up! Greg from Ohio

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you!!

[@SconnieTradition]

Wow, congrats Graig - what a card! A lifetime in the making! 😊 You'll always remember this one!

[@MidLifeCards]

Yep. I'll never forget it.

[@returntocollecting]

Congratulations Graig! It was awesome to be there when you bought your grail! Such a great experience! Fantastic Banks RC!!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Nobody I'd rather have there with me!!

[@WARRENBUFETT]

That Banks. She's a beauty! Congrats!

[@MidLifeCards]

I really appreciate it.

[@MatthewJohnson-fs7pl]

Awesome buy Graig. You were able to obtain two of your three grail cards in a month span (this and the Brooks) might as well get the Yogi this trip too

[@MidLifeCards]

No Yogi this time. But, it'll happen soon.

[@jrsportscardschronicles3587]

Congrats on the Banks RC! A fine copy indeed! 🔥🔥🔥👍

[@MidLifeCards]

I really appreciate it.

[@jamesmcferran4938]

Graig, you FINALLY pulled the trigger! So awesome! And with ASH as the Seller, this is truly a Win-Win! So proud and ecstatic for you Graig! So very well deserved my friend!!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@BaseballTimeTraveler]

Congratulations, Graig! What a thrill for you, your dad and your buddies to be together at a special moment in your collecting journey. Hope you have additional success over the next two days!

[@MidLifeCards]

It was truly a pleasure meeting you at the show.

[@BaseballTimeTraveler]

Graig, thanks for taking the time to speak with me at the Show. I really appreciate you and your kind words. It was a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Take care, my friend.

[@pillows3ptb]

If you can afford it. You made the right call on the Banks.

[@MidLifeCards]

100%

[@Baseball2009.]

Awesome pickup Graig!! It was great running into you and your dad. That Banks was even nicer in person which is saying something. Good luck the rest of the show!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you so much.

[@Bluejacket66]

Congrats on your big pickup- really nice

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks Dave. It was great seeing you at the show and meeting your son. I'm sure you two had a blast.

[@DonOlszewski-th1ir]

Congratulations on the Banks, and to have the whole crew with you ! Nice memories

[@MidLifeCards]

So great seeing you in Cleveland.

[@hammerforty-four]

Congrats Graig! That card has been waiting for you for a very long time.

[@MidLifeCards]

We're united at last!!

[@WaxPackWisdom]

Way to go Graig! Incredible pickup!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi Graig, Thanks for your coverage of Day One at The National! Your camera work and your narrative were top notch as usual. I really love the 1954 Topps Ernie Banks PSA5 and you did get a fantastic price on it! Looking forward to seeing the future updates from you on The National. Have a great time! Peter

[@MidLifeCards]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@popnfunkos9281]

Congrats !can’t wait to have that feeling myself one day

[@MidLifeCards]

You will.

[@dk_kardboard]

Great coverage! Seems like the stars aligned on the Ernie Banks. Congratulations!

[@MidLifeCards]

It really did.

[@GoldenSlumber474]

Congrats Graig on your Ernie Banks purchase! You made the right choice bc that’s a humdinger of a card & the seller was Ashsh 👍 I’m sure you are as stoked as I was when I finally got my 57 Bart Starr & 54 Gordie Howe & 58 Jim Brown. Next for me is one of those 54 Red Heart or Dan-Dee Mantles. Hope I collect my pension long enough to get one 😂

[@MidLifeCards]

The Red Heart Mantle is so beautiful.

[@Final50Meters]

Since you already have the Kaline, then the perfect pair is yours! For me, the Aaron is unattainable, but really nice to look at daily. GREAT VID!

[@MidLifeCards]

I don't have the Kaline yet!!

[@Final50Meters]

@@MidLifeCards Well, that would be my Number Two😄I would really like to add the '55 Bowman Banks because I do already have the Kaline. I'm not too enamored with the '55 Topps ... KEEP COLLECTING!

[@JucksColletibles]

Love this for you! This is how I felt last year when I picked up the 48 Jackie in a PSA 4 at last years National!

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. What a card. Cograts.

[@kirkt.1596]

Great Ernie Banks rookie card. Classic pickup.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you.

[@tothetop-omaid]

Congratulations and awesome video!

[@BobBoozle]

The stars aligned for a great card.

[@MidLifeCards]

100%

[@thehobbyist1]

Wow, that was pretty cool! Thanks for sharing that moment! #TheHobbyist

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for watching!!

[@parkerklein27]

Amazing footage! Congratulations!!!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thank you.

[@michaelp6080]

Wow! Great looking Banks rookie. Congrats!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.