2002 National report-BMW fiasco
MRP1017
Here's a great little story from the National.
If anyone knows these guys you know that not only are they rude and strange and
never on the proper medication but they have been thrown out of all the major
regional shows. They have fought with the promoters at Ft. Wash, Pittsburgh,
all Tri-Star shows, Boston, etc. They only do Sportsfest and the National. Now,
just Sportsfest.
On Sunday, the story is that some customer bought a card from them that wouldnt
grade and he tried to return it. Unlike most dealers, Mike Wentz balked at
parting with his cash and tempers and voices got a bit high. Mike suggested
they take it outside away from the general business at the table when all of a
sudden upon getting outside Mike snapped and cold-cocked the customer. He
proceeded to beat the hell out of this guy which eventually sent him to the
hospital. Mike was subsequentially lead out in handcuffs and booked for
assault.
An insider for the National says they will be asked to leave and never attend
anymore shows. I always thought, as well as many dealers I know, Mike was the
#1 Wentz brother to bring an UZI to the show and start whacking dealers by the
dozen. I hope this customer gets half of their business....
--moo
LARGE EYES
(MRP1017) writes:
Yowza. Where was their table?
crunche
-crunch
paka...@hawaii.edu
with Bill Henderson (one of the nicest people I know in the hobby). The
Wentz' table was in the back of the room, near the snack bar.
Speaking of fiascos, I think that the National suffered a major pr
disaster when it was decided to move the 2004 National from Anaheim to
Cleveland (no one was aware that a vote was going to be taken at the dealer
meeting, including most of the members of the NSCC Committee).
Afterwards, there were petitions circulating to unseat Etta Hersch as
president. I know that one of the founders of the National wasn't
pleased, since the original idea was that the show should be held in different
parts of the country. Now, for the next 7 years, the farthest west it will
go is Chicago.
When I get over my jet lag, I'll write up my report of the show.
Hey, Marc, you still owe me a beer (you can buy me a coke next year in
Atlantic City)..
MRP1017 <mrp...@aol.com> wrote:
: Anyone know the freaks at BMW Cards? The Wentz brothers?
jpeabody
talking and laughing really loud and shilling for SGC who happened to
be grading on-site, it was pretty positive energy. The thing I wonder
about this story is what the card was. It could attain legendary
status in the hobby. "The Cold-Cock Card".
mrp...@aol.com (MRP1017) wrote in message news:<20020815000956...@mb-ms.aol.com>...
MRP1017
I for one am glad to see the show isnt going to be in Anaheim. Most of the
delaers bitching about the change are ones who didnt come to the meeting like
they should. Anaheim was a dog. 18,000 thru the door and no one spending money.
Worst national for me. I'd take my skip year if it returned there. The
committee is looking at Las Vegas which could be a decent replacement though.
The heart of the collecting public is still in the mid-west.
the49erfan15
bordering South Carolina in the near future?
paka...@hawaii.edu
: Will the National ever be held in Charlotte?? Anywhere near or
: bordering South Carolina in the near future?
I doubt it.
paka...@hawaii.edu
: AC is my town. I can find you something better than a coke there....
Well, most dealers were told that the the only thing we'd be voting on at
the meeting is the officers (were there more candidates than positions?)
and the next slate of cities (Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago). There
didn't seem to be any reason to go to the meeting since there didn't seem
like there were any choices to be made. They could have very easily
announced that a vote would be taken at the meeting about pulling
out of Anaheim. However, you're right...I should have gone anyway
(instead of winning a modest sum at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin).
From what I understand, the vote was very close and if more of us from the
west had attended, I think we'd still be in Anaheim.
I did great in Anaheim each of the three times I went. I think a lot of it
has to do with familiarity with the local collector base. You did great
in Cleveland last year and I ate it big time. I did great in Anaheim and
it was your worst show.
I've done shows in Las Vegas before...nothing to get excited about
(small collector base but the facilities are great). I'd still like to
see a return to St. Louis (by far, the best National ever for me).
Anyway, it was good meeting you there. Hope the card helps you sell the
jacket.
SolomonDCramer
>bordering South Carolina in the near future?
It was called ATLANTA - which was a disaster on Wednesday especially when the
cheap SOBs wouldn't turn on the AC, making us all sweat like pigs. Not that I
can't afford to lose a few lbs, but that was inhumane...
LARGE EYES
I more than doubt it. Take AC or leave it...best you're gonna do.
LARGE EYES
(MRP1017) writes:
>AC is my town. I can find you something better than a coke there....
>I for one am glad to see the show isnt going to be in Anaheim. Most of the
>delaers bitching about the change are ones who didnt come to the meeting like
>they should. Anaheim was a dog. 18,000 thru the door and no one spending
>money.
>Worst national for me. I'd take my skip year if it returned there. The
>committee is looking at Las Vegas which could be a decent replacement though.
>The heart of the collecting public is still in the mid-west.
Las Vegas? You talk about a bad show........
LARGE EYES
>I've never met the Wentz brothers, but I know that they're good friends
>with Bill Henderson (one of the nicest people I know in the hobby). The
>Wentz' table was in the back of the room, near the snack bar.
>
>Speaking of fiascos, I think that the National suffered a major pr
>disaster when it was decided to move the 2004 National from Anaheim to
>Cleveland (no one was aware that a vote was going to be taken at the dealer
>meeting, including most of the members of the NSCC Committee).
>Afterwards, there were petitions circulating to unseat Etta Hersch as
>president. I know that one of the founders of the National wasn't
>pleased, since the original idea was that the show should be held in
>different
>parts of the country. Now, for the next 7 years, the farthest west it will
>go is Chicago.
>
>When I get over my jet lag, I'll write up my report of the show.
>
>Hey, Marc, you still owe me a beer (you can buy me a coke next year in
>Atlantic City)..
Hey Andy, it was nice to finally put a face with an email address. I am VERY
happy with the locations the next 7 years, but I think its absolutely the
dumbest thing I've ever seen. Cleveland was not a good show for sellers and
dealers from what I could tell, and they are going to return 2 more times?
About your committee comment, my understanding is the National Committee and
board has very little, if any, say one what happens. They are sort of like
talking heads, only noone listens. I think Chicago was a good show, and AC
will be ok because of its proximity to NY, but I am shocked it won' go west of
the Mississippi for 7 years.
Michael Ng
live only 20 minutes from there.
Having said that, you're probably right about where the collecting public lies.
Most of my online transactions go to the Midwest for some reason.
-- Mike