The National: Whose autograph would you grab first this year?

This year's National Sports Collectors Convention is nearly here -- it's set for July 31-Aug. 4 in Chicago with a strong roster of autograph guests ready to sign for collectors who get a ticket and get in line for their moment beyond the ballpark.

Some signers are free if you attend the VIP reception on opening day of the show or buy a VIP ticket package -- a bonus for taking the time to hit every day of the show -- but other signers will take some planning to land the ones you want.

It's tough to see everything at The National -- it's that big -- and the time it takes to work through autograph lines is valuable in that it impedes your shot at seeing it all. With that said, here are my picks -- one per day plus a bonus pick this year -- to grab off the autograph list. (Keep reading for the full signers list in a gallery ... and, remember, times are always subject to change.)

Wednesday (4:15 p.m.) -- Drew Pearson (free for VIPs)
This Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor member has a number of accolades from his play in the 1970s, including a spot on the NFL All-Decade Team and a Super Bowl ring. He's one of the three free signers for the VIP Party and it's hard to pass up a memorable player who was part of the Dallas Cowboys' championship years for free. Picking a cool item can be a key here but no fee makes even basic cardboard feel pretty good. (He has a larger auto, so I'd probably go 8-by-10 photo rather than risk him going off the edge of a card.) 
Runner-up pick: Ryan Klesko (4:30 p.m.) -- He's also free for VIPs and was on the Atlanta Braves' 1995 World Series team.

Thursday (2 p.m.) -- Howie Long ($100 any item)
This Hall of Famer and iconic Raiders star is a former Defensive Player of the Year and he's got a Super Bowl ring as well as NFL All-Decade honors behind him, too, but it's the "any item" part of his signing session that you can make matter the most here. You can find certified autos for less than this fee (like a lot of guys at the show) but this is the kind of opening where a full-size helmet, jersey or other impressive piece can be made very strong with ink. Inscriptions are $35 but even that is on the cheaper side compared to some guys signing at the show. I'd probably go full-size helmet with a Hall of Fame 2000 inscription. Thursday is a big NFL day at the show this year and there are a lot of good names on the list, including my runner-up. See the full list in the gallery below.
Runner-up pick: Michael Irvin (2 p.m.) -- starting at $125 ($235 for anything Triplets).

Friday (2:30 p.m.) -- Wade Boggs ($69 and up)
I was a bit surprised at this Hall of Famer's price and initially had a different guy here, but it's hard to pass up this 1980s icon at the price. This 3,000 Hit Club member and five-time batting champ should sign plenty at this show compared to other guys at this rate. His maximum price for an item is $130 (bats, jerseys, full-size items) and inscriptions are $25. Those are modest enough you can go get some good chicken after getting this guy to sign, man. I'd probably get one of his 1983 Rookie Cards done.
Runner-up pick: Allen Iverson (2:15 p.m.) -- starting at $149.

Saturday (2:15 p.m.) -- Fred McGriff ($49 and up)
"Crime Dog" has a price that could be downright criminal -- as in criminally cheap for a guy just seven homers short of the 500 Home Run Club. Even his premium-fee for larger items is just $69 with inscriptions at $20. There's a lot of potential here for either fee with bats, helmets or cards all really in play. A nickname inscription could make any of them pretty sweet for the price. I'd probably go Braves for an item since he was also on the 1995 World Series winner, but his 1986 Donruss Rookie Card (his only one along with its Leaf version) or his 1987 Topps Traded card also came to mind for me.
Runner-up: Rickey Henderson (1:15 p.m.) -- starting at $109 (no artwork or bases)

Sunday (12:30 p.m.) -- Julius Erving ($139 and up)
This Hall of Famer and NBA at 50 honoree was a 16-time All-Star and arguably the biggest star in the game in his time with gravity-defying moves and dunks that were highlight-reel worthy. "Dr. J" is the subject of one of my favorite NBA photos of all time (I'm sure I'm not alone) and that's why you see this one above. A 16-by-20 of this one would cost you $159 if you already have the photo -- an impressive piece. He's not cheap but he's worth it -- and he will work his nickname into all autographs at the show, signing "Julius Dr. J Erving."
Runner-up: Thurman Thomas (1:15 p.m.) -- starting at $60

A 2019 NATIONAL BONUS PICK ... 

Friday-Sunday (Noon) -- The Sandlot's Patrick Renna ($49 and up)
"You're killin' me, Smalls!" fits perfectly within his $20 inscription parameters and that's exactly what I'd be adding to a photo for this member of The Sandlot roster also known as "Ham." He'll be signing in the area of the autograph pavillon at noon for three days of the show, giving you a few shots at him. The max cost for premium items here is $69 without inscriptions making it a decent priced fun option. I'd probably go with an 8-by-10 photo with inscription, but the Topps Archives cards or DVD bonus cards from past releases could be a good option. (Make sure to rub down the gloss.) His certified autos from last year's set are pretty pricey.

For more details on signing fees for all guests -- and what they will and won't sign -- click here.

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com