Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights: Recent Episodes
Dr. James Beckett
Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Dr. Beckett hypothetically and creatively explores whether age seven is really the ideal time to start collecting sports cards, reflecting on how his own strongest collecting years were ages 10–12 despite getting a first card at seven in 1956. Using an artificial ChatGPT voice to simulate a conversation with his seven-year-old self, he discusses why kids like cards (pictures, familiar player names), what they understand about stats and prices, and how a child might choose quantity over “better” cards. They talk through card-show logistics, attention span, budgeting ($10 vs. $100), safety and fairness when selling or trading, preferences for shiny designs, and the importance of not pushing kids too hard while encouraging fun, care of cards, and trying the hobby together as a family activity. 01:47 Meet Seven Year Old Me02:30 Recognizing Players03:19 Stats and Value04:31 Buying and Selling06:26 Surviving Card Shows08:08 Growing as Collector09:10 Allowance and Budgeting12:30 Picking Cards Your Way13:52 Soccer and Shiny Designs16:12 Trading and Peer Pressure18:10 If You Quit Collecting20:00 Family Hobby Philosophy
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss whether Pokémon has long-term staying power, arguing it has “legs” because its static characters avoid scandals, but questioning how nostalgia, generational cycles, and the lack of era-based debate like sports GOAT conversations affect TCG durability. They compare vintage appeal in older cards to modern Pokémon’s always-mint look, note Fanatics’ interest as a positive signal, and weigh what “long-term hold” means versus coins and stamps. Beckett shares stories about card-flipping contests and introduces ideas like O'GOAT and GOTE to reduce rancor in athlete comparisons. They apply “five types of wealth” (financial, knowledge/mental, time, physical, social) to the hobby, mention show scheduling conflicts, evaluate Alexis Ohanian’s NIL card business model with ONIT as challenging due to printing balance and demand, propose an all-Super Bowl-starters autograph concept, and touch on niche collecting like “goofy names” and players with few cards. 00:35 Pokemon Hype and Nostalgia02:02 Long Term Hold Debate03:52 Card Flipping Memories04:36 GOAT Talk Across Eras07:10 Wealth Types in the Hobby10:30 Social Connections at Shows11:39 Show Scheduling Frustrations12:17 NIL Cards Business Mode
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the need for a better way to connect employers and candidates in the sports card industry, weighing an Indeed-style job aggregator against the hobby’s historically successful word-of-mouth, relationship-based hiring. They reference openings like Beckett cataloging roles, internal postings at COMC, and CGC hiring graders and verification specialists with bonuses and benefits, while noting potential conflicts of interest such as employee submission programs at grading companies. They argue that strong culture, cross-training, and trusted references helped Beckett hire and promote passionate entry-level talent, but today growth in the hobby requires far more employees. They also note challenges recruiting when entrepreneurial collectors can earn more independently, and why benefits and steady pay matter as people age. 00:35 Need a Hobby Job Board02:42 Hiring Entry Level Talent04:13 Culture and Internal Growth05:02 Aggregators and LinkedIn Limits06:52 AI Pitfalls and Networking08:42 Trustworthy Store Staffing10:28 Big Company Hiring and Cross Training11:10 Grading Jobs and Conflicts12:27 Fanatics Warehouse Security13:43 High Potential Hobby Hires14:21 10X Hobby Needs Workers14:44 Why Young Talent Won't Apply15:51 Paychecks and Benefits Matter
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the recent very crowded National convention and how the nearby Dallas Card Show better fits Rich's collecting lanes. They compare the Dallas show’s layout and focus with the more modern, Pokémon-heavy NTX show and talk about how show organizers fill extra tables. The conversation shifts to hobby media, with Dr. Beckett describing how he filters content creators by category and prefers clear episode topics. They also debate card-show and shop “truth in packaging,” wishing for simple category and percentage breakdowns (vintage, wax, bargain boxes, TCG). Rich argues local shops can survive without direct wax allocation if they diversify, while both describe the rise of destination card shops with distinct specialties and stronger digital presence, noting Fanatics has improved accessibility through affordable retail-style boxes. 01:02 Dallas Show Advantages02:21 Following Hobby Content04:25 NTX Show Vibes05:34 TCG Overflow and Focus06:30 Show Tech and Categories07:34 Modern Card Shop Models10:24 Local vs Destination Shops14:47 Fanatics and Hobby Growth
Dr. Beckett records an episode after learning that pitcher Tommy John has passed away, honoring John’s unusual and inspiring career and arguing he deserves the Hall of Fame for his on-field accomplishments, not just the surgery that bears his name. Beckett cites John’s 26 seasons, 288 wins, 3.34 ERA, pitching effectively until age 46, four All-Star selections, and two second-place Cy Young finishes, comparing his candidacy to contemporaries Fergie Jenkins and Jim Kaat. He recounts John’s 1974 elbow ligament tear and Dr. Frank Jobe’s pioneering operation, noting John missed a season, then returned to pitch 14 more years and win more games after surgery than before, emphasizing the grueling rehab and the hope it gave later athletes. Beckett also discusses limited hobby impact despite John’s recognizability and rookie card details. 01:41 Hall of Fame Case03:03 Tommy John Surgery Origins03:58 Rehab And Comeback06:12 Pitching Style And Value07:14 Collector Market Impact09:34 Legacy Of Hope
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to Don Nelson, reflecting on his NBA playing career with the Celtics (14 seasons, five championships) and his Hall of Fame coaching legacy built on innovation, experimentation, and position-less, mismatch-focused basketball. Beckett shares a personal story of playing 18 holes of golf with Nelson more than 20 years ago and discusses Nellie’s influence through concepts like the point forward, roster construction, and entertaining, high-scoring teams, connecting it to Dallas perspectives, the Mavericks’ current roster, and players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Luka Doncic, and Cooper Flagg. He also offers hobby insights on Nelson’s cards, including his 1969–70 Topps “tall boy” rookie card, limited overall card demand, and the typical drop in interest for coaching-era cards versus playing-year issues. 00:30 Innovator Legacy01:40 Golf With Nellie02:12 Player Roots02:59 Coaching Greatness04:03 Hall Fame Context05:36 Point Forward Ideas08:32 Mavs Roster Echoes10:32 Card Market Takeaways12:21 Retirement Reflections
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1551–1574, highlighting Father’s Day two-part interviews with Greg Miller (Midlife Cards) and his father Michael, Cage Lawyer and son Ian, and Ben Bush with sons Ryan and Sterling. He revisits a tribute to Jack Smalling, outtakes from Hobby Hotline with Adam Palmer, Rich Klein and Tony, and conversations with Darren Ostrom about how hobby “virality” evolved (including “reverse virality” in the junk wax era) and the challenges of publishing a hobby-history book, suggesting motivators like greed, exclusivity, fear, and love. He discusses advising a friend on safely buying a $30,000 card at the West Coast show, Ramblings on labeling mistakes, AI, dynamic pricing, and why family trips like Disney World drive him to reduce his collection. He notes major show weekends, praises David’s Leaf research and the FrankenWagner eye-appeal/grade debate, covers three episodes on hobby hiring, interviews Brian Gray, and closes with National recap reflections and appreciation for hobby OG's like Mike Berkus. 01:55 Remembering Jack Smalling03:11 Virality and Hobby History04:07 Publishing a Hobby Book05:11 Big Money Card Buying06:35 National vs Disney World07:56 More Hotline Outtakes08:27 Weekend of Mega Shows09:18 Leaf Set Research10:08 Eye Appeal vs Grading10:41 Hiring in the Hobby12:32 Brian Gray Three Parter13:17 National Recap and Closing
Dr. Beckett talks with Brian Gray about the need for execution over ideation, and urges collectors to be selective about whose content they trust, valuing original thinkers with real industry experience over frequent, polished “rehash.” Gray discusses calling out fraud, the lack of organized consumer pushback, and how market influence is driven more by big breakers and high-end buyers than most regular collectors. They deiscuss repacks, arguing they can improve liquidity and often offer better expected value, while warning that eliminating them could hurt the market. Gray credits Michael Rubin and Fanatics for massively expanding publicity and the hobby’s addressable market, with more athlete involvement. They emphasize doing homework, building a “mosaic” of information, being bold, accumulating quietly, and focusing on iconic grails (never sell grails) and avoid being the underbidder on them. 00:40 Execution Over Ideas00:56 Who to Trust in Media03:36 Repacks and Liquidity04:45 Why Consumers Never Organize06:30 Fanatics and 10X Hobby08:44 Do Your Homework and Be Bold10:20 Find Your Niche and Accumulate11:27 Never Sell Grails12:50 Auctions and Setting Comps14:11 Wealth, Risk, and Conviction
Dr. Beckett interviews Brian Gray recorded before the National. Gray describes enjoying a lean, nimble operation with three (family) employees, streaming for fun, and the thrill of hobby arbitrage and “wheeling and dealing” rather than running a large company, noting his next venture won’t have him as CEO. They discuss semi-retirement, choosing when to work, and still having impact as a “voice of reason.” Gray shares how his daughter leads AI efforts at a trading card company and how AI is improving checklist generation, social trend tracking, and enabled Leaf Reimagined concepts. They also warn about AI’s limits in grading and research, missing physical cues like smell/feel, owner bias, misinformation/SEO manipulation, and the need for sources, good prompts, and critical thinking. 00:40 Streaming and Staying Lean01:25 Arbitrage and Hustle Mindset03:17 Semi Retired Life Choices04:29 AI in Trading Cards06:29 AI Limits in Grading10:47 Misinformation and SEO Traps14:14 Bias Narratives and Homework16:24 How to Think, Not What to Think17:18 Building a Mosaic of Voices
Dr. Beckett recaps his week at the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, describing the event as maximally crowded, the biggest National ever, with long lines and high energy. He details his buying-focused approach centered on dollar boxes, especially with the Singles Club, noting which days and times produced the best finds and how dealer markdowns shaped his strategy. Beckett shares highlights including a YouTube content creator gathering, meetings (notably with COMC’s Tim Getsch), traditional hobby dinners, and Jeremy Lee’s well-produced Shark Tank presentation where Dr. Beckett gave brief remarks paying tribute to deceased National co-founder Mike Berkus. He discusses skipping trade nights, signing autographs without charging, losing his voice from the crowd, travel/packing tactics, and returning home tired but enthusiastic about next year’s National and the hobby’s continued momentum. 01:48 Staying Fueled and Ready02:28 Wednesday Arrival Plan02:51 Singles Club Routine05:52 Best Times to Buy06:53 YouTube Creator Meetup08:07 Friday Meetings and OG Dinner09:48 Saturday Shark Tank Event12:04 Sunday Deals and Awkward Checkout13:15 Autographs and Show Observations15:05 Packing and Card Plans
Dr. Beckett talks with Brian Gray about high-volume card buying at the National, including last year’s long sell-to-him lines driven by many $1,000–$20,000 transactions and $3.1M spent in cash, and this year’s plan to use QR-coded five-minute appointment windows due to booth location constraints. Gray explains how modern buying revolves around fresh comps and repack/reseller demand, why many non-grail cards become less liquid at the National despite big crowds, and how grail cards can still command immediate “green cash.” He details safer cash handling via Brinks and the Fed, risks of theft, what happens if cash runs out mid-show, and notes his Whatnot streaming, consulting for two card companies, and a forthcoming major new venture. 00:41 National Buying Lines02:44 Liquidity and Comps03:33 Repackers Drive Demand05:02 Regional Shows vs National06:13 Buying Without Comps07:43 Selling Strategy at Nationals10:59 Grails vs Mid Cards12:48 Cash Logistics and Security15:12 Brinks Fees and Margins16:11 WhatNot and Next Venture
Dr. Beckett argues that as the sports card hobby has grown into a larger industry, it needs a more organized “clearinghouse” to connect employers with qualified talent across full-time, part-time, remote, seasonal, and contract roles. He cites fragmented hiring, word-of-mouth recruiting, and scattered job listings (including Brett McGrath’s, Stacking Slabs, excellent hobby jobs coverage) as reasons a thorough, centralized, data-driven platform could help match candidates by hobby expertise, skills, and willingness to relocate. Beckett discusses potential features like structured applications, reference verification, keeping listings fresh, and in-person networking events at major shows, while noting the challenge of building a viable business model where employers, sponsors, or major companies support the costs. He shares past hiring experiences, mentions current job examples, and previews the National. 00:00 Why Hobby Needs Hiring Hub04:04 Broad Roles Beyond Full Time06:07 Business Model and Seasonal Work07:11 Candidate Profiles and Data08:27 References Feedback and Testing11:15 Events and Monetization Hurdles13:49 Integrity Verification and Staleness15:25 Shark Tank Wrap and National
Dr. Beckett discusses how job seekers can use the National as the best place to connect with most major hobby companies, compared with smaller shows, and urges “free agents” to present themselves as problem solvers with a clear, direct elevator pitch and a digital resume. He advises candidates to research the full hobby ecosystem (manufacturers, grading/authentication, auctions, platforms, content, comps, supplies, distributors, TCGs) and be transparent about potential conflicts of interest from buying/selling or live-streaming. Beckett encourages looking beyond obvious roles, not pushing leadership too early, and considering grading, especially TCGs and modern cards, as a growth path, including practicing to improve and retaking grading tests or starting in pre-grading. He emphasizes courteous booth outreach, targeted company lists, follow-up, and defining success as making connections and securing interviews. 00:21 Why the National Matters01:22 Pitch Yourself Clearly02:30 Conflicts and Side Hustles03:42 Know the Hobby Ecosystem04:54 Look Beyond Obvious Roles05:51 TCGs as Career Growth07:35 Grading Path and Practice10:52 Working the Show Smart
Dr. Beckett discusses hiring in the sports card hobby after a young friend asked for help, focusing on what hobby companies actually need beyond job titles. He emphasizes identifying the business problem or growth opportunity first, separating teachable skills from foundational traits like work ethic and integrity, and valuing contributors who can grow rather than demanding a “finished product,” especially for non-senior roles. Beckett highlights the importance of hobby knowledge (including TCG/Pokémon), versatility for smaller companies, and broader job postings to cast a wider net. He outlines effective recruiting channels such as word of mouth, customers, vendors, family referrals, paid interns, and employee bounties, encourages promoting from within when possible, and prefers face-to-face hiring, often at the National, where companies can recruit strong long-term contributors. 01:48 Hire for Challenges/Opportunities02:42 Teachable vs Traits06:23 Versatility Wins08:07 Where to Find Talent09:43 Culture and Promotion10:53 Interviewing at National13:09 Make Great Offers
Dr. Beckett discusses the buzz around Keith Olbermann’s T206 “Restored Die-Cut Wagner” being sold via Love of the Game (auction closing August 8), explaining how the card was historically altered and later skillfully rebuilt using authentic card material, raising debate over restoration vs. deceptive alteration and how graders should categorize such pieces. He argues the sale could be an inflection point in hobby “rules,” with newer, wealthier collectors valuing eye appeal, story, and provenance over strict originality—similar to shifts seen with Star Jordan vs. Fleer and BGS 9.5 vs. PSA 10 preferences. Beckett predicts the Wagner could exceed $2 million, notes prediction markets like Polymarket/Kalshi and their potential influence, and frames the episode as a broader discussion about changing guardrails in collecting. 00:43 Auction Buzz and Pedigree01:47 How the Wagner Was Restored03:19 Alteration vs Restoration Rules04:48 Restoration History and Conservators05:40 Why Restorers Stay Anonymous07:04 The Wagner Club and New Money08:35 Eye Appeal Changes Hobby Rules11:19 Prediction Markets and Price Calls
Dr. Beckett interviews David from Card Boredom about his 24-page deep-dive research (free at Cardboredom.com) on 1949 Leaf Baseball, focusing on 28 true graphic-stage variations clearly caused by a plate change rather than printing defects. They discuss why price guides and grading companies have been slow to update nomenclature or fully recognize the variations, including the ripple effects of changing the long-accepted “1948 Leaf” date and resulting rookie-card implications. Beckett argues the 1948 copyrights suggest 1948 artwork even if the set was not commercially available until spring 1949, and recommends a “48-49 Leaf” compromise. 02:00 Why Guides Resist Change02:57 Real Variation Types04:59 Copyright Date Debate06:38 Plate Damage Theory07:50 David's Research Motivation10:12 Data and Sampling Limits16:11 Naming and Rookie Fallout20:36 Raw Cards Hidden Supply
Dr. Beckett recaps the biggest non-National show weekend in hobby history, with three major events running simultaneously—Fanatics Fest, the Dallas Card Show, and the West Coast Card Show, without the cannibalization some feared. He argues there’s enough cards, dealers, money, and interest to support all three and says the combined attendance may be unprecedented outside the National. Beckett shares observations from Dallas, including venue strengths and constraints (space, fire marshal limits, congested aisles, weak cell service), promoter Kyle’s challenges with growth and dealer management, and the value of adding fresh dealers. He details his own high-volume dollar-box buying approach, reviewing purchases afterward to refine what to target, and comments on media credentials, integrity for content creators, and how these events signal a robust hobby heading into the National. 00:25 Three Mega Shows02:42 Dallas Show Limits04:11 Improving Without Growing06:10 Navigating Huge Floors10:25 Reviewing The Haul12:43 Show Logistics And Cash13:47 Media Pass Ethics
Dr. Beckett and this week's Hobby Hotline crew (Adam Palmer and Tony TJ is Online) discuss news that Michael Jordan has extended his exclusive legacy partnership with Upper Deck, including Goodwin Champions redemptions for signed 1986 Fleer basketball wax packs and an eBay-auctioned 1-of-1 signed 1986 Fleer box with 10% of proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs Foundation. They debate opening versus keeping the packs sealed, note old pack “searchability,” and compare the concept to Topps’ Mickey Mantle nostalgia redemption. They also cover Topps/Fanatics testing pre-ordered Topps Chrome Update mega boxes sold without shrink wrap, focusing on tamper concerns, scams, pricing, and whether it helps collectors buy at retail. The episode closes with thoughts on the collector tension between buying singles and unopened product and why boxes must be opened for singles to exist. 01:07 Jordan and Upper Deck Deal01:18 Signed Fleer Pack Redemptions03:07 Open or Keep Sealed04:27 Nostalgia Redemption Trend05:33 Why Partner Matters08:24 Jordan Market Heat09:44 Topps No Shrink Wrap Test11:41 Tampering and Trust Issues12:50 Pricing and Scalper Impact15:25 Singles Versus Sealed Debate
Dr. Beckett compares going to Disney World with attending The National sports card show, drawing on trips to Disneyland and Disney World from the 1960s to the 1990s and his long history of attending The National, including taking his family in 1990. With an extended-family Disney World trip planned for early next year, he discusses shared challenges like long days on your feet, routing, and dislike of lines, and contrasts how Disney is typically more expensive while The National involves spending on items with tradeable value. He notes differences in solitude, age-appropriate activities, and family logistics, and suggests The National could learn from Disney’s crowd flow, cleanliness, signage, and food options. He concludes neither is “better,” emphasizing being fully present wherever you are and encouraging people to attend both if possible. 00:23 Disney vs The National01:40 Trips and Family Plans02:25 Lines and Fast Passes03:57 Cost Comparison04:43 All In on the Destination06:49 Routing and Park Strategy08:17 Social Dynamics and Community10:50 Free Agent vs Family Focus11:43 Physical Demands and Gear12:58 What Shows Can Learn14:28 Be Present and Enjoy
Dr. Beckett rambles and discusses how grading companies like PSA and BGS can make occasional labeling mistakes, noting the scale issue when volumes are high, and compares it to an Amazon shipping error that benefited him, suggesting AI checks could reduce such problems. He reflects on dynamic pricing and “surveillance” or predictive pricing, the value of curiosity over a know-it-all approach when negotiating, and his preference for buying seen cards over packs, including thoughts on repacks, branding, and Fanatics removing outer box wrap to deter reselling. He also reads an educator’s email about using basketball cards to teach life skills and honors his parents’ legacy founding Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. 00:30 Facebook Marketplace Card Lot03:32 Grading Mistakes and PSA04:44 Amazon AirTags Mixup05:52 AI Checks and Pricing09:09 Buying Seen vs Unseen10:02 Repack Boxes and Breaks11:44 Education and Hobby Impact
Dr. Beckett discusses advice for a collector flying to this weekend's West Coast Burbank card show who wants to buy an expensive card and is considering bringing $30,000 in cash. He weighs show buying versus auctions, explains why cash is often preferred at shows, and reviews alternatives like wires, credit cards (often with a 3% fee), checks (requiring strong trust/vouching), and digital payments with limits. Beckett emphasizes security and discretion, planning ahead with the bank, understanding cash-withdrawal documentation over $10,000, and being prepared for airport screening. He recommends documenting any big deal (seller identity, card/grade details, photos) to reduce risk, warns about brokered transactions and a high-profile Tom Brady deal that went wrong, and concludes that cash can be reasonable for $30,000 if handled carefully. 01:16 Payment Options Overview02:24 Cash Logistics and Risks03:47 Trust and Verification05:43 Show Deal Mechanics06:51 Wires Cards and Checks08:47 Getting Cash and Flying11:54 Documentation and Safety Tips13:33 Broker Deal Gone Wrong15:25 Best Plan for 30K
Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom discuss how to get Darin’s deeply researched history of 1990s sports cards published when his YouTube viewership is limited and traditional publishers want authors with large followings. They explore obstacles like fragmented digital audiences, declining print publishing, lack of wholesale distribution, and the need for a clear “hook” that drives virality beyond an educational or nostalgia angle. Possible paths include self-publishing via Amazon with shorter serialized volumes, pre-ordering through card shops to reduce risk, and partnerships or sponsorships with companies like Collectors/Beckett Media, PSA/SMR, or Fanatics by fitting content into existing magazines as multi-part articles. They also note competition from free content and AI, and suggest stronger concepts like registries or “100 iconic ’90s cards” lists to motivate buyers. 00:27 YouTube Chapters to Book01:36 Why Publishers Pass03:53 Self Publishing Lessons05:26 Digital Serialization Strategy06:57 Preorders and Card Shop Marketing09:32 Sponsors and Magazine Serialization14:02 Competing With Free and AI16:12 Finding the Viral Hook19:05 Reframing for Collectors20:14 Audience Spectrum and Examples
Dr. Beckett previews an upcoming conversation with Darren Ostrom (the Sports Card Professor) about publishing a hobby book and reflects on how “virality” has evolved in sports card collecting. Beckett contrasts earlier eras when buzz spread slowly by word of mouth, mail, and limited shows and was driven by scarce discoveries and hard-to-find cards regardless of condition, with today’s influencer- and price-driven demand where availability and social proof fuel hype. He discusses examples such as the 1983 Topps Traded Darryl Strawberry XRC, Fernando Valenzuela, tough and popular vintage targets like the 1963 Topps Rose rookie, 1967 Topps Brooks Robinson, 1952 Topps Mantle, and the continuing hunt for cards like T206 Wagner and 1933 Goudey Lajoie. He emphasizes a low-supply buying philosophy and thanks episode sponsors. 02:29 What Went Viral Then03:50 Strawberry and Fernando Mania04:59 Discoveries and Tough Cards06:28 Rare Card Showdown Story07:57 Vintage Icons and Short Prints09:04 Price Driven Virality Today09:35 Low Supply Buying Strategy11:17 Reverse Virality Junk Wax11:27 FB Marketplace Collection Pass
Dr. Beckett shares out-takes from Hobby Hotline and his co-hosts Adam Palmer and Rich Klein. Rich describes going with the flow at shows and finding bargains like a Riley Greene Heritage All-Star variation and short-printed Hall of Famers, plus selectively buying specific base rookies. They note live selling platforms have reduced the quality and quantity of dollar-box deals as sellers and buyers move faster. Rich cites the macro strategy of selling into up markets and buying into down markets. The group also addresses hobby negativity, valuing specific, experience-based criticism over anonymous rants. 02:25 Ugly Cards and Low Demand02:55 Rich Finds Hidden Variations06:50 House Full of Cards Story07:53 Live Selling Changes Boxes14:00 Value Box Speed and Competition16:49 Constructive Criticism Example
Dr. Beckett dedicates the episode to hobby giant Jack Smalling, who died last week at age 85. Beckett reflects on his friendship with Smalling beginning in the 1970s Midwest show circuit and credits him as foundational to the through-the-mail autograph hobby through his exhaustive baseball autograph address list, built to be encyclopedic, inclusive, and constantly updated with debut years, addresses, and death dates. He describes Smalling’s ties to publisher/distributor Denny Eckes and later bookstore distribution via Edgewater Books, notes Smalling’s career as a teacher, coach, and insurance professional, and shares obituary highlights including Jack's 1964 single off Satchel Paige and national recognition in 1988 as a top autograph expert. Beckett discusses how collectors used the lists, the ethical pitfalls of misuse, Smalling selling his collection through Heritage, and offers condolences and thanks to Ben Bram for the notice. 00:20 Tribute to Jack Smalling01:31 Book Trading and Denny Eckes02:20 Obituary Highlights and Parallels05:18 How TTM Autographs Worked07:43 Publishing Connections and Edgewater08:57 Cataloging Mindset and Accuracy09:32 Heritage Sale and Ethics10:44 Using the List to Value Autographs11:41 Personal TTM Routine and Changes
Dr. Beckett interviews Waco dealers Ben Bush and sons Ryan and Sterling, sharing how their family built a fast-turn, buy-right/sell-right card business. They discuss learning basics like comps, triaging and organizing inventory as a team, adapting to each show’s changing demand, and growing through live streaming and Whatnot while managing growth carefully to avoid failure. Ben describes their “do unto others” approach as rooted in faith, aiming to treat people well, avoid making negotiations personal, and being ready for meaningful conversations with customers. Dr. Beckett also addresses potential impacts of a future MLB labor stoppage on the baseball card market, and why the DFW area is a national hub for the hobby. 01:36 Learning the Card Business03:56 Future Plans and Growth05:32 Faith and Family Values09:59 Proud of the Boys12:07 Baseball Strike Impact13:46 DFW Card Industry Hub
Dr. Beckett interviews the Bush family of Waco: dad Ben and sons Ryan and Sterling about running a family sports card business built around Whatnot and frequent card-show buying. Ben explains they have seven children, with five family members involved: Ryan and Sterling run the Whatnot shows, Ben moderates, their sister handles shipping, and their mother manages administration. Their first show setting up was in Dallas in September 2022, and eventually shifted full time as their Whatnot channel grew. They emphasize high-volume low-end sales, disciplined buying with checks and balances, and a respectful, no-yelling hosting style rooted in the golden rule. 01:40 From Concrete to Cards03:09 Whatnot Growth Story04:45 Family Workflow06:15 Buying vs Selling at Shows07:29 Work Ethic and Going Full Time10:44 Low End Cards Strategy14:09 Customer Respect on Whatnot15:57 Golden Rule Closing
Dr. James Beckett welcomes Cage Lawyer and his 13-year-old son, Ian (who really wants to go to this year's National). They discuss hobby friendships, how Ian and his dad differ in what they collect (sports vs Pokémon) and risk tolerance, and the fun and financial lessons around breaking versus other uses for money. Beckett explains why he started Beckett to provide card accurate values and protect collectors, reflects on how fast comps move today, and shares hopes that more collectors, especially kids, will keep the hobby thriving. 03:55 Hobby Friends and Community05:59 Breaking Cards and Money Lessons07:05 Sports Betting vs Card Risk08:28 Replying to DMs and Building Brand09:33 How Beckett Started11:35 Then vs Now Hobby Speed15:06 Preserving OG Vintage Knowledge
Dr. Beckett hosts a father-son episode with Cage Lawyer and his 13-year-old son Ian (“Cage Lawyer Jr.”) discussing their hobby experiences and what cards teach about life. They share stories of Cage being recognized at shows and even at an airport, Ian’s interest in becoming an investor, and how negotiating and handling rejection at card tables builds confidence and sales skills. They compare modern vs. vintage preferences, with Ian leaning modern and Cage crediting Ian for expanding his collecting into soccer, F1, and Pokémon, sometimes ahead of the curve. They emphasize the hobby as a unique father-son bond, generational knowledge exchange, and the value of preparation using comps. The conversation also highlights “dollar box” treasure hunting, building fair dollar boxes, and helping younger collectors get positive show experiences. 03:04 Hobby Skills and Negotiation03:51 Selling Lessons and Rejection06:22 Contrarian Strategy and Budget09:57 The Best Father Son Hobby14:11 Card Wall and Research Mindset17:50 Dollar Boxes at Shows
Dr. Beckett welcomes Graig Miller (Mid-Life Cards) and his dad, Michael, discussing why they collect, the appeal of old “artifacts” cards, and the imagined journey of items like an 1888 N76 Thomas Edison. They contrast collecting “lanes,” with Michael focused and Graig boundary-pushing, and explain why value matters less to them because they built collections with “hobby money” through buying, grading, selling, and trading. Greg shares what his daughters learn from the hobby about preservation and respect for tangible items amid disposable culture. They discuss Pokémon’s boom, relevance risks for all collectibles, and handling criticism by staying accessible and focusing on constructive feedback. They close with parenting advice emphasizing fairness, consistency, trust, and being present. 00:36 Collecting as Artifacts02:19 Finding Your Lane03:31 Hobby Money Strategies05:11 Kids and Life Lessons07:57 Pokemon Boom Debate10:33 Handling Criticism15:02 Fatherhood Advice
Dr. Beckett welcomes Graig Miller (Mid-Life Sports Cards) and his father Michael. They discuss Graig’s new book, Midlife Card Çollecting Stories, and the growth of his YouTube channel and podcast into a network. Michael describes Graig as naturally shy and reflects on how they both approach teaching and coaching, emphasizing meaningful communication over performance. They compare collecting styles: Michael’s narrow focus on rebuilding and grading his childhood 1959–1960 Topps sets and gradually moving earlier, versus Greg’s eclectic interests including 100+ year-old cards and vintage golf cards. Michael explains returning to the hobby through taking his kids to 1980s card shows and later reconnecting with Graig after losing his wife. They highlight the special value of a reclaimed childhood card with Michael's name, the actual card from his childhood, and discuss collecting driven by passion, personal goals, and community rather than competition or card value. 00:43 Graig’s Hobby Journey02:51 Teaching and Coaching Style05:54 Collecting Focus Differences10:08 Reclaiming a Childhood Card12:07 Hobby as Side Gig15:40 Golf and Healthy Competition
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1526–1549 and revisits key themes: defining cash grabs, GOAT's, iconic cards, and then hobby pushbacks on eye appeal, grading consistency, and market manipulation. Dr. Beckett summarizes trips to the Toronto Sports Expo and the Watters Creek show, as well as episodes on lifelong reading/learning and probability/statistics, and the start of his annual father/son episodes with Jeremy Lee and his father Harvey. 00:27 Cash Grabs Debate02:21 GOAT Meaning Unpacked03:37 What Makes Cards Iconic06:14 Ramblings With Rich06:27 Toronto Show Recap06:57 BB Card Hall of Fame Voting07:56 Learning and Hobby Skills10:56 Oh YAAS Advisory Update12:07 Show Safety and Hobby Hotline13:06 Fixing Grading Ideas
Dr. Beckett hosts a Father’s Day podcast with Jeremy Lee of Sports Cards Live and his father, Harvey, discussing Jeremy’s record-setting purchase of a 1914 Cracker Jack Shoeless Joe Jackson card, why it felt emotional but was later validated by other buyers, and the role of due diligence, intuition, and luck. They explore common beginner mistakes, especially collecting in isolation, and emphasize learning through community, podcasts, and longitudinal, multi-variable thinking. Jeremy explains he has no remorse consolidating over 330 cards to fund the grail, and frames mistakes as “tuition,” noting his book Pops and Comps aims to reduce costly errors. Dr. Beckett advises beginners to “wait” before big buys and to buy with “weight” by acquiring larger lots to spread risk, while also addressing impulsivity, market volatility, risk tolerance, and hobby addiction support via Collectors MD. 00:30 Shoeless Joe Record Buy01:27 Trusting Your Gut02:22 Beginner Mistakes03:47 Long Term Thinking04:48 Consolidation No Regrets05:24 Mistakes as Tuition07:27 Wait and Weight Rule08:49 Rookies and Risk Balance10:55 Action Now vs Patience11:38 Addiction and Self Control12:58 Hobby Spectrum Types
Dr. Beckett welcomes guests Jeremy Lee (Sport Cards Live) and his father, Harvey. They reflect on sharing the hobby at events like the Toronto Sports Expo, emphasizing community, diplomacy, and how Jeremy’s approach mirrors Harvey’s service mindset. Harvey describes supporting Jeremy’s shift from accountancy into the hobby despite initial trepidation, while Jeremy explains his growth from content creator to publisher and collaborator came from impulsive ideas rather than a master plan. They compare being Canadian versus American in medicine and the hobby, highlighting technology’s global reach and currency impacts. The conversation closes with insights on market hype vs. long-term value, pricing signals, and common buyer mistakes driven by emotion, bias, and risk tolerance. 01:16 Hobby Time with Dad02:17 Rotary and Community Lessons04:52 Apple and the Tree05:43 Pops and Comps08:58 Building Without a Plan12:38 Canada and a Global Hobby16:05 Value vs Hype16:44 Pricing and Market Signals17:59 Buyer Mistakes and Bias
Dr. Beckett compares grilling and steak grading to sports card grading, noting that both rely on labels and subjective “eye appeal” but can still disappoint. He explains how chefs and buyers judge ingredients by sight, how steaks are graded (prime/choice) yet may not taste like their grade, and how it’s hard to “return the evidence” after eating. Comparing a cheaper USDA prime New York strip from Tom Thumb versus his usual Central Market purchase, he felt the steak tasted about a full grade lower despite looking similar. Beckett discusses trust in grading within limits, consistency, batch rhythm, pricing differences by venue, and parallels to card alteration and the need for truthful labeling, concluding that grading matters but isn’t perfect and that collectors gravitate to trusted graders. 00:44 Foodie Grilling Mindset00:57 Steak Grading Meets Cards01:58 Sending Back Mistakes02:48 Bargain Prime Experiment06:23 Subjective Value and Trust08:53 How Graders Get Rhythms10:12 Mint to Black Label Steaks10:50 Alterations and Disclosure
Dr. Beckett gives more on “fixing grading,” stressing he isn’t attacking grading companies but wants better customer service, clearer communication, and faster answers amid major backlogs. He argues the industry’s constraint isn’t simply hiring, since many of the best “graders” are successful dealers who won’t work for grading firms. Therefore companies must develop talent through training, including grading academies, while preserving distinct company standards (and not loosening them). He proposes separate grading lanes (TCG, modern, vintage) with faster lane-specific training, separate submission batches, and incentives like loyalty points and referral rewards. He discusses eye appeal as a “plus” concept, surge pricing and tier closures, the economics of grading fees, and predicts increased raw-card activity and pre-screening at shows like the National. He categorically rejects the idea grading is a scam and calls for improvements that accelerate hobby growth. 00:40 Why Grading Needs Better Service00:58 Finding and Training Great Graders02:32 Grading Academy and Standards05:04 Specialized Lanes to Clear Backlogs06:11 Batch Submissions and Loyalty Points09:27 Eye Appeal as a Plus System10:52 Surge Pricing and Submission Economics13:11 National Show and Raw Card Reviews
Dr. Beckett discusses how grading backlogs, especially at PSA, hurt the hobby’s liquidity and confidence more than pricing, noting long waits, submission shutdowns, and the impact on modern product timing. He reviews the current landscape (BGS improving, SGC positioned for vintage, CGC strong in TCG) and proposes “segmentation” with separate queues, pricing, and training lanes for TCG, modern, and vintage, arguing authenticity/alteration detection is the top priority. Beckett suggests operational fixes such as vouchers for customers willing to accept slower service, incentives for bulk/multiplicity submissions to speed grading, and loyalty points that can provide queue advantages while penalizing bad-faith submissions. He also highlights registries and pop reports as key infrastructure and suggests pre-screeners could offer labeled, non-binding raw grade estimates to avoid long grading limbo. 02:06 Backlogs and Hobby Impact03:14 Separate Queues by Category05:04 Training Lanes and Authenticity08:04 Pricing and Voucher Ideas09:53 BCCG Story and Bulk Efficiency13:01 Queue Perks and Loyalty Points14:31 Eye Appeal and Submitter Notes15:50 Pre-Graders and Raw Reviews
Dr. Beckett shares the final segment of his long roundtable (outdoor) hobby dinner conversation from the Watters Creek Show, and apologizes for the poor audio. The group discusses how many key cards remain ungraded, suggesting vintage may be split among graded, ungraded-but-gradable, and missing cards, with many raw cards internationally. Conversation covers overrun production, factory finds, sheets/strips, and how handling affected Star cards. They also discuss distrust and clickbait around big hobby companies, the value of in-person interactions, and how economic downturns or a potential baseball labor dispute could impact the hobby, with experienced buyers seeing opportunity in price drops. 01:08 International Raw Card Supply03:49 Iconic Cards and Alterations04:48 Overruns and Factory Finds08:21 Tracking Down Star Origins09:42 Building Star Sets Today10:36 PSA 10 Odds and Pop Talk12:05 Big Brands and Distrust14:26 Clickbait and Hobby Negativity16:32 In Person Fixes Misconceptions17:01 Down Economy Opportunity18:06 Strikes and Industry Risk
Dr. Beckett, along with co-hosts John Newman and Brody the Kid on a recent Saturday morning episode of Hobby Hotline, discuss hobby safety after a report of a dealer being a registered sex offender, arguing promoters with national brands should require applications and permission for background checks as a business safeguard and deterrent, while also urging parental supervision and kids’ personal safety awareness. Brody agrees background checks are reasonable and advises kids to limit personal information. The conversation shifts to The National, where Dr. Beckett describes how he begins preparation for the next National the day after the past National, thus immediately thereafter, treating other shows as “batting practice,” plans who to see, and previews the confusing Chicago floor layout. 00:00 Oh YaAAS Advisor Role02:15 How They Connected03:24 Making It Official04:55 Show Safety Concerns05:34 Promoter Background Checks07:49 Kid and Parent Safety Tips10:51 Card Shows vs Disney11:53 Families at The National12:38 Prepping for Nationals14:09 Navigating Chicago Layout
Dr. James Beckett shares (very poor, apologies!) audio from a wide-ranging hobby dinner conversation at the Watters Creek Show discussing how to broaden sports card collecting across race, gender, and socioeconomic lines by “planting seeds” through outreach and welcoming environments. The group notes increased diversity and more female collectors, considers barriers like storage space, access, and rising prices, and points to entry points such as affordable retail products, low-cost packs, and Panini soccer stickers. They debate how breaks, allocations, and day-one FOMO affect affordability and wax pricing, and highlight direct-to-consumer models like Upper Deck ePack and on-demand platforms such as Whatnot. The conversation also contrasts the magic of blind pack opening with deterministic buying, touches on complete sets as a low-cost onramp for kids, and mentions growing athlete participation in collecting. 00:33 Growing a Diverse Collector Base03:19 Meritocracy and Inclusion03:41 Global Hobby Seed Planting05:48 Prices and Entry Barriers07:31 Stickers and Cheap Entry08:40 Breaks and Staircase Strategy10:26 Breaker Economics and FOMO13:09 ePack and On Demand Buying13:59 Is Convenience Killing Magic15:39 Complete Sets and Kid Collecting
Dr. Beckett rambles about Vegas trends, his new Oh YAAS advisory role, PSA’s counterfeit report, concerns about game-worn relics, and gives a rain-soaked review of Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee Platinum Hockey. 00:54 Vegas Trends and Hobby Pricing03:48 Formall Advising Oh YAAS05:07 PSA Counterfeit Report06:11 Relic Cards Debate08:14 Soaked Delivery and OPC Platinum10:25 Box Breakdown and Collation
Dr. Beckett shares a hobby dinner conversation from the Watter’s Creek Show with out-of-town collectors discussing how rising wax prices and the growth of breakers have affected the hobby, and whether breaking is good or bad. Guests recount their collecting origins, from inheriting older brothers’ cards to buying singles instead of packs, and one collector’s focus on Star basketball with questions about how many high-value cards remain ungraded. The group also explores the lack of cultural diversity in collecting and efforts like Anthony Devine’s Rise program. They debate Fanatics/Topps “wave” releases, dynamic pricing, allocation, single licenses, and whether today’s box prices are sustainable. Additional topics include grading and consignment backlogs, potential AI/automation, investor-driven flipping vs true collecting, and the changing landscape of card shops and shows. 00:34 Collector Origins and Breaking01:20 Upper Deck Career and Diversity03:32 Star Cards and Grading Odds06:37 Future Wax Box Prices10:58 AI and Robotics in the Hobby12:50 Collectors vs Flippers Debate14:29 Nostalgia Pulls and Blank Backs16:41 Sealed Wax and Store Boom
Dr. Beckett continues his hobby “education” series by using a gifted 25-26 Upper Deck SPX Hockey box (3 cards per pack, 8 packs, ~$150 SRP; 20 boxes per case) to explain how collectors are really buying probabilities and should evaluate true scarcity and expected value rather than relying on luck. He estimates production by totaling serial-numbered parallels across a 165-card set (roughly 50,000 serial-numbered cards implying about 50,000 boxes, or ~2,500 cases) and shows how even a hypothetical $1,000,000 card would add only about $20 to a box’s expected value at 1-in-50,000 odds; similarly, 165 one-of-ones are extremely unlikely to hit. He discusses non-serial “gold” and “silver” parallels, arguing serial numbers could change perception, compares buying sealed product vs singles, and notes David Adams’ discounted random-team breaks versus case pricing, plus grading backlogs and volatility that reward informed, math-savvy decisions. 01:05 Box Basics and Pricing01:40 Buying Probabilities Not Cards03:37 Estimating Print Run04:47 Expected Value Reality Check06:28 One of Ones Math07:19 Gold and Silver Scarcity08:31 Buy the Product09:23 Breaks Versus Cases10:45 Volatile Prices and Grading
Dr. Beckett recaps Kyle Robertson’s busy Watters Creek Dallas Card Show, praising it as top-notch in the U.S. (behind only the National and Toronto Sports Expo) and noting aggressive pricing and big sales. After missing Thursday to attend an event honoring his wife’s volunteer work, he returns Friday, shares an interaction that leads to meeting Akbar’s wife, and describes why the show is his “happy place” for both buying and listening to hobby conversations. Beckett discusses fewer dollar boxes due to dealer changes and sell-outs, his bulk-buy discount approach, and discomfort with being offered special treatment as “the price guide guy.” He previews a future episode about a Friday-night hobby dinner and lists the eight attendees, and closes with upcoming shows and invitations for future hobby dinners. 00:28 Why Dallas Stands Out01:46 Missing Thursday and Dealer Sellouts03:50 Talking Star Basketball with Dave Dzendzel04:44 Dollar Box Routine and Show Chatter05:24 Two Overheard Hobby Conversations07:07 Fewer Dollar Boxes and Pricing Strategy08:30 Secret Shopper and Fair Deals09:21 Hobby Dinner Plans and Sunday Skip10:25 Dinner Guest Roll Call11:28 Wrap Up and Future Dinners
Dr. Beckett discusses why practical “business math” matters in the sports card hobby, from basic percentages (e.g., buying at 80–90% of comps) to avoiding misleading “up 200%” headlines without price context. He urges using statistics, probability, and expected value to evaluate deals—especially breaks—rather than following the herd in prediction markets, noting that AI can also get numbers wrong and must be checked. Beckett also highlights time estimation as a useful skill for card-show work, and cautions that gambling-like products can affect winners as well as losers. He shares a probability anecdote about buying from multiple dealers named “Kevin S,” explains why events often aren’t independent, and previews a future nuts-and-bolts episode while encouraging collectors to do their own math (or find a math-savvy buddy) when pricing products and judging breaker configurations. 00:43 Why Math Matters in the Hobby01:29 Percentages and Price Moves02:46 Expected Value and Herd Thinking04:04 AI Can Get Math Wrong04:32 Time Math at Card Shows06:17 Gambling Psychology and Edges07:47 Kevin Odds and Independence09:58 Expected Value in Product Pricing10:54 Co-op Breaking and Breaker Boxes
Dr. Beckett explains how stronger reading and writing skills can help collectors enjoy the hobby more through better communication, preparation, and understanding. He reflects on learning through cards as a kid (reading backs, calculating stats, sports biographies) and shares how his parents started a free school in South Dallas to help at-risk students learn basic skills, showing that anyone can make a difference. He contrasts long-form reading with movies and warns against overreliance on Google/AI, including AI “hallucinations,” advocating genuine understanding. He also compares 2025-26 Panini Prizm soccer favorably to Donruss, discusses grading timing ahead of the World Cup, shares finding a Snakeskin in a dollar box, and declines a podcast pitch about cross-border shipping. 01:00 Modern Communication Skills02:28 Parents Start a School04:24 Why Reading Matters05:03 Books vs Movies06:25 Reading in the Hobby07:22 AI Summaries and Errors08:56 My Collecting Phases11:17 Prizm and Donruss Break12:09 World Cup Grading Dilemma12:52 Dollar Box Snakeskin Win13:14 PR Pitch and Publicity
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss a listener question about why some 1990 Topps football cards have a back disclaimer (and hash mark variations), speculating it relates to Pro Set’s “official card of the NFL” status, NFL/NFLPA licensing turmoil, and possibly different print runs or printing locations. They also talk about card show logistics, including using hallway or side-room tables to create seating and to draw traffic into less-visited rooms by placing autograph guests or services there. The episode then shifts to the 1993 Topps R&N China/Porcelain cards, noting subtle variations, uncertainty about the checklist, and the difficulty of valuing rarely seen singles like an Orlando Merced card without reliable comps, leading into a broader discussion of “price above replacement,” dealer pricing, customer relationships, and the risks of selling items displayed at outdated prices. 00:41 1990 Topps Disclaimer Mystery02:16 Pro Set Influence and 1992 Chaos04:52 Pro Set Press and Overproduction05:44 Show Tables and Floor Layout07:13 1993 Porcelain Parallel Debate09:51 Pricing Without Comps
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the intense three-week stretch during the McGwire–Sosa home run chase when Rich was inundated with reporters’ calls, often having to explain the sports card hobby from scratch, and how it gave perspective on the daily strain public figures face; Rich recalls briefly escaping afterwards to Houston for a Cubs–Astrodome weekend. They pivot to Rich’s music hobby—listening to radio airchecks and hosting monthly interactive “music games”—and relate it to collecting as a pursuit or “chase” rather than simply owning a collection, citing examples like Al Rosen and the appeal of finding specific cards such as a 1952 Topps ERR Johnny Sain. The episode also covers bootstrapping hobby businesses, comparing Jeremy’s CIA Auctions garage-based growth to Beckett and others’ gradual expansion, real estate and security needs, and the disruption of frequent moves. 00:41 McGwire Sosa Media Frenzy02:26 Houston Trip and Hobbies03:00 Music Collecting and Games06:09 The Thrill of the Chase07:47 Vintage Set Talk and Finds10:06 Bootstrapping Auction Businesses11:31 Beckett Growth and Space Lessons
Dr. Beckett welcomes Ray Fonio aka Ray from Philly to discuss the 2026 Baseball Card Hall of Fame ballot, reminds viewers to vote by May 14 at www.thesportscardhalloffame.com, and reviews how the process works: separate pre-war and post-war ballots with 25 cards each, selecting five per ballot. Dr. Beckett explains his voting philosophy balancing rarity and demand, then walks through key pre-war candidates including Old Judge, T206, Cracker Jack, and the 1925 Exhibit Lou Gehrig, plus thoughts on error cards and oversized issues. For post-war, he highlights choices and debates around regional and modern cards, including 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson, 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella, 1950 Toleteros Josh Gibson, 1968 Topps 3D Clemente, and 1980 Charlotte O’s Cal Ripken, and discusses potentially splitting the post-war era and creating separate ballots for non-mainstream issues. 00:54 Pre War Picks Old Judge Icons01:20 Shoeless Joe and Rarity Theory02:27 T206 Errors Doyle vs Magie04:28 Turkey Reds and Oversize Regrets05:55 Cracker Jack and Exhibit Gehrig07:18 Diamond Stars and Write In Ideas09:36 Campanella and Josh Gibson Spotlight13:20 Clemente 3D Ripken and Modern Cards16:52 Rethinking Eras Mainstream vs Oddball
Dr. Beckett recaps his Toronto card show trip, highlighting how the experience felt almost like the National—spending nearly as much but 90% of his purchases were hockey cards. He describes strategies for finding value and dollar boxes, negotiating volume deals (especially late Sunday), and a key monster-box purchase he immediately dropped off at COMC after securing trust via Jeremy Lee. He details aggressive bargain-pulling (including 400 top-loaded cards in an hour), navigating mixed “$1 and up” boxes, and learning how structured pricing reflects smart dealer business strategy. Beckett shares a vintage type-card reality check on pricing, notes positive interactions with Canadian collectors, and explains that his customs fears proved unfounded despite being prepared with receipts. 00:31 Packing Cards and Customs Worries01:07 Show Vibe and Finding Value02:05 Monster Box Deal at Close03:42 Jeremy Lee Check Assist05:16 400 Card Dollar Box Sprint07:11 Negotiating Mixed Price Boxes09:52 Vintage Type Cards Reality Check13:32 Customs Non-Issue14:22 Friends and Show Encounters
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss how explicitly asking listeners for questions can boost Q&A episodes, referencing Greg Miller’s approach. They touch on hobby retail growth, including Nick’s second location and WAXXED opening three Houston-area stores. They answer a question about late-1940s/early-1950s Penny King Cracker Jack player charms, noting their appeal, cataloging challenges, and Beckett’s push to be encyclopedic. The conversation shifts to whether Beckett should have cataloged unlicensed Broder-type sets, weighing their easy reprintability, legitimacy concerns, and today’s growing gray areas, including Panini Instant-style items without numbering. They also explain why the Dallas Card Show brand is expanding to places like New Jersey and Chicago through partnerships that improve autograph guests while increasing card dealers, and Beckett shares insights on learning at shows by being “incognito” and talking with attendees. 01:44 New Card Shops Expanding02:15 Cracker Jack Charms Talk04:06 Cataloging Oddball Sets04:53 Broder Reprints and Legitimacy07:17 Gray Areas in Modern Cards09:09 Dallas Card Show Goes National10:16 Autograph Guests Strategy14:12 Secret Shopper at Shows
Dr. Beckett addresses questions about unsolicited autograph requests, arguing he won’t respond without a real connection, and shares his view on collecting mascot/voice-talent autographs based on recognizability. He recalls Dallas’s Shortstop card shop near SMU in the late 1980s, and comments on a nine-year extension for Connor Griffin as smart, with room to renegotiate if performance warrants. Beckett reviews recent openings: Panini Donruss Soccer Road to the FIFA World Cup (high card count, Optic seeding, autograph/memorabilia, a Christian Romero auto mistaken for Ronaldo) and Upper Deck releases including 2025-26 Flair hockey, 2026 AEW Allure and Allure Golf, and 2025-26 Metal Universe hockey highlighting PMGs, base-set appeal, and insert scarcity, then closes with playoff hockey and Stars fandom. 00:39 Autograph Request Policy01:32 Mascot and Celebrity Autos02:10 Dallas Card Shop Memories03:09 Connor Griffin Contract Talk04:02 Panini Donruss Soccer Rip05:42 Upper Deck Flair Hockey07:20 Allure Wrestling and Golf09:46 Monopolies and Licenses11:05 Metal Universe Hockey PMGs
Dr. Beckett previews his trip to the Toronto Sports Expo and offers five “pushbacks” to extend discussions/topics from Sports Cards Live: breakers/repacks/flippers aren’t ruining the hobby but are a major, scalable, liquidity-driving segment that LCSs should adapt to; market manipulation is more incentive alignment and selective storytelling than conspiracy, with cherry-picked comps a key problem and increasing sophistication via bots/AI; “price above replacement” explains why dealers price higher and collectors should call bluffs, with ideas like discounted boxes if opened in-store; grading is more consistent than critics admit but reporting bias highlights outliers, and subjectivity remains on borderlines; and “eye appeal” matters mainly within a grade, including debate over authentic-altered cards. 01:09 Pushback 1 Breakers Flippers LCS04:21 Pushback 2 Market Manipulation/Comps07:56 Pushback 3 Pricing Above Replacement11:04 Pushback 4 Grading Consistency14:34 Pushback 5 Eye Appeal vs Grade
Dr. Beckett discusses what makes a sports card truly iconic, arguing it should be instantly recognizable in the collector’s mind, led by strong visual impact, supported by a compelling narrative, and sealed by an emotional connection. He contrasts universally recognized icons like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and T206 Honus Wagner with cases where great players lack a single defining card, citing Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, and the complexity of modern parallels and one-of-ones. Drawing from early hobby show experiences, he emphasizes shared awareness, provenance, and “holy grail” status, noting how scarcity and cultural consensus shape icon status more than mere expense or rarity. 02:13 Visual Narrative Emotion04:18 Griffey and Condition Talk05:07 Early Show Bragging Rights07:07 Instant Recognition Test07:34 Modern Parallels and One of Ones09:15 Ohtani and Jackie Debates11:58 Collecting Without Icons
Dr. Beckett discusses the tricky definition of “GOAT,” arguing there can be more than one and that championships can be overemphasized, especially for great players on weak teams. Using examples like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan vs. peers, Gretzky vs. Mario Lemieux, and Brady surpassing Montana, he explains how hobby demand and card prices often become logarithmic, with the top name far outpacing the “silver medal” tier. He urges collectors to be discerning buyers, consider individual accolades (top three MVP voting, All-Pro/All-NBA), and look for “near-GOATs” or players in the GOAT conversation rather than always chasing the apex at any price. He also notes the risks of unsustainable hype similar to rookie-card spikes, and how personal “my GOAT” narratives can drive collecting. 00:24 What Makes a GOAT01:23 Winning vs Greatness01:47 Rankings and Podiums04:17 GOAT Talk for Collectors08:19 Stats and Individual Accolades09:54 Beyond the One True GOAT11:27 Personal GOAT Stories12:23 Pick Your Own GOAT
Dr. Beckett discusses what collectors call “cash grabs” in the sports card hobby and why the term is subjective, often depending on whether something feels gimmicky, low-effort, or overpriced versus a real innovation. He contrasts short-term profit plays with building long-term trust, argues that profitable companies should reinvest, and cites examples such as Fanatics debut patches, Topps Now, PSA upcharges, LCS pricing above SRP based on replacement cost, and even stadium concessions as “captive audience” pricing. Beckett emphasizes market forces, reputation, and consumer choice—buy, boycott, grade elsewhere, or not at all—while warning against judging intent too quickly and noting that sustained customer resistance and competition can correct pricing and product excesses. 00:54 Defining Cash Grab03:29 Pricing Power And Ethics05:05 Reputation And Bad Actors05:55 Who Sets Fair Price08:04 LCS Pricing And Comps09:58 Expected Value And SRP10:56 PSA Upcharges And Fees11:58 Optimizing Not Maximizing
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1501–1524, thanking sponsors and highlighting key topics: tributes to Pirates Roy Face and Bill Mazeroski; ramblings on hockey, golf, and Non-Sport Update; Hobby Hotline outtakes on the Pokémon Illustrator record sale, Topps’ 75th anniversary “top 75 cards” process, and Panini’s uncertain future; a three-part Zoom conversation with Josh Luber touching on Pascal’s Wager and blind boxes vs. choosing singles; reflections on the Beckett Online Price Guide; why 1984 Donruss matters beyond Mattingly; Dallas-area show reports; concerns about Whatnot arbitration and gambling dynamics; PSA “MK” issues with inauthentic autographs; auction and sales manipulation; frustration with coordinated autograph requests; thoughts on Eisner vs. Rubin and Fanatics as the “apex” company; COMC price increases; childhood high-number set memories; and Toronto Expo prep tips from Ken Capell, including currency, border experiences, and dollar boxes. 00:31 Pirates Double Tribute01:57 Record Prices and Top 7503:46 Josh Luber Deep Dive05:08 Blind Box Philosophy06:21 Beckett OPG Reflections06:53 Why 84 Donruss Matters07:53 Whatnot Arbitration and Gambling09:05 PSA MK Autograph Marks09:47 Defensive/Offensive Manipulation10:28 Panini Inflection Point11:30 Autograph Request Frustrations12:30 Eisner vs Rubin and Fanatics13:48 COMC Price Increases14:23 High Numbers Nostalgia
Dr. Beckett previews his upcoming Toronto Sports Card Expo trip with advice from longtime attendee Ken Capel, comparing the show to U.S. events and noting its heavy hockey focus, expanded post-pandemic size, abundant $1–$2 boxes, and generally deal-friendly hockey dealers. They discuss how most pricing is in Canadian dollars but many vendors willingly accept U.S. cash and do on-the-spot conversion, sometimes even offering better-than-conversion pricing. The conversation covers the rise of buying stations and major hockey repacks, fewer table buyouts than in earlier years, strong Upper Deck presence with redemption-driven wax breaking, and the show’s improved layout with autographs in a separate room plus a dedicated Pokémon section. Ken shares border-crossing habits, receipts, and removing price stickers before returning to the U.S. 00:50 Why Toronto Matters01:37 Post Pandemic Changes02:33 Making Deals Up North03:56 Paying With US Cash06:44 Repacks And Buy Stations08:15 Show Layout And Wax10:30 Upper Deck And Young Guns14:02 Border Crossing Tips16:46 Discounts And Bundle Deals
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss a listener question from Stephen Britton about what “high number” cards are, how to identify them, and why they can be tougher and more desirable. They explain that the term mainly applies to vintage baseball sets issued in series, where the last series (the highest card numbers) was often printed and distributed in lower quantities, creating scarcity; classic examples include 1952 Topps high numbers and many Topps baseball sets from 1959–1973, with nuances such as short prints, double/triple prints, and varying cutoff points by year (e.g., 1967 vs. 1972). They note exceptions where earlier series can be tougher, discuss how modern releases like Topps Heritage sometimes label “HN,” and suggest using hobby references like Beckett Vintage Magazine to see series breakdowns. They also consider how reduced set-building today affects demand for high-number commons versus stars. 01:25 Defining High Numbers02:26 Series and Number Ranges04:41 How to Identify Them05:16 Research and Price Guides06:20 Scarcity and Demand09:19 Beyond Baseball Examples11:18 Oddball Series Exceptions13:57 Wrapping Up Advice16:33 Modern Hobby Impact
Dr. Beckett discusses COMC in a positive ramblings episode while reacting to COMC’s fee increases and how higher per-card pick/pack “shipping” costs change the economics of low-dollar cards, encouraging more in-ecosystem vault/credit use and more careful buying, submitting, and pricing. He explains COMC’s operational challenges as ingestion and shipping at massive scale, compares COMC’s growth and criticism to Beckett’s, and notes tensions between being a tech leader, serving collectors, and making money, including thumbnail/color limitations and a distraction toward auctions versus COMC’s fixed-price “long tail” strength. He reflects on a shrinking personal time horizon and gradual selling, notes hockey hasn’t performed as well for him on COMC, reports March as his best COMC month ever, and offers feedback on how COMC’s March Madness promotion could have communicated standings better. 00:24 Why ComC Still Works Well01:41 Fee Hikes and Shipping Reality02:36 Adapting Strategy for Low-End Cards03:18 Flipping vs Long-Term Selling04:04 Portfolio Selling Wish List06:28 Growth Pains and Security08:04 Leadership and Company Vision08:51 Fixed Price Focus vs Auctions09:41 Backlogs and Long Tail Advantage10:59 Hockey Over-Supplied Listings12:12 Best Month Ever and March Madness
Dr. Beckett shares a hockey ramblings sparked by receiving an Upper Deck National Hockey Card Day kit and an Allure box, plus opening the New York Rangers Centennial Set tin (the last of the Original Six for him). He discusses National Hockey Card Day at participating hobby shops, his Allure pulls and the challenge of understanding non-serial-numbered Color Flow parallel rankings, and his impressions of the Rangers set design, collation, autographs, and high-number short prints. Announces he’s going to Toronto for the Expo for the first time since November 2000, outlines his buying goals (personal collection, eBay resale, and COMC resale), and notes constraints like customs and carry-on space. 01:10 National Hockey Card Day Kit01:53 Allure Box Color Flow02:50 Toronto Expo Return Trip03:18 Rangers Centennial Set Review06:40 Hockey vs Baseball Comparisons09:07 Show Strategy and Resale Plans10:31 COMC Costs and Customs
Dr. Beckett recaps last Saturday's Hobby Hotline live call-in discussion with John Coffman, Chris Carlin, and Joey, focusing on how COVID kick-started the hobby and how Fanatics’ acquisition of Topps and PSA’s growth under Nat Turner accelerated change. They debate the hobby’s increasing “lottery ticket”/gambling feel, the shift of products and pricing toward breakers, and how high wax costs push collectors toward singles while still relying on breaks to supply the market. The group discusses brand and conduct concerns around breakers, and argues unlicensed manufacturers like Panini, Upper Deck, and Leaf can remain viable by right-sizing and leaning on strong inserts. They also cover grading-company event strategy, highlighting PSA’s tech and process improvements (app scanning, QR intake, reduced lines) and the importance of human guidance at shows and hobby-shop drop-offs, noting PSA, BGS, and SGC can coexist with distinct strengths. 02:12 Fanatics and PSA Giants03:36 Eisner vs Rubin Mindset04:19 Gambling and Break Culture07:45 Wax Prices and Buying Singles11:17 Breakers vs Hobby Shops13:31 Non Licensed Brands Survive15:02 Grading Shows and Tech19:48 Coexisting Grading Ecosystem
Dr. Beckett discusses a recent surge in suspiciously similar email autograph requests, offering his mailing address for listeners who want an autograph and noting his longtime experience with through-the-mail requests. He shares feedback from Phil Pierce about last week’s episode featuring Gervise Ford and talks about collecting “playing years” runs and getting them autographed. Beckett helps a friend unload mostly junk-wax-era loose cards, finding value mainly in unopened packs and connecting the friend with someone who hosts pack-opening parties. He comments on a Beckett Grading complaint about unexpected surface damage, noting how photos and handling can complicate evidence and that factory or other handling is more likely than grader-caused scratches. He then opens Panini USA Stars & Stripes Baseball and 2025 WNBA Prizm boxes, observes breaking incentives, and reflects on “recognizability” of players when evaluating products. 00:24 Autograph Email Surge01:15 Mailing Address Details02:18 Hobby Friends and Feedback03:32 Playing Years Autographs04:31 Junk Wax Donation Find06:51 Grading Damage Dispute10:17 Panini Box Break Trends13:12 Recognizability Quotient
Longtime (but now retired) card dealer Gervise Ford reflects on the 1970s hobby before price guides, when most transactions were trades and even complete 1961 Topps high-number sets could be had for $20. He recalls selling off unwanted sets, trading 1953 Topps cards for fabricated custom card boxes, and a painful hindsight example of selling 1953 Bowman's for a dime a card that would be worth far more today. Gervise describes how he eventually sold his shop and most of his collection through First Base/Wayne, with John Esch buying much of the better material, and shares the timing of a $50,000 shop sale alongside a major health diagnosis. They discuss investment misconceptions, memorable collections and how the hobby has changed. 00:00 Trading Before Price Guides02:22 Selling Shop and Collection03:54 Health Scare and Timing04:47 Landmark Cracker Jack Card05:30 Regrets and Hobby Lessons06:53 Attic Find Reality Check10:24 Life After the Hobby11:29 Giving Back in Retirement
Two longtime hobbyists look back on starting a small weekend card shop in Dallas, moving to a bigger location, and deciding to open a full-time store with Wayne Grove as a knowledgeable managing partner who could run the shop daily as their family responsibilities grew. They discuss how card condition mattered less in the early days, Gervise shares memorable buying stories including a high-value 1953 Mantle and unusual 1954 Bowman Ted Williams pulls, and note collecting across sports. The conversation also covers learning programming through college and actuarial work, writing insurance software, and using BASIC to help speed up price guide work. They reflect on early conventions, auctions, and how buying untouched collections revealed true card supply. 00:36 Partnering with Wayne Grove01:51 Condition and Collecting04:29 Beyond Baseball Cards05:06 Learning to Program08:14 Hobby People and Conflicts10:13 Early Conventions and Auctions
Two longtime friends reminisce about how a one-shot 1969 classified ad in the SMU campus paper connected them and changed lives, leading to trades, softball games, and deeper involvement in the national baseball card hobby. They compare early collecting experiences—starting with 1954 and 1956 Topps, trading for Bowman cards, idolizing Stan Musial, and seeking complete sets—while recalling sources like The Sporting News, Coin World, and dealer Sam Rosen. The conversation covers buying boxes cheaply, doubling money on card lots, discovering pre-war issues like T205, T206, and T207, and the challenge of selling in early days. They also recount starting a 1974 card show and association, the hobby’s growth after 1975, and its rapid expansion through 1980 and beyond. 00:00 The SMU Ad That Started It02:06 Late Bloomers in Sports02:59 Trading With Older Collectors04:54 Buying Boxes and Hustling06:08 Discovering the National Hobby07:40 First Trades and Set Building09:22 Coin World Finds10:10 Starting Shows and Going Midwest12:50 Big Collections and Selling Challenges
Dr. Beckett reviews a Panini mail day featuring 2025-26 EuroLeague Contenders Basketball and 2025 Prizm Black Football, noting value, inserts/parallels, and how products will be viewed years later based on the year/copyright conventions. He pulls base cards of Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama in EuroLeague and discusses Panini’s looming loss of major U.S. licenses, the industry pivot toward Fanatics, and how Panini may adapt using approaches similar to Leaf and new mixed products like 2026 Bowman Basketball. He then adds a late-arriving, high-priced debut product, 2025 Panini Silhouette Football, outlines its configuration and hit types, shares his box results, and closes with five trends he believes will shape the hobby: more digital, more global, more gamification/gambling ties, more direct-to-consumer, and more experiential collecting. 00:41 EuroLeague Contenders Rip02:24 Panini vs Fanatics Shift03:47 Prizm Black Football Box07:09 Year Labels and RC Debate10:46 Silhouette Price and Hits12:47 Future Five Future Trends
Dr. Beckett addresses a question about “offensive” shill bidding, expanding the discussion to market manipulation as cards are treated like stocks and collectors take “positions” in multiple copies. He explains defensive manipulation as bidding (or reserves/house bids) intended to prevent or thwart recorded sales below a card’s comp range, while offensive manipulation is bidding a comparable copy up above comps to raise the perceived value of cards you already own, which he calls more insidious. Beckett distinguishes legal auction reserves from forbidden self-bidding in online auctions and describes shill/shield schemes involving friends, aliases, or proxy bidders. He also warns that fixed-price listings and brokered private sales can easily be manipulated, and suggests prediction markets could influence perceptions and bidding behavior, emphasizing buyer beware and ethical conduct. 02:04 Offensive Manipulation Tactics03:46 Brokered Private Sales Manipulation05:55 Ethics and Buyer Beware08:24 Self Bidding vs Shilling11:16 Prediction Markets Risk12:51 High End Market Warnings
Dr. Beckett responds to Mike Lach’s question about why grading companies don’t apply an MK (mark) qualifier to post-production, in-person on-card autographs. He explains PSA’s early-1990s introduction of qualifiers (OC, MC, ST, MK, PD, OF) to note manufacturing related issues, and how MK indicates extraneous markings that lower the card’s value though the technical grade reflects centering, edges, corners, and surface(!). Dr. Beckett notes that autograph collecting and card grading were once separate, and that grading companies typically won’t slab cards with attempted or inauthentic autographs, often rejecting them rather than labeling them MK. He argues there should be a clearer solution—encapsulating cards as authentic while noting questionable or inauthentic signatures—to keep misleading items from remaining raw in the market. 01:01 Origins of PSA Qualifiers02:51 How MK Affects Grade04:05 Factory Flaws vs Marks05:17 Autographs and Slabbing History06:20 Inauthentic Autographs Problem08:13 Why Slab Questionables09:40 Personal Stories on Writing
Dr. Beckett out-takes the recent Hobby Hotline segment with Adam Palmer and Victor Roman, focusing on Whatnot’s legal trouble over alleged backend practices tied to breaking, repacking, and quasi-gambling mechanics that may especially affect a younger demographic. The discussion explains how forced arbitration differs from court and why attorney quality matters, highlighting hobby attorney Paul Lesko representing 15 complainants and the possibility this is only the beginning. They speculate Whatnot will take the matter seriously and likely seek a settlement and non-financial changes, since cash payouts could trigger many more claims, possibly offering platform credit instead. The conversation frames live selling as entertainment driven by urgency and short attention spans, but distinguishes typical overpaying from complaints alleging severe financial harm and debt, and it raises the need for guardrails, education, and potential industry self-regulation. 00:54 Whatnot Lawsuit Overview01:58 Arbitration Explained02:39 Paul Lesko Enters03:42 Settlement Stakes05:09 Live Selling Risks06:53 Is It A Scam?07:07 Why Live Selling Works09:00 Comps And Safeguards10:02 Real Harm And Debt11:30 Regulation Pressure13:13 Gambling Definitions15:49 What Happens Next16:43 Arbitrator Bias Concerns
Dr. Beckett recaps attending all four days of the Watters Creek Show, noting it was slightly less crowded than the peak January show but still one of the best, and praises Kyle’s promotion work. He describes his approach to working dollar boxes, adding a new regular dealer, learning that some sellers move “non-Whatnot” cards into value boxes, and how quantity deals can lead to both wins and a few buying mistakes. He shares tactics for spotting worthwhile tables (inventory quantity, disorganization, box-price structure, fresh stock, and posted quantity breaks) and recounts hearing a bulk quarter-box negotiation. Beckett also highlights show conversations about eye appeal, grading inconsistency, the T-Pot experiment, Pokémon’s rise, and Whatnot, and discusses price-sensitive vs non-price-sensitive cards, trading liquidity, ethical vs deceptive flipping, willpower as a “muscle,” gamblification fallacies, and how ChatGPT learning from his queries feels creepy. 01:33 Whatnot Dealers and Dollar Boxes06:14 How to Spot Good Tables08:16 Negotiations and Box Stamina10:57 Price Sensitive vs Casual Cards11:56 Trading Culture and Flipping Ethics13:04 Mindset Gamification and ChatGPT
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss why 1984 Donruss surged to the top of the baseball card market after trailing Topps in 1981–83 in response to a question from notable hobby contributor Skep1. They explore whether the set was truly short-printed versus simply harder to find than 1984 Topps, and how a combination of distribution differences, strong design and photography, and Don Mattingly’s breakout season in New York drove demand. The episode highlights 1984 Donruss innovations and quirks, including the first prominent “Rated Rookie” front logo (with Bill Madden involved in selections), notable rated rookies like Joe Carter, Sid Fernandez, and Ron Darling, printing/variation errors (missing back numbers on some cards and the “Perez-Steele Gallery” misspelling corrected in factory sets), and A/B insert cards honoring players who retired in 1983. They also discuss perceived differences between pack-pulled cards and factory sets, Donruss factory sets being cellophane-packed and in numerical order, and how card stock and collation improved by 1984 compared to earlier Donruss years. The conversation compares 1984 Donruss and 1984 Fleer to other era-defining releases (including 1989 Upper Deck), notes how demand and long-term holding by collectors can affect availability, and touches on missed opportunities like the absence of a 1984 Donruss extended set that could have included rookies such as Kirby Puckett and Dwight Gooden. 01:29 Scarcity vs. Distribution: What Made 84 Donruss Harder to Find02:06 Mattingly Mania + a Gorgeous Design = The Perfect Storm02:41 Rated Rookies, Errors & Quirks: The Hidden Fun in the Set03:37 Local Shop Memories: How Collectors Actually Bought 84 Donruss04:29 Was 84 Donruss Really Short-Printed? Debunking the Myth09:36 Market Strength, Condition, and Why 84 Donruss Still Holds Up13:14 The Missing Donruss Update Set Opp (Gooden, Puckett)13:59 Bigger Picture: First Topps Cards, Competition, Perceived Demand
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the Beckett Online Price Guide (OPG) and how collectors can get value from it even when some pricing is imperfect. Using an email from Austin Goodman as a prompt, they explain that the OPG’s biggest strengths are card nomenclature, set checklists, and time-saving lookup for groups of cards, while pricing accuracy is generally solid for many commons but can be wrong for thinly traded, obscure, or fast-moving cards and newer products. They describe how to apply due diligence by checking additional sources like eBay sold listings, Card Ladder, Market Movers, and COMC (where Klein works), emphasizing the difference between asking vs sold prices and how readily available fixed-price listings can cap value. They also discuss how less frequent repricing of older/obscure sets and limited market data contribute to stale prices, how grading and condition scarcity can create counterintuitive demand (e.g., some low grades being harder to find than mid grades), and why most commons do not appreciate like investments. The episode touches on checklist verification challenges, past production oddities, the difficulty of fully automating pricing (even with AI), the risk of manipulation in thinly traded markets, and a desire for better photo coverage (front/back) and community-assisted editing to improve the OPG. 00:00 Beckett OPG Origins & Early Memories00:36 Subscriber Question: Is Beckett OPG Worth Renewing?01:22 What the OPG Offers: Names, Checklists, Then Prices04:18 Experience-Based Red Flags: Dollar Boxes, Regional Demand05:40 Why Some Sets Don’t Get Updated (and How to Double-Check)10:28 Practical Advice: Use Short-Term Access & Verify With Sold Prices11:52 New Product Pricing, Checklist Fixes & Limits of Automation/AI14:16 Prediction Markets, Commons, and Stagnant Cards18:11 Exceptions: Grade Scarcity & Counterintuitive Prices18:57 OPG as a “Diamond in the Rough” to Be Polished
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss strategies for buying card collections and “shoebox” lots when time is limited and you can’t comp every card. They compare top-down approaches that quickly pull out the biggest hits and treat the rest as filler versus bottom-up methods that value the long tail by years/sets, partial sets, and even per-card minimums, while also factoring in condition and what might be gradable. They talk about the appeal and risk of uncertainty in Huggins & Scott treasure chest lots, including the option to preview in person, and why quick evaluation is necessary at shows and stores. Both share times they overpaid or misread lots—such as a monster box of “rookie cards” that turned out to be mostly junk wax, and buying a large accumulation based on extrapolating from a few good boxes—highlighting lessons like checking every box and staying in your lanes. They also cover negotiating tactics, the costs of dealing with huge quantities (space, transport, disposal), how show table prices influence deals (including end-of-show boxes under tables), and why good eyesight and fast processing matter for working dollar boxes. 01:05 Rich’s Collection-Buying (the time they matched numbers)01:57 Two Valuation Mindsets: Key Hits First vs. Long-Tail Sets & Filler03:38 Blind Box / Treasure Chest Psychology04:31 Show-Floor Reality: Minutes Not Hours (quick ways to value)05:37 Condition & Grading Upside: When “Filler” Isn’t Really Filler07:30 Getting Burned (or Not): Conservative Offers and Painful Lessons10:15 Modern Show Economics: Dollar Boxes, FOMO, and Piles12:48 Quantity Traps, Table-Space Deals, and Final Takeaways
Dr. Beckett discusses opening three new Upper Deck hockey products, emphasizing he seeks “good” pulls rather than only “great” hits. He highlights 2025–26 O-Pee-Chee’s 600-card base set, inserts, and differential scarcity in playing-card inserts; reviews the 2025 Detroit Red Wings Centennial release with guaranteed autographs and higher-number scarcity; and covers 2025–26 Fleer Ultra Hockey’s tougher high numbers, medallion parallels, and focus on aesthetics over hits, naming O-Pee-Chee his value winner. He addresses a misconception about Star Company, clarifying he doesn’t hate Star but disputes treating it as a major company or its cards as full rookie cards. He also weighs in on getting a good deal on a second copy of a card you already own and closes with thoughts on money, side gigs, and difficulty selling modern sets. 00:53 Good Pulls vs Great Pulls02:11 OPC Hockey Box Breakdown03:48 Red Wings Centennial Set06:09 Fleer Ultra Hockey Overview07:33 Aesthetics in Collecting08:46 Star Company Misconceptions12:08 Money, Success, and Side Gigs
Dr. Beckett hosts Josh Luber about his 136 page white paper on “BlindBoxification”. They debate Shohei Ohtani’s “GOAT” case in comparison to Babe Ruth, including Ruth’s influence on Japanese baseball, and discuss hobby myths and legends surrounding iconic cards like the 1952 Topps Mantle and T206 Wagner, arguing the myths are “frosting” on already great cards. The discussion covers Bruce McNall’s perceived wealth and relationship with Gretzky, PSA grade price spreads in bull vs. bear markets (especially the gap between 9 and 10), and the Pareto principle as collectors consolidate toward “best of the best” items. Beckett connects blind products to buyers overestimating odds of landing grails and explores an analogy between collecting decisions and Pascal’s Wager, including opportunity cost of staying out of the hobby and why 2021 is cited as the only year a new entrant might regret. Beckett also shares a personalized ChatGPT critique of Josh’s arguments, touching on novelty, collector intent, information asymmetry changing over time, liquidity vs. hobby health, and saturation risk, while both agree markets adapt and digital repacks may dominate. 00:48 Ohtani vs Babe Ruth02:30 Mantle and Wagner Myths03:45 McNall and Gretzky Scandal04:17 Grading Spreads in Markets06:14 Pareto and Blind Packs07:35 Pascal Wager for Collectors10:59 ChatGPT Critiques the Thesis
Dr. Beckett interviews Josh Luber, discussing Luber’s 136-page book on “BlindBoxification”, covering transparency versus mystery in the hobby, hybrid product concepts, and Panini’s outlook without full licensing. Beckett highlights Griffey’s rise prior to grading and factory set production, then points to prediction markets as a major emerging topic—raising issues like insider knowledge, manipulation, regulation, and examples of real-world event control. They discuss pseudonymous hobby identities and how real-world presence can act as a safeguard. Beckett and Luber explore “truly collectible cards” (TCCs)—cards that aren’t for sale—contrasting illiquid “inaccessible” grails with liquid bellwether cards. Beckett shares his 1977 experience splitting a 1952 Topps set to keep 406 cards while a partner took the Mantle, using it to frame what makes a card iconic, alongside T206 Honus Wagner. They revisit how “hits” used to be high-number short prints and speculate on series-by-series supply differences, including Beckett’s thesis about the 1952 Topps fifth series drop-off and the Mantle double print. The conversation also contrasts earlier hobby knowledge-sharing with today’s widespread access to data (e.g., pop reports and market tools), and concludes with Wagner’s long-standing mystique predating grading, PSA’s origins in coin grading, and challenges graders face with trimming detection and policy choices. 00:48 Transparency and Licensing Talk01:33 Griffey Before Grading02:09 Prediction Markets in Cards04:37 Handles and Hobby Pseudonyms05:35 Truly Collectible Cards07:38 What Makes a Card Iconic08:54 High Numbers as the Hits11:21 Information Then vs Now13:52 Wagner Mystique and Grading Origins
Dr. Beckett hosts a conversation with Josh Luber about Luber’s long “BlindBoxification” white paper (136 pages) and the broader trend of blind-box style products in sports cards and beyond. Luber discusses the paper as a conversation-starter and potentially a living document, with ideas for a V2, a book-form revision, or a limited podcast series; he also shares research learnings from other industries, including examples like brands attempting blind boxes and the problems it created. They reference Blaise Pascal’s quote about the pleasure of the hunt and ties it to collecting and uncertainty, then challenges and expands Luber’s “hits vs filler” framework into four categories: truly collectible cards (TCCs) not meant to be sold, hits meant to be sold as currency, filler with attributes, and low-value “zeroes,” with discussion of when grading matters across those categories. They debate older collectors and set-building, with Beckett pushing back on calling it an “impossible dream” for vintage set completion while agreeing modern products like 2023 Prizm make traditional set collecting impossible and may accelerate the end of sets. They also explore digital repacks and expected value, transparency, buybacks, and why repack models are spreading because anyone can build them without owning rights. Beckett raises concerns that if repack buyback transactions become tracked by pricing tools, repeated circulation could create a downward pricing spiral, and the episode ends with both acknowledging how buyback percentages could lead to a “race to the bottom.” 00:50 Why Blindboxification Matters01:38 A Living Document and V2 Plans03:31 Pascal and the Thrill of the Hunt05:05 Hits, Filler, and Four Categories09:00 Set Building and Grumpy Collectors11:26 Digital Repacks and Expected Value13:09 Hybrid Repacks and Industry Moves14:12 Transparency and the Race Down
Dr. Beckett shares outtakes from a Hobby Hotline appearance with Lauren Schafer and John Newman. The main discussion focuses on Panini’s future as Fanatics/Topps will control basketball and football licenses, leaving Panini producing unlicensed products like Donruss Basketball without logos and without certain exclusive players. The group talks about whether Panini can compete through design, lower price points, and creative approaches, and considers niche opportunities such as going deeper into WNBA, women’s hockey, and emerging leagues. They also debate cost-cutting ideas like shifting away from game-used material and emphasizing on-card autographs, along with how retail discounting and product clearance can affect hobby confidence. A second segment covers the Texas Rangers’ planned Nolan Ryan “bloody jersey” replica giveaway tied to Ryan being hit in the face by a Bo Jackson liner, including expectations for demand, potential autograph interest and pricing, quality concerns, secondary-market speculation, and a practical tip about using an embroidery hoop to make fabric items easier to sign. 00:50 What Happens to Panini After Losing Licenses?01:58 Unlicensed Products, Pricing, and Why Some Will Still Sell06:04 Panini’s Best Option: Re-Calibrating and Right-Sizing?09:27 Retail Reality: Blasters, Clearance, and Quiet Price Protection10:47 Nolan Ryan Bloody Jersey Giveaway
Dr. Beckett responds to criticism he heard on other shows by sharing context from the selection process. He explains the list is tied to the 2026 Topps flagship baseball product and will appear as redemption cards, which influenced a bias toward base/flagship sets and excluded other Topps brands like Bowman, Stadium Club, and Heritage. Beckett notes the panel was made up largely of industry insiders, likely underweighting youth and traditional collectors, and suggests vintage and 1952 Topps were naturally emphasized. He comments on Sy Berger’s legacy possibly affecting Willie Mays’ ranking, addresses the prominence of the $1M Paul Skenes card as a landmark Fanatics-era marketing moment, explains differing definitions of “iconic,” and argues some stars’ most iconic cards aren’t Topps (e.g., Griffey, Jeter, Mattingly). He also says the top 12 included 2011 Trout and 1985 McGwire USA, and calls for more transparency in the voting process. 00:45 Why It Ties to 2026 Flagship01:09 Panel Context and Brand Limits01:43 Sy Berger and 1952 Topps Bias02:23 Industry List vs Hobby List02:53 The Skenes Card Debate03:29 What Makes a Card Iconic03:59 Rookie Card Mismatches04:22 Top 12 Idea and Missing Picks04:40 Voting Process Transparency
Dr. Beckett discusses the recent world-record $16.5 million sale of the Pokémon Illustrator card sold by Logan Paul and purchased by Paul Scaramucci, noting it is the only PSA 10 although 41 were made. He shares a Hobby Hotline clip and explains his views on market manipulation, distinguishing defensive vs. offensive forms and arguing that while nothing appears illegal, the transaction may be manipulative from a hobby standpoint due to corporate motives and marketing value. The conversation compares the sale to prior record holders like the Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant Logoman and iconic sports cards such as the T206 Wagner and 1952 Topps Mantle, predicting a sports card could reclaim the record later in the year. Beckett and others discuss how publicity, auction hype, live-auction transparency, and big-money marketing incentives can create ripple effects across the broader collectibles market, and whether such prices are sustainable on resale. 00:22 $16.5M Pokémon Illustrator Sale: Why It Matters00:36 Market Manipulation: Defensive vs Offensive02:27 What Makes a ‘Legit’ Sale? Hobby vs Corporate Motives04:43 PR, Transparency, and ‘Is This Market Manipulation?’06:15 Will a Sports Card Reclaim the Crown?09:39 Marketing Investment: Why the Buyer Has Already ‘Won’11:17 Ripple Effects to the Market
Dr. Beckett covers recent mail, hobby questions, industry topics, and discusses Upper Deck boxes he recently received: 2025-26 SP Game Used hockey and 2026 Upper Deck Golf (marketed around the 25th anniversary of their inaugural 2001 golf release). He reflects on Beckett’s original 2001 agreement with Upper Deck to produce a golf card magazine with price guide to support the original golf set launch and Tiger Woods’ first pack-pulled card, noting the magazine and products looked great but the category wasn’t as successful as hoped and hence was overproduced. He also discusses Non-Sport Update magazine's demise, mentions the Toser family (Roxanne and Marlon), son Harris Toser, and first editor Chris Benjamin, and explains why he didn’t acquire it earlier, noting it was later acquired by his successors around 2016 and suggesting Collectors could now potentially revive or divest the brand. 00:28 Opening Upper Deck Hockey Box01:35 Upper Deck Golf Anniversary04:53 Buyer Intent at Shows05:55 My One Percent Monthly Goal06:35 Old School Philly Show Story07:54 Non Sport Update Farewell09:16 How I Work Dollar Boxes
Dr. Beckett tributes two recently deceased Pittsburgh Pirates favorites from his personal botyhood fandom: relief ace Roy (ElRoy) Face and Hall of Fame second baseman Bill Mazeroski. He reflects on the 1960 Pirates as his favorite team and explains why both players deserve more hobby respect. For Face, he highlights his signature forkball, how relievers of that era entered tie games and jams, his remarkable 1959 run (including winning 18 of 19), his military service, and his role in the 1960 World Series with three saves. Beckett also discusses Face’s key and scarce cards, including his 1953 Topps high-number rookie, the rarely seen 1952 Fort Worth Cats card, and the very tough 1960 ElRoy Face Motel card, and comments on Face’s late induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023 and his unlikely Hall of Fame chances. For Mazeroski, he recounts where he was when he heard Mazeroski’s Game 7 walk-off home run on the radio, emphasizes Mazeroski’s elite defense and double-play prowess, cites Bill James’s praise of his defensive impact, and notes his career home run total and playing context at Forbes Field. He closes with additional audio from Hobby Hotline discussing Mazeroski’s passing, his reputation with fans and signings, comparisons within the 1960 World Series, and the argument for valuing defense and signature career moments. 00:23 Tributes: 1960 Pirates & Two Legends03:32 Roy Face Cards (RC, Minor League, Motel Card)04:41 Roy Face Legacy: Hall of Fame Case05:32 My Maz Memory: Hearing the Walk-Off on the Radio08:30 Mazeroski Key Cards + Closing Thoughts12:46 Hall of Fame Debate: Moment vs Career
Dr. Beckett reaps his past 25 episodes, covering mentoring and learning the hobby with Rich Klein, reactions to the parent of PSA acquiring the Beckett brands, end-of-year observations and his intention to keep podcasting, and interviews with Dan Bliss about West Coast card shows. Several episodes respond to Jeremy Lee’s Sports Card Live, including “seven friendly rebuttals,” discussion of monopolies, market manipulation and shill bidding, grading variability, and auction rules, plus Dr. Beckett’s “Hobby Spectrum” 'Hybrid' result and his goal of consolidating by subtraction. He shares personal insights on working dollar boxes for deals and mental sharpness, explores future facial recognition technology, and recaps Hobby Hotline discussions including Hall of Fame talk and an eBay AI return scam. Other topics include a racing card Hall of Fame episode with Logan Ward, definitions around knowledge and ethics, concerns about prediction markets, the challenge of selling his dad’s stamp collection, opening Panini and Upper Deck boxes, and the question of player popularity vs performance in card values. He highlights a conversation with French journalist Julien Chiron, commentary on Geoff Wilson’s “12 mistakes in 2025” episode (including FOMO and sunk cost non-fallacy), an ethical scenario involving an altered card and eye appeal, participation on Topps’ 75th anniversary “75 greatest cards” panel, and an episode on industry leaks prompted by a Fanatics National slide leak. 00:59 Episode 1477: PSA Parent Acquires Beckett Brands02:02 Episode 1479: Card Show Talk — Dan Bliss & Front Row Shows02:25 Episodes 1481–1482: Friendly Rebuttals + Hobby Spectrum Hybrid (Jeremy Lee)06:27 Episode 1484: Future Tech — Facial Recognition & Smart Glasses08:05 Episodes 1487–1488: Conversation with Jeremy Lee (Definitions Matter)09:12 Episodes 1490–1491: Ramblings — Repacks, Ethics, Prediction Markets + Dad’s Stamps12:17 Episode 1496: Reacting to Geoff Wilson’s “12 Mistakes”13:35 Episode 1497: Authentic/Altered/Re-Altered — Ethics of Card Doctoring14:41 Episode 1498: Topps 75th — Voting their 75 Greatest
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the leaked private Fanatics 2025 National meeting notes and treat it as an example of how sensitive corporate prep materials can surface, whether accidentally, intentionally, or spitefully. They argue the notes mostly reflect normal corporate meeting preparation, especially for Michael Rubin’s rapid-fire meetings, and emphasize such documents should be collected or shredded rather than trashed. They also say they don’t see anything “horrible” in the leaked content, noting that quantity pricing and giving better terms to bigger customers is standard business practice, including examples from their own experience and comparisons to dealing with large accounts like Walmart. The episode explores hobby implications such as allocation advantages for high-profile or high-overhead partners (e.g., Tom Brady’s Card Vault) and how losing Fanatics allocation can hurt stores and breakers, sometimes forcing them to buy on the secondary market. They describe a local shop (Mason’s) closing after losing allocation and discuss adaptation strategies, especially shifting toward singles (high-end and long-tail) versus modern “breaking room/lounge” stores that emphasize wax. They touch on concerns about behavior that could look monopolistic, but point to competition such as eBay Live’s hiring push, and conclude Fanatics will be fine if it keeps serving customers rather than acting like the only option, ending with advice for future meetings: be mindful of discoverable notes and ‘bring a shredder.’ 00:40 How Corporate Meetings Get Prepped (How Slides Leak)03:11 Accidental vs Spiteful Leaks + Handling Sensitive Docs04:50 Rubin’s Team: Over-Preparation?07:08 Slides Shown: Quantity Pricing & “Best Customer” Deals08:46 Tom Brady’s Card Vault, Breakers, and the Monopoly Line11:13 When Allocation Gets Cut: How Shops Can Survive13:19 Two Divergent Futures for Card Shops
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss Topps’ “75 Greatest Cards” list finalized over a Zoom call with industry and hobby voices (including Nat Turner, writer Tim Kurkjian, collector Evan Longoria, historian John Thorn, Fanatics CEO Mike Mahan, and others). Josh Hall writes in criticizing the list for recognizing Barry Bonds and for placing Paul Skenes’ card between legends like Jackie Robinson and Nolan Ryan in the top ten. Beckett explains why modern players must be represented, and they compare the process to Mike Payne's 1997 “300 Greatest Baseball Cards” book, and argues Skenes merits inclusion due to hobby relevance and sales, while noting career outcomes are uncertain. They cover how the top 10 was balloted and tabulated, Beckett’s push for more Ohtani and Judge, and the importance of redemption “hits” that won’t disappoint collectors. They debate including the Aurelio Rodriguez Bat Boy error card, Rich shares an anecdote about a 2006 Topps Heritage wrong-photo card signed “that’s not me,” and critiques design choices that make names/numbers hard to read. The conversation also touches on buybacks, the hobby’s shift toward hits over rediscovered commons, and how grading/pop reports influence list perception (including his view that a Topps Griffey “rookie” shouldn’t outrank the iconic 1989 Upper Deck). Beckett addresses the tension between player popularity and performance, defends Bonds as having broken rules rather than committing “crimes against humanity,” and says he didn’t rank Bonds in his own top 10, while noting Nolan Ryan’s popularity despite a less-stellar win–loss record. They praise Topps/Fanatics’ marketing savvy and both credit friend and longtime Topps' Clay Luraschi as a key behind-the-scenes contributor to the broader list that was narrowed down. 01:57 Why Modern Stars Belong02:41 Inside the Voting and Making Redemption Cards Exciting06:55 Buybacks vs. “Hits” in the Modern Hobby07:41 Nat Turner/Grading/Pop Reports Shaping the Rankings10:42 Barry Bonds Debate: Popularity vs Performance
Dr. Beckett delves into the intricacies of evaluating cards based on eye appeal versus technical grades, discussing the consistency and challenges faced by expert graders. Dr. Beckett also addresses the ethical considerations of further altering already modified cards to enhance their appearance. Additionally, he touches on the impacts of market manipulation within the hobby. 00:45 Grading and Eye Appeal02:23 Challenges in Card Alteration Detection05:01 Ethical Dilemmas in Card Alteration09:48 The Impact of Eye Appeal on Card Value13:11 Market Manipulation
Dr. Beckett discusses 12 sports card investing 'mistakes' originally outlined by Geoff Wilson on his channel two weeks ago. Dr. Beckett provides his insights, lessening the perceived severity of these 'mistakes.' Key topics include the risks of focusing on unproven players, the balance between buying singles and boxes, FOMO in auctions, the challenges of grading, sunk cost fallacy, and the importance of understanding scarcity and liquidity. Additionally, Dr. Beckett explores the nuances of buying into products you don't fully understand, taking profits, tracking collections, and remembering why and how you collect in the first place. 01:04 Risky Players vs. GOATs02:21 Boxes vs. Singles: The Buying Dilemma03:28 Navigating FOMO in Auctions and Beyond04:10 Grading Assumptions: Raw Cards to PSA 10s05:12 Release Week Hype and Sunk Cost Fallacy07:35 Investing in Non-Liquid Cards08:30 The Importance of Understanding09:28 Taking Profits and Tracking Your Collection12:22 Remembering Why (and How) You Collect
Dr. Beckett delves into his 2026 Football Card Hall of Fame ballot, along with co-founders Ray Fonio (Ray from Philly), mBar (Bart's Cards), and Scott (Sconnie Tradition), discussing why he voted (or didn't vote) for particular cards. We reminisce about classic cards from the 1970s and 80s, sharing personal anecdotes and comments on the evolving landscape of collectible football cards. Dr. Beckett also touches on potential future innovations, such as PSA registry collaborations. 00:55 Football Legends and Their Impact01:28 Voting Decisions and Criteria02:42 Modern Players and Their Prospects07:56 Vintage Cards and HOF Considerations11:19 Industry Changes and Future Directions
Dr. Beckett joins Ray Fonio (RayfromPhilly), Bart (Bart's Cards), and Scott (Sconnie Tradition) to discuss the 2026 Football Card Hall of Fame ballot, evaluating iconic football cards from various eras. They provide insights into the voting process and the significance of each card, while also reflecting on personal experiences and historical context. Please go vote right away athttps://forms.gle/EQF27LPzqTSRJMhL6 00:30 Early Football Cards Discussion01:53 Clark Hinkle and Other 1935 Chicle Cards02:51 Kenny Washington and Sid Luckman03:35 Bobby Layne and Other 1948 Cards04:35 Crazy Legs and Joe Paterno06:15 Tom Landry and Other Notable Cards13:58 Hall of Fame Snubs
Dr. Beckett and guest Logan Ward dive into the unique aspects of liquidity within the NASCAR sports card market. They discuss how the concept of liquidity differs for NASCAR cards compared to other sports, the impact of grading, and how pricing affects liquidity. They also touch on the collector-investor spectrum in the hobby, the rarity of certain cards, and how the buy-and-hold mentality is more prevalent among NASCAR collectors. The conversation explores the current state of the hobby, including trading, regional card shows, and the challenges and opportunities within the evolving card market landscape. 00:25 Discussing Liquidity in Sports Cards03:33 NASCAR Card Collecting Insights07:23 Trading and Card Shows13:49 Market Trends and Concerns
Dr. Beckett and Julien Chiron from France dive into the world of sports card collecting in Europe. Julien discusses his journey, from collecting Panini stickers to interviewing key figures in the industry for his new book about Panini and Upper Deck. Learn about the evolution of the hobby in France, the impact of major sports events, and the role of grading in today's international market. 00:33 Julien's First Book on the Hobby02:23 The Evolution of the Hobby in France04:43 The Impact of Panini and Upper Deck06:30 Julien's Second Book and New Discoveries08:13 Challenges and Insights in Publishing13:37 Dr. Beckett's Reflections on the Hobby
Dr. Beckett shares his thoughts on various personal and hobby-related topics. He discusses sales spikes on eBay and COMC during bad weather, experiences with his father's stamp collection, and muses over the enjoyment of collecting lower-value cards. Dr. Beckett also delves into the tricky business of consolidating cards for high-value purchases, shares some recent unboxing experiences from Panini and Upper Deck, and reflects on the importance of card popularity over pure statistics in determining card values. 00:24 Weather and Sales Impact00:35 Hall of Fame Discussions00:55 Stamp Collection Story02:01 Dollar Box Ambassador05:23 Panini Package and Box Opening09:02 Upper Deck Package and Hockey Cards12:45 Wrestler Popularity vs. Stats
Dr. Beckett provides valuable insights into the sports card market. He covers various topics including the benefits of buying singles versus packs, the business models of repacks and breaks, and the importance of knowledge in selecting rookie cards. Dr. Beckett discusses market strategies such as opportunistic buying, the implications of dollar-cost averaging, and dealing with FOMO (fear of missing out). He also touches upon ethical concerns related to card trimming, the impact of auction processes, and the potential future of prediction markets in the hobby. 01:08 Buying Strategies: Singles vs. Packs01:35 Dealing with Rookies and Prospects02:38 Research and Market Analysis03:04 Opportunistic Buying03:52 Selling Strategies and Card Value04:46 Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)07:30 Auction Dynamics and Ethics10:31 Memorabilia Market Insights11:27 Trimming and Grading Controversies
Join Dr. Beckett and special guest Logan Ward, co-founder of the Racing Card Hall of Fame, as they discuss the origins and operations, the selection process for inducting racing cards, and the diversity of motorsports represented. Logan shares insights into the different eras of racing cards and addresses the challenges of creating a balanced and inclusive Hall of Fame. Be sure to vote before 2/1/26 at bit.ly/2026rchofvote and the password is RCHOF. 00:35 Origins of the Racing Card Hall of Fame01:06 Inclusivity in the Racing Card Hall of Fame03:08 Categories and Representation in the Hall of Fame06:08 Discussion on Specific Cards and Ballots
Jeremy Lee responds to Dr. Beckett's recent Friendly Rebuttal episode exploring all seven: monopolies, grading inconsistencies, market manipulation, regional premiums, historical and modern monopolies in the card market, the merits and flaws of different grading systems, resubmitting cards for grading, and hidden impact of shill bidding. 01:01 Monopolies in the Sports Card Industry03:42 Grading Inconsistencies/Resubmitting Cards12:58 Essence of Shill in Dollar Boxes?16:45 Regional Premiums and Market Efficiency19:14 Transparency in Grading/Market Manipulation
Dr. Beckett and Jeremy Lee discuss the creation and development of the Jeremy's Hobby Spectrum assessment. They delve into the origins, purpose, and future enhancements of this diagnostic tool designed for sports card collectors and investors, including the directory feature, the diverse archetypes, and how the assessment aims to build community and facilitate connections within the hobby. 00:23 Jeremy Lee's Hobby Spectrum Assessment01:34 Development and Community Building02:38 Archetypes and Collector Identity05:57 Intensity and Evolution in Collecting08:48 Advisors and Development Team12:44 Future Plans and Monetization
Dr. Beckett (along with his Hobby Hotline co-host Dom and Rich) looks into topics including the recent AI-generated return scam-dal on eBay, the potential of AI in the hobby, and strategic marketing opportunities for sports card companies. Rich also brings up the significance of Hall of Fame speeches, specifically Ted Williams' 1966 speech that catalyzed the inclusion of Negro League players. Additionally, we explore the new partnership between Arena Club and the San Antonio Spurs, as well as the broader implications of integrating sports cards into sporting events. 00:39 Bill White and Hall of Fame Discussions03:27 eBay Scandal and AI in the Hobby07:24 Arena Club and Sports Partnerships13:54 Card Shows and Collecting Tips
Dr. Beckett (during the Hobby Hotline show) discusses the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot and evaluates the chances of players like Carlos Beltran, Andrew Jones, and Chase Utley. They examine the voting trends, ballot dynamics, and the impact of modern metrics on the Hall of Fame selections. Special attention is given to the role of contributors and overlooked players in the Hall of Fame. 00:38 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion01:29 Debate on Hall of Fame Candidates02:32 Hall of Fame Voting Trends and Criteria09:12 Historical Comparisons and Contributor Recognition
Dr. Beckett discusses the potential future of sports card shows with the integration of facial recognition technology. He explores the benefits and challenges of implementing such technology, including faster entry, enhanced security, and the ability to track attendance and customer preferences. Dr. Beckett also addresses privacy concerns and the importance of using technology responsibly to create safer, more efficient, and enjoyable card show experiences. 00:28 Future of Card Shows: Facial Recognition01:29 Security and Privacy Concerns02:43 Technology Integration in Card Shows05:28 Legal and Ethical Considerations07:03 Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Dr. Beckett outlines his preferences and strategies, favoring the thrill and learning experience of sifting through less organized dollar boxes over participating in structured breaks or premium boxes. He shares insights on differentiating valuable cards, avoiding common pitfalls, and optimizing his time at shows. The discussion highlights the pleasure derived from unexpected finds and the depth of knowledge required to make savvy purchases. 00:54 Finding Value in Unorganized Boxes01:52 Navigating Shows and Dealer Strategies03:33 Evaluating Non-Base Cards05:11 Importance of Visual Appeal and Variations08:47 Personal Insights and Hobby Philosophy
Dr. Beckett discusses Jeremy Lee's Hobby Spectrum assessment, which categorizes collectors into seven archetypes based on their hobby activities. Dr. Beckett shares his experiences and insights as a 'Hybrid' collector, balancing passion and profit in his collecting journey. He delves into his history with sports cards, his unique approach to buying and selling, and how he navigates the evolving landscape of the hobby. 01:04 Personal Journey and Hybrid Identity01:46 Buying and Selling Strategies03:36 Reflections on the Hobby Spectrum06:22 Auction Insights and Market Dynamics09:11 Emotional Connection and Hybrid Nature
Dr. Beckett discusses seven rebuttals to common opinions and concerns expressed recently within the sports card industry. Topics include the impact of monopolies on the hobby, market manipulation, the grading process with companies like BGS and PSA, and the practices of big dealers and auction houses. Dr. Beckett offers perspectives on these issues, aiming to foster a more comprehensive conversation about the hobby. 02:07 Monopolies in the Hobby04:57 Market Manipulation06:44 Grading Inconsistencies09:14 Raw Card Review Controversy11:18 Shill Bidding Concerns12:22 Auction Reserves and Dealer Pushback
Dr. Beckett and guest Dan Bliss explores the nuances of modern sports card collecting. They discuss the importance of understanding player longevity and household recognition for investment purposes, the diversity of collector motivations, and the strategies for holding cards long-term. The discussion includes insights into card shows, vendor experiences, and the evolving landscape aided by AI and major acquisitions like PSA's purchase of Beckett. Additionally, Dan shares his own collecting habits and thoughts on the future of the hobby. 01:57 Collector Strategies and Market Trends05:10 Personal Collecting Habits07:32 Expanding Card Shows to the East Coast10:12 AI in the Collecting World12:36 PSA's Acquisition of Beckett
Dan Bliss joins Dr. Beckett to discuss the future of sports card shows moving towards 2030. They explore the unique aspects of in-person shows, such as the joy of discovering bargains and the importance of interpersonal connections that online sales can't replicate. The conversation also delves into balancing the vendor mix between sports cards and non-sports cards like TCGs and the impact of grading on the hobby. Furthermore, Dr. Beckett shares his journey into the publication industry and the evolution of price guides over the years. 00:55 The Future of Sports Card Shows04:45 Balancing TCG and Sports Cards08:25 The Evolution of Price Guides10:03 Junk Wax Era and Market Dynamics
Dr. Beckett offers his reflections on the past year in the hobby, shares his plans to continue the podcast and his intention to be more aggressive in interviewing notable figures in the sports card world. He talks about his interactions with fans, receiving thoughtful gifts, and touches on the controversies and market trends that have shaped the hobby. Dr. Beckett also shares personal anecdotes, including nostalgic moments from his early days in the hobby, and discusses the importance of maintaining security and taking a critical approach to the business and financial aspects of sports card collecting. 02:05 Community Interactions and Generosity02:57 NASCAR and Collectible Insights06:16 Holiday Cards and Personal Reflections06:59 Controversies and Opinions in the Hobby11:10 Memories and Autograph Stories12:32 Looking Ahead: Business Insights
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the importance of mentorship in the sports card hobby. They respond to a listener's query about finding mentors for effective card show dealing and online selling. The conversation covers practical advice for budding card dealers, including the significance of observing seasoned dealers, pricing strategies, and understanding your audience. The episode also touches upon the balance between offering assistance and the risks of over-reliance on a mentor, along with insights on leveraging online communities for guidance. 00:30 Mentorship in Sports Card Dealing02:12 Advice for Card Show Dealers07:46 Pricing and Selling Strategies11:14 Emotional Attachment or Business Mindset
Dr. Beckett delves into the recent acquisition of Beckett by Collectors in response to questions during the weekly live Hobby Hotline program also featuring John Newman, Victor Roman, Chris Harris, and Rich Klein. Dr. Beckett shares his thoughts on the transition, his meeting with CEO Nat Turner, and the future prospects for Beckett under new ownership. The conversation covers a range of topics including the company's strategic direction, potential market monopolies, and the overall impact on the sports card hobby. 00:49 Reflecting on Beckett's Legacy02:08 Meeting with Nat Turner03:36 Acquisition Details and Market Impact06:05 Future of Beckett and the Hobby09:21 Monopoly Concerns13:09 SGC and CGC?19:32 Advisory Role and Future Plans
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1451 to 1474 covering interviews and discussions. Dr. Beckett reflects on the past, present, and future of the hobby, all while addressing tough topics constructively. 00:25 Innovations in the 90s with Darin Ostrom01:32 Shill Bidding Controversy03:32 Defending PSA and Policing Manipulation10:56 Listener Questions and Hobby Insights
Dr. Beckett reviews Darin Ostrom's draft manuscript on 'Sports Card Innovations in the Nineties'. Dr. Beckett discusses various aspects of the book, such as the history and evolution of sports cards, including notable companies like Upper Deck and Topps, as well as key events that shaped the industry, plus the chaotic nature of the late 80s and 90s sports card market, the role of different companies and products, and the importance of documenting this era accurately. Additionally, rookie card rules, the challenges of overproduction, and the significance of narrative versus encyclopedic writing in capturing sports card history. 00:52 Discussion on 90s Sports Card History01:36 Linear vs. Non-Linear Book Structure02:04 Market Trends in the 80s and 90s02:51 Key Players in the Sports Card Industry03:48 Failures in the Sports Card Market05:14 Specific Companies' Contributions13:17 Rookie Cards and Market Dynamics
Dr. Beckett tackles a diverse range of listener questions. Topics include the ups and downs of market cycles, the pros and cons of having more or fewer employees, the significance of favorite card covers, and what defines a serious player collector. He also delves into card grading, dealing with MVP players, discounts on last year's cards, the importance of protecting cards from fading, and effective interactions between dealers and collectors at shows. 00:27 Market Cycles in the Sports Card Market01:20 Managing Employees in a Sports Card Company02:35 Favorite Covers and Player Collectors04:21 Phases of Collecting and Card Wall Setup06:08 Professional Grading and MVP Cards07:58 Card Pricing and Dealer Interactions
Dr. Beckett dives into the unexpected but monumental news of PSA acquiring BGS and other Beckett entities. In this episode, Dr. Beckett discusses the immediate impact on the sports card hobby, shares personal anecdotes from his recent interactions with Nat Turner, and reflects on the legacy and future prospects of Beckett. 00:31 PSA Acquires Beckett Entities01:31 Timeline of Events03:14 Reflections on Beckett's History06:02 Meeting with Nat Turner10:00 Future of Beckett Under PSA
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss collecting strategies, particularly focusing on budgeting for sports card collectors. They explore different approaches, such as acquiring a large number of inexpensive cards versus investing in a few high-value cards. They also reference tales from the field, like Mike Moynihan's focused hunt for a specific card at the national show and share experiences from their personal collecting journeys. Additionally, they touch on trends in team card collecting and the benefits of building a diverse card collection. 00:29 The $1,000 Card Dilemma02:36 Collecting Strategies and Personal Stories08:37 Team Card Collecting13:53 Return on Enjoyment (ROE)
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss various aspects of the sports card hobby, including the complexity of bringing in partners for established card stores, managing inventory and cash flow, and the dynamics of selling singles versus wax sales. They also touch on the historical and current trends in card collecting, grading, and the strategies employed by key players in the market to maintain profitability and customer satisfaction. Additionally, they explore specific case studies, such as the significance of Pinnacle's branding and the challenges Pinnacle faced in the market against established brands like Topps. 00:38 Challenges of Running a Card Store04:35 The Evolution of Card Shops07:58 The Importance of Singles in Card Shops12:30 Grading and Card Variations14:00 Pinnacle and Topps: Brand Strategies
Rich Klein joins Dr. Beckett to further delve into the history of sports card collecting, focusing on the transformative 1980s. They discuss the significant contributions of various publications and the strategies Beckett employed to stand out in the market. The conversation covers the evolution from newsprint to collectible covers, the role of price guides, and the impact of shows and auctions on the hobby's growth. They also touch on the intricacies of proofreading and the importance of error detection in card production, highlighting how everything old is new again in the world of sports cards. 00:56 Beckett's Unique Approach01:35 Price Guides and Publications03:17 Rookie Cards and Their Evolution03:49 Parallel Sets and Modern Collecting04:37 Auction Strategies and Value Boxes10:58 Proofreading and Error Cards
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the significance of hobby history books for the sports card community. They discuss various existing and upcoming publications, the importance of documenting hobby history accurately, and the potential for compiling podcast content into a cohesive book. The conversation also touches on the historical impact of different eras, the evolution of sports card stores, and the role of technology in the hobby. 00:27 Hobby History Books02:11 Tributes and Hobby Veterans03:27 Organizing Podcast Content05:48 The Evolution of Card Shows and Stores06:57 The Impact of the Internet and eBay07:06 The Role of SCD and Auction Houses12:40 Reflecting on the 1980s
Dr. Beckett dives into the recently announced finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. This episode not only covers the potential inductees, including players, coaches, and contributors, but also examines their impact on sports card values. Special attention is given to big-name players like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Bill Belichick, as well as lesser-known contributors and coaches. Learn how Hall of Fame status can influence the sports card market and get insights straight from an industry expert. 00:39 The Importance of Hall of Fame Status01:10 Positional and Regional Representation in Hall of Fame04:49 Coaches and Their Hall of Fame Prospects06:47 Senior Finalists and Their Chances09:22 Modern Era Players: Who Will Make It?
Join Dr. Beckett and a roundtable of industry experts over dinner discuss the evolution of sports card manufacturing, historical trends, consumer preferences, and the integration of digital innovations like blockchain. Dive deep into a rich conversation that covers everything from the importance of game-used materials to the need for experiential marketing in the trading card industry. 01:46 Discussion on Product Innovation04:12 Nostalgia and Card Scarcity06:42 Future of Card Collecting08:25 Challenges in Card Manufacturing14:14 Digital Transformation in Card Collecting
Dr. Beckett and esteemed guests delve into the evolution, challenges, and security of sports cards. Topics include the importance of security measures like holograms and blockchain technology, the role of grading companies, and the future of card innovations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for protecting collectors' investments and enhancing the hobby experience. 01:46 Discussion on Card Evolution and Security04:20 Challenges and Innovations in the Hobby09:37 Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences15:02 Reflections and Future Outlook
Dr. Beckett and guests delve into the evolving landscape of sports card collecting. They discuss the potential growth of non-physical sports collectibles, the financial and enjoyment aspects of digital cards, and the implications of blockchain technology for the hobby. The conversation also touches on the trends in physical card collecting, the role of NFTs, and future market dynamics. 00:21 The Rise of Digital Collectibles01:02 Challenges and Skepticism01:45 Physical vs Digital Collecting03:26 NFTs and Blockchain Integration06:42 Security and Trust in NFTs08:57 Future of Collecting: Digital vs Physical11:37 Pokemon vs Blockchain Investments12:57 Digital vs Physical Collectibles13:47 The Future of Collecting: Digital Integration14:00 Panini's Strategic Moves16:16 Market Dynamics and Secondary Sales21:02 Psychology of Collecting
Dr. Beckett unboxes and reviews several new Panini products, including Panini Certified Football, Phoenix Football, and Absolute Football, as well as the new Panini Combat Anthology. Lastly, he shares his experiences as a Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder and his quest for sports cards at the Mavericks online store. 00:23 Clarifying Tennis Card Comments01:50 Podcasting and Audience Engagement03:23 Exploring Panini Football Boxes08:16 Panini Combat Anthology09:57 Mavericks Shop Card Purchases
Dr. Beckett and an esteemed group of sports card collectors over dinner discuss their opinions about the upcoming BB HOF contemporary ballot. 01:46 Discussion on Hall of Fame Voting03:51 Steroids and Baseball11:48 Pete Rose and Gambling in Baseball13:12 Modern Media and Baseball15:23 NBA and Fan Conduct
Dr. Beckett and a group of distinguished hobbyists discuss over dinner the recently announced contemporary BB Hall of Fame ballot including both controversial and sympathetic figures. The conversation delves into the complexities of performance-enhancing drugs, player statistics, gambling, and the essence of baseball's spirit. 01:46 Hall of Fame Debate: Bonds and Clemens04:42 Impact of Steroids on Player Legacy06:11 Hall of Fame Selection Criteria11:44 Contributors to Baseball: Beyond Stats
Dr. James Beckett chats with longtime friend and industry expert Rob Veres about the evolution of sports card collecting. They touch on pivotal changes, like PSA's integration into retail spaces, the significance of AI in streamlining operations, and the layers of management required for business growth. Rob highlights the importance of creating an emotional and transactional experience for customers while showcasing the diverse demographics now engaging with the hobby. The discussion covers strategies for maintaining a strong brand, fostering innovation, and the challenges and successes of modern sports card shops. 00:33 PSA Kiosk and Customer Convenience02:54 Implementing AI in the Business06:42 Management and Business Growth08:02 Card Shop Comparisons and Innovations16:00 Creating an Experience for Customers19:08 Diversity and Future of the Hobby
Join Dr. Beckett for an insightful conversation with industry icon Rob Veres, discussing everything from the current costs in the hobby to the strategies for ensuring collectors find their treasured cards. They delve into the differences between high-end and everyday collecting, the challenges of modern card processing, and the evolving business models for sports card sales. 00:59 Rob's Approach to the Hobby01:48 Website and Global Demand02:29 Challenges with Flippers and Collectors05:27 Bulk Buying and Processing07:38 Team Lots vs. Player Lots09:00 Transition from eBay to Fanatics Collect09:51 Fanatics Partnership and Business Strategy17:40 Retail Space and Product Mix18:54 Store Experience and Future Plans
Dr. Beckett answers more questions from Jason aka Professor Sportscards on navigating the hobby, including the importance of a well-rounded education, recognizing market manipulation, and understanding the ebb and flow of card values. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey from being a hobbyist to running a large company, reflecting on the challenges and joys of managing Beckett Media. Dr. Beckett also provides his perspective on contemporary issues in the hobby, such as the sensationalism in content creation and the economic dynamics of buying and selling cards. Finally, he comments on his enduring passion for the hobby and the need to maintain its charm amidst financial complexities. 00:44 Advice for New Collectors01:51 Market Manipulation in the Hobby03:49 Running Beckett Media06:02 The Evolution of Collecting12:59 Current Market Trends
Dr. Beckett delves into the controversial topic of shill bidding in the sports card hobby. He explains the illegal practice, differentiates between defensive and offensive shill bidding, and shares personal insights and anecdotes. The discussion highlights the impact of shill bidding on auction integrity and explores the challenges in detecting and punishing it. 00:29 Understanding Shill Bidding01:42 Patrick Ryan's Case and Personal Reflections03:53 Defensive vs. Offensive Shill Bidding06:34 Auction House Practices and Ethical Concerns09:03 The Complexity of Shill Bidding Detection13:07 Legal and Ethical Implications
Dr. Beckett joins Jason on his Professor Sportscards YouTube channel to explore Jason's various pressing issues in the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett shares his experience, tracing back to his early days in the 1970s, and discusses his current role as a hobbyist. Key topics include the evolution of conflicts of interest within the industry, the rise of PSA, and concerns about card overprinting. They also explore the challenges and opportunities for new and existing card shops in the current market landscape. 02:09 Conflict of Interest in the Industry05:00 Market Dynamics and Competition09:16 Overprinting and Its Impact11:03 Consumer Choices and Hobby Sustainability
Dr. Beckett explores the controversial topic of PSA's upcharges for card grading. Offering a unique perspective as a former competitor with foundational experience in grading, he breaks down why these additional fees might actually strengthen PSA's brand by contributing to higher secondary market values. By comparing PSA with BGS and sharing insights from his time in the industry, Dr. Beckett provides a comprehensive analysis of the grading market, including issues of consistency, market value, and the psychological justification behind higher prices for PSA-graded cards. 00:53 Historical Context of Grading01:42 PSA's Competitive Edge02:53 Psychological Justification for Higher Prices03:34 Grading Charges and Market Value05:59 Consistency and Mistakes in Grading07:13 PSA's Business Strategy and Criticisms
Dr. Beckett delves into the definition(s!) and complexities of shill bidding with guest Patrick Ryan. They explore the nuances of what shill bidding entails, its impact on the sports card hobby, and discuss personal experiences and misconceptions. They also touch on issues within the grading industry, the importance of true scarcity versus graded rarity, and the ethical standards of auction houses. This in-depth conversation aims to shed light on critical aspects of the sports card market and offer insights into making informed decisions as a collector. 00:58 Transaction Fees and Fairness in the Hobby02:08 Auction House Practices and Ethical Concerns04:08 PSA Grading Controversies06:57 Collecting Strategies and Scarcity15:02 Reflections on Mistakes and Moving Forward
Dr. Beckett talks with Patrick Ryan, who shares his experience of mistakenly bidding on his own item and they discuss the ethics, legality, and nuances of shill bidding. They explore the differences between defensive and offensive bidding, the importance of auction rules, and what constitutes fair practice in the auction world. They also address the broader implications on auction behavior, reserve prices, and the responsibilities of auction houses. 01:00 Understanding Shill Bidding01:12 Personal Auction Stories and Ethical Dilemmas04:02 The Role of Reserves in Auctions12:42 Bidding Strategies and Market Insights16:14 Historical Context and Price Guide Methodology
Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom continue their deep dive into the art of designing sports card sets, especially those aimed at kids. They discuss the importance of storytelling through card subsets and the balance between rarity and collectibility. The conversation touches on historical sets like Fleer Teams In Action and Topps Total, as well as the evolution of card designs. The episode also features anecdotes about entrepreneurial endeavors in the sports card industry and the relentless drive needed to innovate and captivate collectors of all ages. 00:30 Designing Card Sets for Kids01:29 Storytelling in Sports Cards04:58 Retail and Distribution Challenges07:28 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Sports Cards12:21 The Rise and Fall of Card Companies
Dr. Beckett is joined by Darin Ostrom, aka Sports Card Professor, to delve into the 1990s efforts by companies like Pro Set and Fleer to engage young collectors through educational and community-focused initiatives. They discuss the FACT (Football and Academics) program initiated by the Cincinnati School Board and how Pro Set and Fleer tried to reach kids via collectible card sets. The conversation also explores the challenges and short-lived success of various card initiatives aimed at kids, providing insights into the strategic missteps and eventual downfall of these brands. Additionally, the discussion touches upon the importance of creating kid-friendly environments in card shops and the potential strategies to capture the interest of young collectors today. 00:15 1990s Efforts to Engage Kids in Sports Cards02:02 Pro Set's Nationwide Expansion and Challenges06:02 Educational Integration of Sports Cards08:25 Challenges in Finding 1990 Cincinnati FACT Cards12:18 Innovative Card Concepts in the 1990s15:39 Strategies for Engaging Kids in the Hobby17:09 Creating Kid-Friendly Card Shops and Events
Dr. Beckett reflects on diverse topics discussed in his last 25 episodes, ranging from interviews with guests like John Keating and tributes to figures such as Lee Roy Jordan and Nacho Arredondo to explorations of the Basketball Card Hall of Fame, eye appeal in card grading, and future trends in card shows. Additional highlights include insights from Hobby Hotline, thoughts on the impact of inflation on the hobby, and the evolving dynamics between sports and non-sports card collecting communities. 01:08 Guest Highlights: John Keating02:22 Decades Ago: Mark Armour and Jason Schwartz03:53 Basketball Card Hall of Fame04:35 Deconstructing Eye Appeal06:58 Mailbag and Listener Interactions07:40 Card Shows of the Future08:29 Tribute to Nacho Arradondo11:41 Conflict of Interest in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett joins co-hosts Dan from Vintage Baseball Cards and Orlando from Collector's Dream for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state of the sports card market. They cover topics including industry developments, product pricing strategies, the impact of breakers, overprinting concerns, and the evolving landscape of card collecting. 00:41 Industry Insights: Focus Groups and Parallels02:27 The High Cost of Modern Cards03:29 Breakers and the Market Dynamics07:55 The Appeal of Vintage Cards11:53 Overprinting and Market Impact
Dr. Beckett, along with co-hots Dan/Vintage Baseball Cards and Orlando/Collectors Dream, on Hobby Hotline, delve into the surging popularity of grading Pokémon cards, the integration of younger collectors into the hobby, and the evolving landscape of trading card licensing. Discussion includes the burgeoning presence of Pokémon at card shows, the implications of increased Pokémon card grading for the sports card industry, and how nostalgic factors influence collecting behaviors. The episode also explores the significance of Topps regaining the NBA trading card license, historical comparisons of card company competitions, the effects of monopolies versus competition, and concerns over excessive card variations. 00:46 The Rise of Pokemon in Card Shows02:51 Concerns About Pokemon Grading03:56 Nostalgia and Market Dynamics06:43 Topps Regains NBA Trading Card License08:09 Innovation and Market Competition
The final segment of Dr. Beckett's Hobby Dinner Conversation delves into the evolving value of 'junk wax' era sports cards, discussing the rising demand for unopened boxes, the difficulty of replacing, and the ongoing interest in vintage sets. The discussion also explores the strategies of modern manufacturers to create demand and the role of card grading in the hobby. 00:37 The Rise of Junk Wax Era Cards01:09 Challenges in Replacing Old Cards04:49 Grading and Childhood Collections06:20 Modern Card Production and Value11:10 Collector's Mindset and Regrets17:43 Memorable Hobby Stories
Join Dr. Beckett and industry experts for an insightful discussion over a private dinner on the changing landscape of perceived conflicts of interest within the sports card hobby. From grading companies like PSA and BGS expanding their services, to the growing impact of companies like Fanatics and the global demand for American-made cards, this episode explores how transparency and trust have adapted over time. 00:38 Evolution of Conflict of Interest in the Hobby01:55 Transparency and Trust in the Industry05:13 Global Market and Non-Sport Cards07:19 Fanatics' Approach and Industry Changes13:49 Growing Popularity and Inclusivity of the Hobby18:05 Encouraging the Next Generation of Collectors
An enlightening Hobby Dinner Conversation featuring a thought-provoking question from Skepi. The discussion explores the impact of macroeconomic conditions, specifically the retreat from the gold standard, on the perceived and actual value of sports cards. Through various examples, the conversation touches upon inflation, overproduction of money versus cards, and how collectors and investors can determine the real value of their collections. Listen in as Dr. Beckett and guests reflect on personal experiences, the intrinsic joy of collecting, and the financial dynamics at play in the world of sports cards. 00:13 Macroeconomic Conditions and the Gold Standard00:55 Understanding True Value in Sports Cards02:34 Collector Perspectives and Market Dynamics06:13 Real-Life Examples and Transactions11:12 Investment vs. Collecting
Dr. Beckett shares his experiences and insights in another mailbag episode. He reveals the contents of recent boxes he received, including a 2024-25 Panini Prism Black Hobby Box and a Turn Four NASCAR box. Dr. Beckett discusses the value of the cards, the expected returns, and the enjoyment of the unboxing experience. He also touches on the complexities of card grading and inventory management, and shares stories from his recent hobby dinner and interactions with fellow collectors. 00:40 Panini Prism Black Box Review03:19 Turn Four NASCAR Box Review04:37 Tops Archives Box from Dane Coenen06:43 Mailbag Mishaps and BGS Submissions08:05 Grading Strategy and Inventory Challenges
Join Dr. Beckett in the second part of his 'peak' hobby dinner conversation, discussing positive trends and the future of the sports card market, including the surge of young collectors, organic trade nights, the impact of licensing changes, overproduction, the importance of full player statistics on cards, and the burgeoning global market for sports cards. 01:47 Personal Journey in the Hobby02:39 Card Shows and Community03:29 Concerns About Licensing Changes04:57 Overproduction and Market Dynamics11:49 Global Expansion and Mass Market15:57 Repacking and Collector Behavior
Dr. Beckett hosts a hobby dinner featuring prominent figures from the sports card industry including Dave Poole, JJ Arredondo, Leon Luckey, Matt Galvin, Dane Coenen, Skepi, David Porter, Chris Ivy, Keith Hower, Ron Palmer, and Bill Sliheet. The discussion revolves around three key topics: the curiosity piqued in the past year, whether the hobby has peaked, and a peek into 2026. Insightful conversations address the resurgence of Beckett Media, the role of honesty and integrity in grading, the impact of social media and athletes on the hobby, and the importance of creativity and innovation in the future of sports card collecting. 01:41 Discussion on Hobby Peaks03:26 Beckett's Comeback and Challenges06:04 Future of the Hobby08:00 Player Stories and Hobby Growth13:18 Athlete Involvement in Trading Cards15:58 Youth Engagement and Market Trends
Dr. Beckett honors Nacho Arredondo, known for his decades of dedication to Kit Young and significant contributions recently passed away after a long illness. Dr. Beckett reminisces about their 50-year friendship, and the personal and professional impact of Nacho's passing. This tribute underscores the importance of relationships in the hobby and reflects on the legacy of an unsung hero who made significant, behind-the-scenes contributions to the industry. 01:17 Reflections on Longtime Friendships01:50 Memories of the Hobby and Industry02:43 The Team Behind the Success03:18 Nacho's Role and Personal Stories05:59 The Business of Sports Cards
Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with Tony Goza, discussing the future of sports card shows. They explore new elements being introduced, including family-friendly experiences, affordable pricing, and innovative concepts like specialized booth areas and integrated digital tools. Dr. Beckett and Tony also talk about the logistics of running a show, the impact of technology, and the balance between physical and digital card trading. The conversation includes plans for charity events, engaging activities for attendees, and strategies to create enjoyable and profitable shows. 00:10 Tony's Upcoming Show Details00:45 Show Logistics and Marketing03:02 Innovative Ideas for the Show05:35 Organizing Dealers and Sections10:30 Casino and Card Show Synergy16:03 Future of Card Shows and Technology
Dr. Beckett interviews Tony Goza, a local card shop owner and new promoter from Durant, Oklahoma, discussing fresh ideas for improving future card shows. Tony shares insights from his diverse background, including promoting casino car and truck shows and owning a car audio business. They explore concepts like integrating multimedia, using QR codes for real-time pricing, and fostering better customer service among vendors. Tony's upcoming event will be during the NFL draft weekend in late April 2026. 01:00 Tony Goza's Background and Experience02:56 Innovative Ideas for Card Shows03:39 Technology Integration in Card Shows06:27 Enhancing Customer Experience09:35 Future Plans and Vision
Dr. Beckett discusses the joys of receiving and opening mail packages filled with sports cards and collectibles. He shares stories about items received from various sources like card shows, auctions, and trades, including a special autographed card sent by a friend. Dr. Beckett also reflects on his approach to sports card collecting, tributes to celebrities, and the evolving landscape of card products from companies like Panini and Upper Deck. 00:24 Mail Day Reflections01:10 Buying and Selling Habits01:53 Unexpected Mail Surprises03:03 Tributes and Autographs05:25 Product Reviews and Impressions10:04 Collecting Strategies and Advice
Dr. Beckett explores a unique and rare Peanuts-themed autographed baseball card from 1991. He provides insights into its origins, including its creation by Ernie White, and the involvement of Charles M. Schultz in autographing the cards. Dr. Beckett delves into the challenges of authenticating such rare items and addresses a query from listener Trevor Cram about the legitimacy of his card. The episode also pays homage to Ernie White's contributions to the sports card industry and offers advice for collectors on pursuing rare collectibles. 01:56 The Peanuts Card: History and Rarity02:25 Ernie White: A Visionary in the Industry06:02 Challenges in Authenticating the Card11:29 Advice for Collectors
Dr. Beckett with co-hosts Graig Miller, Mike from Junk Wax Hero, and Adam from Splendid Sports discuss the current state of the sports card market, focusing on the surge in value of key vintage cards like the 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 and the impact of new investors entering the hobby. The conversation highlights the nuances of card collecting, including the role of content creation, the balance of passion and investment, and the implications of advanced grading technologies. Dr. Beckett shares insights on protecting new collectors, ensuring the integrity of grading systems, and understanding the evolving landscape of high-value cards, particularly in the wake of significant modern sales exceeding traditional baseball cards. 00:29 Newcomers and Investors in the Hobby01:55 The Role of Content Creators03:09 Protecting New Collectors06:58 Grading Systems and Technologies12:41 The Evolution of Card Collecting15:32 Modern Cards and Market Trends
Dr. Beckett delves into the significance of 'eye appeal' in the sports card industry. He shares insights on how it has been an essential aspect since the early days of card collecting and how it continues to matter even in the age of professional grading. Beckett explains the components that contribute to eye appeal, like centering, color, and gloss, especially in vintage cards. He discusses the market trends and collector behaviors regarding paying premiums for visually appealing cards, and how eye appeal could sometimes outweigh technical grades. 00:27 The Importance of Eye Appeal01:59 Subjectivity in Grading04:57 Market Trends and Grading Companies06:28 Personal Insights and Predictions
Dr. Beckett fills out his ballot for the first annual Basketball Card Hall of Fame, with co-founders Ray Fonio (Ray from Philly) and Tony from TJ's Online, the conversation dives into iconic basketball cards, including those of Patrick Ewing, David 'The Admiral' Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Kobe Bryant. They explore the significance of various cards, the influence of overproduction on card value, and the emotional sentiments tied to collecting. Don't forget to vote for your favorite basketball cards before October 21st. 00:33 Discussing the Ballot: Key Players and Cards01:33 The Impact of Iconic Cards03:05 Shaq vs. Robinson: A Comparison04:22 Voting for Iconic Inserts and Rookies07:29 The Value of Combo Cards09:31 Reflecting on the Voting Process
Join Dr. Beckett, Ray Fonio, and Tony of TJ is Online for an in-depth discussion about the first annual Basketball Card Hall of Fame ballot. This episode explores the process of voting on vintage and modern basketball cards, featuring iconic cards like the 1933 Nat Holman rookie card, the 1948 Bowman George Mikan rookie card, the 1957 Bill Russell rookie card, and more. Hear expert opinions on card values, historical significance, and the evolution of basketball card collecting. 01:17 Basketball Card Hall of Fame Overview01:52 Vintage Ballot Highlights11:22 Modern Ballot Highlights
Dr. Beckett reflects on the life and legacy of Bill Krisher, a great college football player and personal friend who recently passed away. He recounts attending Bill's funeral and reminisces about their friendship and Bill's contributions to the sport. Dr. Beckett also shares his thoughts on the collecting hobby, including his experiences with Panini's latest products and the importance of valuing life and friendships. 00:38 Reflecting on Funerals and Friendships02:38 Bill Krisher's Football Legacy04:41 Bill's Humility and Family Memories07:05 Panini Package and Card Collecting Insights
The final part of Dr. Beckett's conversation with Mark Armour and Jason Schwartz. They discuss the challenges and nostalgia of completing sets, the value of rookie cards, and the impact of certain collectors on the hobby. Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes about his experiences and observations, emphasizing the communal and trustworthy nature of early collecting days, contrasting it with the current market dynamics. The episode reflects on the importance of collecting sets, maintaining integrity in trades, and the joy of finding rare cards. 00:30 Debating the Value of Rookie Cards01:48 The Evolution of Set Collecting08:20 The Rise of the Sports Card Market11:00 Reflections on the Hobby's Growth14:56 Current Market Trends and Opinions
Dr. Beckett continues his insightful conversation with Mark Armour and Jason Schwartz, exploring the dramatic changes in the sports card hobby from the 1970s to the 1980s. They discuss the transformation of sports card collecting from a child's pastime to a serious investment, the emergence of rookie cards, the rise of card shows, and the impact of publishing and digital advancements. Dr. Beckett also reflects on his personal journey and the pivotal role of the 1970s in shaping his career and the sports card industry. 00:30 The Evolution of Sports Card Collecting in the 1980s01:04 Reflections on the 1970s Sports Card Scene02:24 The Birth of Card Shows and Dealer Networks03:55 The Role of Personal Publishing and Digital Innovations05:02 Building a Team and Navigating the 1980s Boom12:25 The Impact of Rookie Cards and Market Trends
Dr. Beckett discusses his early collecting experiences, the culture and trends of card collecting from the 1950s through the 1960s, and key moments that shaped the hobby. Interviewed by Mark Armour and Jason Schwartz from SABR, Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes, the impact of moving frequently as a child, and how collecting methods varied across different neighborhoods and eras. He highlights iconic cards and sets, including the significance of the 1957 Topps set, the emergence of the Stan Musial All-Star card in 1958, and his cherished Christmas gift in 1959 that deepened his apssion for collecting. 01:31 Childhood Memories and Collecting Stories03:21 Trading and Collecting Practices05:08 Card Series and Releases09:29 Evolution of Card Collecting17:54 Christmas of 1959 and Family Influence
Dr. Beckett and John Keating discuss various aspects of collecting sports cards, from the joy of discovering unique cards in bulk lots to the struggle of selling complete sets. They reflect on their personal collecting philosophies, the evolution of pricing guides, and the journey that cards take through different hands. They also delve into historical moments such as the rise of Beckett's online auction platform and the challenge of adapting to the digital age in the 1990s. 01:08 Personal Collection Philosophy02:02 Joy of Discovery in Card Collecting03:07 Trading and Gamification04:56 Dollar Box Adventures09:19 Sentimental Value of Cards18:13 Digital Transformation and Online Auctions
Dr. Beckett and John Keating delve into the significance and changing perceptions of rookie cards and the grading system in the sports card industry. They explore how the secondary market drives sales, the impact of exclusive deals on manufacturers, and how the emphasis on rookie cards and grading has evolved over the years. The discussion also touches on the effects of high prices, the role of repacks, and the distinct separation between collectors and dealers. Lastly, they reminisce about iconic card sets and share personal collecting experiences. 00:30 The Importance of Rookie Cards03:24 Grading and Market Trends05:33 Challenges and Evolution in the Hobby08:43 Repack and Breaking Trends13:35 Vintage Card Sets and Nostalgia
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to Lee Roy Jordan, the legendary Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker, who recently passed away. Dr. Beckett reflects on his personal interaction with Lee Roy, discusses his significant contributions to the team, and delves into the value and history of Lee Roy's sports cards. With insights into card collecting and the sports card market, this episode honors the remarkable career and enduring impact of Lee Roy Jordan. 00:23 Tribute to Lee Roy Jordan01:59 Lee Roy Jordan's Career Highlights02:39 Hobby Insights and Market Trends06:48 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts
Dr. Beckett and guest John Keating discuss the dynamic landscape of sports card collecting. They touch on historical buying behaviors, the impact of the 1994 baseball strike on the industry, and the evolving nature of card collecting, highlighting personal stories and industry shifts over the decades. The conversation also explores the consolidation of manufacturers in the mid-2000s and the challenges faced by hobby shops during economic downturns. 00:36 Combustible Topics in Collecting01:16 Dealer Dynamics and Collecting Stories05:00 Baseball's Golden Eras and Strikes05:49 Impact of the 1994 Baseball Strike07:40 The Evolution of Beckett Media12:55 Challenges in the Card Industry15:30 Manufacturer Consolidation and Licensing Issues
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1401 through 1424, expressing gratitude to loyal listeners for their active participation. The episode covers various topics, such as tributes to sports dignitaries like Dave Parker, discussions on the feasibility of a sports card cruise with AI involvement, and an insightful exchange with Iowa Dave Schwartz. The episode also includes special presentations from the SABR convention, conversations on rookie cards, and reflections on the 2025 Chicago National. Additionally, Dr. Beckett delves into Panini's blockchain initiatives and Upper Deck's unique approach to hockey cards, among other subjects. 00:34 Tributes to Sports Legends01:14 AI and Sports Card Cruise01:40 Dueling Questions and SABR Presentation03:37 National Perspectives and Pre-National Ramblings06:41 Panini Blockchain and Upper Deck Innovations08:21 Sports Card History and T206 Set
Dr. Beckett answers listener questions about the cost of collecting and discusses several new Panini products. Additionally, he delves into the concept of 'creative destruction' in the hobby, draws parallels with the recycling methods in the fashion industry, and ponders the future of collectible card production and sports art. 02:06 Listener Questions and Feedback02:55 Hobby Costs and Personal Selling04:28 Panini Product Reviews09:23 Card Recycling and Creative Destruction13:24 Sports Art and the Hobby
Phil Rosenzweig joins Dr. Beckett as they delve into Phil's extensively researched book, One Splendid Season. The conversation covers the creation and background of the T202 set, including the key role played by Albert Spalding and notable photographers. They also explore historical baseball figures, the evolution of the baseball industry, and forgotten traditions like field days. The episode concludes with insights into the collecting world, emphasizing the artistry and passion involved in assembling this iconic set. 00:20 Phil Rosenzweig's Book and Early Baseball History00:37 Role of Spalding in Early Baseball Cards03:06 Regional Influence and Player Origins05:36 The Evolution of Baseball Leagues and Systems06:11 Underrated Players and Collectors' Perspectives09:52 Field Days and Player Competitions
Dr. Beckett sits down with Phil Rosenzweig, author of One Splendid Season, to delve into the fascinating world of the iconic and revered T202 Triple Folders. Their conversation covers the unique aspects of the T202 set, including its innovative use of fast shutter speed photography and detailed captions that shed light on early 20th-century baseball. They also discuss the historical context of the 1912 baseball season, notable players featured in the set, and the evolution of baseball photography. Phil's book is recommended and available from PMRbooks.com/T202 or Amazon. 00:50 Collecting T202 Triple Folders05:08 1912: A Pivotal Year in Baseball08:06 Marketing and Popularity of T Cards09:41 Legendary Players and Iconic Cards14:25 Baseball Photography Evolution
Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom, aka Sports Card Professor delve into the 1990s sports card industry. Topics include the unique operations of Pro Set, influential card sets, the impact of key players, and the intricate dynamics between manufacturers and licensors. Discover how visionaries like Lud Denny and Mike Cramer shaped the hobby, the challenges of cataloging mid-90s cards, and much more. 00:28 Pro Set's Unique Manufacturing01:21 Innovations in Card Production05:05 Impact of 1990 Pro Set08:21 Licensing and Market Dynamics18:05 Pacific's Unique Approach
Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom, the Sports Card Professor on YouTube, engage in an enlightening discussion about the history and evolution of sports cards. They delve into the significance of the 1993 Finest set, the impact of the baseball strike on the hobby, and the changing nature of sports card collecting from the 1980s to the present. The conversation also touches upon the role of card shops, the rise and fall of different card companies, and the shift from completing sets to seeking unique, high-value cards. 05:46 The Impact of the Baseball Strike08:27 The Rise and Fall of Card Shops08:51 The Role of Card Shows14:25 The Digital Age and Modern Collecting17:11 Marketing in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett reviews the most recent hockey card products from Upper Deck. This episode includes insights on 2025-26 MVP Hockey, 2024-25 Credentials, Upper Deck Ice, Parkhurst Champions, O-Pee-Chee Platinum, and the highly anticipated 'The Cup'. 01:22 Opening 2025-26 Upper Deck MVP03:23 Reviewing the Credentials Hockey04:54 Exploring Upper Deck Ice06:19 Parkhurst Champions and Retro Packs08:38 OPC Platinum Premium Cards10:20 The Cup: High-End Hockey Cards
Dr. Beckett delves into the intricacies of Panini Blockchain with guest Kort Peters. They explore the significance of digital card collecting, transparency offered by blockchain, and the potential future of digital sports card collecting. This conversation covers the evolution of card trading from physical to digital, the use of Dutch auctions, redemption cards, and the concept of physical-digital pairing. They also discuss the advantages and challenges of integrating digital assets into traditional collecting, ensuring both longtime collectors and newcomers understand the emerging landscape. 00:38 Panini Blockchain Overview01:19 Transparency and Market Impact04:54 Physical and Digital Pairing09:20 Accessing Panini Blockchain10:16 Future of Collecting
Dr. Beckett dives into the realm of digital sports card collecting with special guest Kort Peters from Panini. They discuss Panini's innovative blockchain, its development, and its impact on the trading card market. Topics include digital vaulting, rarity of digital cards, the platform's marketplace, and the reception of blockchain at events like the National. 00:22 Panini Blockchain and Digital Products01:54 Panini's Blockchain Strategy and Market Impact04:39 Technological Advancements in Digital Cards05:04 Challenges and Future of Digital Collecting09:41 Engaging New and Existing Collectors13:40 The Concept of Digital Vaults
Dr. Beckett and Dave Sliepka dive into an in-depth discussion about experiences at the record-breaking Chicago National card collecting event. We explore the rise of a younger, high-spending crowd, the booming singles market, the ever-evolving dynamics of buying and selling at such massive gatherings, the challenges of managing autograph lines, and the impact of online breaking and repacks. 00:47 Youth and Spending Trends01:56 Market Dynamics and Buying Behavior04:10 Dealer Strategies and Market Equilibrium07:26 The Rise of Online Breaks and Addiction15:05 Autograph Area Challenges
Dr. Beckett shares his experiences and insights from the 2023 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago. Dr. Beckett explains his strategy for collecting cards, the importance of attendance records, and the diverse community within the hobby. He also touches on logistical aspects of the event, interactions with fellow collectors, and his overall impressions. Additionally, he reflects on the facilities, memorable interactions, and the joy of returning home with new treasures. 00:58 Daily Rhythm and Strategies01:38 Sunday Bargains and Dealer Insights03:35 Observations on Card Variety and Trends05:33 Venue and Logistics07:59 Memorable Interactions and Diversity12:37 Packing Up and Heading Home
We explore the significance and intricacies of the 1958 Topps Baseball card set, sharing personal collection experiences and insights into the value and rarity of certain cards, especially focusing on the challenges collectors face with the first series due to condition sensitivity and variations. Highlighting key players like Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Orlando Cepeda, Curt Flood, and Roger Maris, the discussion covers the historical context, design preferences, and the enduring appeal of this nostalgic set. 00:26 Design and Heritage of 1958 Topps01:01 Challenges and Variations in the Set02:08 Notable Rookies and Players02:30 Contributors and Hall of Fame Discussion06:48 Regional Distribution and Collecting Trends07:24 Comparing 1958 Topps to Other Sets12:31 Cultural Impact and Collecting Stories
We reminisce about past Nationals, including favorites and the changes in the collector base. The discussion spans various topics, such as changes in the sports card market, the rise of value boxes, grading companies, breaking trends, and the impact of mass collecting and markets on card values. The video also touches on the importance of keeping the hobby accessible, emphasizing the need for affordable entry points like blaster boxes to sustain and grow interest in collecting. 00:48 Memorable Moments and Favorite Nationals01:17 Chaotic Experiences and Safety Concerns03:00 The Excitement of Rare Card Pulls05:07 The Future of the Hobby and Market Trends09:04 Collector vs. Investor Mentality10:03 The Role of Breaking in the Hobby14:23 Affordability and Accessibility in Collecting
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the evolution and experiences surrounding the National, discussing the increasing costs of attending, soaring hotel prices, and offer practical advice for budget-conscious attendees. The conversation also touches on memorable past Nationals, particularly highlighting the electrifying atmosphere of early shows and the significance of planning ahead for accommodations and transportation. 00:36 Challenges of Attending the National03:20 Hotel Prices and Alternatives06:00 Memorable Nationals and Experiences09:57 The Best and Favorite Nationals13:55 Starting Beckett Publications
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein reflect on the life and legacy of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who recently passed away at 65 due to metastatic cancer. They discuss Sandberg’s impactful career, his journey to becoming a baseball legend, and his influence in the sports card hobby. From his breakout in the famous 'Ryne Sandberg game' to his memorable rookie cards and autographs, the episode explores Sandberg's significance in baseball history and card collecting. They also touch upon the market's response to his passing and the enduring value of his cards. 00:32 Ryan Sandberg's Hall of Fame Journey01:12 The Impact of Network TV on Baseball01:48 Comparing Sandberg, Gwynn, and Boggs02:46 The Card of the Show: 1990 National03:27 Sandberg's Popularity and Card Market09:03 Sandberg's Athletic Background
Dr. Beckett discusses listener inquiries about tennis card collecting, shares thoughts on thematic repacks, and provides insights into recent acquisitions and hobby experiences. He also offers key advice for enjoying the National, including preparation tips and maximizing your experience on the floor, whether it's avoiding lines, bringing the right gear, or interacting with fellow collectors. 00:33 Tennis Card Collecting01:40 Thematic Repacks and eBay Lots03:05 Panini Boxes and Product Hype07:16 National Show Tips and Experiences12:41 Interacting with Collectors
Dr. Beckett shares insights as he prepares for the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. He reflects on the differences between the National and Fanatics Fest, emphasizing the unique experiences they offer for father-son attendees. Dr. Beckett also addresses listener questions about the future of sports card values, the evolution of price guides, and the potential for real-time pricing tools. He highlights the importance of eye appeal in card collecting and discusses his predictions for this year's convention attendance. 00:29 Fanatics Fest vs. The National01:24 Father-Son Dynamics in Collecting03:03 Memories and Price Guides03:42 Future National Locations and Predictions05:51 Real-Time Pricing and Market Trends06:43 The Importance of Eye Appeal12:32 Authentic vs. Number Graded Cards
Dr. Beckett and Rich Kleine pay tribute to the iconic wrestler Hulk Hogan, reflecting on his remarkable career and the impact he made on the sport and fans alike, discussing the authenticity of his athleticism amidst the era's controversial performance enhancements and remember personal anecdotes from the wrestling card industry. The video also touches on Hogan’s influence in pop culture, including his role in the Rocky movies, and his lasting impact on wrestling memorabilia. 00:47 Hulk Hogan's Impact on Sports Cards01:14 The Terry Owens Card Story02:38 Wrestling's Regional Differences06:06 Hulk Hogan's Media Presence and Enduring Popularity
Dr. Beckett answers questions on the evolving sports card market, the impacts of AI on the industry, and nostalgic memories from his early collecting days. Hear from passionate collectors and learn about vintage cards, grading variances, and the rise in value of autographed cards. 01:00 The Rise of Football and Basketball Cards02:13 AI in the Sports Card Industry04:25 Memories and Milestones07:33 Grading and Pricing Cards09:32 Autographed Cards and Their Value11:42 Historical Finds and Partnerships
Dr. Beckett's and Victor Roman Sr. delve into the history and evolution of rookie card guidelines in the sports card hobby. Despite initial resistance, the need to clarify rookie card definitions became evident. They discuss specific cases like the Mantle and Mays rookie cards, the emergence of parallel cards, and the impact of defining rookie cards on the market. The discussion also covers niche sets like Sportflix and Tiffany sets, their reception, and how perceptions of rookie cards have changed over time. 00:39 Rookie Card Guidelines and Pushback01:33 Historical Examples and Market Reactions03:50 Modern Challenges and Evolving Definitions07:54 Sportflix and Market Perception11:12 Tiffany Sets and Rookie Card Debate
Dr. Beckett and Victor Roman Sr. dive deep into the history and controversies surrounding rookie cards in the sports card collecting hobby. Dr. Beckett shares his personal insights and experiences from over the years, exploring topics such as the anger some collectors have towards rookie cards, the role of dealers, and the challenges of establishing a standard definition for rookie cards. 00:56 Victor's Research and Initial Reactions04:46 Challenges with Card Companies05:36 The Role of MLBPA07:23 Impact on Collectors and Dealers12:09 Historical Context and Dealer Practices
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the intersections of baseball cards, baseball history, and sabermetrics. The episode covers valuable topics such as the evolution of card photography, the rarity and value of checklist cards, the differences in grading standards among major companies, and strategies for valuing personal collections. They also share anecdotes about the card industry and discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic and new market players have influenced the hobby's growth. 00:49 Challenges of the Card Market in the 80s02:08 The Process Behind Baseball Card Photography04:00 The Rarity and Value of Checklist Cards04:38 Card Grading Standards and Market Perception08:27 Advice for Valuing and Selling Your Collection09:26 Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Card Collecting11:05 Trend of One-of-One Cards12:05 Interactions with Card Companies13:22 Renata Galasso and Her Impact on the Hobby
Dr. Beckett shares his remarks from the recent SABR Annual Convention #53. Along with Rich Klein and moderated by Paul Rogers, they delve into the evolution of sports card collecting, the transition from hobby to business, and the shifting dynamics within the industry. They discuss the changes in card pricing, the rise of modern cards, and the ongoing passion that drives collectors. 01:21 Early Days and Personal Journey05:30 Challenges and Transitions10:46 Evolution of the Hobby14:05 Modern vs. Vintage Cards
Dr. Beckett teams up with Iowa Dave (Dave Schwartz) for a continuation of their Dueling Questions. They discuss a range of topics including ethical dilemmas in sports card dealing, the role of nostalgia in the hobby, and the evolving nature of the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett also reflects on historical shifts in the hobby and shares personal anecdotes about the industry's past and present. 01:50 Ethical Obligations of Dealers03:48 Venezuelan Card Ventures06:50 The Evolution of the Hobby11:15 Breaking and the Hobby-Industry Divide16:01 The Beckett Magazine Philosophy19:41 Hiring Passionate Collectors
Guest Dave Schwartz (Iowa Dave) delves into Dr. Beckett's journey from a statistics PhD student to a prominent figure in the sports card industry. They explore how Dr. Beckett's background in statistics helped him understand and innovate within the sports card market. The conversation also shifts to the controversial topic of online breaking casinos, discussing the addictive nature of breaking and potential regulatory measures. 02:30 The Birth of the Price Guide04:34 Breaking 'Casino' Phenomenon06:26 Risks and Regulations of Breaking12:16 Addictions and the Hobby
Dr. Beckett brainstorms an innovative concept for a sports card-themed cruise. He describes a comprehensive plan for a cruise departing from Miami, priced at $3,000 per cabin, which includes food, lodging, table fees, and exclusive swag from sponsors. The cruise would feature card shows, trade nights, and panel discussions, all set in a secure environment with advanced planning for token-based table reservations. He discusses potential logistics, such as on-board security, internet connectivity, and handling high-value collectibles. 00:44 Cruise Logistics and Pricing02:13 Event Structure and Activities04:38 Security and Practical Considerations06:05 Potential Challenges and Solutions
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1376 to 1399 of his podcast, including listener questions, Panini's consistency across sports, dividing collections with Rich Klein, Pete Rose's gambling, hobby news, and much more. Dr. Beckett reflects on the content, shares his thoughts, and discusses what makes each episode unique and engaging for both new and veteran collectors. 02:46 Panini Consistency and Product Strategies03:51 Dividing Collections and Hobby Experiences04:33 Generational Collecting and Pete Rose Discussion06:25 Dealer Advice and Show Experiences07:58 Panini and Upper Deck Product Reviews09:44 Father-Son Episodes and Personal Stories
Dr. Beckett reflects on the life of recently passed baseball icon Dave Parker, with personal anecdotes, Parker's illustrious achievements, and his struggles with Parkinson's Disease. He discusses Parker’s journey from his early years with the Pirates to his later contributions to the Reds and A's, highlighting key moments and stats that defined his career. Additionally, the episode touches on the ethics of autograph pricing following a celebrity's death and Parker's impact on the baseball community. 01:00 Dave Parker's Career Highlights01:57 Autograph Market and Ethics03:40 Dave Parker's Hall of Fame Journey04:21 Health Struggles and Legacy07:28 Comparisons and Final Reflections
Dr. Beckett discusses the concept of being CEO of your card collection, inspired by Mike Steveline's take on Brett McGrath's Stacking Slabs podcast. He examines what it means to take on the 'CEO' role, the responsibilities it implies, and shares his personal experiences from his time as a CEO and president. Dr. Beckett also delves into financial management, organizational skills, and the importance of maintaining a healthy enterprise, ultimately tying these business principles back to the world of card collecting. 00:22 Email from Mike and Initial Thoughts00:49 The Role and Responsibilities of a CEO04:02 Organizational Skills and Financial Awareness08:35 Learning and Community Engagement11:16 Fun: Encouragement, Enthusiasm, and Energy
Dr. Beckett dives into the intriguing parallels between car collecting and card collecting, discussing themes like the value of preservation, market demand, and the joy of ownership. He reflects on lessons learned from both car enthusiasts and card collectors, emphasizing the importance of 'staying in your lane' in both hobbies. 03:30 Staying in Your Lane: Advice for Collectors04:51 The Market Dynamics of Cars and Cards06:42 Restoration and Authenticity06:59 The Importance of Utility and Personal Preference13:11 The Future of Cards: VINs and Tracking
On last Saturday's Hobby Hotline, Dr. Beckett, John Newman, and Orlando Collector's Dream discuss news in the sports card industry. Topics include recent changes at SGC affecting bulk submitters, insights into Fanatics Fest, and a deep dive into the potential implications of a rumored PSA-GameStop merger. Also highlighted are the experiential differences between Fanatics Fest and The National, emphasizing the unique positioning and future of both events. 00:44 SGC Bulk Submission Changes04:45 PSA and GameStop Potential Acquisition08:55 Fanatics Fest Highlights11:24 Comparing Fanatics Fest and The National
Dr. Beckett is joined by Mike and Andrew Aronstein, and Rich Klein. They delve into their rich histories in the sports card hobby, sharing stories about operating multiple card stores, dealing with TCMA items, and handling vintage photography. The episode sheds light on fascinating behind-the-scenes operations, from the creation of sports cards to the unique challenges faced in the industry. They also reflect on influential figures and moments that shaped their careers. 00:31 Managing Multiple Card Stores00:53 TCMA and Cooperstown Involvement02:57 Printing Errors and Card Variations04:52 Transition to Digital Printing09:25 Exclusive Distribution Deal12:51 Vintage Photography and Collecting
Dr. Beckett reviews three current Panini sports card releases, including baseball, football, and basketball products. He discusses pricing, licensing issues, and the enjoyment factor of opening packs. Highlights include an examination of autograph valuation, no purchase necessary offers, and the nuances of various card sets. The episode also compares the complexities and potential value of each sport's cards, reflecting on Panini's role and the future of the hobby. 00:57 Understanding Card Breaks and Market Value02:26 Reviewing 2025 Donruss Baseball03:48 Autographs and Their Market Impact04:49 No Purchase Necessary Offers07:25 Reviewing 2024 Panini Contenders Optic Football08:51 Reviewing 2024-25 Select Basketball
Dr. Beckett addresses listener questions from various platforms. Topics include potential mergers like GameStop acquiring Collectors and PSA, the future landscape of grading companies, the logistics of dividing collections, and personal anecdotes from the world of sports card collecting. 00:57 Rumors of GameStop Acquiring Collectors02:55 Future of Grading Companies03:38 Buying Collections and Partnering05:05 Challenges with Plastic Sheets and Supplies10:02 Modern Hobby and Collector Sentiments11:08 Auction Bidding Issues
Excerpts of Dr. Beckett's interview by Victor Roman Sr. on Victor's YT channel, reflecting on the life and influence of Dr. Beckett's late father. Dr. Beckett shares stories about his dad's early life, his love for baseball and stamp collecting, his professional journey, and his impact on Dr. Beckett's personal and professional life. They discuss the values of hard work, independence, and faith that his father instilled in him, as well as the importance of vulnerability and authenticity. Dr. Beckett also explains how these lessons have influenced his approach to career and family. 01:24 My Dad's Early Life and Career03:31 Life Lessons and Work Ethic05:34 Support and Independence09:02 Faith and Personal Growth
The second part of Dr. Beckett's conversation with Mike and Andrew Aronstein. They share nostalgic stories of collecting 1951 Bowman cards, the evolution of their collections, and their unique approach to sports memorabilia. Listen to tales of entrepreneurial ventures, the transition from sports cards to postcards, and the fascinating experiences of setting up at shows and partnering in the collectible world. 00:29 Childhood Memories of Card Collecting02:27 Transition to Postcards and Reflections on Collecting03:19 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Business Success04:49 Family and Collecting Together05:42 Partnerships and Business Anecdotes09:00 Challenges and Changes in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett and Mike Johnston share heartfelt stories about their late fathers and their mutual love for vintage baseball cards. Both Dr. Beckett and Mike discuss how their fathers' collections of Goudey, Play Ball, and Diamond Stars cards created lasting memories and a strong bond between them. They reminisce about the times their dads spent buying and trading cards in the 1930s, with touching anecdotes about family life during the depression, baseball radio broadcasts, and the therapeutic power of collecting. 03:03 Baseball and Family Bonds03:48 Rediscovering the Collection04:36 Generational Differences and Shared Interests05:02 The Impact of War and Career Paths07:19 Card Collecting Community and Connections12:05 Sentimental Value and Family Legacy
Dr. Beckett is joined by Andrew and Mike Aronstein. Andrew, operations manager at Love of the Game Auctions, and his father, legendary hobbyist Mike Aronstein, share their insights and stories from the world of sports card collecting. They explore their early memories, the evolution of the sports card industry, and the challenges of balancing family and hobby. amidst entrepreneurial ventures. 01:45 Father-Son Bonding Through Sports Cards03:47 Entrepreneurial Journey in the Hobby07:12 Photo File and Licensing Stories14:04 Early Days and Evolution of TCMA16:53 Vintage Cards and Their Impact
Dr. Beckett reviews the latest releases from Upper Deck in May, breaking down eight products ranging from affordable to premium. He discusses the value and accessibility of these products, including the effort by Upper Deck to create a public database for RPAs and the significance of grading and authentication. Reviewing AEW Wrestling, AHL Hockey, CHL Hockey, UD Extended, SPX, Skybox Metal Universe Hockey, SP Game Used, and Ultimate Collection. 01:01 Upper Deck's Market Leadership and Innovations06:44 Upper Deck Extended Series: Young Guns07:31 SPX Hockey Cards: Emphasis on Rookies08:17 Skybox Metal Universe Hockey: Colorful Experience09:23 SP Game Used: Heavy on Game-Used10:49 NHL Ultimate Collection: Ultra Premium
Dr. Beckett delves into the recent hiatus and return of Hobby News Daily. He discusses the challenges and importance of consistent content creation, especially in the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett reflects on his own experience in publishing, provides feedback to Hobby News Daily, and touches upon various industry topics including controversies, quality control, and the secondary market. hobby media. 03:16 Controversies and Conspiracies in the Hobby03:49 Challenges of Daily Media Production10:43 Quality Control in Card Production13:03 Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics
Dr. Beckett discusses Panini's platform and their recent card releases. He provides a unique perspective on both modern and vintage sports cards, focusing on specific Panini products such as Totally Certified Football and Basketball, and the 2024 Panini Clearly Donruss. Dr. Beckett also discusses the impact of losing licenses, potential legal resolutions between Panini and Fanatics, and ideas for Panini's future ventures including NFTs and expanding into other entertainment properties. 01:48 Comparing Panini's Products06:20 Panini's Market Position and Future06:37 Legal Issues and Potential Resolutions07:55 Panini's Strategic Opportunities09:39 The Importance of Execution
Out-takes from Dr. Beckett's recent Hobby Hotline appearance joined by co-hosts Orlando (Collectors Dream) and Logan Ward, focusing on gambling in sports and the complex case of Pete Rose's reinstatement. They also touch on topics like the possibility of steroids users like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens entering the Hall of Fame, second chances in society, and how historical figures in baseball are remembered. The episode includes commentary on the nature of apologies and owning up to mistakes, with parallels drawn between personal life and professional sports ethics. 01:07 Gambling in Sports and Pete Rose's Legacy04:22 Comparing Pete Rose and Ty Cobb07:00 Hall of Fame Debates: Bonds, Clemens, and PEDs12:52 The Importance of Full Admission and Apologies
Dr. Beckett discusses his experiences, objectives, and strategies for the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. He talks about the importance of learning, and the community aspects of the hobby. 00:57 Reflecting on Collecting Goals and Learning02:22 Balancing Collection Growth and Downsizing04:46 Excitement and Surprises at the National07:34 Community Building and Newcomer Support10:34 Vendor Friendliness and Incentives
Dr. Beckett shares excerpts from an engaging interview with Jeremy Lee for the Road to the National series. They discuss the importance of attracting new collectors to the National Sports Collectors Convention, the event's growth over the years, and practical tips for first-time attendees. 01:42 Dr. Beckett's Presence at the National04:14 Navigating the National: Tips and Insights08:49 Managing Your Budget and Time at the National11:21 The National as a Museum Experience
Dr. James Beckett, along with guests Matt Galvin and Rich Klein, delve deep into the nuances of white backs and gray backs in the first two series. The conversation extends to print management and design choices of the time, shedding light on factors affecting production. 00:31 White Backs vs. Gray Backs01:26 The Roberto Clemente Issue03:08 The Fascination with 1956 Topps05:10 Printing Challenges and Production Insights
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein trade insights and advice on becoming a sports card show dealer for the first time. The discussion covers the challenges new dealers face, the importance of pricing cards, and the different experiences between small neighborhood shows and large events. Rich also highlights the best practices for engaging with customers and preparing inventory, featuring a comparison between shows pre- and post-pandemic. 00:13 Becoming a Show Dealer: Challenges01:09 Rich's Show: A Kinder, Gentler Experience02:00 Pricing Strategies for New Dealers05:00 Engaging with Customers: Tips for Success07:42 Real-Life Dealer Experiences and Advice
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a wide-ranging discussion on type card collecting, early Beckett publications, and the intricacies of sports card cataloging. They recount stories from their careers, including the challenges of identifying type cards, integrating magazine cards into their guides, and reminiscing about their experiences at the National Sports Collectors Convention. The episode also highlights Beckett Media's early marketing strategies and the importance of fostering a team atmosphere through company lunches and offsite events. 00:37 Type Card Collecting Insights02:24 Magazine Cards and Their Legitimacy06:25 Beckett Employee Cards and National Shows10:35 Company Culture and Events15:54 Reflections on Remote Work and Leadership
Dr. Beckett delves into the complex relationship between gambling and baseball, focusing on the controversial figure of Pete Rose. Dr. Beckett reflects on the broader societal shift toward 'democratic' morality and examines the impact of fair play (not rigged!) in the world of sports and card collecting. 00:47 Pete Rose: Player and Manager01:33 Gambling in Baseball: A Historical Perspective02:25 Modern Views on Gambling03:27 Fair Play and Integrity in Sports04:31 Gambling in the Sports Card Hobby05:24 Conspiracies and Insider Knowledge09:00 The Slippery Slope of Gambling
Dr. Beckett, Matt Galvin, and Rich Klein discuss their admiration for the 1956 Topps baseball card set. Dr. Beckett recounts his personal connection to the set and the aesthetic and historical elements that make it unique. They cover various topics including the design, artwork, and the player composition of the set, while also addressing the historical context surrounding it, such as the competition and eventual acquisition between Topps and Bowman. The conversation includes insights into notable cards, like those of Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson, and the strategies behind card series releases during the 1950s. 01:57 Design and Artwork of 56 Topps04:07 Player Composition and Missing Stars06:30 Comparing 56 Topps with Other Sets12:05 Marketing Strategies and Final Series13:06 Clemente and Robinson Cards
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein share their experience of mediating the division of a large sports card collection. They recount their visit to the owner's house, discovering an unexpected 500,000 cards, and detailing the process of dividing the collection equitably (and quickly). Through effective mediation and their experience in the hobby, they managed to split the collection to the satisfaction of both parties involved, exemplifying their commitment to fair and balanced trade. 00:49 Mediation Process Begins01:46 Discovering the Massive Collection03:03 Comparing Past Experiences
Dr. Beckett reviews various sports card products from Panini, including 2024 Donruss Optic Football, 2024-25 Panini Prism Basketball, and 2024 Panini Select Baseball. He also discusses the 2025 USA Baseball high-end pack, reflecting on the advantages and limitations of each product. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Beckett shares his insights on the importance of brand consistency across sports and the future potential for sticker products. He concludes with the idea of creating a time capsule of certain newly-released cards. 01:08 Reviewing Panini's Product Consistency02:09 2024 Donruss Optic Football Review04:16 Panini Prism Basketball Mega Box Review07:44 Panini Select Baseball Review09:01 2025 USA Baseball High-End Pack Review
Dr. Beckett answers a range of listener questions on various topics. He begins by paying tribute to Mark Dehem, who very recently passed away, reflecting on his contributions and character. The discussion then shifts to Warren Buffett's retirement and drawing lessons from Buffett's investment strategies. Dr. Beckett also delves into other listener queries, touching on subjects like the history of card conventions, Gary V's current involvement in sports card collecting, and insights on the 1956 Topps Baseball set. Additionally, topics like breaking in the hobby, the 1976 SSPC cards, and the value of uncut sheets of the 1996 Sports Illustrated for Kids cards are explored. 00:33 Remembering Mark Dehem01:19 Reflections on Life and Beliefs02:52 Warren Buffett's Retirement and Lessons05:23 The Herd Mentality in Collecting09:29 Memories of the 1956 Topps Baseball Set10:25 Autograph Collecting and SSPC Cards11:41 Maximizing the Value of Uncut Sheets
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1351 through 1374. Covered topics include an array of industry insights such as Panini's debut products, PSA's tighter grading standards, the ongoing debate about breaking in the hobby, a discussion with John Mangini on vintage cards, listener questions, soccer card trends, Upper Deck hockey products, and shilling practices. 01:14 PSA Grading Standards and Breaking Entry03:12 Dueling Questions with John Mangini03:50 AI Luca Rant and Soccer Sequel06:08 Shilling and COMC National Hacks07:38 Variation Discussion and Monetizing Newsletters10:30 GaryVee Dueling Questions
Dr. Beckett and guest Jim Dehem conclude their pre-tribute to Mark (Jim's younger brother). They reminisce about the good old days, emphasizing the importance of support from family, friends, and the sports card community. They share anecdotes and discuss the resilience needed to fight cancer, and highlight the positive impact of community support on Mark's spirits. 01:12 Mark's Legacy and Contributions01:37 The Dehem Brothers' Journey in the Hobby10:05 The Importance of Trust and Relationships
Dr. Beckett and Jim Dehem acknowledge Jim's brother Mark, recently diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer, discussing Mark's significant contributions to the sports card community, his connections with notable Detroit Tigers players, and the early days of card collecting in Detroit. The conversation explores the evolution of their hobby, personal stories, and memorable events from the past, highlighting Mark's deep involvement in the industry and the support from the community. 00:23 Mark's Health Update and Community Support02:50 Mark's Journey with the Detroit Tigers06:57 Early Days in the Hobby11:05 Memorable Shows and Deals15:44 Charlie Brooks' Store and Hobby Evolution
Dr. Beckett concludes his engaging conversation with entrepreneur and marketer Gary Vaynerchuk. They delve into their shared admiration for customer-centric approaches and discuss the importance of product quality in marketing. Gary shares insights from his wine retailing days and how the Beckett Price Guide influenced his business strategies. The episode also covers their experiences in the sports card industry from the 70s and 80s, the impact of certain key events, and the growth of the market. 00:37 Gary Vaynerchuk's Early Influences01:04 Customer Focus and Marketing Strategies03:02 The Importance of Product Quality07:04 The Evolution of the Sports Card Industry10:41 Impact of Major Events on the Hobby
Gary Vaynerchuk joins Dr. Beckett for a spirited discussion on the evolution of the Beckett Price Guide, the dynamics of the sports card market, and the journey of entrepreneurship. They delve into the nostalgic days of waiting for the magazine, the logistical challenges faced in maintaining fairness, and the integrity behind the iconic publication. Gary shares his own experiences from starting as a young collector to becoming a successful entrepreneur, reflecting on how the fundamentals of selling cards influenced his business strategies. 01:37 Gary Vaynerchuk's Entrepreneurial Journey02:41 The Beckett Price Guide Legacy05:32 Challenges in the Sports Card Industry10:18 Gary Vaynerchuk's Early Business Lessons
Dr. Beckett discusses his recent adventure at a card shop that underwent new ownership. Joined by Rich Klein, Dr. Beckett explores the interesting assortment of dollar box cards and shares his findings, including vintage and off-condition cards. They delve into the nuances of identifying valuable cards quickly, the market trends for miscut and printing error cards, and the challenges of pricing and cataloging such unique cards. The conversation also highlights the evolving management and business strategies of the card shop, and how fresh energy and a focus on clearing backlog can revitalize a store. 02:03 Strategies for Finding Valuable Cards04:48 Unique Printing Errors and Their Market07:08 New Owner's Impact on the Card Shop10:46 Reflections on the Card Shop's History11:50 Buying and Pricing Strategies13:14 Sorting Cards by Team vs. Player
Dr. Beckett discusses the 2025 Baseball Card Hall of Fame ballot, sponsored by Ray from Philly. sharing his thoughts on the 40 candidate cards, offers his voting criteria, and comments on the treatment of vintage vs. modern cards. He emphasizes the importance of balancing cards from different eras and provides detailed reasons for his choices. Beck also outlines potential improvements, such as emulating the Baseball Hall of Fame's selection method. 00:31 Voting Process and Encouragement01:27 Challenges in Hall of Fame Selection03:58 Categorizing the Cards06:06 Dr. Beckett's Ballot and Selections
Dr. Beckett delves into the significance of Fridays, beginning with the religious importance of Good Friday for Christians and extending to other notable Fridays in history and the sports card hobby. The episode also touches on Black Friday sales, the impact of stock market crashes on the hobby, and the culture of card shows on Fridays. Lastly, Dr. Beckett shares personal insights from his career, including employee management and operational practices on Fridays at his company. 01:38 Religious Traditions and the Hobby03:08 Historical Events Hobby Impact04:51 Black Friday and Sales in the Hobby07:17 Personal Reflections on Fridays
Dr. Beckett discusses the rise of cards with Regan Jobe and answers some of Reagan's hobby questions. Starting with a unique Nolan Gorman super factor, Reagan delves into the origins of his custom card venture. The conversation highlights the joy of creating one-of-a-kind art pieces, including his Deadpool Pikachu card, and the connection with various communities. The show touches on the challenges of licensing, the subjective nature of card grading, and the sentimental value linked to card collecting. 00:27 Starting the Custom Card Journey01:10 Creating Unique Custom Cards03:41 Licensing and Legal Considerations07:22 Grading and Market Trends10:05 Collecting Strategies and Sentimental Value12:59 Family Bonding Through Collecting
Dr. Beckett welcomes Reagan Jobe to discuss the legacy and evolution of Premier hockey cards. They reminisce about the early 90s when the brand first came out under OPC and its impact on the card collecting community. The conversation covers the history of the Premier brand, its significance in the hobby at the time, and how it has transformed into today's premium cards with higher quality and more features. They also share fond memories from a trip to Vancouver, exploring local card shops and the enthusiasm of young collectors. 00:31 Reagan's Influence and Early 90s Card Scene01:38 Vancouver Card Shops Tour04:57 Evolution of OPC/UD Premier Sets06:24 Grading and Collecting Trends09:03 Brand Recognition and Licensing
Join Dr. Beckett, Samuel Evans, and John Newman as they dive deep into various hot topics in the hobby. They discuss the competitive nature of card grading, particularly eBay's integration with PSA, and the complex relational dynamics it introduces. The hosts also explore how the sports card market reacts during periods of economic uncertainty, including tariffs and stock market fluctuations. Additionally, they examine the trend of active and retired athletes buying into or owning local card shops, highlighting cases such as Tom Brady and JJ Hoover. 00:54 Grading and eBay's Role in the Hobby04:05 Economic Impact on the Hobby05:11 Tariffs and Their Effects on the Hobby07:22 Card Prices and Market Dynamics11:19 Players Investing in Card Stores
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss strategies for monetizing Rich's weekly email newsletter, which he has developed over the past decade. Despite technical difficulties with the audio, they explore various monetization tactics, including obtaining sponsors, accepting non-cash payments, and enhancing the content's usefulness. They also touch upon the growth and evolution of sports card shows, the importance of fresh inventory, and effective promotional techniques for dealers. 00:45 Rich's Newsletter: Origins and Evolution01:37 Expanding the Newsletter's Reach02:49 Monetization Strategies and Challenges06:09 Effectiveness and Feedback07:29 Innovative Event Ideas and Experiences
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the complexities of sports card variations. They discuss the history and philosophy behind cataloging and classifying these variations, highlighting specific examples such as the 1974 Topps checklist variations and the 1984 Donruss Diamond King variations. Despite technical issues with the audio, the episode offers valuable insights into the intricacies of card collecting, the importance of both card fronts and backs, and the efforts of platforms like Beckett and COMC in providing detailed catalogs. 00:58 Discussing Card Variations02:38 Cataloging and Price Guides03:55 Challenges in Identifying Variations06:22 Importance of Card Fronts vs. Backs11:02 Modern Card Variations and Challenges
The final part of Dr. Beckett's conversation with Angela from COMC's marketing team. They discuss COMC's strategies for national shows, including daily specials, robust Wi-Fi setups, shipping logistics, and the meticulous care taken with high-value cards. The episode also covers how COMC handles card submissions, the importance of data, and projections for the upcoming Chicago National. Angela also shares behind-the-scenes insights on the team's work dynamics, their crucial FedEx partnership, and the honor of being part of COMC's national team. 00:48 Show Activities01:30 WiFi and Technology at the National02:43 Shipping Logistics and FedEx Partnership04:09 Card Valuation and Submission Process10:47 Employee Experience at the National
Dr. Beckett and COMC's Angela Loeffler discuss the inside scoop on COMC's presence at the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. Learn essential hacks for efficiently submitting and selling your sports cards, including how to sort your collection to avoid common pitfalls. 01:13 Card Submission Strategies02:16 Navigating the National03:31 COMC Booth Experience05:21 Using the COMC App09:54 Customer Service vs. Marketing
Dr. Beckett delves into the controversial topic of shill bidding in sports card auctions. The discussion, taken out of his recent appearance on Jeremy Lee's Sports Card Live, explores both offensive and defensive forms of shill bidding, why they matter, and their impact on the sports card ecosystem, as well as on current comp-ologists, such as Chris HOJ McGill of Card Ladder. 02:20 Defensive Shill Bidding03:49 Ethical Dilemmas in Auctions05:40 Impact on Market Comps07:24 Historical Perspective on Price Guides13:10 Auction vs. Buy It Now: Comparative
Dr. Beckett reviews various hockey card boxes from Upper Deck including 2024-25 OPC, 2024-25 Upper Deck Series 2, 2024 Upper Deck Skybox Metal Universe Champions, Clear Cut, Allure, and EX 2000. Dr. Beckett offers his insights on the value, design, and features of these products, including serial numbered cards, inserts, autographs, and the market dynamics. 02:58 In-Depth Look at Upper Deck Series Two05:00 Exploring Skybox Metal Universe Champions06:13 Clear Cut: Premium Autograph Cards08:43 Allure: Beautiful and Affordable10:27 Skybox EX 2000: Nostalgic and Condition Sensitive
Key topics include Fanatics' distribution mode clarity, PSA's response to tariffs affecting the hobby, and the emerging role of breakers in the market. Dr. Beckett (and other panelists) discuss Whatnot's challenges, debut patches, the abundance of one-of-one cards, and the evolving nature of sports card collecting. 00:49 Fanatics Distribution Model Discussion04:01 Impact of Tariffs on the Hobby07:39 Fanatics vs. Whatnot: Platform Standards09:11 Debut Patches and Player Involvement
Dr. Beckett delves into the history and growth of soccer cards and stickers, focusing on Greg Landsdowne's upcoming 10th anniversary update of his book 'Stuck on You.' Dr. Beckett answers questions about the rise of card grading in the UK and Europe, and the globalization of the sports card market, especially post-COVID. We also discuss the evolving value of soccer cards and the impact of major events like the World Cup on the hobby, and why knowledge is crucial in this expanding field. 00:23 Panini Soccer Stickers: A Historical Perspective01:22 Greg Lansdowne's Questions and Insights04:35 The Evolution of Sports Card Grading05:58 The Future of Sports Card Publications10:01 Collector, Investor, Dealer: A Personal Journey10:51 The Impact of the World Cup on Soccer Cards
Dr. Beckett discusses the turmoil surrounding Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks, including reactions from a recent card show. He shares a humorous AI-generated rant from a fictional crazed Mavericks fan and addresses the pros and cons of AI in sports commentary. The episode delves into Luka’s potential future with the Lakers, his impact on the hobby, and the complexities of sports fandom. 00:21 Luca's Impact on the Basketball World01:49 The AI Experiment: A Rant on Luca03:28 Reading the AI-Generated Rant05:24 Analyzing the AI Rant06:42 Luka's Future and Hobby Implications
Dr. Beckett concludes his dueling questions with John Mangini, delving into the mindset of sports card collecting. They discuss the thrill of the chase, the concept of 'needing' versus 'wanting' cards, and the potential for addiction within the hobby. They also explore the dynamics of card shows, set collecting, and the impact of grading on the value of complete sets. The conversation shifts to the allure of rare and obscure cards, the differences between popular and lesser-known cards, and the changing mentality of collectors over the years. 00:26 Collector's Dilemma: Want vs. Need00:56 Addiction or Dedication?01:50 Card Shows: The Thrill of the Hunt04:38 Set Collecting: A Declining Trend05:52 Grading and Its Impact on Card Value07:23 The Allure of Rare and Obscure Cards12:38 Discovering Hidden Gems17:49 The Importance of Knowledge and Experience
Dr. Beckett answers a variety of listener questions. Topics include defunct trading card brands, the influence of local and regional sports stars, expensive box breaks likened to the lottery, Beckett slab marketability, the legacy of Barry Halper, and the evolving concept of trade nights. 00:34 Listener Question: Trumpism Episode02:12 Discussion on Expensive Boxes03:24 Jorge Posada and Yankee Bias04:16 Modern Hobby Complaints04:55 Panini Prizn Monopoly05:33 Graphic Designers and Brand Struggles07:44 Barry Halper: Inspiration
Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with John Mangini, diving into a range of topics from favorite vintage card sets to handling diverse collections and the evolution of card grading. They discuss the specifics of 1956 Topps, theories on card conditions across different years, and the nuanced differences between vintage and modern card collecting and grading. 01:16 Card Condition and Grading Theories02:58 Buying and Managing Collections05:31 The Quest for Vintage Cards06:34 Evolution of Card Grading10:06 Modern vs. Vintage Grading15:59 Suspicion of Pristine Vintage Cards
Dr. Beckett delves into two timely topics of discussion in the sports card industry, focusing on PSA's (newly admitted) tighter grading standards and Fanatics Live's push toward breaking as their preferred entry into collecting. Dr. Beckett offers his perspective on the implications of PSA's decision to adjust the criteria for a PSA 10, stressing that this move enhances the credibility and consistency of top-grade cards. He also discusses Fanatics Live's emphasis on breaks as an entry method, comparing it to traditional pack buying and highlighting the pros and cons. Dr. Beckett addresses the addictive nature of breaks, the importance of evolving in the hobby, and emphasizes the need for responsible participation. 01:15 Transparency in the Hobby Industry02:46 PSA's New Grading Standards08:56 Fanatics Live and the Breaking Controversy12:18 The Path to Becoming a True Collector
Dr. James Beckett reviews three new Panini sports card products: 2024 Panini Prizm LIV Golf, 2024 Panini Prospect Edition Baseball, and 2024 Panini Illusions Football. Dr. Beckett discusses the value and significance of each set, providing insights into their design, player rosters, and the types of cards obtained, including autographs and parallels. Highlights include a Color Blast of Bubba Watson and notable football cards like a low-numbered Spencer Rattler and an autographed JJ McCarthy card. Throughout, Dr. Beckett explores the relevance of blending vintage and modern cards, the importance of knowledge in the hobby, and shares personal reflections on his sports card collecting journey. 00:50 Reviewing the 2024 Panini Products03:18 Insights on LIV Golf Cards05:06 Opening the Baseball Prospects Box09:44 Unboxing the 2024 Illusions Football
Dr. Beckett provides a recap of past episodes 1326 through 1349 of his Sports Card Insights podcast. Reflecting on various themes ranging from listener questions and interviews to specific set reviews and hobby insights, Dr. Beckett shares his thoughts on sports card collecting, the industry, and personal experiences. He also discusses interesting topics like the impact of political events on the hobby, the intricacies of trade nights, sales tax implications, and much more. 01:44 Ramblings with John Keating02:14 Episodes with Mike Fruitman02:57 Trumpisms and Dustin Cooley Interview04:08 Hobby vs. Business Discussion05:13 Luka Trade Reaction05:52 Football Card Hall of Fame Ballot06:56 Product Reviews: Upper Deck and Panini07:40 Trade Nights and Sales Tax Implications09:08 Valentine's Day Episode09:57 AI and Hobby Significance Tournaments13:24 Dueling Questions with John Mangini
Dr. Beckett interviews fellow sports card enthusiast John Mancini. They discuss the history and evolution of the rookie card, tracing its rise from the 1970s to becoming a staple in sports card collecting by the 1980s. They also share a mutual admiration for Roberto Clemente, diving into personal stories and reflections on his impact both on and off the field. 00:46 The Origin of Rookie Cards05:57 Roberto Clemente's Legacy08:43 Clemente's Playing Style and Influence
Dr. Beckett reviews 2024-25 Panini Prizm NBA and 2024 Panini Spectra. He also provides insights into the sports card market, touching on the importance of not placing all investment hopes on single players, addressing licensing challenges faced by Panini, and reflecting on the perceptions of Wemby, Luka, and Patrick Mahomes. 00:10 Panini Prism NBA and Spectra Football Boxes00:58 Card Quality and Value02:30 Market Insights and Player Performance06:36 Panini's Business and Licensing Challenges
Dr. Beckett and Mike Moynihan (from his Golden Age video podcast) delve into their personal experiences, sharing insights on the dynamism of modern collecting versus the stability of vintage collections. They discuss the importance of eye appeal, the various quests collectors embark on, and the excitement surrounding card shows. 01:14 Vintage Collecting: Stability and Appeal03:29 The Quest for Collectible Cards07:04 Card Shows: Then and Now14:18 The Diamond Stars Set Deep Dive
Dr. Beckett answers 11 more intriguing listener questions. Topics covered include his experiences with hanger and blaster packs, the scarcity of the 1954 Bowman Ted Williams card, and the dilemmas associated with Post Cereal cards and their adhesive stains. Dr. Beckett also delves into the significance of Pacific's footprint in the card industry, the modern metrics appreciating vintage players like Lefty Grove, and the debate of cards versus money in a collector's life. The episode also touches on fond memories like visiting the Sporting News archives and helping a friend sell a significant card collection. 02:12 1954 Bowman Ted Williams Discussion05:02 Post Cereal Football Cards and Grading Issues07:22 Sporting News Stamps and Archives08:08 Panini Prism Football Perspectives09:25 Pacific Card Company and Modern Metrics12:06 Cards vs. Money: Collecting Dilemmas
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into a 'Hobby Significance Tournament,' evaluating the hobby impact of various Baseball Hall of Fame contenders, then also exploring the significance of defunct football card companies from 1992 such as ProSet, Action Packed, and Wildcard. The discussion covers player impact, market evolution, and card company innovations. 03:17 Analyzing the Impact of Steroid-Era Players04:59 The Case for Compilers and Controversial Figures06:35 Players with Slim Hall of Fame Chances07:46 The Final Batch of Baseball Candidates09:23 1992 Football Card Manufacturers Tournament
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the challenges and strategies of dealing with high-end sports card hobby boxes. They discuss practical tips on managing big hits, dollar box cards, and everything in between. Insights include considerations for price setting, market dynamics, collector patience, and the economic aspects of sports card buying and selling. 00:12 The Dilemma of Expensive Hobby Boxes01:42 Market Dynamics and Pricing Challenges05:16 Strategies for Selling and Collecting12:52 The Economics of Card Shows
In this excerpt from Hobby Hotline, Dr. Beckett delves into the impact of AI on the industry, exploring potential AI-generated errors, collectors' response, and the implications for future card designs. We discuss the balance between innovation and maintaining the value of collectible items, as well as how AI's integration could influence production costs and design efficiency. Additionally, we compare the strategies of major card companies like Topps and Panini, analyzing the economic and market effects of holding back rookies. 00:00 Dual Downtowns and AI Art in Donruss Football01:26 The Value and Desirability of AI Art Cards04:40 The Economics of Card Production and AI09:36 The Impact of Production Numbers on Collecting12:21 The Future of Flagship Products in the Card Industry
Dr. Beckett answers 11 listener-submitted questions, covering a range of topics including the popularity of Rocky Colavito, Star Company's design, Mr. Mint’s impact on the hobby, and the therapeutic value of collecting sports cards. Dr. Beckett offers thoughts on fitness, mortality, and the importance of getting cards graded. He also highlights unique collections such as indigenous NHL players' rookie cards. 00:49 Rocky Colavito Tribute02:02 Bennett's Tribute02:49 Star Company Card Design05:35 Mr. Mint and Card Collecting Stories08:28 Health and Downsizing in Collecting10:07 Indigenous NHL Players Collection11:26 Gold vs. Cards: Investment Insights
Dr. Beckett reflects on his enduring love for his wife Diane while drawing parallels with his passion for the sports card hobby. He also explores concepts such as 'completion compulsion' and the 'five love languages,' applying them both to personal relationships and the hobby. 01:43 Aspects of Love in Collecting02:41 Psychology and Completion Compulsion05:47 Luka, Mavs, and NBA Love08:31 Five Love Languages and the Hobby10:21 National Sports Collectors Convention
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the intricacies of sales tax in the sports card industry. From the challenges faced by card show organizers to the implications for dealers and consumers, they discuss the legal and practical aspects of sales tax collection as well as exploring the rising trend of cashless transactions and the potential impact on the hobby's charm and business practices. 01:05 Real-Life Examples and Implications01:49 Promoters and Dealers: Compliance and Challenges02:38 Consumer Perspective on Sales Tax03:03 Tax Obligations for Players and Promoters04:05 Future of Sales Tax and Digital Transactions09:54 Cash vs. Credit: The Debate
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the concept and benefits of trade nights: personal experiences, strategies for store owners, and the differences between trade nights and traditional card shows. The conversation highlights various aspects of organizing trade nights, including the increased foot traffic, sales opportunities, and the unique community atmosphere they create. 00:49 Benefits of Trade Nights for Stores01:56 Challenges and Considerations for Trade Nights03:34 Comparing Trade Nights and Card Shows04:58 Personal Preferences and Trade Night Dynamics08:04 Organizing and Promoting Trade Nights12:05 Security and Logistics of Trade Nights
Dr. Beckett shares his thoughts on a variety of Panini hobby boxes he recently received: Prism Monopoly WNBA, Panini Prism NASCAR, and Panini Hoops. Dr. Beckett discusses the branding cooperation between Monopoly and Panini, the configuration and value of cards, as well as the popularity of different sports cards. He also highlights the accessibility and appeal of NASCAR drivers, the evolving landscape of women's sports cards, and the joy of opening new packs. 01:00 Unboxing the Prism Monopoly WNBA02:03 Analyzing the Monopoly and Panini Collaboration04:24 Exploring 2024 Panini Prism NASCAR09:12 Thoughts on Women's Sports and Collecting
Dr. Beckett discusses various 2024 sports card boxes from Upper Deck, including Goodwin Champions, Black Diamond, and the first edition Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), sharing his thoughts on the products, their design, and the evolving sports card market, including the challenges of assigning value and the importance of recognizing both base and premium cards. He also touches on the intersection between hobby trends and broader cultural themes. 00:59 Philosophy of Collecting01:25 Black Diamond Review02:05 Challenges in Pricing and Collecting08:00 PWHL First Edition Review
Dr. Beckett discusses his voting process for the (Third Annual Class) 2025 Football Card Hall of Fame, highlighting changes to the induction process and sharing his insights on various candidates. He evaluates notable football cards, identifies his top picks and alternates, and reminisces about the historical significance of certain cards. Dr. Beckett also provides constructive feedback on the ballot criteria and offers suggestions for future improvements. To vote, go to:https://forms.gle/nMU57H7saGUB92Tv7
00:26 Ballot Changes and Voting Criteria02:22 Personal Reflections and Sentimental Choices04:00 Voting Process and Final Thoughts11:49 Modern and Ultra-Modern Considerations
Dr. Beckett, long-time Mavericks season ticket holder, reacts to the shocking trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sharing insights into sports cards and the implications for both the Mavericks and Lakers, he discusses the roles of key players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, the GM Nico Harrison’s decisions, and future prospects for both teams. 00:28 Frustration and Sports Card Insights00:57 Luka's Trade and Team Dynamics01:55 Ownership and Management Decisions04:45 Trade Deadline Speculations05:12 Impact on Sports Cards and Collectors
Dr. Beckett tackles 11 listener questions within a 15-minute timeframe. Topics include the popularity of Jason Williams, the importance of transfer portals in college sports, intellectual property concerns with Beckett Magazine, critiques of the Vintage magazine, the market for used card supplies, Action Packed cards, GameStop's card security, identifying iconic sports card images, and the impact of Ricky Henderson's passing on autographed card values. 00:33 Jason Williams: White Chocolate02:28 Beckett Magazine Memories03:22 Beckett's Future04:35 Used Top Loaders Market04:55 Trump and Tariffs07:53 GameStop and Card Security09:01 Iconic Baseball Card Poses
Dr. Beckett discusses the distinctions between hobby and business in the world of sports cards. He explores how one's approach defines their engagement, whether it's purely for fun or for profit. Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes about his journey from a passionate collector to a business-minded dealer, highlighting the nuances of tax implications, emotional connections, cash flow, and market strategies. He concludes that many enthusiasts, including himself, navigate both realms, finding joy in both collecting and the business aspects. 01:08 Defining Hobby vs. Business01:57 Passion vs. Profit03:06 Financial Considerations03:43 Buying, Selling, and Holding07:51 Systems and Strategies
Dr. Beckett continues his engaging and freeform conversation with Mike Fruitman, of Mike's Stadium Sports Cards. They discuss various topics related to the sports card hobby, including favorite cards, experiences at card shows, and the joys and challenges of collecting. They also touch on their appreciation for good food, particularly barbecue, and how it intersects humorously with card collecting. The discussion explores the intricate dynamics of buying, selling, and the excitement of opening packs, highlighting notable moments like a hidden redemption card discovery. 01:34 Barbecue and Card Collecting02:58 Opening Packs and the Joy of the Reveal04:47 Unexpected Finds and Redemption Cards06:19 Selling and Buying Cards07:47 Challenges and Changes in the Hobby09:17 Upper Deck and Industry Growth
Dr. Beckett discusses the legacy of his name and company, almost exactly 20 years after selling. He provides insights on the need for innovation in the trading card hobby, the balance between accuracy and content creation, and the significant shift from long-form journalism to quick digital media. Dr. Beckett reflects on the importance of trusted sources, the dynamic nature of card collecting, and the influence of various manufacturers. He also delves into his personal legacy versus the company's legacy and the changes within the industry that have shaped it. 00:57 Innovation in the Trading Card Hobby02:54 Content Creation and Media Evolution08:42 Nostalgia and Manufacturing Critique13:13 Personal Legacy and Company Future16:11 Family and Work-Life Balance
Dr. Beckett discusses the influence of President Trump's policies and personality on the sports card hobby and broader societal trends. Covering topics from immigration, international trade, and education to Trump's negotiation tactics and his stance on debt, Dr. Beckett explores potential implications for collectors. He also touches on the intricate dynamics of rookie card rules, executive orders, and the importance of education in the hobby. 01:48 Education and Local Governance02:57 Merit and Negotiation in the Hobby04:17 Debt and Financial Philosophy05:35 Trump's Personal Habits and Public Perception08:54 Pardons and Presidential Prerogatives10:28 America First and Executive Orders
Dr. Beckett chats with Mike Fruitman about his first year under the Triple Cards umbrella. They discuss the sports card industry, selling his store, managing inventory, and the importance of a strong hobby community. The conversation also veers off into their mutual love for barbecue, favorite hotspots, and how food and sports cards intersect in their lives. 00:51 Reflecting on the Year and Business Decisions01:57 Challenges and Strategies in the Sports Card Industry04:50 Basketball Talk: Players and Games10:12 Barbecue Adventures in Austin11:35 Combining Food and Sports Card Travel
Dr. Beckett and John Keating explore the varying aspects of the sports card hobby, emphasizing the difference between gambling and the genuine joy of collecting. They recount personal experiences, reflect on the evolution of the hobby, and discuss how different factors have shaped the sports card community. From sorting through dollar boxes to the influence of publications and price guides they delve deep into what truly constitutes the roots of the hobby. 01:25 Gambling vs. Collecting02:49 The Evolution of Card Collecting07:18 Influential Figures in the Hobby08:58 Geographical Impact on Collecting11:18 Ted Williams and Innovative Card Sets
Dr. Beckett and his guest and friend John Keating explore the marketing strategies of Fanatics, the implications of tying Fanatics Fest to major events like the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star game, and the impact of nostalgia versus new trends in card collecting. There's an in-depth discussion on the balance between vintage and modern cards, the economics of fan-driven collecting events, and the potential for evolving collecting behaviors. The conversation also touches on negotiation tactics at card shows and the passion of collectors who value history over speculation. 01:52 Fanatics Fest: Financial Insights03:08 Hobby Market Dynamics and Personal Preferences05:16 Vintage vs. Modern Collecting09:09 Fanatics' Business Model and Market Penetration13:57 Negotiation Tactics in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett and his friend John Keating address the ever-evolving landscape of sports card collecting, highlighting personal experiences and delineating the fine line between learning and reliving undesirable experiences, including operational challenges, customer service frustrations, and the impact of corporate changes at Beckett Media. Additionally, the conversation pivots to the broader card-collecting industry's trends, emphasizing the implications of monopolies, the shift towards high-value cards, and the financial dynamics driven by big players like Fanatics and Panini, as well as the balance between maximizing short-term profits and fostering long-term hobby health, touching on the cult of gambling in sports and the potential future of collector conventions. 01:31 Customer Service Challenges03:36 Industry Changes and Market Dynamics07:40 The Role of Data in the Hobby07:51 Monopolies and Market Competition14:24 Card Shows and Community17:16 Gambling and the Hobby's Evolution
Dr. Beckett provides insights on the evolution of Comic Con and its association with San Diego, comparing it to new ventures in the sports memorabilia world. Discussing the record-breaking sale of Babe Ruth's jersey, the impact of memorabilia sales, and the intricacies around authenticating such items, the episode deep-dives into the growth of conventions like the National Sports Collectors Convention. At its core, the conversation pivots to the challenges and opportunities in hosting large-scale events, the role of Fanatics, and the emerging practices around card and memorabilia collecting, including the controversial use of CT scanning. 00:38 Comic Con and Fanatics Discussion04:37 National Sports Collectors Convention Insights09:03 Debut Patches and Bounties10:30 CT Scanning and Wax Scandals
Dr. Beckett encapsulates his past 25 episodes, including the transition of Beckett Media's ownership, addressing questions from listeners, skipped episodes, Rich Klein’s experiences, and much more. He also touches on personal stories, such as a tribute to his family's dog and handling a friend's card collection. 00:33 Greg Lindberg and Company Ownership03:20 Selling Out and Rich Klein's Insights06:33 Brand Recognition and Hall of Fame10:54 Card Show Evolution and Business Scaling12:11 Collectivus Holdings and Experiments
Dr. Beckett addresses Mike Steveline's questions about his experiences and preferences in sports card collecting. Topics include desirable cards he has yet to own, notable pack openings, significant finds in dollar boxes, and his favorite encounters with professional athletes. 02:25 Oldest Sports Card Pack Opened02:56 Amazing Cards Pulled from Packs03:26 Best Dollar Box Finds04:06 In-Person Meetings with Athletes04:43 Keeping Collecting Exciting06:03 History of the Hobby and Card Releases08:35 Impact of Playing Sports on Collecting
Dr. Beckett shares his experience winning three sport-specific lots of hangers, blasters, and value packs from Huggins & Scott Auctions, now a part of REA. He discusses his bidding strategy, the anticipation and excitement of opening packs, and the reality of his returns. Despite his hopes of tripling his investment, Dr. Beckett explains how the secondary market's efficiency often meant he got what was expected, but infrequently more. 01:47 Strategies for Reselling and Personal Collection02:23 The Reality of Auction Purchases02:45 Unboxing and Sorting: Fun and Frustration03:54 Analyzing the Market and Pricing05:55 Lessons Learned and Future Plans
Dr. Beckett speaks to his former company's reorganization, refinancing, and rebranding process, culminating in a new name, Collectivus Holdings, and implications for the future, including potential strategic benefits of these changes, including a $250 million line of credit that promises growth and new acquisitions. 00:23 The Evolution of Collectivist Holdings02:19 Leadership and Company Structure03:37 Financial Restructuring and Future Prospects05:25 Naming Challenges and Brand Identity05:56 Personal Anecdotes and Consulting Insights
Dr. Beckett delves into the history and development of sports card protection, discussing various card protection methods, from shoeboxes to penny sleeves, plastic sheets, top loaders, and card savers. He also pays homage to potential 'godfathers' of sports card protection, including influential figures and companies that have made significant contributions to the field. 01:01 Early Days of Card Storage02:09 Evolution of Sleeves04:01 Cardboard Boxes and Early Innovators05:54 Business Partners and Supply Innovations07:42 Legal Issues with Plastic Sheets
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the unique aspects of the sports card industry, profit centers, and the challenges of balancing overhead and sales-oriented divisions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding direct and indirect costs, the intricacies of making internal departments profitable, and the broader industry trends. They also touch upon Beckett’s past business decisions, the impact of a changing market, and potential future growth strategies. Additionally, the episode covers the successes and strategies of industry players like Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, Heritage Auctions, and COMC. 00:37 Scaling Business: Challenges and Strategies01:21 Profit Centers and Cost Allocation03:39 Variable Costs and Economies of Scale06:08 Public vs. Private: Funding and Expansion07:53 Leadership and Company Culture
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the burgeoning sports card show scene in Dallas, highlighting the competitive landscape with various small and large events. They explore how fanatics could potentially influence the market, the significance of smaller shows, and how Kyle's Dallas Card Show has adapted and thrived. They also touch on the logistics of running shows, the importance of adapting to changes, and the role of autograph guests in drawing crowds. 01:19 Small Shows and Their Importance03:07 Challenges and Strategies for Show Promoters05:25 Fanatics' Influence and Future of Shows09:54 Collector Dealers and Pop-Up Shows11:40 Autographs and Dealer Dynamics
Dr. Beckett shares personal reflections on Henderson's remarkable career and his impact on the sports card hobby. The discussion covers Henderson's achievements, including his unbreakable stolen base record and his significance in the vintage card market. Additionally, insights are offered into the practice of valuing sports cards and how Henderson's cards have been affected by his passing. 01:19 Greatest Living Ballplayer Debate01:45 Ricky Henderson's Stolen Base Record02:00 Vintage vs. Modern Cards Debate04:18 Ricky Henderson's Trading and Team History05:11 Ricky Henderson's Playing Style and Achievements
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein share their different 'unique' approaches and success stories, comparing outcomes from different shows. They delve into assessing card values, the enjoyment of collecting, and the economics of buying boxes versus individual cards. Rich also touches on finding hidden gems, including autographed cards, and the nuances of authenticating them. 00:13 Rich's Approach to Dollar Boxes00:52 Evaluating Card Purchases03:37 Buying and Selling Strategies07:07 Hypothetical Scenarios and Real-Life Examples13:35 Autographs and Authentication
Dr. Beckett celebrates the release of the 2024 Panini Prism football hobby box. He discusses the contents and value of the box, its detailed labeling, and the impact of CT scanning on card collecting. He also provides insights on the dynamics between purchasing and breaking card boxes, and what collectors can expect from Panini Prism, considered the flagship product of Panini. 01:34 CT Scanning and Box Content02:49 Panini Prism as a Flagship Product03:47 Personal Experience and Market Insights07:09 Secondary Market and Buying Strategy
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein pay tribute to recently deceased baseball legend Rocky Colavito. They discuss his career highlights, impact on the Cleveland Indians, and his card collecting legacy. They delve into the 'curse of Cleveland,' his popularity, and speculate on how his career might have differed in other teams or eras. The chat covers his regional popularity and comparison with other baseball greats. 00:13 Rocky Colavito: Early Career and Trade00:50 Card Collecting and Popularity04:28 Hypothetical Career Scenarios06:03 Trade Analysis and Impact11:24 Hall of Fame Discussion
Dr. Beckett addresses listener questions and comments on the implications of international licensing, issues surrounding the Star Company and their unique license, the intricacies of rookie cards versus extended rookie cards (XRCs), and insights into the market dynamics from the 1980s to today. 00:21 International NBA Card Issues01:10 Star Company Licensing and Context02:04 Demand and Marketing in Basketball Cards03:46 John Stockton and Rookie Card Definitions05:51 XRC vs RC Debate08:38 Star Company Photography and Design09:44 Extended Sets and Licensing Issues11:20 Market Perception of Star Cards
Dr. Beckett discusses the upcoming 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame potential class and analyzes how these selections could impact the sports card market. He also examines the Veterans Committee’s role and shares his thoughts on various players' chances and historical significance. 01:25 Veterans Committee and Their Influence02:39 Alphabetical Breakdown of Candidates03:58 In-Depth Analysis of Key Candidates10:27 Final Thoughts and Card Market Impact
Dr. Beckett reviews two sports card products from Panini: the 2024 Mosaic Football and the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Basketball. He compares the features, price points, and card contents of both products, sharing his findings and thoughts on the value and collectability of the cards. Dr. Beckett also discusses the broader implications of hobby behavior and market factors, including the potential for grading base cards of top rookies. 00:28 Unboxing Panini Mosaic 2024 Football02:11 Analyzing the Value of Mosaic Cards04:20 Unboxing Turkish Airlines EuroLeague08:36 Reviewing the EuroLeague Cards
Dr. Beckett shares his experience helping a good friend sell a vast sports card and memorabilia collection. He navigates through offers, auction houses, and consignment options, ultimately securing a favorable outcome. Dr. Beckett discusses the challenges and strategies involved. This personal journey highlights important lessons for collectors and sellers alike, emphasizing the importance of patience, proper authentication, and strategic planning in maximizing collection sales. 00:23 The Collection and Initial Offer01:30 Auction House Experience02:42 Handling the Remaining Collection03:55 Consignment Strategy05:50 Final Decisions and Reflections
Dr. Beckett delves into a recent episode of Hobby Hotline with Danny Black and Adam from Splendid Sports. The discussion touches on various topics, including the evolution and value of collectible stickers, the potential problems with GameStop's PSA grading services, and the iconic Jackie Robinson debut ticket. Dr. Beckett shares insights on PSA's expansion into Asia and the pros and cons of submitting cards through non-traditional venues like GameStop and Fanatics stores. The episode also features a segment on the significance of historic game tickets and the changing landscape of ticketing with the advent of NFTs. 01:23 Discussion on Stickers and Their Value02:31 PSA's Expansion and GameStop Grading Issues05:26 Potential of PSA Stores and GameStop's Future07:53 Beckett's Marketplace and Business Insights09:22 Jackie Robinson's Debut Ticket and Collectible Value
Dr. Beckett intertwines insights on sports card collecting, drawing parallels between the patience and dedication required in both pet ownership and the hobby. He discusses the importance of service, the value of time, and the idea of quality over quantity, both in sports and in life. The episode ultimately serves as a reminder to appreciate life's fleeting moments while staying dedicated to one's passions. 00:44 Reflections on Pets and Collecting01:46 Bennett's Life and Legacy04:59 Training and Lessons from Bennett
Dr. Beckett discusses various roles within the sports card hobby alongside Rich Klein. They delve into Dr. Beckett's experiences and preferences, including his dislike for the CEO role despite being proficient at it, and his passion for pricing cards. They explore the nuances between different roles like price guide editor and analyst, the challenges of managing comprehensive publications like the almanac, and the importance of being a collector in understanding the market. 00:45 Challenges of Being a CEO02:37 Enjoyment in Pricing and Collecting Cards03:48 Experiences in Card Shops07:33 Promoting and Organizing Card Shows08:20 Differences Between Magazine and Book Price Guides09:35 The Intensive Work Behind Price Guides
Dr. Beckett, with Rich Klein, delves into several intriguing conundrums facing sports card enthusiasts. They discuss an exciting redemption pack offering all-expense paid trips, debating the value of visiting sports hall of fames, attending international card shows, or a unique visit to see the Otani ball in Taiwan. The conversation extends to the complexities of card values influenced by border treatments and serial numbers, comparing it to fine art framings, and the challenge of manufactured rarity. Accessibility in the hobby for the disabled and anecdotes about historic reprints and market dynamics also feature prominently. 00:23 Conundrum: The Ultimate Hobby Experience03:22 Debate: The Value of Card Borders08:01 Discussion: Card Restoration and Reprints10:19 Accessibility in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett chats with Rich Klein about Rich's recent sports card transaction buying on Friday and selling on Saturday. Rich reminisces about his interactions with dealers and collectors. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, gain unique insights into sports card trading and the dynamics of the market. 03:22 The Emotional Aspect of Selling Cards06:19 The Importance of Relationships in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett addresses questions about his card wall and box reveal videos. He discusses challenges with handling slippery cards, shares insights on notable sports figures like Randy Moss and Jason Williams, and reveals unique and rare cards from his collection. Beckett also talks about the importance of feedback and his nostalgic connection to cards from his father's collection. 02:05 Randy Moss and Card Wall Insights02:34 Panini Prism and Jason Williams04:02 Doug McWilliams' Rare Card06:56 Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson Story08:10 Aaron Donald and Quarterback Cards09:59 Honoring My Dad's Collection
Dr. Beckett addresses questions from John Keating, discussing the story behind the card choices for the 'brown' cover of the 1979 Sport Americana Baseball Card price guide, the importance of vintage card scarcity, grading consistency, and the evolution of the sports card market. Dr. Beckett also responds to topics such as Fanatics' audit transparency, the integration of cards with food products, and the significance of selecting a 'wingman' at card shows. 00:32 The Story Behind the First Price Guide Cover01:44 Podcast as History Book02:38 Vintage Card Scarcity and Demand03:39 Audit Transparency04:55 Food Tie-ins with Sports Cards08:30 Grading Process and Consistency12:14 Junk Slabs and Card Value
Dr. Beckett clarifies his sale of Beckett Media nearly 20 years ago and distances himself from his eponymous former company's current owner, Greg Lindbergh, who is facing serious legal issues. Dr. Beckett discusses his background, business philosophy, and concerns regarding the future of the brand that carries his name. He reminisces about building the company, reflects on his old-school financial practices, and underscores his desire to continue supporting the sports card hobby community, even in retirement. 00:22 Clarifying Ownership and Legal Issues02:17 Financial Practices and Ethical Considerations02:44 Reflections on Personal and Corporate Values05:21 Legal Challenges and Personal Experiences
Topics include authentication issues, pricing unique items, cataloging, Pete Rose's tribute, and insights from various guests. Dr. Beckett also addresses challenges faced with YouTube uploads and his appreciation for the YouTube community. 00:47 YouTube Posting Issues04:58 Listener Questions and Unique Items05:35 Card Company History and Cataloging06:46 Dollar Box Battles and Tributes09:27 Mr. Mint and Panini Reviews11:00 Collector Voting and Off-Topic Outtakes12:16 Metal Universe Hockey Review
In this interview recorded by Mike Payne for a magazine article, Dr. Beckett discusses various aspects of the sports card hobby over the past 40 years. He shares insights on cover design decisions, memorable magazine issues, relationships with photographers and artists, and the evolution of the company. He also touches on the accidental scarcity of the first magazine issue due to water damage and gives thoughts on the future of the hobby, including its intersection with apparel, virtual experiences, and gambling. 00:34 Early Magazine Covers and Design Challenges02:15 Key Relationships and Collaborations04:03 The First Issue and Its Challenges08:07 Dealer Experiences and Market Insights12:45 Office Setup and Early Operations13:35 Future of the Hobby and Final Thoughts
Interviewed by Mike Payne, Beckett's editorial leader and longstanding friend, Dr. Beckett reflects on the Beckett Baseball magazine's origins, challenges, and success stories since its inception in 1984 (and before). The episode delves into the early days of the magazine and the strategic decisions behind its growth. 01:08 Launching Beckett Baseball Card Monthly02:00 Challenges and Innovations in Publishing04:38 Marketing Strategies and Early Success06:16 Growth and Team Dynamics09:44 Reflecting on the Beckett Brand10:55 Introduction of Grading Services13:14 Business Lessons and Customer Understanding
Join Dr. Beckett as he opens a Skybox Metal Universe Hobby box from Upper Deck, featuring 15 packs with 7 cards each. Delve into the rich history of the Metal Universe brand, its evolution, and the challenges it faced over the years. From the origins of Skybox and its acquisition by FLIR, to PMGs and the collector's dilemma, Dr. Beckett provides a comprehensive historical perspective. 00:53 Historical Background of Skybox and Metal Universe01:40 Current Product Details and Rarity03:48 Personal Insights and Historical Perspective04:25 Challenges and Market Reception10:23 Confusion and Market Impact
Dr. Beckett reports on the recent Watters Creek card show held from October 31 to November 3, sharing his experiences from the show, including interactions with advanced collectors like Bobby Baseball, finding an elusive stamp dealer by chance, and acquiring various hockey and NASCAR card lots. He also discusses strategies for buying cards, insights into player lots for eBay, and making meaningful contacts. 01:21 Personal Interactions and Observations02:55 Hockey Card Strategy07:51 NASCAR Card Purchase08:42 COMC and eBay Strategies
Dr. Beckett addresses ten listener questions, including two related to the upcoming election. He discusses the impact of politics on the sports card hobby, shares his demographic experiences with political junk and spam from both parties, and clarifies his perspective on what's best for the hobby. Dr. Beckett touches on topics such as hobby regulation, safety, and the importance of civil discourse. Additional discussions cover various hobby topics, such as the pulled T206 Honus Wagner card, the legitimacy of autographs, and past experiences with notable figures in the sports card community. 01:24 Listener Feedback on Election Episode02:04 Political Opinions and Hobby Impact06:43 Sports Card Specific Inquiries08:52 Autographs and Authenticity12:36 Final Thoughts and Autograph Requests
Dr. Beckett, responding to Off Topic's questions from Graig and Darren, delves into the impact of the Beckett Price Guide, the complexities and evolution of card grading, and the terminology of the industry. We also explore the challenges faced by Beckett Grading Services (BGS) through years of leadership changes, competition, and conflicts. 03:12 Hobby Terminology Evolution05:21 Open Discourse and Decision Making07:12 Challenges in Card Grading09:53 Leadership and Market Discontinuities10:34 The Value of Subgrades11:42 Market Confusion and Grading Systems15:02 Potential Conflicts of Interest17:21 Future of Beckett Grading
Dr. Beckett as he delves into how the upcoming presidential election could shape the sports card hobby, examining the potential impact of various party policies on collectors, dealers, and manufacturers by discussing 12 key national issues including abortion, border security, climate change, crime, the opioid crisis, inflation, Israel and Palestine, gun safety, conflict in Ukraine, political visions for America's future, Social Security, and the importance of voting. 02:22 Evaluating Policies and Stakeholders04:25 Abortion and Its Implications05:09 Border Crisis and Immigration05:41 Extreme Weather and the Hobby06:11 Crime and Punishment: Policing Perspectives06:48 Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis07:05 Inflation: Economic Challenges07:33 Israel and Palestine Conflict08:01 Gun Safety and Second Amendment Rights09:09 Social Security Concerns09:44 War in Ukraine: Global Implications10:12 Big Government vs. Small Government
Dr. Beckett in this insightful episode of SportsCard Insights as he delves into the best and worst places to store your valuable sports card collection. Drawing from personal experiences across different living environments—from parental homes to dorms, apartments, and barracks—Dr. Beckett highlights various challenges and benefits of each storage solution. Learn practical tips to safeguard your prized cards from water, fire, theft, and natural disasters. Discover strategies for optimal storage including safe rooms, barns, and bank vaults, alongside the importance of climate control and flood prevention. 01:10 Where Should Your Cards Live?02:25 Living with Parents: A Risky Start03:16 College Dorms: Not a Safe Haven04:02 Apartment Living: Roommate Risks04:47 Army Barracks: Collecting on Duty06:57 Insurance and Disaster Preparedness10:57 Downsizing and Future Plans
Dr. Beckett reviews Panini 2024 football boxes including Elite, Prestige, and Origins. This episode explores the potential future trend of combo autographs and editorializes about the controversy around the cancelation of Fanatics Fest in Orlando (and how total honesty is not always the best policy but it is always better to avoid dishonesty). 01:09 Detailed Review of Each Panini Box03:38 Kid Reporter Cards and Their Relevance06:32 Understanding Insert Rarity08:20 Memorabilia and Fallen Stars10:35 Fanatics Fest Controversy11:23 The Balance of Honesty in Business
An exploration of Al 'Mr. Mint' Rosen's impact on the sports card collecting community, including strategies and alliances that propelled him, featuring anecdotes about key figures like Mike Gordon, John Broggi, Dick DeCourcy, Joey Esposito, Brian Morris, and Lou Lipset. This episode unveils the dynamics of trust, market pricing, and the evolution of business models within the hobby. 00:21 Remembering Mr. Mint01:19 Dick DeCourcy's Early Days and Business Acumen02:52 The Art of Deals and Distribution05:04 Questions and Reflections on the Hobby07:32 Mr. Mint's Business Strategy08:30 Collaborations and Friendships11:01 The Financial Dynamics of the Hobby11:41 Debates on Market Influence13:47 Hobby Feuds and Final Thoughts
Discover what makes certain cards difficult to find, distinguish between short prints and genuinely rare items, and learn how the evolution of the market has impacted card availability and pricing. Through historical examples like the 1967 Topps Sandy Alomar and1971 Topps Al Weiss cards, they provide insights into both standard issue and oddball cards. Additionally, delve into the complexities of pricing scarce cards, regional premiums from the pre-internet era, and the importance of hands-on experience in setting accurate prices. 00:56 Historical Tough Cards01:42 Modern Tough Cards and Market Dynamics02:51 Oddball Tough Cards04:37 Manufactured Scarcity07:38 Challenges in Pricing Rare Cards08:14 Dealer Insights and Pricing Strategies10:01 The Importance of Verification13:45 The Role of Accurate Information
Dr. Beckett discusses the evolution and significance of game-used patches, the increase in autographed cards, and the economic dynamics behind exclusive autograph deals. The episode sheds light on the financial implications, authentication processes, and the delicate balance between business decisions and maintaining the integrity of collectible cards. 00:43 Topps Chrome Update and MLB Debut Patches01:50 Game-Used vs. Player-Worn Patches05:39 Autographs in the Hobby: Quality and Quantity08:01 The Economics of Exclusive Deals08:18 The Impact of Autograph Saturation09:26 Challenges in Monitoring Autograph Sessions10:09 The Reality of Athlete Signatures
Dr. Beckett addresses ten eclectic questions from listeners. He discusses topics including selling card collections, advice for heirs, controversies around Upper Deck's 1989 Griffey card, and strategies for engaging young collectors at shows. Dr. Beckett also touches on the impact of modern vs. vintage cards on the hobby's growth, his experiences with Tuff Stuff magazine as a competitor, and thoughts on the potential future of card leasing and digital displays. 00:35 LQ: Selling Collections02:25 Upper Deck Controversies03:10 Personal Stories and Collecting Memories03:39 Strategies for Card Shows and Events05:42 Emotional Reactions to Card Collecting08:45 Competitors and Industry Insights11:03 Digital Innovations in Card Display
Dr. Beckett and Phil discuss the complexities of Marvel character autographs, the distinction between Rob and Ed Broder's unlicensed card productions, and the challenges in organizing large card collections. They also touch on personal anecdotes about trading cards, the history of card series' releases, and strategies for buying and sorting cards, including dealing with bulk purchases and estate sales. 01:04 Discussion on Marvel Autographs03:43 Broder Cards: History and Controversy06:32 Vintage Card Series and Collecting Strategies10:00 Organizing and Sorting Card Collections12:25 Buying and Selling Strategies
Dr. Beckett discusses the unexpected release timing of products like 2022-23 The Cup, 2023-24 OPC Platinum, 2023-24 UD Ice, and 2024-25 UD MVP 24-25, providing insights into the complexities card companies face in production and marketing. Additionally, Dr. Beckett discusses the historical and market influences impacting the hobby, emphasizing the importance of both collector perception and industry craftsmanship. 01:26 The Concept of 'Dating' in Card Releases03:21 The Complexity of Card Production05:44 Rookie Cards and Market Dynamics08:15 Review of the ICE Product10:12 Review of the OPC Platinum Product11:20 Final Thoughts and Constructive Criticism
Dr. Beckett addresses ten listener questions on various topics related to sports card collecting. He discusses the influence of family on collecting habits, pronunciation challenges with names, the impact of Jerry Jones on football, and the strategic choices of collectors regarding card purchasing. Dr. Beckett also reflects on his experiences at Bowling Green State University, the ethical considerations regarding unopened packs, and the concept of uncrackable slabs for counterfeit cards. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on resubmission practices within grading companies and the significance of provenance and story in the value of unique cards. 00:42 LQ: Collecting DNA01:22 LQ: Pronouncing Names01:57 LQ: Jerry Jones on the Card Wall02:36 LQ: Geoff Wilson's Influence03:01 LQ: Collecting Specific Cards03:28 LQ: Childhood Collecting in Arizona04:09 LQ: Bowling Green State University Memories05:53 LQ: Unopened Boxes Debate07:18 LQ: Uncrackable Slabs08:55 LQ: Grading and Resubmission Issues
Dr. Beckett shares his reflections on baseball legend Pete Rose, who recently passed away. Covering Rose's illustrious career and controversial gambling issues, Beckett discusses how these impacted Rose's legacy and his standing in the sports card hobby. He also delves into the complexities of card valuation, especially regarding Rose's more obscure 1963 cards. Beckett explores Rose's influence on the game, his autograph prevalence, and the ongoing debate over his Hall of Fame status. 00:55 Pete Rose's Career and Controversies03:24 Personal Recollections and Autographs04:21 The Value of Pete Rose's Cards
We discuss individual strategies, preferences, and the subtle nuances that give each of them an advantage while sifting through thousands of cards. With insights into rookie cards, SP's, serial numbers, subtle variations, and historical values, they reveal how they navigate and enjoy this aspect of the hobby. 00:43 Strategies and Preferences01:50 Recognizing Value02:32 The Joy of Discovery05:41 Budgeting and Spending07:06 Navigating Multi-Sport Boxes11:35 Dealer Interactions and Etiquette12:48 Challenges and Considerations14:51 Conclusion: Finding Your Lane
Join Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the nuanced world of cataloging sports cards. Rich shares his experience cataloging for COMC, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an up-to-date catalog, especially for newer items. They cover the difficulties and frustrations faced by collectors due to the lack of current comprehensive, standard references like almanacs and standard catalogs. The conversation explores the history and evolution of cataloging practices, the role of grading companies, and the significance of descriptive labeling on slabs. Validating card authenticity and the challenges of keeping up with ever-evolving checklists are central to their discussion. 00:41 Current State of Digital Catalogs01:30 Unique and Rare Cards02:49 Grading and Labeling Issues04:12 Cataloging Standards and References08:21 Personal Stories and Experiences11:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Dr. Beckett discusses the intricacies of valuing unique sports memorabilia items. He provides insights into how items such as Babe Ruth's 'called shot' jersey are appraised and what factors can influence their market value. Dr. Beckett touches on the role of storytelling, photo matching, and the challenges auctions face in estimating value. He also delves into the evolution of the memorabilia market, discussing both past and potential future trends. 01:10 Valuing Unique Memorabilia03:28 Challenges in Authenticating Memorabilia07:53 Market Dynamics and Investment Risks11:17 Additional Insights on Auction Estimates12:34 Otani's 50-50 Home Run Ball
Valuable sports card insights, touching upon various card companies including Upper Deck, Panini, Topps, Pacific, and more. The discussion delves into the history and status of these companies, with a particular focus on Pacific's journey to becoming a major player in the industry despite various challenges. Also anecdotes about other influential figures and companies in the sports card hobby, evaluating their contributions and legacies. Additionally, the episode touches on fan engagement initiatives by companies like Fanatics and the evolving dynamics of card shows. 00:16 The Rise of Pacific Card Company01:12 Pacific's Unique Approach and Challenges03:52 Fanatics and Modern Hobby Growth06:33 Historical Perspectives on Card Companies09:43 The Evolution of Card Shows11:23 Fanatics' Future in Card Shows
Dr. Beckett hosts Phil Pierce, and they discuss various intricacies of the sports card industry, including rare card sets, grading issues, and buying strategies on COMC. The conversation also touches upon organizing autograph shows, the value of local sports memorabilia, and the personal connections made within the hobby. 00:49 Discussing the 1992 Topps Stadium of Stars Set04:35 Grading and Authentication Insights06:24 Strategies for Selling on COMC09:00 Preparing for Different Card Shows11:28 Experiences with Autograph Guests
Dr. Beckett discusses Greg's potential fit with CommC, the importance of loyalty programs, and the evolving landscape of the sports card industry. They cover key qualities sought by hobby companies, the significance of customer experience, and strategies for leveraging store inventories effectively. 00:44 ComC Loyalty Program Discussion02:23 Job Application Insights and Advice04:20 Industry Trends and Collector Experience08:08 CommC's Market Position and Strategy09:56 Challenges and Opportunities for Card Shops
Dr. Beckett discusses the complexities of autograph authentication with guest Rich Klein. Rich recounts an experience where one of his personally signed cards was rejected by PSA due to a lack of signature exemplars. Despite his extensive involvement in the sports card industry and the legitimacy of the card, PSA's protocol led to the rejection, sparking a viral response on Twitter. The discussion highlights the importance of research and exemplars in the authentication process and the potential inconsistencies across different grading companies. 01:42 Challenges with Signature Exemplars02:21 Rich's Personal Collection Insights05:18 The Importance of Research in Authentication08:37 Ken Golden's Generosity10:25 Security and Privacy at Shows
n this recap episode, Dr. Beckett delves into key points from episodes 1251 through 1274. He discusses a variety of topics, including outtakes from Hobby Hotline, listener questions, the Cleveland National Retrospective, the consistency of grading, and a memorable dinner with baseball fans. Dr. Beckett also touches on video listener questions, the Contender's Optic video, and the Panini Boys of Summer box reveal. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of being a good wingman, explores the addictive nature of card breaking, and shares personal insights such as a tribute to his mom. 00:31 AI in Episode Summaries01:26 Listener Questions and Hostess Cupcake Cards02:07 Cleveland National Retrospective03:50 Grading Consistency05:03 Mount Rushmore Listener Questions05:50 National Recap and Wingman Tips06:27 Breaking Bad and the Hobby11:05 Hobby Career Inquiries
Dr. Beckett explores three different Upper Deck hockey card products: the 2023-24 SpX Hockey, the 2023-24 UD Credentials Hockey, and the 2024-25 UD MVP Hockey. He shares his insights and experiences with each product, providing valuable advice for sports card collectors. Dr. Beckett also delves into the design and value considerations of the cards, discussing the impact of player popularity and card scarcity. 00:35 Review of 2023-24 SPX Hockey Box02:42 Review of 2023-24 Upper Deck Credentials Hockey Box06:37 Review of 2024-25 MVP Upper Deck Hockey Box08:58 Personal Anecdote and Final Thoughts
Dr. Beckett discusses the job market within the sports card industry with Greg Sobocinski. They dive into the importance of having hobby insights, the benefits of consultation roles, and valuable tips for distinguishable resumes and interview strategies. Dr. Beckett emphasizes the value of practical experience, creativity, and specific problem-solving skills over extensive credentials. 00:22 Greg's Application to Com C01:34 Consultation and Career Advice02:17 Challenges in the Job Market02:56 Importance of Hobby Insight08:01 Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry10:26 Hiring Philosophy and Personal Stories
Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes, market insights, and the importance of understanding supply and demand in the hobby. The conversation touches on the nostalgia of collecting, the significance of autograph hunting, and the challenges of fair pricing in the industry. 00:29 Discussion on Vintage vs. Modern Cards04:03 Personal Collecting Preferences05:55 Autographs and Magazine Insights10:23 Market Reflections and Integrity
Dr. Beckett, alongside Danny Black, Chris Carlin, and John Newman, dive deep in this abridged 14-minute segment from the hour-long live Hobby Hotline. From the excitement and logistics of Fanatics Fest to the evolving landscape of sports card shows and the impact of major player endorsements. They also touch on new strategies by companies like Topps and Panini, the importance of attracting new customers, and the unique experiences of collecting with family. 00:40 Fanatics Fest: A New Era of Card Shows02:44 The Family-Friendly Experience04:50 The Future of Card Shows and Events05:26 The Impact of Star Players on the Hobby09:34 High-End Cards and Market Value11:51 Licensed vs. Unlicensed Cards
Dr. Beckett recounts how his magazine rapidly gained market share in the 1980s, focusing on customer service and distribution strategies that catered to card shops. The discussion also delves into the challenges of maintaining fairness in pricing, regional biases, and the magazine's print deadlines. 01:07 Distribution Strategies and Challenges03:24 Employee Trust and Information Security05:46 Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics10:47 Regional Biases and Market Trends
Dr. Beckett shares valuable advice for collectors looking to downsize their collections. He discusses strategies for working with auction houses, the importance of item authentication, and how to maximize your collection's value. Key insights include the benefits of segmenting different types of items across specialized auction houses, the pros and cons of sticker versus slab authentication, and personal anecdotes about his own experiences selling sports memorabilia. 00:21 Terry's Collection and Selling Strategy01:34 Auction House Strategies05:52 Authentication Dilemmas08:39 Choosing the Right Auction House
Dr. Beckett addresses criticisms, shares insights, and provides historical context on the licensing and market dynamics of major card companies like Topps and Fleer, contrasted with the Star Company. Using a provocative analogy, he illustrates the ongoing debates and the importance of brand value over licensing status and robust distribution. 01:08 Branding vs. Licensing: The Importance of Brand Value03:51 The Fleer Era: Basketball Cards and Licensing Challenges06:47 Licensing Complexities: Comparing Star and Major Card Companies10:08 Marketing and Distribution: The Star Company’s Shortcomings11:03 Licensing Insights: Personal Experiences and Industry Standards15:35 Ten Reasons Why the Jordan 101 is an XRC, Not an RC
Dr. Beckett concludes his long conversation with Star aficionados Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup. They delve into the intricacies and controversies surrounding the Star Company, its cards, particularly those featuring Michael Jordan, and their historical context within the sports card market. The discussion touches upon issues of legitimacy, grading standards, and market perceptions, providing valuable insights into the dynamics and skepticism prevalent in the sports card hobby. 01:21 The Star Company and Type Twos02:31 PSA and Grading Controversies06:28 Star Company Pricing and Market Perception08:42 Basketball Card Market Evolution15:35 Debating the True Rookie Card
Join Dr. James Beckett in the second part of an in-depth discussion with Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup about the Star Company's impact on the hobby. They explore the controversies surrounding the classification of rookie cards, particularly focusing on industry standards, historical context, and the nuanced differences between RCs (Rookie Cards) and XRCs (Extended Rookie Cards). The discussion also touches on how the timing and manufacturing methods of the Star Company influenced their perception in the market, and the implications of these classifications on the value and collectability of specific cards, including the iconic Michael Jordan cards. 00:50 Early Magazine Classifications02:05 Debate on Rookie Card Definitions05:27 Star Company's Business Model10:50 Challenges and Perceptions of Star Company
Join Dr. James Beckett in this high-level discussion surrounding the Star Company, featuring passionate insights from Steve Taft, Dave Dzendzel, and Ryan Jessup. We explore the intricacies of the hobby, the historical context of card distribution, and the significance of rookie card classifications. Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes, defends his classification decisions, and reflects on the evolving nature of the hobby. 00:21 Discussion on the Star Company and Jordan XRC03:35 The Role of Dealers and Collectors in the Hobby09:32 National Distribution and Availability Debate15:06 Rookie Card Classifications and Market Impact
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to his late mother following her recent memorial service. He shares lessons learned from his mom, blending them with insights into the world of sports card collecting. Dr. Beckett reflects on his upbringing, his mother's industrious and kind nature, and how these qualities have influenced his own life and career. 00:20 Tribute to My Mom: Memorial Service Reflections02:24 Life Lessons from My Mom07:43 The Importance of Attitude, Altitude, and Alignment
They explore the distinctions between the golf and soccer card markets, the evolving landscape of the hobby, and the role of printed price guides versus online tools. Dr. Beckett reflects on his own journey, the challenges of maintaining a card collection, and the dynamics of selling and buying at card shows. They discuss nostalgia in printed price guides and the evolution of market trends in the sports card industry. Additionally, they touch on production numbers, the importance of knowing remaining card populations, and the impact of movies and video in the card collecting world. 01:32 The Evolution of Print and Digital Price Guides03:55 Dr. Beckett's Personal Collection Strategy06:33 Historical Insights on Production Numbers
Dr. Beckett invites Chris Burak, a dedicated collector, to discuss various topics around sports card collecting. They delve into challenges with subscription copies, frustrations with the junk wax era, and the comparison between soccer and golf card markets. The quantification of the overproduction of sports cards is also explored. 01:14 Chris Burak's Questions and Background01:41 Subscription Copies and Mailing Issues04:47 The Junk Wax Era Frustration08:55 Soccer Cards and Market Dynamics
Dr. James Beckett explores the dynamics of sharing his podcast episodes on YouTube, discussing the benefits and challenges of using video and audio formats. He delves into personal stories related to his card collection, including interactions with Tom Landry and the importance of legible autographs on sports cards. 01:42 Personal Stories and Card Wall02:51 Card Design Preferences04:27 Jerry Jones and Economic Impact05:47 The Kilt Photo and Display Tips07:32 Feedback and Video Quality
Dr. Beckett tackles ten listener questions sourced from various emails, social media comments, and interactions at shows. Topics range from the appeal of Hostess Cards and the joy of sorting vs. selling to the intricacies of subleasing booths at shows and the influence of media personalities on getting National booth spots. 00:33 Hostess Card Episode and Listener Reactions01:00 Collector, Investor, Dealer Dynamics03:48 Influencers and Getting Booths at the National04:29 Retail Strategies and Card Booth Setup06:25 Timing of Buying and Selling Cards07:10 The Value of Cards and Family Stories
Dr. Beckett dives into the realm of card breaking, drawing parallels between the process and the hit TV show 'Breaking Bad.' He discusses the economics behind card breaking, the similarities in the speculative nature of both activities, and the importance of honesty and transparency. Dr. Beckett also touches on the concept of repacks, the role of expected value, and the importance of building trust within the community. 01:00 The Economics of Card Breaking02:42 Challenges and Risks in Card Breaking07:02 The Role of Transparency in Card Breaking
Dr. Beckett reflects and discusses the importance of having a good wingman in the sports card hobby. He shares stories of his own wingmen, like Rich Klein, Brad Askew, Gabe Haro, Mark Harwell, and Joe Galindo, and offers ten suggestions for being an effective and supportive wingman. Covering everything from staying focused on the main goal to encouraging honesty and avoiding envy, this episode provides valuable insights into building strong, supportive relationships within the hobby. 00:33 The Role of a Wingman01:30 Personal Wingman Stories02:14 Staying Focused and Honest06:24 Generational Respect and Handling Wrongs08:19 Honesty and Integrity11:09 Avoiding Envy and Jealousy
Dr. Beckett contrasts the recently received Connor Bedard box set from Upper Deck with the Caitlin Clark product from Panini. He discusses the contents of the Connor Bedard box, including the challenges of obtaining autographed cards, the market demand, and the unique approaches by Upper Deck compared to other companies like Panini and Topps. Dr. Beckett shares his personal experiences and thoughts on collecting, the significance of potential superstar athletes, and the future value of such box sets. Additionally, he discusses possible improvements and ideas for future sets, such as the inclusion of combo cards and bilingual versions. 01:13 Analyzing the Box Set Contents and Market Value02:12 Comparing Connor Bedard and Caitlin Clark02:40 Discussion on Autograph Odds and Market Trends04:45 Upper Deck's Strategy and Product Comparison06:11 Suggestions for Future Box Sets
Dr. Beckett addresses listener questions revolving around the concept of a 'Mount Rushmore' for various aspects of the sports card hobby. The discussion includes notable figures such as Ed Broder, Lionel Carter, Charlie Conlon, Lud Denny, Renata Galasso, George Johnson, Kevin Savage, among others, highlighting their significant contributions. Dr. Beckett also shares personal anecdotes and sheds light on the impact of these and other individuals on the sports card collecting world. 00:43 Writing a Book About the Hobby05:21 Walter Diemer and Fleer Dubble Bubble09:12 Mickey Mantle's Extraordinary Value
Dr. James Beckett hosts a dinner at his home with 17 passionate baseball fans, primarily non-collectors, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of expanding the sports card hobby by tenfold. The conversation reveals insights into why avid baseball enthusiasts may not gravitate toward collecting, despite their deep love for the game. Topics include the barriers to entry, the complexities of modern card collecting, and the potential strategies for engaging new collectors. 00:31 Baseball Fans' Perspective on Collecting01:29 Challenges in Converting Fans to Collectors02:16 Personal Stories and Collecting Experiences07:18 Marketing and the Future of Collecting14:59 Global Interest and Autograph Collecting
How to "grade" consistency - what is acceptable? We explore the complexities and challenges of grading consistency in the world of sports cards. Dr. Beckett discusses the variability among graders, the importance of accuracy over consistency, and shares his thoughts on how different grading companies, including automated systems like TAG, handle grading. He also provides practical tips on cracking slabs and emphasizes the critical role of eye appeal in card valuation. 01:13 Grading Consistency Issues01:45 Evaluating Grading Accuracy04:04 Subjectivity in Grading09:28 Cracking Slabs and Resubmission10:45 Final Thoughts on Grading Standards
Listener question episode focused on tributes affecting the sports card collecting community. He discusses past and potential tributes to notable figures such as Jim Otto, Larry Allen, Chet Walker, Bill Walton, Willie Mays, Jerry West, John Stommen, Bob Schmeirer, and Jack Smalling. Reflecting on their impacts and legacies, Dr. Beckett also addresses the implications of their passings on the sports card market. 00:32 Reflecting on the National Convention01:27 Tributes to Sports Legends02:29 The Impact of Player Deaths on Card Sales05:43 Willie Mays and the Price Disparity Debate07:11 Jerry West's Influence on the Lakers Dynasty09:44 Unmade Tributes and Their Significance
Dr. Beckett shares his experience at the recent National at the IX Center in Cleveland. He discusses the logistical challenges and details his experiences and strategies during the event. From traffic woes and huge crowds to insightful encounters and invaluable hobby connections, this episode offers a detailed recounting of the show’s highs and lows. 00:53 Challenges and Logistics of the Event02:54 Reflections on the Venue and Event06:10 Memorable Encounters and Deals10:47 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
We take a trip down memory lane, discussing the fascinating era of Hostess Baseball Cards from 1975 to 1979. Discover how these cards, found on the backs of Hostess snacks like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, became an entry point for many collectors. The conversation delves into the quirks of these cards, including rookie cards, errors, and variations, as well as the challenges of collecting, preserving, and grading them. Gain insights into how food-related collectible cards helped grow the sports card hobby and the potential future of such promotional items. 00:36 Hostess Cards: A Gateway to the Hobby01:19 Unique Features and Rookie Cards02:08 Collecting Hostess Panels vs. Singles03:10 Grading and Valuing Hostess Cards04:21 Hostess Cards in the Hobby Market10:15 The Decline of Hostess Cards14:14 Food-Related Collectibles and Future Prospects
Various listener questions accumulated from emails and card shows. Topics range from the importance of card condition, the concept of 'condition splaining,' and the idea of slab sleeves, to broader discussions about market trends, player cards, serial numbers, and personal anecdotes. 01:18 Condition Splaining: Understanding Card Grades02:57 Innovative Idea: Slab Sleeves for Graded Cards04:24 Investment Insights: Card Value Fluctuations05:36 Knowledge and Memory in Card Collecting08:42 The Dream Team: Beckett's Early Days09:31 Serial Numbers and Refractors: Evaluating Card Rarity
Dr. Beckett reflects on his recent appearance on Hobby Hotline alongside John Newman and Victor Roman. The discussion focuses on the implications for the sports card hobby if Fanatics acquires a grading company and the ethical concerns surrounding the use of CT scanners to detect valuable cards in sealed packs. Dr. Beckett and his co-hosts also delve into the potential measures to ensure fairness and integrity in the hobby, including audits and countermeasures against pack searching. The episode wraps up with insights on bargaining strategies at national events and Dr. Beckett’s personal plans for upcoming conventions. 00:39 Fanatics and the Grading Company Debate02:29 Controversy of Using CT Scanners in the Hobby06:04 Impact on Breakers and the Hobby Community13:07 National Sports Collectors Convention Plans
Dr. Beckett recaps the last 25 episodes, covering his card wall YouTube videos, Darren Rovell's Jordan XRC take, extended interviews with Cage Lawyer and Chris Sewell, and four different father-son episodes from well-known hobby families. Tributes to Bill Walton, Jerry West, and Willie Mays are also featured, ending with discussions about card show security, the upcoming National, and the evolving landscape of the card hobby. 00:20 Card Wall Videos and Grading Challenges01:50 Jordan XRC and Darren Rovell02:27 Tributes and Personal Reflections03:55 Fixing BGS via Dueling Questions05:35 Father-Son Episodes06:35 Tributes to Sports Legends09:57 National Booth Subleasing and Grading Outtakes10:38 Ramblings with Rich and Security Concerns
Dr. Beckett dives into boxes of 2023-24 Upper Deck Extended and Synergy Hockey hobby boxes, sharing thoughts on young guns, the allure of hobby boxes, and the general landscape of hockey cards. Dr. Beckett also discusses the impact of player fatigue, specifically referencing Connor McDavid's playoff performance. The episode touches on the odds and randomness in card distribution, the excitement of the National Sports Collectors Convention, and the potential improvements in the hobby industry. 00:56 Observations on Hockey and UD's Performance01:31 The Connor McDavid Phenomenon03:01 Extended Series and Young Guns Discussion04:08 Bounties and Rewards in Card Collecting06:58 Synergy Box and Statistical Oddities
Discussion centers around the evolving security protocols at card shows, driven by recent troubling events. We examine increased security measures, such as heightened police presence and potential use of ID verification and metal detectors, aimed at safeguarding attendees, dealers, and promoters from potential threats. They also explore the implications of these changes on privacy, convenience, and the overall hobby experience. With references to past incidents and hypothetical scenarios, the conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between security and attendee satisfaction. 01:05 Impact of Recent Events on Show Security01:59 Security Measures and Dealer Adjustments02:46 Collector Concerns and Safety03:22 Potential Security Enhancements04:08 Challenges with Implementing Security09:55 Insurance and Risk Management
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the upcoming National, sharing their experiences and strategies for maximizing the event whether attending in person or remotely. They also discuss the importance of having a 'wingman,' navigating deals, and the value of connectors in the sports card community. Security measures and logistical challenges, particularly the differences between venues in Cleveland and Chicago, are also covered. 00:45 Remote Enjoyment of the National01:21 The Role of a Wingman at the Show08:01 Security and Logistics at the National11:07 Improving Security Measures
Various rambling topics including the challenges of customer service in large companies like Beckett Media and COMC.com, the impact of card companies expanding into non-sports products on pricing, and the complexities of dealing with high-value unopened cases in auctions. They also dive into the concept of 'junk wax' and debate whether cards from certain overproduced eras can ever be considered vintage. 00:44 Customer Service Challenges01:50 Pricing Dynamics in Sports Cards02:46 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Case Dilemma05:11 Debate on Junk Wax and Vintage Cards06:42 Griffey vs. Bonds: Popularity and Legacy08:38 Grading and Value of Junk Wax Cards
Our first rambling is on the tennis card market, specifically highlighting Ivan Lendl's career and rookie cards. We discuss the history and significance of Lendl's sportscaster and NetPro cards, while providing insights into the broader debate over what constitutes a 'rookie card.' The conversation also touches upon other sports cards, including Chris Evert's cards, and the integration of non-traditional rookies into the market. The episode concludes with a discussion on card organization and the challenges of subjective awards within the hobby industry. 00:26 Tennis Legends: Yvonne Lendl's Career02:25 The Debate on Rookie Cards08:05 Wrestlers and Two-Sport Athletes10:07 Organizing Card Collections11:47 Subjectivity in Card Awards
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a significant theft that occurred at last weekend's Dallas Plano Allen Waters Creek bi-monthly card show. They discuss whether the heist was a premeditated crime or a crime of opportunity, the methods used by the criminals, and the potential repercussions for the hobby. They also explore past incidents, potential security improvements, and the complexities of insurance and restitution for stolen goods. 01:25 Security Measures and Past Incidents04:22 Theft Analysis and Criminal Tactics09:07 Impact on the Hobby and Final Thoughts
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss their experiences and strategies in the sports card market, the motivations behind setting up at shows, the dynamics of the Dallas card scene, and the differences between high-end and low-end markets. They also touch on the economics of retail products in hobby shops and share thoughts on maintaining discipline in card buying. 00:36 Motivations for Setting Up at Shows01:35 Experiences at Different Shows02:28 The Dynamics of Dealer-to-Dealer Transactions03:13 Confidence in the Low-End Market07:32 The Concept of a Price Freeze09:07 Navigating Value Boxes12:26 Living Hobby: Player Performance and Card Value
We (Danny Black, Horacio Ruiz, and I) dive into PSA's recent introduction of grader notes, discussing the implications and benefits for collectors and the broader hobby. Dr. Beckett shares his insights on the history of subgrades, the importance of detailed feedback, and the potential future of public grading information. We also explore the rigorous process of card grading and the role of various grading companies, touching on the nuances of evaluating modern versus vintage cards. 00:14 The Evolution of Grading Practices01:27 Current Limitations and Future Prospects04:00 Understanding Subgrades and Grading Criteria05:26 Challenges and Controversies in Grading07:39 Technology in Grading12:23 Training and Expertise of Graders
Join Dr. James Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the controversial topic of table sharing at major sports card shows, particularly under new rules potentially being enforced by the National's new promoters. They explore the complexities and potential enforcement challenges of subleasing tables, sharing personal experiences and examples, and debating possible solutions to provide fairness for all. 00:19 New Promoters and Rule Enforcement00:49 Personal Experiences and Opinions02:31 Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas04:26 Potential Solutions and Scenarios
Dr. Beckett delves into the hype surrounding Bronny James following his selection by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft. He discusses Bronny's potential, his pedigree as LeBron James' son, his heart scare, and the challenges he faces in the NBA. Dr. Beckett also talks about the sports card market's perspective on Bronny. 00:22 Bronny's Draft and Potential00:56 Personal Reflections and Health Concerns01:58 Bronny's College Performance and NBA Prospects03:43 Comparisons and Nepotism in Sports08:16 Bronny's Future and Card Value
In this episode, Dr. James Beckett pays tribute to the late baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, discussing his remarkable career and achievements, including comparisons to Albert Pujols and Willie Mays. Dr. Beckett also tangentially connects Cepeda to a product review of 2024 Donruss Racing highlighting the affordability and unique appeal of NASCAR collectibles. The discussion explores the dynamics of sports card collecting and factors affecting the market value of cards from different sports. 00:54 Tribute to Orlando Cepeda01:35 Comparing Cepeda and Pujols03:49 Cepeda's Career Highlights and Challenges04:43 2024 Donruss Racing Box Review06:09 Collecting Trends and Market Insights
We reflect on the recent passing of Willie Mays and discuss who now holds the title of the greatest living baseball player, with names like Sandy Koufax, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ricky Henderson featuring prominently. The conversation dives into the impact of advanced metrics on baseball history, the ethics surrounding sports memorabilia pricing following an athlete's death, and the dynamics of buying and selling at major events like the National Sports Collectors Convention. 00:00 The Greatest Living Ball Player Debate00:42 Barry Bonds: The Controversial Choice02:54 The Influence of Advanced Metrics03:50 The Hobby's Evolution: Griffey Jr. vs. Bonds07:05 The Ethics of Card Pricing08:42 National Card Show Strategies13:09 Cleveland National: Expectations and Logistics
Dr. Beckett engages with Khyber and Ron Oser exploring the father-son dynamic between them, their experiences in the sports card industry, and their memories of influential figures and key events. The trio delves into topics like the challenges of cataloging and authenticating photos, the impact of technology on modern type one photos, and the significance of provenance in collections. They also reflect on the evolution of auctions and the importance of maintaining good relationships. The episode concludes with anecdotes from their personal journeys and their continuing passion for the hobby. 00:35 Cataloging and Authenticity Challenges01:31 Influence of Beckett in the 80s03:10 Early Days of Beckett Publications06:11 Auction Practices and Shill Bidding10:59 Memorable Moments in the Hobby
Dr. Beckett continues his discussion with Ken Golden, diving deep into Ken's influence on the sports card industry, his early experiences, his rise to prominence on QVC, and his notable sales achievements, including the innovative and record-breaking sale of the Jumbo Wagner card. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, collecting habits, and the evolving dynamics of the card market. 01:00 Ken Golden's Early Career and Persona03:56 Industry Changing Events and Auctions05:48 Personal Reflections and Health07:12 Collecting Stories and Memorabilia11:49 Market Trends and Advice
Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with Shane Zaiger, discussing the evolving landscape of sports card collecting and selling. They reflect on nostalgic memories, strategies for modern sales on platforms like eBay and COMC, and the dynamic future of hobby shops. Shane shares personal stories about his late father and details his own journey back into the hobby market. Insights on maximizing sales, the impact of technology on the hobby, and the potential transformation of retail models in the sports card industry. 01:15 Career Decisions and Hobby Involvement02:26 Reentering the Hobby and Market Trends04:14 Selling Strategies and Platforms11:51 Hobby Shop Evolution and Challenges
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to the legendary Willie Mays. Reflecting on Mays's illustrious career, his all-time great status, and unique achievements, Dr. Beckett delves into the sports card market, highlighting key Mays cards to collect. The discussion also covers Mays's challenges with racism, comparisons with contemporaries like Mickey Mantle, and the undervalued nature of certain Mays cards. 01:20 The Say Hey Kid: Nicknames and Racism03:39 Willie Mays' Legendary Throws and Skills07:27 Collecting Willie Mays Cards: Insights and Tips09:04 Willie Mays' Military Service and MVP Awards11:32 The Scarcity and Value of Willie Mays Cards
We explore the parallels between coin and sports card collecting, focusing on concepts like historic, contrived, and conditional rarity. They discuss the shift in both markets towards high-end items, the influence of wealthy collectors, and the crossover appeal among different collectible categories. The episode delves into the investment potential of collectibles, the generational transfer of the hobby, and the personal experiences of Steve and Chris in the auction business. 01:08 The Intersection of Coins and Cards02:39 Market Trends and Investment Insights07:33 Generational Collecting and Personal Stories11:15 The Collecting Gene and Its Impact
Dr. Beckett welcomes seasoned auction experts Ron and Khyber Oser for an engaging discussion delving into the nuances of catalog writing, the impact of meticulous storytelling on auction prices, and their journey in the sports memorabilia industry. The Oser's share their non-collector ethos, the evolution of the auction business, and the joy of unearthing rare finds. The conversation also touches upon their different career paths, with Ron’s long history and Khyber's modern approach grounded in a rich writing background. They emphasize the importance of historically significant details and the thrill of connecting consignors with passionate collectors. 00:57 The Art of Auction Catalog Write-Ups02:36 Personal Journeys in the Auction Industry06:13 The Importance of Provenance and Hobby History08:45 Transitioning Careers and Auction House Experiences
Featuring guests Ken Goldin and his son Paul Goldin delving into the rich history and legacy of sports card collecting, sharing stories from Ken's father and the early days of establishing a business in the hobby. Ken navigated the ever-evolving world of sports cards, from mail order at age 13 to ground-breaking business ventures like Score Board. This episode also pays tribute to Paul Goldin, Ken's father, his significant impact on the industry, and the lessons passed down through the generations. 01:30 Ken Golden's Early Days in Collecting02:36 The Birth of Score Board04:49 Paul Golden's Collecting Journey07:36 Generational Insights and Reflections10:59 Ken Golden on Retirement and Legacy
We pay tribute to the late Jerry West, who passed away yesterday at 86. We reflect on his illustrious career from a stellar college player to a gold medal-winning Olympian, and his impactful role in developing NBA franchises such as the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings. Known as 'Mr. Clutch', Jerry West was a remarkable player with a career average of over 27 points per game and a member of the All-NBA team 12 times. We also explore his legacy in sports cards, discussing his 61-62 Fleer card, Kahn's Wieners card(s), and other noteworthy memorabilia. Join us in celebrating the life and accomplishments of an NBA icon who will forever be remembered as the symbol of the league—the NBA logo man. 00:57 Jerry West's Early Life and Career01:49 Achievements and Legacy in the NBA03:40 Iconic Status and the NBA Logo04:48 Collectible Cards and Memorabilia
Dr. Beckett has an in-depth discussion with Shane Zaiger, son of the late Bob Zaiger. They reminisce about their fathers, the legacy they left behind, and their shared experiences within the sports card hobby. Shane recounts his early days at card shows, the joys and lessons learned, and the shifts in the hobby over the years. They also touch on business dynamics, the importance of ethical practices, and the significance of self-starter attitudes. This episode is a tribute to family, legacy, and the passion that binds generations in the world of sports cards. 01:14 Early Memories and Show Circuit04:36 Transition to Retail and Online Business08:25 Reflections on Business and Family
In this special Father's Day week episode Dr. Beckett interviews Steve Ivy and his son, Chris Ivy. Steve, co-founder of Heritage Auctions, joins his son Chris, who has carved out a significant niche within the sports memorabilia division at Heritage. The conversation explores their family dynamics, the influence of family in business, and the evolution of Heritage Auctions under their leadership. This heartfelt discussion also touches on the legacy of Dr. Beckett's own father and the traditions of collecting that bond fathers and sons. 04:15 Chris's Journey in the Sports Collectibles Industry07:21 Building a Successful Team at Heritage10:32 Challenges and Insights in the Collectibles Market
Dr. Beckett and fellow podcaster Cage Lawyer reflect on their journeys as 'millennial podcasters', who have each published well over a thousand episodes. They discuss the unique challenges and perspectives that come with producing such a volume of content, including the importance of passion for the hobby, the impact of sponsorship, and the value of engaging with their audience. The episode also touches on the future of podcasting in the sports card hobby and the potential for new voices to join the ranks of 'millennial' content creators.
01:39 Unique Fraternity of Thousand-Episode Podcasters
02:33 Passion and Persistence Behind Podcasting
04:25 Navigating Burnout and Sustaining Interest
06:04 The Impact of Sponsorship and Audience Engagement
07:49 The Future of Podcasting and Personal Reflections
They delve into why Chris (also) enjoys rummaging through monster boxes, including dollar boxes at shows, the challenge and pleasure of sorting cards, and strategies for buying and selling. They discuss the importance of staying sharp in identifying valuable cards, the joys of interacting with others in the hobby, and the necessity of balancing this passion with practical considerations concerning investment and diversification. Chris's approach demonstrates a blend of enthusiasm for the hobby with savvy investment practices, offering listeners valuable insights into how his diligent work pays off.
00:43 Collecting and Dealing Strategies
04:14 The Art of Sorting and Selling Cards
04:32 Exploring Wholesale and Finder's Fees in Card Trading
07:28 Diversification in Card Collecting
10:24 Forecasting the Future
Dr. Beckett is asked directly by Cage how he personally would improve BGS to regain its former position and prestige. Addressing the competitive landscape of grading companies, they deliberate on BGS's challenges and Dr. Beckett's suggestions for improvement, focusing on maintaining the brand's unique qualities while adapting to the industry's evolving demands. The conversation also touches on the impact of market consolidation, the importance of effective marketing and customer service, and the potential influence of newer collectors' preferences on grading services. Additionally, there's a nostalgic look at the historical significance of BGS in the collecting community and speculation about its future direction.
00:21 Discussing BGS and Suggestions for Improvement
01:22 Evolution of Grading Companies and Beckett's Position
02:27 Addressing Beckett's Challenges and Potential Fixes
06:43 Beckett's Identity and Strategy Moving Forward
08:22 Importance of Customer Service
09:58 The Red-Label Santa Claus Slab
Box battle with four current hockey card products from Upper Deck. He evaluates the boxes based on contents from 2023-24 Trilogy, 2023-24 Black Diamond, 2022-23 Ultimate Collection, and 2023-24 SP Game Used. Initially ranking Trilogy the highest, the results surprise him after opening the packs. The SP Game Used box, featuring standout cards like a Jason Robertson dual patch, takes first place. Ultimate Collection comes in second due to its impressive autographs, while Trilogy and Black Diamond follow. The video explores the nuances of card collecting, the importance of meaningful combos, and the challenges of redemption timelines and packaging.
01:36 Unboxing Insights: The Intricacies of Packaging
06:49 Ranking the Boxes Pre-Opening: Expectations vs. Reality
07:43 Revealing the Results: Surprises and Disappointments
Dr. Beckett reviews Darren Rovell's investigative article and provides insights into the history and classification of the Michael Jordan Star Company XRC, including misconceptions around the XRC designation and reflects on the broader implications for the sports card hobby. The conversation sheds light on historical decisions, collector perceptions, and the evolving dynamics of the trading card market. Certainly a hotly debated topic.
00:20 Deep Dive into the Michael Jordan XRC Controversy
01:29 Overall Impact of Beckett Classification of XRC's
02:42 Star Company's Reputation and Legal Troubles
03:43 The Debate Over Rookie Card Classifications
06:34 PSA's Role in Reevaluating Star Company Cards
A heartfelt tribute to the late Bill Walton, reflecting on his illustrious career and his memorable moments at UCLA and in the NBA. Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes and insights into Walton's impact on the sport and his presence in the sports card hobby. The episode also touches upon the legacy of Coach John Wooden and the evolution of basketball cards.
00:55 College Years and Influence of John Wooden
04:19 NBA Career and Health Struggles
05:33 Bill Walton's Legacy in Sports Cards and Collectibles
08:46 Personal Anecdotes and Shared Memories of Bill Walton
Dr. Beckett is interviewed by investigative journalist Darren Revell. They delve into the history of Michael Jordan's XRC and the role of major grading companies. Dr. Beckett shares his insights on the early days of card grading, interactions with various dealers, and the complexities of determining card designations like XRC. He also touches on relationships with companies like Star Company and Fleer, highlighting the challenges and decisions that shaped the industry.
01:15 Exploring the World of Star Dealers and Card Grading
04:46 Evolution of Card Collecting and Price Guides
05:41 The Controversy and Complexity of XRCs
13:18 Navigating the Pressures and Politics of Card Companies
Recapping and amplifying episodes 1201 to 1224. Overall, this recap presents a rich tapestry of topics, from the evolution of sports card collecting, market dynamics, historical perspectives, to personal growth stories within the hobby.
00:28 Founder's Influence: The Half-Life of Leadership
02:43 The Debate on Card Restoration
05:19 Mount Rushmore
06:39 Exploring the 10X Factor in the Hobby
07:23 The Wall of Fame: A Deep Dive
08:38 Sensory Challenges and the Hobby
09:16 Baseball Card Hall of Fame Insights
10:43 Grading, Alteration, and Restoration: A Hot Topic
11:10 From Dirty Jobs to Hobby Insights
11:39 Topps Conference Outtakes and Industry Updates
12:03 Dueling Questions with Chris Sewell
12:42 Basketball Hypotheticals and Industry Power Dynamics
Nuances of collecting cards with a focus on buying collections, exploring the excitement around both high demand and low supply cards, and their mutual preference for low supply, low demand cards. They also discuss the significance of grading, with a look at Beckett's grading service inception, their approach to overcome initial hesitations, and how they differentiated their service from competitors. Additionally, the conversation covers the dynamics of buying collections, dealing with sellers' expectations, and the strategies for fair negotiation. Insights into the grading process, evaluating the rarity and demand of cards, and the impact of grading on the card's value are also shared, making the episode a comprehensive guide on various aspects of sports card collecting and investing.
00:43 High Demand vs. Low Supply Cards
01:49 Grading Preferences and Strategies
02:50 Beckett's Journey into Card Grading
06:53 Navigating Collection Purchases and Negotiations
Dueling Questions with Chris Sewall, a discussion that spans various aspects of the sports card market. They touch on recognizing undervalued cards not reflected in price guides, share personal stories about discovering short prints, and delve into the nuances of card collection management. Sewell discusses his experiences living in the Netherlands, starting a YouTube channel, and how both impacted his business strategy. Additionally, Dr. Beckett reflects on his decision to sell Beckett Media, his role post-sale, and his transition back to collector status, emphasizing the evolution of his involvement in the hobby and the sports card market.
00:42 Uncovering Hidden Gems
03:03 Art of Identifying Short Prints
06:35 Adapting to Life and Business Abroad
08:27 The Decision to Leave Beckett
A purely hypothetical discussion unfolds on the future of basketball cards, involving an upper level NBA leadership decision to shift all future basketball cards to 'tall boy' format to emphasize athletes' height and athleticism, diverging from the traditional card size. Arguments for and against this change are explored, considering aspects like collectability, market impact, and implications for sports card manufacturers, supplies, and collectors. Additionally, the conversation touches on potential consequences of Fanatics' growing influence and control in the sports card industry and the broader implications of major shifts in sports card formatting, including collector behavior and the industry's evolution.
00:35 Hypothetical Scenario: All Basketball Cards as Tall Boys
01:46 Legal and Market Implications of Changing Card Sizes
06:20 Considering the Future of Sports Cards and Collectibility
12:50 Fanatics and the Future of Sports Card Licensing
Dr. James Beckett interviews Chris Sewell, Baseball Card Collector Investor Dealer In That Order. Chris shares his transition from collecting to dealing full-time, and the inception of his YouTube channel to support his career in sports cards. He explains the importance of the sequence collector, investor, dealer in his journey and discusses his approach to each role. The conversation also delves into the methodology behind Beckett's pricing guides in the pre-digital era, including the extensive process of data collection and analysis through dealer input and shows attendance, highlighting the transition from manual to automated systems in the industry. Chris and Dr. Beckett explore the nuances between collectors, investors, dealers, and flippers, elucidating how personal interests and market trends influence decisions within the hobby.
00:56 The Evolution of a Baseball Card Enthusiast
02:29 Defining Collectors, Dealers, and Investors
03:45 The Joy and Strategy of Card Collecting and Dealing
09:27 Challenges and Evolution of Data Collection in Card Pricing
Various crucial aspects of the sports card industry are examined, starting with the role of KPMG in auditing the fairness of case hits among bigger breakers, sparking a broad conversation on the perceived integrity within the distribution process. We delve into the contentious issue of redemption cards, seen as a necessary evil by companies unable to fulfill their promise of including specific autographs in packs due to logistic challenges. The discussion expands to the implications of audit findings on consumer trust, the strategic reintroduction of the iconic Topps Chrome basketball cards, and the broader impact of autograph proliferation on card value and market dynamics. Additionally, the episode covers the significant efforts by card companies to address the redemption card predicament, exploring innovative solutions and the potential of redemption cards to offer unique experiences beyond the typical autograph or memorabilia card. Dr. Beckett concludes with reflections on the balance between maintaining product excitement and the necessity of transparency and customer satisfaction in product offerings and redemption policies.
00:31 Debating Fairness of Case Hits in Card Breaking
01:31 Redemption Card Dilemma: Promises vs. Reality
02:14 Auditing Randomness: KPMG's Role
09:45 Challenges in Reducing Redemption Cards
12:25 Alternatives to Redemptions
13:35 The Fate of Expired Redemption Cards
In this special Saturday episode, Dr. Beckett celebrates his birthday unboxing basketball cards from Panini, comparing Recon and Select boxes. He discusses the pricing, the appeal of each brand, and the anticipated value from opening each type of box. Initially, Beckett compares the anticipated experiences and contents of the boxes before opening them, highlighting aspects like card stock thickness, number of cards per pack, and special features like die cut cards and autographs. After opening, he weighs in on the quality and content of each box, including the types of cards received and their potential value in the hobby community.
02:06 Dive into Select Box Features
04:49 Exploring Recon Box Attributes
08:52 Select vs. Recon: Opening the Boxes
In this special birthday episode, Dr. Beckett takes a personal dive into his life's journey, covers his early experiences, navigating through various challenging and enlightening jobs. He shares tales from his high school and college days, marked by eclectic jobs that ranged from the grueling to the insightful, all contributing to his education in both the literal and figurative senses. Moving into graduate school, Beckett discusses how he balanced his studies with income-generating activities, including umpiring and engaging in the budding sports card trade. His narrative then transitions into his professional life, highlighting his teaching career, expert witness consulting, then Beckett Publications, culminating in his semi-retirement, though he remains active in the card community, enjoying the hobby and offering consultancy. Throughout the episode, Beckett emphasizes the importance of patience, hard work, and sharp focus on interests, ultimately advocating for a life well-lived through perseverance, personal growth, and the pursuit of passion.
01:03 Early Money-Making Ventures
02:58 High School: Garbage Trucks and Lumber Yards
04:52 College Years: Many Part-Time Jobs
09:04 Grad School Moonlighting
13:08 The Birth of Beckett Publications and Beyond
15:13 Semi-Retirement: Podcasting, Collecting, Consulting
The dialogue begins with debunking the myth that card grading is a scam, illustrating the rigorous checks, balances, and competitive nature of grading companies. Dr. Beckett emphasizes the importance of trust in these companies and how a grading system's transparency, like BGS' Report Card and PSA's new grading notes, is appreciated by collectors. The conversation shifts to explore grading logistics, stressing that if collectors disagree with a grade, options are available to seek re-grading, reflecting on the relatively minor variations in grading outcomes among reputable companies. A poignant moment comes when evaluating cards becomes equated to non-prejudice, highlighting a story where the value of a card should be seen independently of its presenter, advocating for objectivity in card assessment. Unusual grading scenarios, such as the impact of 'hot dog juice' on a card's integrity and the occasional added "value" of pinholes in cards, are discussed. Beckett also draws parallels between art restoration principles and card restoration, arguing for the necessity of transparency and honesty about a card's condition to preserve collector trust, while anticipating future shifts in the hobby.
00:44 Debunking Grading Myths and Explaining the Process
01:38 Exploring Grading Logistics and Company Variations
03:16 Unique Cases: Hot Dog Juice and Pinholes
05:32 Restoration Ethics and the Art World Comparison
We explore the challenges inherent to large companies in maintaining effective communication and responsiveness to consumer inquiries and concerns. With an illustrative use of the starfish story, he portrays the significance and limitations of individual efforts in addressing widespread issues, shedding light on both the perspective of collectible companies striving to prioritize and manage feedback and the frustrations faced by consumers seeking resolutions to their problems. Dr. Beckett delves into strategies for effective communication between consumers and companies, emphasizing the importance of clarity, politeness, and proposing potential solutions when providing feedback. Moreover, he addresses why companies might not always respond to criticism or suggestions promptly, offering an inside look at the deliberation processes that can delay direct communication.
01:51 The Starfish Story: Making a Difference
03:36 Offense and Defense in Customer Service
06:37 The Challenge of Non-Response and Seeking Solutions
07:20 Company Silence and Customer Expectations
10:01 Feedback Strategies and Political Polling Insights
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the relationship between show dealers and buyers, highlighting preferences for pricing transparency and the strategic reasons some dealers choose not to display prices. Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes and industry insights, exploring the pros and cons of bargain hunting in dollar boxes versus the premium selections in showcases. He delves into the statistical odds of finding rare cards in packs, drawing from his own experience of pulling a coveted Michael Jordan autograph. The podcast also covers the concepts of velocity and viscosity in card selling and buying, emphasizing the ease of transactions for less sought-after cards compared to high-value items. Dr. Beckett distinguishes between collecting for passion versus focusing on the investment aspect of the hobby, defining roles within the industry such as collectors, dealers, investors, and flippers. He expresses his perspective on autograph cards, the ethics of break videos, and the excitement sports card innovations bring to collectors.
00:29 Listener Questions: Show Dealers and Card Pricing
02:37 Statistical Odds with Unopened Product
04:25 Concepts of Velocity and Viscosity in Sales
05:36 Collecting vs. Collection: A Personal Journey
06:29 Defining Collectors, Dealers, Investors, and Flippers
07:05 Autograph Cards and Break Videos Insights
09:37 Innovations in Card Collecting
We discuss the nuanced evolution of rookie card significance, especially in the context of high-end releases and their accessibility to different economic segments of collectors. The conversation then shifts to the potential of a trading app for collectible card games, highlighting the challenges associated with card authentication and the possible solutions for secure trading.
02:34 Exploring the World of Trading Apps for TCGs
05:16 Fanatics' Impact on the Hobby and Collector Feedback
06:40 Memories and Insights from the Dallas Card Show
07:52 Challenges of Card Grading and Authentication
10:38 Adventures and Anecdotes from the Toronto Sports Expo
https://forms.gle/MPZdzJgWKNvZCtBa9
Analysis of the 2024 Baseball Card Hall of Fame Ballot with Dr. James Beckett and Ray from Philly providing insights into the historical context, aesthetic appeal, and rarity of these cards, alongside personal anecdotes and professional judgments. Note voting ends May 13th.
02:22 Exploring Iconic Baseball Cards and Their Stories
04:33 Diving Deeper into Baseball Card History and Rarity
13:25 The Final Picks and Reflections on the Voting Process
The conversation extends to the therapeutic potential of card collecting for memory recall in retirement homes, and accessibility enhancements for collectors with impairments. Dr. Beckett also delves into the physical aspects of collecting, like endurance and balance, and how music can influence concentration and enjoyment. The narrative emphasizes the importance of integrating personal interests, like fitness and music, into collecting to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
01:57 The Joy of Collecting: Engaging Senior Citizens
03:08 Technological Aids in Collecting: OCR and Accessibility
05:19 Physicality and Balance in Collecting
07:37 Music's Role in Collecting and Work
In this episode, Dr. James Beckett delves deeper into the complex question of what exactly constitutes a sports card, spurring from earlier discussions and recent feedback from the community. Initially sparked by a listener's suggestion, the conversation navigates through various aspects that potentially define a sports card. The discussion reminisces about the 1950s, considered by many as a golden age of card collecting. The episode also tackles the ambiguity around rookie cards, exhibit cards, and other collectibles like posters and pennants, questioning their status within the collecting world.
00:52 The Golden Age of Collecting: The 1950s
01:57 Defining the Boundaries: What Makes a Card?
03:10 The Debate Over Rookie Cards and Collectibles
05:18 Exhibit Cards: A Unique Collectible
07:06 Cataloging Sports Cards in Mixed Sets
This detailed discussion excerpted from Hobby Hotline with co-hosts Danny Black and Chris Carlin highlights the strategic movement within the collecting industry, focusing on the new partnership between eBay and Collectors facilitated by Ken Golden's "trade" to eBay. It explores the innovative vaulting service that offers a safe, efficient way for collectors to store and sell their valuable cards, and how this service aligns with the needs of both novice and seasoned collectors. The conversation also delves into the significant impacts of NIL policies on the collectibles of college athletes like Caitlin Clark, predicting her potential in professional sports. Furthermore, it looks at the anticipated Fanatics Fest, aiming to bridge the gap between sports fans and collectibles enthusiasts, while contemplating the importance of balancing dealer presence to ensure the event's success. Also discusses the role of grading and grader notes in enhancing collector experience, the strategic positioning of companies within the sports collectibles ecosystem, and the welcoming of new media ventures that aim to enrich the hobby with quality content.
00:20 eBay and Collectors: A New Synergy
01:04 The Impact of Ken Golden's Move to eBay
02:45 Vaulting: Security and Convenience for Collectors
04:37 The Future of Grading: Adding Grader's Notes
06:41 Spotlight on Caitlin Clark: Rising Star in Basketball
10:17 Fanatics Fest vs. East Coast National
At Rich's request, Dr. James Beckett, delves into his personal leadership journey, particularly focusing on the initiative he took around his 50th birthday in 1999 to meet one-on-one with each of his approximately 150 employees. He discusses the logistics and the impact of these meetings, set against the backdrop of his recovery from a heart attack in 1996 and a temporary step back from the company. Through these conversations, he sought not only to understand the professional challenges faced by his team but also to connect with them on a personal and familial level, acknowledging the interplay between personal issues and professional performance.
00:26 Reflecting on Leadership and Employee Engagement
02:17 The Missed Miniature Golf Outing: A Light-hearted Anecdote
03:23 Insights into Business Operations and Employee Relations
04:55 Dynamics of Card Shows and Business Strategies
07:16 Remote Work and the Importance of Personal Connections
08:42 Personal Growth and the Value of One-on-One Meetings
The discussion kicks off with Rich's recent purchase of a Heritage high number box for less than its original cost, leading into a broader conversation about market fluctuations, notably concerning Fanatics' large production volumes. We examine Fanatics' aggressive approach to testing the market, contrasting it with a more conservative strategy of printing to demand or slightly less. We share insights on the necessity of innovative distribution and marketing strategies to captivate new collectors, citing past successful promotions linked with food products and the unique appeal of regional and team-specific sets. The episode concludes on a reflective note emphasizing the intrinsic joy of collecting, untethered from its potential financial gains, advocating for a hobby that encourages fun and community building over mere profitability.
01:03 Fanatics' Market Strategy and Experimentation
02:27 Reflecting on Beckett's Growth and Strategy
06:13 The Evolution of Collecting and Market Expansion
06:45 Fanatics' Innovative Distribution and Product Strategies
13:26 The Joy of Collecting: Beyond Monetary Value
A future 'Mount Rushmore' for the card collecting world, exploring who might be immortalized in stone in the distant future. This episode focuses on contributors, all of whom are very much alive, with many in their primes, with more excellence from them likely on the horizon. Dr. Beckett's list of 16 individuals, ranging from pioneering collectors to influential figures and entrepreneurs who have shaped (and potentially are shaping) the hobby. Each person's unique contributions are highlighted, from revolutionizing card collecting to building industry-standard companies, showcasing a diverse array of talents and impacts.
00:24 Theoretical Mount Rushmore
01:08 Nobody's Perfect
01:52 Commentary on Worthy Contenders
A thoughtful exploration of a 'Mount Rushmore' dedicated to influential figures within the sports card hobby, with a clear distinction made between individuals who are still living and those who have passed away. Dr. Beckett draws an analogy to the concept of a 'small hall' of fame, highlighting the exclusivity and significance of being named on such a list, and proposes a hypothetical 'Mount Rushmore' to honor these impactful individuals. Central figures such as Jefferson Burdick and Sy Berger are spotlighted for their pioneering efforts in card collecting and contributions to the sports card industry, as well as a broader range who left a lasting legacy on the sports card world.
00:24 The Concept of Mount Rushmore in Sports Cards
02:29 Deceased Legends
10:27 Controversial Picks and Final Thoughts
Three different Panini sports card hobby boxes, baseball, football, and racing. Starting with the 2023 Panini Elite Extra Edition Baseball box, Dr. Beckett shares his enthusiasm for prospect cards and the significance of early player cards, expressing a strong appeal for cards of minor league and college players due to their potential future value. Moving onto the 2023 Panini Obsidian Football, he recounts his pleasure in receiving an Anthony Richardson Rookie Jersey autographed card, which he plans to slab and display on his Card Wall. The episode takes an exciting turn with the unboxing of the Panini Prizm Racing box, which Dr. Beckett finds compelling enough to consider purchasing again. He appreciates the continuity in Panini's Prizm design across different sports and highlights the enjoyment derived from collecting cards with vibrant colors and distinct parallels. Dr. Beckett concludes the episode with reflections on the hobby's evolution, the role of AI in modern card manufacturing, and the importance of every card finding a home, ending on a note of gratitude towards Panini and his listeners.
00:58 Diving into Baseball: Panini Elite Extra Edition
04:49 Exploring Football: Panini Obsidian
06:51 Revving Up with Panini Prizm Racing
Four unique hockey card products from Upper Deck, beginning with 2022-23 Parkhurst Champions, praised for its blend of veterans, legends, and rookies, despite its lack of premium feel. Then 2022/23 Upper Deck Clear Cut is scrutinized for its confusing release year and the unusual gamble of obtaining a card from either of two different years in a single pack. 2022-23 O-Pee-Chee Platinum, shiny appearance and systematic insertion of cards, which offers a sense of predictability and organization that appeals to Dr. Beckett. Finally, 2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey Series 2, highlighting the excitement of pulling a Conor Bedard YG rookie card, making this box a significant win. Throughout the review, Dr. Beckett intersperses his personal memories, expert insights into card collecting dynamics, pricing strategies, and market pressures.
00:52 2022-23 Parkhurst Champions
01:50 2022-23 Upper Deck Clear Cut
05:35 2022-23 O-Pee-Chee Platinum
08:31 2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey Series 2
10:32 Reflections and Insights on Card Collecting
Pressing issues surrounding card grading, authentication, and restoration. They debate the merits and ethics of card restoration, highlighting how altered cards are currently processed and perceived by grading companies and collectors alike. The discussion also explores the future of card grading, suggesting technological solutions for tracking a card's history and proposing a more transparent and comprehensive approach to grading altered cards. Throughout, the emphasis is on the importance of honesty and integrity in the hobby, while acknowledging the evolving nature of collecting practices and standards.
00:27 Turning the Tables: A Q&A Session
01:05 The Debate on Card Restoration and Grading
02:31 The Nostalgia and Appeal of Vintage Cards
06:27 The Future of Card Grading and Restoration
09:29 Technological Advancements in Authentication
The ethics of card restoration, the practice of altering cards for grading purposes, and the challenges faced in detecting such modifications. Dr. Beckett presents his views on the widening gap in card prices due to grading and shares his expertise on improving detection methods to maintain the integrity of card collecting. Furthermore, they discuss the industry's approach to restoration and alteration, emphasizing the need for transparency and precise grading criteria to accurately describe a card's condition. They conclude by pondering the future of card grading, with Brian suggesting the adoption of dual grading scales similar to the comic book industry to better represent restored cards.
01:00 Brian's Personal Journey and Insights into the Card Business
02:16 Exploring the Ethics of Card Restoration and Alteration
03:05 Detecting Altered Cards and Industry Solutions
07:18 The Debate on Card Alteration: Perspectives and Proposals
10:18 Reflecting on the Evolution and Future of Card Grading
Exploring the nuanced strategies for unearthing hidden gems within the sports card market. Both speakers employ a type of contrarian approach to collecting, specifically by showing interest in cards that the majority of the market overlooks due to their low cost. They challenge the prevailing market trends that prioritize highly valuable cards, emphasizing how lower-priced cards can hold significant potential for growth. Brian elaborates on this principle by sharing personal anecdotes and examples, such as his investment in non-sports cards and historical figures, to illustrate the overlooked value found in plain sight. The conversation also weaves in broader topics, including the psychology of collecting, the impact of grading on card values, and the crucial role of personal research and experience in making informed buying decisions. Finally, the video touches on the importance of adopting a long-term perspective in collecting and investing, suggesting that a marathon approach, rather than a sprint, is more suited to realizing the true value of sports cards.
01:56 The Contrarian Approach to Collecting
03:13 Spotting Value in Unlikely Places
04:56 The Philosophy of Collecting: Sprint vs. Marathon
10:36 Navigating the Hobby with Experience and Insight
Dr. James Beckett and Brian Gray, formerly of Leaf, delve deep into the concept of corporate culture in the sports card industry, focusing on the persisting influence of company founders even after they've left. They explore how the cultural imprints of iconic figures like Richard McWilliam of Upper Deck continue to shape company values and operations. The duo also reflects on their personal experiences with leadership transitions at Leaf and Beckett, highlighting the complexities of maintaining or diverging from the founder's vision in evolving business environments. The narrative extends to discussing the role of new leadership in rebranding and the challenges of integrating different corporate cultures within conglomerates like Fanatics. Furthermore, they contemplate the future of the industry with the transitions of entities like JSA and the potential strategies for leaders facing change, including Ken Goldin. This episode provides profound insights into how the shadows of founders loom over corporate cultures and the dynamic response of companies in the sports card industry to leadership changes, mergers, and the constant push towards innovation.
00:26 Exploring Corporate Culture and Leadership Transitions
00:46 The Impact of Founders on Company Culture
01:32 The Evolution of Corporate Identity Post-Founder Departure
03:39 Personal Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
05:34 The Future of Authentication and Collectibles
08:06 Advice for Industry Leaders and the Future of Fanatics
Recap of episodes 1176 to 1199 from the 'Sports Card Insights' podcast, showcasing a rich array of topics within the sports card collecting hobby. The episodes cover discussions on vintage collectibles, the intricacies of card grading, and insights into football cards, including Beckett's participation in the Football Card Hall of Fame voting process. Noteworthy is a delve into box battles between Panini football collections, the significance of NASCAR collectibles, and how celebrity relationships influence card values, using Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce as examples. Additionally, the podcast touches on the Baseball Hall of Fame's unique allure, the evolving definition of what constitutes a sports card, and Beckett's methodical approach to addressing listener questions, ranging from hobby box reveals to the handling of cards with potential damage. A particularly intriguing segment discusses the implications of Shohei Otani's interpreter's scandal on the collecting world. Throughout these episodes, Beckett emphasizes the importance of understanding odds, appreciating the hobby's history, and navigating its future, illustrating his commitment to fostering a knowledgeable and enthusiastic collecting community.
Scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, accused of incurring substantial gambling debts. Dr. Beckett ponders the possibility of the gambling accusations being shifted towards the purchasing and investing in sports cards, particularly those of Ohtani, highlighting the thin line between gambling and informed speculation in the hobby. Further, he reflects on the implications of insider gambling, its potential to corrupt the purity of sports, and the necessity for audits and oversight in financial dealings within the sports and entertainment industry. Throughout, Dr. Beckett maintains a critical stance on gambling, advocating for the integrity of sports and expressing hope for a resolution that safeguards the reputation of involved parties like Shohei Ohtani.
00:37 The Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Gambling Controversy
02:59 Exploring the Nature of Gambling and Its Impact
03:25 The Intersection of Gambling and Sports Card Collecting
07:03 The Ethical Dilemmas of Insider Trading in Sports Cards
Balance between passion and pragmatism? Addressing the often ambiguous line between collecting for pleasure and investing for profit, underscoring that both can coexist with the right insight and strategy. Highlighting the implications of inflation and the significance of surpassing a 5% annual return, the benchmark of risk-free investments, to truly deem sports card collecting a fruitful investment. He advises on the art of acquisition — advocating for the purchase of cards at appealing values rather than market highs and outlines the advantages of buying in bulk for discounts without compromising on quality. Comparing sports card investing to traditional investments like real estate, employing real-life analogies to demystify the concept of value growth over time. Practical advice on expanding one's collection smartly, stressing the joy of collecting, the intricacies of trading, and the criticality of purchasing decisions on long-term investment outcomes.
00:49 The Essence of Collecting: Passion, Investment, and Skill
01:27 Navigating Inflation and Investment Basics in Card Collecting
02:35 Strategies for Smart Investing in Sports Cards
03:42 The Power of Buying Collections and Making Smart Purchases
08:11 Understanding the Market and Making Informed Decisions
12:28 Trading Cards: The Social Aspect and Investment Considerations
We delve into the realm of sports card alterations, distinguishing between deceptive modern alterations and childish alterations from the past, such as thumbtacks or tape on cards during the 1950s and 1960s. While altered cards are indeed worth less, they should not be considered worthless. In fact, in some cases, an altered card could possess more value than a lower-graded, unaltered counterpart. We oppose deceptive alterations aimed at increasing a card's value fraudulently but acknowledges that cards altered innocently in the past hold a certain charm and authenticity. He further explores specific types of alterations including the use of tape, glue, and other materials, and how these affect a card's grading and overall market value. We suggest the market is evolving to appreciate the unique history and authenticity of such cards, potentially leading to a reevaluation of their value in the collectors' market.
00:12 The Closet Episode: A Deep Dive into Card Alterations
00:59 Understanding the Value of Altered Cards
02:16 Navigating the World of Card Restoration and Grading
10:09 Market Dynamics and the Future of Card Grading
He shares an interesting perspective on binge-watching his content, a habit he personally enjoys and believes adds momentum and enjoyment to consuming media. Viewers' comments spark discussions on various topics, from the binge-ability of his videos to specific interesting cards like the Vern Gagne wrestling card and a Lou Gehrig card inherited from his father, showcasing a blend of personal stories and hobby insights. Dr. Beckett reflects on the "Readers Write" tradition from Beckett Baseball Card Monthly, illustrating an audience connection over the years. Looking towards future content, he contemplates creating more detailed videos and exploring eclectic card collections outside of his traditional Card Wall setup, to keep it fresh and engaging.
00:49 Binge Watching
01:27 The Card Wall
02:04 Reminiscing Readers Write Tradition
03:09 Wrestling Cards
03:52 The Legacy of Lou Gehrig
04:23 The Ken Griffey Junior Collection
05:38 The Charm of Zee Nut and PCL Cards
06:13 The SMU Connection and High School Cards
08:00 Eskimo Pie Cards
09:19 Exploring Obscure and Eclectic Cards
An array of listener questions and feedback originating from his YouTube channel, where he shares box opening videos. We touch on topics like the appreciation for the artistic effort behind sports card sets, notably Court Kings basketball, and shares his personal experiences and surprises from opening high-value card boxes, including a memorable 2003-04 SP Authentic hobby box that yielded a Michael Jordan Significant Signatures card. Additionally, the complexities of collecting are explored through Beckett's own collecting habits, the concept of 'loaded' boxes, and the emotional dimension of whether to keep or sell high-value cards. He also deliberates on the cultural and financial considerations that influence soccer card collecting globally. Further he pays tribute to the unseen graphic designers who contribute significantly to the aesthetics of sports cards. The episode encapsulates the multifaceted nature of sports card collecting, combining practical insights, personal anecdotes, and viewer engagement to provide a comprehensive look at the hobby.
00:57 Appreciating the Artistry in Sports Cards
01:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Card Collecting
02:24 The Soccer Card Market and Sticker Collecting
03:33 The Thrill of Finding Valuable Cards
04:47 The Definition of a 'Loaded' Box
05:51 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
07:55 The Collector vs. Investor Dilemma
Dr. Beckett reflects on his previous discussions with Victor Roman on the RC Ramblings episodes, delving into the nuances of what constitutes a 'junk wax' product and the transformative impact of grading on card values. Listeners are introduced to eclectic collecting preferences, like pursuing pre-rookie cards and the distinctions between pack-pulled and other types of cards. The discussion also touches on the significant influence of money in the hobby, suggesting that chaos in card categorizations can lead to financial gains for those with hard-earned knowledge. The debate continues over what should be considered a rookie card, given differences in distribution methods, such as Topps Tiffany's and vending box issues. Dr. Beckett shares a personal anecdote about his collection downsizing strategy, emphasizing a focus on reducing volume over financial gains. The conversation shifts to the evolving semantics surrounding rookie cards, the changing landscape of card availability due to digital advancements, and the ongoing debate over regional exclusivities and their impact on card values. Towards the end, the episode tackles the criteria for defining the 'best' rookie card, including the timing of release and its implications for collectors. Dr. Beckett advocates for clear guidelines in defining rookie cards, despite the challenges posed by the hobby's evolution. The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of reasonable structures in understanding rookie cards, alongside a nod to the global expansion of the hobby. Dr. Beckett thanks Victor Roman for his contributions and promises more discussions in forthcoming episodes, emphasizing a commitment to clarity and structure amidst the hobby's intricacies.
01:23 Insights on Junk Wax and Grading
02:22 Exploring Pre-Rookie Cards
03:12 The Impact of Money on the Hobby
04:55 Debate on Topps Tiffany's and Vending Box Cards
06:40 The Semantics of Rookie Cards
07:47 The Evolution of Card Availability
08:25 Geographic Boundaries and Card Definitions
10:18 The Importance of Card Issuance Timing
A wide array of listener questions are addressed, covering topics from the intricacies of trading on COMC, spotting celebrities on sports cards, to the aesthetic considerations of slab uniformity in collections. Discussions extend to the impact of personalities like Jeremy Lee on the sports card content atmosphere, alongside an insightful exploration into the collector mentality through an anthropological lens provided by a college survey project from Hannah Torres. Survey at:
https://csuci.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pXDdrIeP041ErQ Additionally, the episode navigates the nuances of the PSA and SGC acquisition, shedding light on its implications for the sports card industry, and reflects on the essence of promoting the hobby versus self-promoting, underscoring the importance of fostering a positive community around the hobby.
01:08 COMC Haggling?
02:32 Spotting Celebrities in Card Backgrounds
03:23 Addressing Negativity in the Hobby
04:31 The Uniformity of Slabs in Sets
05:49 Hannah Torres' Anthropological Study on Collecting
08:36 Addressing Criticism on Self-Promotion
09:31 Speculations on the PSA SGC Acquisition
The final part of this insightful and engaging conversation, we reflect on the evolution of card manufacturing since the 1980s and discuss the potential impacts of ongoing changes within the sector. A primary topic of discussion is the entry of Fanatics into the industry, and the potential for it to positively impact the sector if handled correctly, despite recent consolidation at the manufacturer level. However, we stress the importance of attracting more collectors, rather than just boosting card production, to ensure long-term growth and sustainability of the hobby. Meanwhile, we caution new companies against focusing solely on financial returns, and instead highlight the significance of embracing the love and passion for card trading. The conversation also includes a look at the rising participation of younger fans, as well as the challenging transitions companies face when going public, which is a potential path for Fanatics. The speakers nostalgically reflect on their personal connections with card collecting, before offering their perspective on the industry's power structures, arguing that a duopoly could prove to be more formidable than monopoly or single dominant entity. Lastly, they propose an untapped growth area within the hobby: the music, celebrity, and entertainment sector, which they believe could attract a broader demographic and instill a deep sense of nostalgia, similar to sports. They suggest that companies like Fanatics could leverage their marketing prowess to create structured collectables centered around musicians and actors, potentially fuelling a ten-fold growth in this niche. The conversation is a deep dive into the complexities, challenges, and opportunities within card and collectibles market, underscoring the need to balance profit motives with the core joy and love of collecting.
00:00 The Evolution of Card Manufacturing
00:20 The Impact of Fanatics on the Industry
00:48 The Importance of Growing the Collector Base
01:10 The Role of Fanatics in Expanding the Hobby
01:55 The Potential of Young Collectors
02:00 The Dangers of Overemphasizing Financial Returns
03:42 The Challenges of Going Public
05:41 The Origins of a Card Collector
07:21 The Dynamics of Monopolies and Duopolies
10:07 The Future of Collecting: Music and Celebrity Cards
We start with an exploration of our personal journeys through sports card collecting including their collecting methods and preferences, from set collecting to chasing color variations and autographs. They also walk through how their professional backgrounds have been instrumental in their contributions to the industry. Dr. Beckett possesses a Ph.D. in statistics while Orlando holds a law degree, both of which have offered them unique perspectives in handling their collections and understanding the market dynamics. Furthermore, the duo delve into the current state of the sports cards industry, emphasizing the constant innovation and experimentation which keeps it dynamic and interesting. Key business aspects including branding, universal acceptance, and reputation are highlighted as crucial factors that differentiate a major grading company or a major auction company in this competitive market. They also shed light on the essential role that auction houses and dealers play in authenticating and representing sports card products in the market. As key intermediaries in the value chain, these entities contribute significantly to customer education and trust building in the industry. Lastly, they reinforce the importance of brand recognition and provide insights into the interaction between grading entities and auction platforms, highlighting the symbiosis that exists between these essential industry players.
01:05 Collecting Journey and Challenges
03:18 The Impact of Education on Career
06:51 Appreciating the Current State of the Hobby
09:14 Defining Major Auction and Grading Companies
12:00 The Role of Dealers and Auction Houses
Dr. James Beckett, alongside Hobby Hotline co-hosts Danny Black and Victor Roman, explores the repercussions of PSA's acquisition of SGC in the sports card collecting and grading industry, analyzing it as a strategic business move reflective of the hobby's trend towards consolidation. The conversation extends to speculate on potential future acquisitions by Fanatics and its impact on grading and market dynamics. We preview the introduction of a universal checklist and registry, discussing how it might affect collectors. The potential harmonization of grading standards between PSA and SGC, considering the historical differences and how it might unfold moving forward. Implications on set registries with the merging of companies are debated, pondering how such changes could affect collectors ranked within these systems. Dr. Beckett and his guests also ponder how these developments could sway the future strategic directions of not just PSA and SGC, but also Beckett, CGC, and Fanatics.
00:25 Discussion on PSA Acquiring SGC
00:59 Potential Business Moves in the Hobby Industry
01:35 Concerns about Market Dominance and Pricing
02:26 Consumer Confidence and Job Security in Grading
03:34 Speculations on Future Consolidations and Branding
04:03 Discussion on Grading Standards and Market Leadership
07:32 Potential Changes in Grading Scale and Standards
09:47 Challenges and Possibilities of a Universal Registry
12:21 Potential Impact of Fanatics and Other Big Players
Dr. James Beckett and Joe Orlando, respected industry veteran and former CEO of PSA, discuss the dynamic evolution, emerging trends, and future outlook of the sports card and collectibles industry. Touching on the exponential growth from the 1980s to the digital age, they delve into the significance of universal population reports and the transition from relational to transactional dealing. They express ambivalent sentiments about the idea of a universal registry system, citing the complexities arising due to it. The discussion also uncovers surprising trends in the industry, underlining the growing importance of tickets, photo matching and game-worn items. This conversation further explores the potential impact of universal auction listings on dominant companies like PSA and Heritage. Finally, emphasizing the collector's emotional attachment to the 'hunt' of collection, the dialogue ends on a high note considering the future shape of the industry.
01:04 Reflecting on the Past: The 1980s Boom
01:28 Regrets and Successes: A Look Back
01:46 The Impact of Digitalization on the Industry
02:01 The Evolution of Grading
02:27 The Pros and Cons of a Universal Pop Report
03:45 Current State of the Hobby
05:02 The Potential of a Universal Registry
09:15 Surprising Trends in Collectible Categories
11:18 The Future of Auction Listings
We delve into the enticing prospect of attending the Philadelphia sports card show to graze through the dollar boxes in search of nuggets. We offer advice and insights to our friend Kyle, who is contemplating his own attendance at the show.
We touch on the potential challenges of bringing back a substantial haul of cards from the show. Recognizing the limitations of luggage space and weight restrictions, we strategize various methods of packing and shipping cards to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. We stress the importance of being selective in our purchases, carefully considering the value and practicality of each card before adding it to our collection.
Additionally, we explore the unique characteristics of the Philadelphia show, highlighting its vintage-oriented nature and discussing potential differences in pricing and selection compared to other shows. We encourage Kyle to approach the dollar boxes with a discerning eye, aiming for quality deals rather than sheer quantity to avoid overwhelming himself with unwieldy amounts of cards.
We share personal anecdotes, reflecting on our own experiences attending card shows and the joys and challenges that accompany them. Our main objective is to equip Kyle with the knowledge and wisdom gained from our own journeys, hoping to spare him from potential mistakes and inspire him to make the most of his own card show adventure.
We begin with sharing thoughts on soccer as a collectable sport and its potential to rise in popularity. We dissect the concept of a 'flagship' brand using Panini Prism as an example and discuss the importance of base sets in a flagship product, especially with the existence of numerous parallels in Panini Prism products. Thereafter the dilemma of choosing between soccer and "football" cards and the impact of secondary market forces on sports card value, highlighting the influence of the quality of rookie crops. Discussing his method of evaluating sports cards. I admit generally not looking up base veterans, but focusing on the more valuable cards such as autographs, game used relics, low serial number, and exotic inserts. While unpacking also drawing notable observations about packaging trends. Finally a (soft) personal critique of "silver" prisms and that the last card in the last pack was the autograph! Concludes by expressing hope for soccer's future prominence in the world of sports card collecting.
00:51 Understanding the Concept of Flagship Brands
02:03 The Dilemma of Choosing Between Sports
02:54 The Impact of Market Forces on Card Value
05:29 Unboxing and Evaluating Soccer Cards
06:02 The Strategy of Sorting and Valuing Cards
08:13 Thoughts on Silver Prisms and Autograph Cards
We delve into the concept of odds and probability, particularly in the realm of sports card investments. As a trained statistician, Dr. Beckett emphasizes that the notion of probability is seldom a coin flip, direct 50-50 scenario. He cautions against irrational optimism and stresses informed decision making while investing in sports cards. Focusing on basketball prodigy Bronny James, son of LeBron James, he alerts investors to the risk of overvaluing a player's sports cards due to their pedigree, instead of their on-court performance. He further articulates his informative perspective on the unpredictable nature of sports card market, underlining the influence of changes in odds, collector (and bettor) perceptions, and fluctuating player performance on card prices. In closing Dr. Beckett predicts that Bronny is highly unlikely to be an NBA All-Star, which may already be optimistically baked into his asking prices. Be careful.
00:35 Understanding Odds in Sports
00:56 LeBron and Bronny: A Comparative Analysis
01:52 The Betting World and the Concept of 50-50 Odds
03:17 The Impact of Odds on Sports Card Market
04:44 Bronny's Potential in NBA and Card Market
05:57 The Risk of Betting on Bronny's Success
Details of the 2023 Goodwin Champions Hobby Box by Upper Deck. The product includes a mix of different sports cards, establishing an eclectic appeal, and each pack of 18 cards is configured with the middle card usually the best. The set is suitable for ages 14 and up, which may be due to the educational component provided by the inclusion of historical and non-sports cards. He talks about base cards, which he compares to car models, where the base is the low-end, and parallels, special cards, or inserts are akin to higher-end models, letting the quality of the special cards pop against the simpler base design. He discusses unique facets of the pack, such as the tricky odds listed and the presence of 'decoys' or blank cards. He also describes the intriguing physical differences in the thickness of different packs. Dr. Beckett further expands on how he believes the product should primarily allure the buyers for its unique elements rather than just the base cards, highlighting how this product affects different platforms in the card industry marketplace such as price guides, marketplaces, grading services, and others. Lastly, he scrutinizes how other major players in the card world, including Panini and Fanatics, should learn from what Upper Deck has achieved with this product, and how post-production quality control could be ensured through focus groups. He appreciates the eclectic aesthetic and the interesting variety of cards that live up to the Goodwin Champions brand.
00:42 Packaging and Card Placement Insights
01:14 Age Recommendation and Educational Component
02:23 Base Card Design and Comparison with Luxury Cars
03:55 Multi-Sport Sets and Player Selection
04:12 Hits, Rookie Cards, and Licensing
04:57 Pack Odds and Decoys
05:34 Thick Packs vs Thin Packs
06:42 The Eclectic Nature of the Set
07:31 Sponsor Acknowledgement and Market Observations
11:45 Final Thoughts and Thanks
We ponder the question: What truly defines a sports card? We analyze a range of factors like material composition, size variations, and unique shapes that challenge the traditional notion of what constitutes a card. We question whether items like newspaper inserts, thick box cards, or even three-dimensional cubes can be considered cards. Furthermore, we explore the influence of intentionality, discussing whether an item's intended purpose as a collectible or its inclusion in a sports card set contributes to its classification. We acknowledge the complexities and blurred boundaries within the realm of sports cards.
Dr. Beckett engages during Hobby Hotline with Danny Black and Rich Klein about the concept of 10X-ing the hobby, specifically in relation to sports cards. They explore the recent news of Panini losing the UFC license to Fanatics and Tops, discussing the implications of this change. The conversation also delves into potential growth areas in the hobby, with a focus on women's basketball and college cards. They highlight the increasing popularity of women's basketball and the potential market expansion in the college card segment. Additionally, the acquisition of Press Pass by Leaf, showcasing the vibrancy and evolution of the hobby.
A detailed discussion about the Baseball Hall of Fame and its unique significance compared to other sports hall of fames. The history of the Baseball Hall of Fame, noting its early establishment and the time advantage it had over other sports. The notion of relatability, as the individuals highlight how baseball players are often more relatable to fans compared to players in other sports.
In the card collecting world, induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame seems to have a greater impact on values. We discuss the varying collectibility of players in different sports hall of fames, highlighting examples of football and basketball players who may not have as much value in the collecting market.
We touch on the subjective nature of hall of fame voting and the challenges of evaluating players' qualifications. The positional aspects of baseball don't translate as well to football or basketball, which influences the perception of hall of fame worthiness.
There's a special aura surrounding baseball and the unique experience of visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, evoking a sense of nostalgia and stepping back in time.
We address the public nature of hall of fame voting in baseball, highlighting the transparency that comes with each ballot being made public. The speakers discuss the potential impact of online writers and their more intuitive approach to evaluating players, as well as the evolving qualifications to become a voter.
Controversial figures such as Pete Rose and players linked to steroid allegations like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are also touched upon. We explore the baseball hall of fame's strict stance on gambling, leading to the exclusion of certain players. We raise the question of whether the Baseball Hall of Fame's conservative approach adds to its mystique and garners more respect compared to other sports hall of fames.
Dr. James Beckett engages with Danny Black and Mike Moynihan, discussing a conversation about the importance of grading in the sports card industry and the compensation of card graders. Dr. Beckett emphasizes the need for a skilled wage for graders, considering the level of knowledge and training required for the job. They also touch on the detection of fake autographs and the challenges that arise with popular players like Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle. The conversation explores the role of technology in the authentication process, with mentions of micro dots and DNA detection. We conclude with a discussion about the recurring battle against fraud in the sports card market and the importance of maintaining integrity in this great hobby we all love.
A detailed discussion about the relationship between celebrities, sports cards, and the collecting hobby. It begins with a mention of Taylor Swift and how her presence has elevated the demand for certain sports cards, specifically Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes. The positive publicity celebrities can bring to the hobby and the potential value of including combo cards that feature both athletes and popular culture figures.
Referencing famous figures from the past, such as Spike Lee's presence at Knicks games and his inclusion in card sets alongside Michael Jordan. Exploring the idea of creating a dual relic card featuring Kelce and Taylor Swift. The importance of wider audience engagement and the potential impact of card companies like Fanatics in expanding into music-related cards.
There's a variety of opinions within the hobby community, with some individuals expressing concerns about the inclusion of celebrities and the fear of diluting the purity of the hobby. However general agreement that broadening the audience and embracing the superstar orientation can be beneficial, as long as it is done with a level of care and consideration.
Also touches on the impact of TCGs like Pokemon on the sports card community, speculating whether the rise of music cards and other entertainment-related cards might draw away collectors from sports cards. Despite these potential challenges, we trust the enduring nature of collecting and the possibility of coexistence between different types of cards.
We conclude with a fanciful scenario where the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, and Travis Kelsey proposes to Taylor Swift during the celebration, suggesting the creation of a commemorative card for that moment. We emphasize the importance of storytelling and the connection between the hobby and collectors.
A review of two different Panini football card boxes: 2023 Phoenix and 2023 Absolute. I share my experience opening and examining these boxes, offering insights into their contents, prices, and overall value. As a statistician, Dr. Beckett addresses the misconception of loaded or conspiratorial boxes, emphasizing that while the probability of getting a great card is unlikely, someone will eventually get it due to chance, rather than any special advantages. He also mentions the allure and fun of box breaks and acknowledges that his own preference lies somewhere between low-end and high-end boxes.
We discusses various aspects related to the pricing of boxes and the factors that contribute to their costs and sale prices. He explains that the price of a box is determined based on the costs associated with its production, the history and brand value of the product, and the assets included within the box, such as autographs, game-used material, and special treatments on inserts. Dr. Beckett also argues against the notion that the price is determined solely by the cost of cardboard and ink, clarifying that serial numbers and rarity themselves do not significantly impact the price.
Throughout Dr. Beckett delves into the card collecting experience, sharing his thoughts on brand continuity, package design, player images, and the importance of dual licensing from the Players Association and the leagues. He reflects on the challenges faced by companies in titling and categorizing their products, especially in relation to the years indicated on the cards. He mentions the trend of increasing the number of cards, creating a wide range of parallels, and explains that market research supports demand for more variations of player cards.
Dr. Beckett also touches on the difficulty of tracking and valuing numerous card variations, particularly those associated with less popular or obscure players. He expresses gratitude to Panini for their contribution to the growth of the basketball hobby and acknowledges the need for responsible growth in the sports card industry.
The script concludes with Dr. Beckett revealing that his personal preference leaned towards the Phoenix football box due to its larger number of cards, appealing design, and potential inclusion of a player that he may consider displaying on his wall. However, he acknowledges the subjective nature of individual preferences in card collecting and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the hobby, opening boxes, and finding joy in the process.
Mike had an agenda for our time together - a good agenda! So easy to talk about the hobby we love with kindred spirits - thanks Mike - feed the Beast!
The first class of ten cards were elected last year - the 45 cards under consideration this year are also outstanding - outstanding players and outstanding cards - see how I voted - and be sure to vote for yourself before February 6th - search for football card hall of fame - it's easy.
Mike Moynihan asked me to guest on his Golden Age of Cardboard and YouTube channels - we obvious share a love of vintage - he asked me some great questions! Thanks Mike. If you love vintage, subscribe to whatever Mike puts out!
Recapping the last eight weeks of podcasts covering the holiday seasons of Christmas and New Year's and much more - lots of content in case you missed some - thanks!
John has never been to Cleveland - he is in for a treat - he's driving and will take in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he comes for the National this summer. Great baseball town too with lots of serious collectors!
This Hobby Hotline quarterbacked by Adam Palmer and also featuring Rich Klein and myself was fast moving covering many topics quickly as is the nature of that show - you should subscribe!
John Newman interviewed me for his Sports Card Nation podcast and he delved into my inner workings and approaches for COMC as a power seller - thanks John!
I grouped some listener questions that all had to do with some aspect of card shows - a popular topic - keep your questions coming to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
I bought three different 2003-04 basketball hobby boxes at the latest Huggins and Scott Auction - and I opened them and was shocked - this is the audio of the before and after, but I have YouTube videos posted to show it live visually.
Martin Luther King Jr. is being celebrated today in America with a holiday - how might this matter in our hobby? - here's my take on the welcomed increased diversity in our sports card hobby.
The final installment of our extended conversation about rookie cards, before Victor completes his long-awaited book, which I encourage you to get.
A year ago my parents were doing pretty well - as I look at this year coming - I want full enjoyment of this hobby I love (even as I age slowly and hopefully hold off obvious sensory decline). Optimism!
Victor and I have been talking about rookie cards for a long time - it is a subject near and dear to both of our hearts - the fact that not everyone agrees on everything is just that, a fact.
Can't wait for Victor's book on Rookie Cards to come out - a lot of work went into it and he is almost done. I think it's important that RC's be well-defined. Thanks Victor.
I have five sports card hobby/industry predictions for this coming year - I don't claim to be clairvoyant, but I do sense some macro trends - enjoy and Happy New Year!
I have five broad sports card collecting related goals to share for this next year - I don't usually do numerical goals but directional goals - Happy New Year!
I wanted to end the year focused on your questions - looking forward to another great year of hobbying whatever way you like - see you next year!
Nine more questions to answer before the end of the year - thanks and keep them coming to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and Happy New Year!
I started thinking about today, Christmas Day, and the deeper meaning - and I draw parallels in the way collectors are sometimes "religious" about this sports card hobby.
Besides grading the card, what other logistical concerns arise in the grading process - both internal and external - I try to address some of these concerns for a serious collector who contacted me directly.
Upper Deck's new complete set in a box (plus five additional parallels or inserts) is perhaps the beginning of an emerging trend in target marketing to teams and cities in hopes of growing the sports card collecting pie. Thanks Upper Deck!
Lots of hobby celebrations toward the end of the year - Rich is a big fan of Secret Santa promotions as win-win.
Rich and I sometimes are shoulder-to-shoulder deep in the dollar boxes at shows. Here are our takes on proper etiquette especially when it gets crowded.
Rich and I contrast today with the old days of gathering sports card price info almost exclusively from private sales.
When do you give up and cash out on a once-promising prospect? Does it depend on the sport or position or team? Excerpted from last week's Hobby Hotline.
Last week's live Saturday morning's Hobby Hotline dealt in part with the implications of eBay's significant financial investment in COMC. This is excerpted from that.
Just announced were the 25 semi-finalists for the Pro FB HOF. Finalists will be announced in January and then the selectees will be presented on February 8th. If you are interested in one of these players, consider getting ahead of the herd.
More questions from a variety of listeners on a variety of topics. I am enjoying the opportunity to share perspectives and insights that are relevant.
These recapped episodes cover about two months of three times a week podcasts plus ten YouTube Card Wall videos. Thanks for listening and watching.
Accumulating nine more hobby questions - some newer and some older - thanks for sending in your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
Mega-Bids can go very wrong - a discussion of the practice and implications of this aggressive bidding technique, which also has the clear effect of increasing prices.
My younger brother Chris is celebrating a milestone birthday tomorrow and I am reminded how blessed I have been to have him as my brother all these years. Plus I think I have finally solved the mystery of his missing 1967 Topps cards.
Got a number of questions and comments about last week's episodes on the recent hobby dinner convo - from doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and through YouTube - thanks!
I posted ten short six-minute videos to YouTube last week and got some good feedback that I wanted to share with all my listeners as well as viewers - thanks for your comments!
Rich Klein was my co-host and we were joined by a great and distinguished group: Rob Bernshteyn, Joe Davis, Josh Davis, John Keating, Chris McGill, Mike Moynihan, Victor Roman, Dave Sliepka, Bill Sliheet, Kristina Thorson, and Shane Zaiger.
Rich Klein was my co-host and we were joined by a great and distinguished group: Rob Bernshteyn, Joe Davis, Josh Davis, John Keating, Chris McGill, Mike Moynihan, Victor Roman, Dave Sliepka, Bill Sliheet, Kristina Thorson, and Shane Zaiger.
Rich Klein was my co-host and we were joined by a great and distinguished group: Rob Bernshteyn, Joe Davis, Josh Davis, John Keating, Chris McGill, Mike Moynihan, Victor Roman, Dave Sliepka, Bill Sliheet, Kristina Thorson, and Shane Zaiger.
We take a look at three different one-pack-per-box products from Upper Deck hockey and question exactly what is a hit these days. Thanks Upper Deck!
The ninth edition of this question series - topics are food, YouTube, 10X/1.1X/1.25X?, Keltay, and vintage non-sports - very eclectic and hopefully a bit for each listener. Thanks!
Enigmatic Bob Knight has passed at the age of 83. You could not be neutral about him - he had his detractors - but his basketball success was undeniable - what can we learn here?
First World Series Championship ever for the Rangers - so how might this effect their card values going forward - is this a dynasty? - and what about those Diamondbacks!
Why has the National not historically released attendance figures especially now as the event (and the sports card hobby) is really on a roll? Could there be a time in the future that Pre-Rookie Cards surpass major league RC's?
I co-hosted Hobby Hotline two weeks ago with Danny Black and Logan Ward and we discussed a variety of topics with our listeners and commenters. Check out the whole episode in case you missed it live.
Society is rapidly moving away from cash in terms of paying for stuff, including sports cards, which would really crimp my style as I prefer cash for buying. But there are "good" reasons for sellers to prefer cash as well.
My first card show that I co-promoted with old friend Gervise Ford may have also been the first show I even attended - Rich had apparently always been wanting to ask me about that. Thanks Rich.
Rich and I had a question from Kyle (not Kyle Robertson) about how to promote and run a smaller sports card show. I guess anybody can try to do it, but it's not as easy as it may look.
The final part of our time together, which flew by. Thanks Mike and Rich, for an enjoyable walk down memory lane. I met Mike even before I met Rich. Both hobby stalwarts.
Just three OG hobby guys talking about our greatest and favorite pastime (continued from the previous episode). Be sure to pick up (and read) Mike's book, Cramer's Choice.
Rich and I interview our long-time friend and hobby pioneer, Mike Cramer, who has excelled at just about every aspect of this great hobby. He was truly ahead of his time and is responsible for so many innovations, detailed in his new book, Cramer's Choice. Thanks Mike!
Only five questions this time, which means slightly more in-depth answers to the selected sports card hobby questions you submitted - thanks again!
Regular guest Leighton Sheldon with his Vintage Spotlight traded questions with me and he gave me a fresh perspective on an old topic - plus some additional probing interaction with Jeremy.
I was on for the first hour of Jeremy Lee's very popular Sports Card Live call-in show - always a treat - great moderation from Jeremy plus interacting with his knowledgable audience.
Chicago Bears' Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, the definitive middle linebacker, has passed away at the age of 80. We are losing legends - this is a hobby tribute to him.
Another batch of good listener sports card hobby questions - getting caught up finally - thanks and send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and I will consider them.
Another brief recap summarizing the last 25 episodes of this podcast - includes further reflections over the past eight weeks of hobby happenings - thanks sponsors, guests, and listeners.
Thanks to Upper Deck I conducted another box battle and the winner was SkyBox Metal Universe - of course there's more to the story - and I got another card to be slabbed for my wall!
An in-depth look at various considerations for collecting and buying sports cards personally autographed or unautographed - it's more complicated that you think.
Danny was my first choice to help me tribute the great Brooks Robinson, Hall of Fame third baseman and many say the best defensive third baseman ever. We will see what his passing this week does to his cards and autographs. Thanks Danny!
I was on last Saturday's live Hobby Hotline with Danny Black and John Newman - these are edited excerpts from that hour-long show, which I heartily recommend (whether I am on or not).
Typically there can be one or more of these sports card hobby questions where you listen and think - I want more on that topic - please just let me know.
Trying to get caught up with some of the excellent sports card questions my listeners and viewers have sent me or asked me in person - thanks and keep them coming.
Crammed nine different sports card hobby questions into this one 15-minute episode. Please let me know if you prefer longer treatments on these kinds of topics.
I distilled our 90-minute lunch into three 12-minute episodes. This is the last segment, after which I gave them a tour of my card wall and card sorting area.
Do kids have an advantage at a card show with their youthful energy and winsome salesmanship? I explain why I think they do, especially if they lean into learning mode.
Alex and Mike run their own companies and meet regularly with other peers to discuss their businesses. However they came over here to mainly talk about the sports card hobby.
Mike and Alex came over for lunch and we spent an hour and a half talking about the hobby - I know Mike from his excellent work at the company many years ago, but Alex is a new friend and an advanced collector of autographed rookie cards.
The final installment but still perhaps not the last word on this set - but we're getting closer and closer to understanding what was going on in 1948 and 1949.
More ramblings with Rich - if you have sports card hobby topics you would like us to address, please send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Opened a box of this beautiful multi-sport product compliments of Upper Deck - retro works for new especially when modern touches are added.
More questions back and forth with Dappz as we shared our experiences including at the recent Chicago National - thanks Dappz.
Danny Black and Rich Klein joined me on Hobby Hotline last Saturday - what if no new football cards for a while and we discussed Ohtani's pitching injury.
Danny Black and Rich Klein joined me on Saturday morning's live Hobby Hotline for these very timely topics - that should hopefully play out quickly.
Brian vocational experience merged with his hobby experience helps shed new light on this enigmatic and alluring set.
Dappz is a fellow creative content creator, who uses some platforms I do not. We traded questions for each other with my Dueling Questions format over Zoom. Thanks Dappz.
David and I continued our conversation - among other topics we explore the ways communities are formed and enhanced in our hobby/industry - thanks David!
David and I caught up after a busy Chicago National - and we discussed what's going on in our great industry - growing pains?
Random topics from Rich and myself - always a good time - the sixth time we have done this format - thanks Rich!
Goodwin Champions has helped me get up to speed on the secondary sports and even non-sports - there is a reason this product is recommended for ages 14 and above - thanks Upper Deck.
First time I have tried to answer nine listener questions in one 15-minute episode - keep your questions coming and thanks!
A brief recap of the past few weeks of episodes including the recent very successful National - and announcing that I am continuing after and past my episode 1000 - thanks!
I "promised" 1000 episodes and now that milestone is here - I will keep going - appreciate your support and keep your ideas and questions coming - doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - and thanks!
My thoughts a week after the most successful and largest sports card show in history - congrats to the Broggi and Berkus families?
This is excerpted from their YouTube channel - thanks to Ray Fonio, Victor Roman, and Mike Steveline - still one more day to vote - go to
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1ht7E5Y6pkSyB36Y8SlTsf6JKhxx5Iy-eQTmQWL8Vwst03Q/viewform
Ray Fonio, Mike Steveline, and Victor Roman join me for a discussion of my ballot this year - it's easy, please vote by 8/4/23 by going to
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1ht7E5Y6pkSyB36Y8SlTsf6JKhxx5Iy-eQTmQWL8Vwst03Q/viewform
Trimming cards deceptively is a problem - not sure how big a problem but it needs to be stopped or at least consistently recognized by all the grading companies.
One of the early pioneers at a precocious age, Mark wore many hats in his hobby career, but best known in the autograph and memorabilia business, buying, selling, and authenticating, most recently with Heritage Auctions. Beth worked closely with Mark for ten years.
Another eight listener questions accumulated on a variety of subjects - send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
John Newman always asks his own personal brand of questions on his show and that frequently evokes a certain different response from me.
Last chance on sharing thoughts on maximizing and optimizing your experience this year in Chicago at the National - see you there!
Self-regulation is better than government regulation - let's eliminate the bad guys by not doing business with them.
A small portion of the Hobby Hotline live show dedicated to the upcoming National in Chicago which I hope is the biggest ever.
Brian's background in graphic design and production provided some additional insights into this highly collectible but tricky and challenging 98-card set.
John and I talked on Zoom for an hour - here's 12 minutes on different topics - seemed like most of it was about podcasts and perhaps mine in particular - Thanks John!
The final part of my catch up with Nick and Mike hearing about the latest in their sports card hobby journey as a father and son working together. Thanks Mike and Nick!
I go way back with Jimbo's dad as you know from my recent Father/Son podcast with them - this episode is just mainly Jimbo and I talking hobby.
The final segment of our time on Zoom together including some of how her thinks graders operate - I can only speak for BGS during the time I was in charge.
Mark is trying to get every Boston Red Sox card - as such, going for vintage inserts, has been a worthy quest for him - we talk about how the hobby's definition of inserts has in a sense changed.
The last round of my responses to Torsten's insightful questions and comments largely about hobby-related issues raised in previous episodes of this podcast - thanks Torsten!
The second part of my conversation with Rick Probstein, about crossing over his 30 PSA 10 Jordan RC's to try for a BGS 10. He also laments whether, in his opinion, BVG is repairable?
The second part of my interview with Greg - it is still important to know the implicit grade of the card even if (and perhaps especially if) the card is raw.
Rich and I zoomed with Mark Hoyle - test issues can be a huge challenge to the consummate team collector - these are the cards where if you see them at the National on Wednesday, you probably should not wait and come back later.
Major eBay consignor Rick Probstein sat down with me over Zoom to talk about Beckett Grading, specifically BGS 10's and BVG vintage issues.
Generational transfer is heart-warming - three generations of Jaspersen's with the latest iteration culminating with their popular card shop and thriving breaking business.
The father-son team at JSA autograph authentications have been working together for 16 years - Jimbo grew up in the business and obviously has his father's DNA - and his ancestors who were autograph aficionados as well.
My dad passed away peacefully yesterday at the age of 97 after a very full life - we are sad, especially my mom, but we know he is in Heaven now - I would not be here if not for him and certainly not into sports card collecting - we cannot choose our parents - but we are to honor our parents and my dad was certainly worthy of honor.
Greg is one of the largest consignors on eBay especially for raw vintage cards. We talked about the growth of his business, and all the things we both used to do when our businesses were more manageable.
My last 25 episodes synopsized for your review and recollection - send me your suggestions (doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com) for episode 1000, as well as for (potentially) the second thousand episodes
This is an audio review of Upper Deck's Series Two hockey product, featuring Young Guns and much more - I got lots of Dallas Stars (that's good) but too many Las Vegas Knights (that's bad for a Stars fan).
I knew Cage and I would not be able to fit all our questions into one episode - could barely fit into two 15-minute episodes - thanks Cage.
This is the format where Rich and I just see where our sports card hobby conversation takes us - completely unscripted as always - thanks Rich!
All the way from Frankfurt, Germany - Torsten is Shaq's biggest fan - but our conversation today was much wider than that - thanks Torsten!
Rich and I hear from Mark Hoyle a passionate team collector (Red Sox and New England) who is well along in his hobby quest - congrats Mark.
Perhaps you have watched or listened to Cage - always interesting when trading questions with a attorney - especially one with a hobby background - thanks Cage.
One of the segments on this multi-topic show happened to be card trimming - which is perhaps getting more controversial or at least more discussed.
Legendary GOAT running back Jim Brown passed away on Friday at the age of 87 - John Newman and I remember his greatness during his nine-year career of excellence - typically the best card in each of the sets he appeared in.
My third round with Torsten across the Atlantic Ocean discussing his insightful questions and comments going deeper into some of my past episodes. Thanks Torsten!
Last Saturday's Hobby Hotline was focused on the recent hiring of my friend (and long-time hobby veteran) Kevin Isaacson as CEO of Beckett Media and my reaction to that. Listen to the whole Hobby Hotline episode!
Dick Perez, The Diamond King, is being featured in Marq's documentary film to be released next year - this was our discussion after we talked about that.
This time I told my sports card hobby origin story from the perspective of modern grading - as I was presenting live to some grading trainees at BGS - this is the edited version.
Dick and Marq came on for a discussion of their upcoming (next year) feature-length documentary film. Having already just listened to them on several of my favorite podcasts, I asked them some questions I had not heard addressed.
More ramblings with Rich - we were responding to some interesting listener questions - thanks Rich and thanks listeners.
Another 15 minutes of ramblings about our great hobby - thanks Rich and thanks listeners - send your suggestions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
Various aspects of personalization in our sports card and collecting hobby are discussed, including several you might not be expecting - thanks for your episode suggestions.
Rich and I enjoyed the first ramblings so much we re-upped for another spontaneous session - we both rambled!
Danny Black has launched Hobby News Daily along with a distinguished group of contributing writers - at this point it is free, so definitely check it out and sign up - thanks Danny!
Rich and I had accumulated a few different hobby topics for each other to chew on and this episode resulted - if you like it, we will do it again. Thanks!
I did a fantasy tournament of four different Upper Deck hockey boxes evaluating each by non-standard criteria as befits an audio podcast - thanks Upper Deck!
Five more listener questions and comments some from late last year as I got behind in responding, but please keep your questions coming, send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks again.
You would not think a funeral is a place where sports card hobby questions come up but there are exceptions ... and exceptional people.
Rich and I followed up our discussion of the previous two years with this much tougher offering from Topps, challenging primarily due to the difficulty of the high numbers in this set.
Longtime respected National dealer from North Carolina, Chandy Greenholt has passed away - he will be greatly missed by Rich, myself, and so many others - he was our friend.
Getting closer to 1,000 episodes! This has been fun. If you have episode suggestions, send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
This episode is inspired by John Keating's new podcast of that same name - I have my own list of cards (not just baseball) I should have gotten by now and I share my lament with you.
Rich and I compare and contrast these two unremarkable mid-decade Topps baseball products. Nevertheless we find interesting aspects to share about each of these sets.
Near Death Experiences discussed in terms of how you "hobby" when death is nearer, but perhaps not imminent. Every year I am simplifying, and you should too if you are close to my age.
The final portion of our longer conversation about the hobby with his particular emphasis on the Seventies - thanks John for an enjoyable ride through that decade, my favorite decade for collecting!
On the day before April Fools, we take a look at some extreme and/or absurd examples of hobby aspects that could be stretched beyond recognition. Have fun with this greatest hobby!
John Newman, Chris Harris, and Jeremy Lee joined in for this segment discussing the upcoming (today!) and expanded MINT Collective in Las Vegas. Hope it's a great event!
Collectors frequently ask me what will be the next big thing. Just within the world of sports there are so many types of collectibles that have yet to blow up.
John Keating has completed his 80-episode run of That Seventies Card Show - I was honored to be his guest on his episode 79 and here are some highlights excerpted - thanks John!
Danny Black and Adam Palmer joined me last Saturday for the hour-long Hobby Hotline live call-in show. Check out that show directly, as this only about ten minutes out of the hour.
Flippers come in many flavors and persuasions. Misconceptions abound - we take time to address this interesting hobby phenomenon, which would not happen unless the hobby was dynamic!
Tim and I had some industry-related questions for each other based on the many different things we have each done in this great hobby.
Hear my opinions, perspectives, valuations, and interpretations about the perceptions in the marketplace of the sometimes-misunderstood grade of BGS 9.5, which is Gem Mint, but not Perfect, or even Pristine.
I try to give a different perspective using recent and past history, taking a closer look at why this excellent hockey high-end card product is curiously back-dated.
Tim and I sit down for a chat about the hobby and his origin story as a baseball player (still), coach, and collector - truly a lifetime hobby - thanks Tim!
Rich and I were joined by Matt Galvin as well as Angela and Stephan Loeffler for a Saturday afternoon of sorting baseball cards and discussing cards, specifically how to collect within your means.
This is the last half of our interview - most of the best stuff was in the article, but there are a few interchanges here that you might enjoy, especially if you are into basketball cards - thanks Adam!
Adam had asked me to answer his basketball specific questions for publication in his excellent monthly publication, Basketball Card Fanatic. The issue and article have now appeared - you should subscribe digitally or physically - the article itself is better than these out-takes based on Adam's passion.
Danny Black and Logan Ward joined me on this hour-long original episode of Hobby Hotline from which this has been edited down to less than 15 minutes - be sure to catch Hobby Hotline when it comes out on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Bobby had teed up his first (excellent) historical question for me in advance so I could be thinking about it, but after that we both went free form - advanced collectors usually have advanced questions - Thanks Bobby!
Keith had been saving a question/answer/story for just this opportunity - in the end we both gently shot down each other's story as way more fiction than fact - thanks Keith.
This is the last part of Victor's interview of me regarding all things "Rookie Card" - check out his YT channel for more depth - I expect these definitions will continue to evolve - don't assume the way it is, is the way it will always be.
Victor interviewed me for an hour about rookie cards, his favorite topic and research area. One of the advantages of being older now is that I was there and present when some important decisions were made.
I interviewed Bobby Baseball (not his real name) and heard first hand about his fabulous collection - but coincidentally, some of the ways he goes about it, are similar to how I hobby - very interesting.
My friend Bill Huggins passed away on Valentine's Day from heart failure - very sad day for me - his auction however will live on keeping the same identity that Bill established so well. Sincerest condolences to Nancy, Ricky and Allison.
Keith shares his hobby origin story beginning with working in a card shop before joining Beckett Publications for twelve years and now Panini for twelve years - thanks Keith!
The last two months of thrice-weekly episodes quickly summarized or commented on based on the passage of time - most episodes are intended to be evergreen, but many necessarily are not. Send your episode ideas to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
I opened a couple of this year's Upper Deck SP boxes and reminisce about the origins of the SP brand and its extensions and coverage across various sports. My choice was surprising even to me.
I opened three boxes of different brands of this year's Panini football cards - the distinguishing feature was that each box had 15 or less cards - certainly helping me with my desire to have less cards each year. Thanks Panini!
Matt came over a couple of Saturdays ago and we turned on the recorder - Rich Klein as well as Stephan and Angela Loeffler were here too - to find out how and why Matt is pursuing T206's as he has successfully launched with his young family.
Ryan Stuczinski, founder of GemRate, actually dropped in virtually to join my co-hosts John Newman and Victor Roman for this weekly rotational live call-in show and so we took advantage by drilling deeper on what's going on in grading.
The second part of my conversation with the Hall's founders, Ray Fonio, Bart Batholomew, and Scott Nathan. Just google Football Card Hall of Fame to find out more and vote (before Feb 9th) - and thanks guys!
Ray Fonio, Bart Bartholomew, and Scott Nathan join me to review the inaugural candidates for their Football Card Hall of Fame - the ten cards selected based on your votes will be announced on February 11th - I voted and you should too if you love football cards.
Yesterday was the eighteenth anniversary of Beckett Publications being sold. So much has happened since. John Newman and Danny Black ask me about feelings, regrets, and what-if's. You can see the full video interview on their channel. Thanks!
Danny Black and John Newman invited me on their Card Mensches show to discuss my retrospective thoughts on (18 years ago) selling the company I founded and which still bears my name.
Adam and I spent time on the ins and outs of the survey itself as well as the results, which have been broadly published and are indeed provocative, although Adam explains how the results are representative of the opinions of those surveyed. Thanks Adam!
Patrick and I have a wide-ranging conversation primarily about the future. As entrepreneurs we think about how things could be different and how we should respond to the opportunities.
After acquiring a larger collection, even priced right, what are the appropriate selling platforms for getting the excess cards into the hands of someone who is eager to pay for and receive them? Every card has an eventual home.
Long-time contributor Skepi (not his real name) sent me a bunch of interesting hobby questions - I answered many of them in this episode but reserved several for the next time Skepi guests in person - thanks Skepi!
Patrick shares his hobby origin story and how he has amassed a terrific collection and he is not done as he has lofty goals that are exciting and are a huge motivator for him, and correlate with his successful entrepreneurial career.
Steve, Rich, and I have talked basketball cards seemingly every year at the National for decades. Steve has the inside scoop and has always been willing to share - thanks Steve!
Rich Klein came over along with Angela and Stephan Loeffler and Matt Galvin and we sorted cards and recorded this podcast about their recent experiences with Secret Santa programs for our hobby. Thanks and enjoy!
Many more than expected deaths in 2022 including many Hall of Famers and several who had not been tributed but were very deserving - understanding the short-term impact on their cards and memorabilia.
Patrick had some questions for me concerning the seemingly slow adoption of past products that are now absolutely iconic. Patrick shares his strategy of getting ahead of where others are eventually going.
The discussion of vaults - pros and cons - short term and long term - was discussed during this live show along with co-hosts Danny Black and Cousin Tony.
Adam joins me to discuss his brainchild, the PWCC Iconic 100. In spite of Adam's obvious passion for basketball cards, the Iconic 100 survey results reflected an eclectic mix of trading cards, within which were many surprises.
Mike Sommer, Wax Pack Hero, and fellow podcaster, had accumulated some questions for me since the last time we had seen each other. Send your questions to me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and Thanks Mike!
Not smart to just send in random cards to a third-party grading service. Not just the player, but the expected condition, needs to be considered and there are many "experts" out there who can help you with that.
Patrick and I had an extended conversation over here at my office and this segment dealt with our somewhat corporate speculation on what and how Fanatics may exponentially grow our hobby.
Steve, Rich, and I caught up on the phone yesterday for an hour - mostly talking about obscure basketball sets and especially Star Company of which Steve is the authority - thanks Steve for sharing your hard-earned knowledge.
Our friend and colleague Mark Anderson sadly has passed away - Joe White and Rich Klein join me in honoring his memory and his significant part in the birth, structure, and growth of BGS.
Now that I am releasing only three episodes a week, MWF, these recaps will become less frequent, but still something that allows me to further reflect on the previous episodes - thanks for listening.
Mike and I both recently bought larger collections this year and we explore the methods we used to break down the collection into manageable and sellable segments.
Future Hall of Fame status is harder to predict with football players - and is not a guarantee of sky-rocketing demand post-announcement.
Thanks Val and Logan - rarely do I get so much new material (and never-before-asked questions) from my guest appearances on other shows - look forward to coming on again!
Danny had lots of questions for me and since it was his show he asked away - enjoyed his quick wit and penetrating questions - thanks Danny.
Type card collecting has been a huge part of my collecting experience over the decades - yes, even Nascard, Indy, and F1, I pursued them all in hopes of cataloging everything eventually.
Broke a box of this year's hockey - thanks Upper Deck - as always my audio set reviews are a reflective combination of my past, present, and future thoughts.
On December 4th at the Winter Meetings the Contemporary Era Committee will vote on which if any of the eight finalists will make the Hall of Fame - I make my case for two superstars with unimpeachable statistical cases.
Tamer's background is in music - I love music too, and we both love sports cards - we draw on some of the similarities and structures common to both - thanks Tamer.
Val Marz and Logan Ward had me on as a guest on their Nascard Radio show last month and their racing-centric hobby approach led to some new questions which I appreciated - and enjoyed - thanks.
I give a shout out to my brother who has a Thanksgiving birthday and had a place in my hobby journey - plus an important announcement about the future of this podcast.
The final part of my conversation with Jade involved analytics of recent rookies and the wisdom to know when to sell promising but unproven rookies.
Kyrie and Twitter have both been front page news lately - they are connected in that Twitter "says" Kyrie is the most hated player in the NBA - how does that negativity affect his card values and card sales?
Last Saturday's Hobby Hotline is worth checking out in its entirety, but here is a snippet about autographed cards I hope you enjoy - if you have questions or comments, you can send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks.
Hobby Hotline with Danny Black, Sports Balt and Adam Palmer, Heros for Sale - we launched into a discussion of the true current and future value of Pujols' milestone home run ball.
Stephan and Angela were here on a Saturday along with Rich Klein and we had a fun afternoon of looking at and sorting cards and recording a couple of podcasts - thanks!
Tamer has his own channel and had accumulated lots of interesting hobby questions for me for this simulcast - I appreciated his thoughtful approach and hope you do too. Thanks Tamer.
Jade had saved up a few years of questions for me some relating to COMC and others about the sports card hobby, and I, of course, had some hypotheticals for him - thanks Jade!
Card collectors and investors can be an addictive behavior with respect to their connection with sports cards - what do you do when you see a collector friend getting in too deep in terms of money or time?
Danny has had several interesting career paths outside the sports card hobby including sport teams and radio - this is our second battle of questions but perhaps not our last - thanks Danny!
Logan and I trade interesting questions about this great sports card hobby and he proposes a trade that I will not immediately accept but will consider - thanks Logan!
Football is quarterback-centric in terms of card prices - Ray Guy was the best at what he did, but not being a QB puts his card values not in disrespect, but clearly not in the upper echelon. RIP Ray Guy.
John had a number of provocative questions - essentially how green is our hobby and industry? How big of a concern is this or will it be?
Danny and I exchange our hobby questions for answers and they were not all about Pittsburgh and Baltimore - thanks Danny and welcome to the Hobby Hotline team!
The last five weeks of episodes summarized into a sentence or two in most cases. Let me know what topics or issues you would like to hear more of at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks for listening.
Rich Klein recommended that I interview Jade, his associate at COMC - an enjoyable time focusing on Jade's sports card origin journey including working in a card shop for ten years before coming to COMC.
I have known Mike for decades - this was a great autograph collection - even Mike was impressed - great to see an authentic baseball memorabilia collection that has not been picked over - the "good" stuff is actually great - see for yourself at tmnauctions.com
This auction contains a massive amount of iconic baseball autographed memorabilia from a non-hobby friend of mine - the catalog looks great - tmnauctions.com - we will see how things turn out as the auction closes November 6th!
One of John's questions was about card doctoring and what my observations and experiences over the years had been - it's a controversial topic - and we agree that goes especially when/if you are trying to defraud another collector.
Danny has recently joined the Hobby Hotline team. When our HH group had dinner at the National, we decided to guest on each other's channels - thanks Danny!
John Keating is back with some more sports card hobby questions for me to ponder and address - thanks John for the stimulating discussion!
Logan and I discussed his sports card collecting origin story, hitting the ground running as a serious collector right from the start - we are wondering if we crossed paths in Chicago in 1976?
I won this lot and was overwhelmed - 63 blasters, hangers, and mega's - from baseball, basketball, and football - a learning experience indeed, but not a profitable one financially.
Got a box from Upper Deck of this beautiful product - alas did not open/get a PMG, but got many other aesthetically pleasing cards of athletes I collect from all sports - thanks Upper Deck!
I opened up a hobby box courtesy of Topps and was very pleased with the cards and the experience - when you really like even the base cards of a product, that's a great start.
Bruce Sutter has passed at 69 years of age - Hall of Fame reliever and Cy Young winner - a worthy tribute to another star who has died too young.
Mike had enough good questions for at least two of my 15-minute (or less) shows - consider going to his Golden Age of Cardboard for the whole video interview - thanks Mike!
Mike saved up some tough and fresh questions for me and asked them on his longer YouTube format - this is an excerpt - go to Golden Age of Cardboard for all of Mike's stuff - thanks Mike.
Sports card show hospitality rooms are a distant cousin of today's trade nights - Rich and I talk about the relative strengths and fun of each after-show concept.
The last part of Hobby Hotline last Saturday (check out the show in its entirety including video on YT) dealt with the growth percentages by sport that were published by eBay - and how to interpret them.
I was joined by Brad Bethune and Victor Roman for last Saturday's Hobby Hotline and the conversation ranged from the recent Industry Summit to the effects of Hurricane Ian on Florida collectors.
Rich and I explain why cards came in series back in the day - was that really simpler for collectors? Or is today's approach better in these impatient times?
The Industry Summit in Las Vegas had record attendance from local card shop owners and online retailers this year (actually last week) - I gave a short talk of which this is an abridgement.
Today is my mom's 97th birthday - 1961 was a pivotal year in my collecting and my mom (and dad) had a big part in that - thanks mom - Happy Birthday!
A very complicated and misunderstood set that is worthy of further scrutiny. I was a serious collector of this set collecting it in the 1970's, and one of the first collectors to do so, so I was eager to discuss with others who also love the set.
I was responding to a recent episode of Mike's Golden Age of Cardboard where he discusses (with Bluejacket66, thanks Dave!) the iconic Leaf baseball set that, in a sense, broke the color barrier, but was not a commercial success.
Carrying over from yesterday, Jim and I discuss his new venture. I was especially interested in how there could be some positive father-son opportunities in his content creation. And oh yes, it's my wife Diane's birthday today!
Jim Telford is starting a podcast and YouTube channel discussing vintage sports cards but also blended in some sense with his other passion for wine as a restaurant and wine bar owner in California.
Last week's Hobby Hotline show was packed as usual - you should check the show out on its entirety - every week it's different topics and frequently listener driven, which I like.
Brief recap and/or amplification of the previous 25 episodes including any second thoughts I may or may not have on the content - let me know what you like - doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
TCMA put out several types of interesting sets, old-timers, minor leaguers, etc. Very collectable now, but Rich and I discuss those early forgotten days. Thanks Rich.
Most of last Saturday's call-in live show centered on Albert Pujpls 700th homer the day before and what was going to happen to "the ball" and his cards.
Rich and I reminisce about base-stealer extraordinaire Maury Wills and his best cards, several of which are quite challenging - Maury made the game more exciting!
Send your questions or comments to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and hopefully I can address them in a future episode - thanks!
My seventh installment of seven questions answered about the sports cards hobby and this podcast from my listening friends.
Lately on more than one occasion I have bought the whole dollar box - you bring the cards home and then the fun (and work) begins.
It's my dad's 97th birthday today - we're having dinner with him and my mom this evening - but reminded me how I came to ponder the hobby phenomenon of high numbers.
With all the recent publicity and world record prices for cards, I have seen a big uptick in friends calling me about wanting to sell their sports card collections for big bucks.
I won the lot in their latest auction and had great fun opening 60 blasters, hangers, and jumbos. I got a big surprise in one of the packs - that's why we all love opening packs!
The third and final part of our enjoyable conversation. Look forward to seeing him (and many of you) at the National in Chicago next summer (2023).
The final (for now) exchange of sports card hobby questions between Michael and me - we are both looking for constructive ways to make the hobby better.
Mike's chance to turn the tables on me with his hobby questions - but we both saw the hobby up close for the past three decades and more.
Some collectors keep better records than others - some know how much profit they have made on a collection they bought and others have no idea - be careful - the IRS may have ideas.
Jobs in the industry are now more available that they have ever been - we are all happy where we are, but see this as a good thing.
Ray had apparently saved up 45 years of questions going back to the earliest days of the organized sports card hobby in the Dallas area - fond reminiscences.
Our extended conversation ran afield covering many topics of our shared experiences in the hobby and academic worlds.
Michael and I kept going - it was difficult to separate and segment our interview as it was flowing - thanks Michael for your sports card insights.
Among other topics I asked Mike about his experience in the '90's with Fleer before they went sideways - the brands and designs were really good, but what went wrong?
Dallas hobby veteran set collector Ray Cherry joins for his origin story as he has just recently retired from a long successful career in the security industry.
Brad and Rich were over here and Brad had saved up a number of sports card hobby questions for us - thanks Brad - and Rich too!
Clemente is a Journalism Professor in New York City at King's College and an avid soccer fan and collector - we had even more in common as you listen in to our discussion - thanks Clemente!
I typically enjoy interviewing other content creators - Michael has also commented on my content (as well as others) - we had free-wheeling exchange about what's right and wrong about the hobby.
Mike and I sat down (over Zoom) and discussed his success path in the hobby having worn the many hats that the really good hobby executives have either experienced or have on their leadership teams - thanks Mike.
Every sport has a farm system of sorts. Minor League hockey coexists along with college hockey and junior hockey as a showcase for young hockey talent. UD's hockey coverage via AHL includes this chance to get them while they are young.
Recap and reconsideration of the past 25 episodes over the last five weeks, including before and after the successful National in Atlantic City.
I guested on Herman and Kin's live YouTube evening show for almost an hour but this is a small portion - go check their show out each week.
Herman and I have been co-hosts on Hobby Hotline together so I gave him advance notice to come up with some good questions for me - thanks Herman!
Brian and I got on a roll - turns out we had more than one episode's worth of dueling questions - thanks Brian!
Each dueling questions episode is different depending on the backgrounds of those involved - thanks Brian for your great questions.
Brad Bethune, Rich Klein, and Victor Roman were co-hosts with me on this recent edition of Hobby Hotline - watch the whole show - it is live twice a week for an hour - this is just an excerpt.
Braves fan Herman Bryant shared his hobby origin story - his two faves are Dale Murphy and Freddie Freeman. Hope to see you Herman at next year's National in Chicago!
Four different products from three different sports - all four hobby boxes around the $200/box price on the secondary market - enjoyed opening them and picking (my) winner - thanks Panini!
Brian and I had a wide-ranging discussion of his hobby background and his entrepreneurial bent - we had some similarities and some differences - but specifically we are both enjoying what we are doing.
I surprised myself by actually preferring the box with fewer cards even though I loved the design of SP Authentic - I am becoming exclusively a player collector with a large number of players that I follow (in all sports).
Torsten keeps sending me interesting data analytic questions and comments drawing on other fields of interest - you might learn something!
Another interesting group of eight sports card hobby questions from listeners and viewers - send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
The management of the National Sports Collectors Convention going forward will no longer be spearheaded by the Berkus and Broggi families, who have carried the ball so well for the past 15 years - thanks!
I explain how this came about and who was the lucky one - lots of fun opening this iconic hobby turning point baseball card box - thanks Geoff and Rob!
I was there but Rich was not able to go at the last minute due to his wife's COVID (now fully recovered) so this was our discussion of how it went from both of our perspectives.
Bill Russell has passed at 88 - dynastic winner who changed his hobby ways late in life and we are all beneficiaries of that - even though his playing career mostly fell in the era without annual basketball card sets.
When I spent the afternoon at Burbank, we kept the cameras and recorders rolling covering a variety of sports card hobby subjects - this segment was derived from a longer Instagram Live, which you should see on Rob's channel.
When I spent the afternoon at Burbank, we kept the cameras and recorders rolling covering a variety of sports card hobby subjects - this segment was derived from a separate non-live Instagram episode, which you should see on Rob's channel.
When I spent the afternoon at Burbank, we kept the cameras and recorders rolling covering a variety of sports card hobby subjects - this segment was derived from a longer Instagram Live, which you should see on Rob's channel.
I got many responses and comments on past episode #761 - lots of strident opinions - appreciate the candor - let's be constructive to improve our sports card hobby
One of my consultant friends sent me the top ten reasons leaders fail - to be honest I did not get a perfect score - a cautionary note to other leaders in our great sports card hobby.
Rob saved the tour of the warehouse (a short block away) for last - one of the Seven Wonders of the Collecting World - the numbers are impressive but the organization even moreso - well done Rob!
I spent the whole afternoon at Burbank Sportscards, never a dull moment with Rob and all the customers and staff - the place was hopping on a Friday afternoon - I'll be back!
I visited Burbank Sportscards - I had been meaning to for twenty years - since my last personal visit had been to their previous smaller location - super impressive - a must stop-in if you are Southern California - thanks for the hospitality Rob!
I have attended every National Sports Collectors Convention and have fond memories of all, but certainly there have been highlights ... and the National is trending!
The last five weeks of daily episodes summarized - upon further reflection for some of them - always eager to hear which episodes you enjoy the most as it does not always correlate with listener stats - thanks!
John interviewed me for his excellent show focusing on the earliest annual National Sports Collectors Conventions beginning in 1980 with the first one - thanks John!
Collectable is piecing together a history of the National Sports Collectors Convention - I enjoyed my conversation with Ezra about the many high points over the years.
Ezra interviewed me for Collectable's series, "Road to the National", since I have attended all 42 Nationals - this is an excerpted part, audio only - but you are encouraged to check out the whole series on their website or channel - thanks Ezra.
My fifth round of accumulating eight listener questions related to sports cards - keep them coming - send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
I give ten thoughts about the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City and detail my preparation for it - hope to see you there!
The very successful, six times a year, Dallas card shows are an important part of the hobby's card show calendar, but there's only one National, this year in Atlantic City and next year in Chicago.
Among other things we talk about the upcoming inaugural International Trading Card Day from Topps/Fanatics. This is one way the hobby can dynamically grow with increased worldwide exposure - thanks Topps and Fanatics!
We were on for almost an hour, here's the last edited portion that I thought was worth sharing - thanks Mike and Ty for contributing again to collaborative hobby content.
Bench Clear Media's annual HobbyPalooza involved a special edition of Hobby Hotline, essentially simulcast, and with a lively, expanded roster of co-hosts.
Kunal and I had an extended conversation, with then and now considerations. Looking forward to his imprint on my old company. He is in the process of moving to Dallas, so we will hear more from Kunal later.
I had the pleasure of hearing Kunal's exciting plans for my old company - truly an exciting time for him to come into this industry with his strong tech leadership background - welcome Kunal!
Roger is one of the very few who can say he pulled Mantle(s) straight from the pack back in the day. He wishes he still had them, yes multiples, don't we all wish we had held!
I thought I had some interesting "what if" questions for the Schulte's - son Ryan was fearless and Ray was the voice of experience after so many years of deep involvement with major hobby events and organizations
Jordan and I have been on each other's shows, but I had never met Bob until now - glad I did - father/son dynamics are powerful - it was great to hear their respective questions and answers. Thanks Hagedorn's!
Lots of great questions from and for the Gotcher family - mainly about card store retailing and how they run their successful card shop in New Buffalo, MI together.
After several years of spending significant time at their National booth, I was sure they had some good questions, and they did - thanks!
Roger is an old friend and veteran vintage sports card dealer who has helped many a collector complete their sets - along with some great stories - thanks Roger!
Around the horn with questions coming in age order - really enjoyed my time with Joe and his son Josh - and will see them in person at the upcoming National!
I break down a box of 2021 SP Authentic Golf - literally and figuratively - got the best result in terms of autos that I have ever experienced - thanks Upper Deck!
Jordan "For the Hobby" is actually "For the Bobby" as his dad Bob is dealing with colorectal cancer - thanks Bob for sharing your story and how you have positively impacted your son Jordan and his new card shop.
Last year was Ryan first immersion experience at the National following in his father Ray's footsteps. At 12, Ryan has a bright future under his father's mentorship and experience as a brand advisor for many hobby and sports clients.
The Gotcher's are faithful supporters of the hobby and Hobby Hotline - I thought it would be great to hear from them Father's Day week as to their family's sports card shop in New Buffalo, MI.
The first booth I shopped at the National for the past several years has been the Bachman's - great selection with fair prices and personable service.
Joe and Josh discuss their father-son hobby dynamic now separated by 2000 miles - but I expect to see them both together at the National this year - here's their story.
Another four weeks of daily episodes for your review in case you missed some - your episode ideas please send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Lots of ways to get to Atlantic City - but where to stay is the question - some "what if" creative approaches to lodging and transportation at the National.
John Newman (Sports Card Nation) and Corey Donovan (YamWax) were my co-hosts on Saturday morning's Hobby Hotline and this was our first major topic of discussion.
Rob Veres suggested Southern California as the epicenter of the sports card hobby but he was shouted down and out-voted by the many Texans in the room.
Too many slabs are emerging of some high supply and low demand cards and players - how will the market handle this equilibrium with grading fees increasing across the board?
Rich asked me to take a second deeper look at the hesitation I had before starting BGS back in 1999 - yes, I wish we had jumped in faster in hindsight!
Grant and I had an extended DQ session that spilled over because we both had some good sports card hobby questions - thanks Grant!
Non-physical cards conjured up many meanings - from NFT's to vaults to bank safe deposit boxes to fractionals - most collectors would probably rather just have the card in hand.
Mike Moynihan asked each of us what we wanted our sports card hobby legacy to be in terms of our content creation efforts - how we would be remembered.
This question was less controversial than I thought it would be - unfortunately the question submitter was not able to attend.
Another dinner question that drew a wide range of responses from the content creators in attendance - thanks Kyle Robertson for securing a meeting room for us.
John has an impressive list of big corporate sponsors for this "cards plus much more" show in Portland, Oregon, over Father's Day weekend.
Go to worldsofsport.com for more info on John's inaugural event on Father's Day weekend in Portland - with cards and much more.
Our dinner panel discussed how to make the hobby more welcoming to women and other demographics and ethnicities through our podcasts and YouTube channels.
This was our first question as voted on by our content creator panelists that evening, even though the question was suggested by someone who unfortunately missed the dinner due to illness.
I asked each of the 16 distinguished content creator attendees at the dinner to self-introduce and then declare their order of (content creator) collector, investor, dealer. Thanks Chris Sewell.
Grant and I go another round of sport card hobby and history questions - heavy on BGS this time - and some then and now stuff - thanks Grant!
Another accumulation of eight interesting sports card questions from listeners and viewers - keep them coming to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks again!
Thanks Ray from Philly, Mike Steveline, and Victor Roman for your hard work on this worthy project that I enjoyed interacting with - every collector is encouraged to vote on your favorite iconic cards.
This is excerpted from their hour-long YouTube show detailing and showing the ballot and my selections - thanks Ray from Philly, Mike Steveline, and Victor Roman Sr.
Ray from Philly, Mike Steveline, and Victor Roman asked me to guest on their YouTube show, discussing this year's ballot of 40 excellent and iconic cards for consideration - we discuss the cards and my choices - thanks guys!
Grant has watched his conception grow and evolve into an extremely interesting and complicated product that has wide and eclectic interest - thanks Grant!
Shwe is investigating the curious and tragic case of collector/investor Dennis Walker - his mysterious death and the whereabouts of the rest of his world-class collection after all these years (more than 30 years ago). Thanks Shwe!
Frank (and his surviving wife Vivian) founded and ran Baseball Hobby News, a very influential publication, which Rich and I, and many others, greatly enjoyed.
I describe my auction winnings, namely a group of seven not-so-new football hobby boxes - I am a card collector, not a box collector - so I opened all the boxes!
The last four weeks of individual daily episodes summarized along with further commentary (in case something was missed ... by me).
Shwe is a journalism student and podcaster on assignment and we had a discussion about the exciting chase (that has always been) central to the sports card hobby.
Thanks to my co-hosts (John Newman and John Keating) and the live call-ins, another robust Saturday morning hobby discussion -listen to the whole hour either live next week or on your favorite podcast app - thanks!
Skepi (not his real name) has sent me many insightful questions about sports cards and this hobby - this episode is about the pros and cons of re-packs, for your consideration.
Ryan and I traded sports card hobby questions and answers - I think I represent the past and Ryan represents the future - but Ryan is a vintage guy at a young age and you gotta love that!
John is the co-founder of the mobile (free) card identification app, Center Stage, which is surprisingly fast, due to their clever approach - thanks John!
Another eight different listener questions worth addressing - from eight different thoughtful listeners - send me your sports card questions about the past, present, or future - thanks!
Most of Ryan's show involved my "show and tell" of a few interesting cards - this is a brief segment more suited to our audio format as our conversation was wide-ranging. Thanks Ryan!
Rich and I talk about the re-birth of Fleer baseball (current player) cards back in 1981 (not a terrible start all things considered) and how Fleer handled the junk wax era before its eventual demise almost 25 years later.
I met Grayson at the MINT Collective and heard about all the good things happening for the sports card hobby in Australia and his interesting business journey - thanks Grayson
What is the best way to optimize or maximize the sale of a 30-card set that lists for $5? Rich and I compare strategies and expectations and downsides ... as it depends.
Questions keep coming in - send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - now trying to answer or comment on eight recent questions or comments in my 15-minute episodes - thanks!
Brutally Honest Kirt challenged my assertion (or presumption) that sports card collecting is the greatest hobby in the world - how's that for hyperbole!
A couple of topics we thoughtfully considered - both of which can have a huge impact on the high-end sports card hobby/industry - thanks Skepi!
I threw out some ideas about kids and then we ran with it for a while - we both agree that more kids in the sports card hobby is better - kid's crate is a great start, but there could (will?) be more!
Torsten regularly sends me his thoughts, and he has been my guest several times via Zoom from Germany - these are his latest sports card questions and comments relating to past episodes. Thanks Torsten!
Brad Bethune TXCardDude and Chris Harris StaleGum were my co-hosts for last month's live call-in Hobby Hotline show - the conversation about Team USA cards and their relative respect was worth sharing.
Kirt had a list of specific constructive criticisms, which I did my best to address both from a current and historical perspective. He's an excellent example of a sharp IT guy who loves the sports card hobby and has found his niche - thanks Kirt!
Skepi and I discuss Card Ladder with a special focus on the future, of what it is now and what it could become. The fact that it started out basketball-centric may be a distant memory in five years - we'll see! Thanks all!
Great opportunity for me and others to hear Jeff's story, as he is following after hobby stalwart Tracy Hackler (now road-showing!) - but Jeff has plenty of cred on his own - look forward to working with him - thanks Jeff!
Trying to make sense of production release schedules and delays has become the rule rather than an exception - this segment discusses the rippling frustration and how collectors and dealers are responding.
Kirt had many questions for me, but we started by unpacking his "brutally honest" trade name, after which we dug deep on some serious sports card hobby topics - thanks Kirt!
Joe and I sat down together at the MINT Collective for a one-on-one - which believe it or not we had never done back in the day when we were both CEO's - thanks Joe for the passionate commitment you bring!
The final part of my wide-ranging conversation with Josh - special thanks to Ray Schulte for helping make it happen, Chris Corbellini of Collectable for the A/V support, and Collectable's CEO Ezra Levine for spearheading the effort to get so many influencers together in Vegas for the MINT Collective.
Josh and I sat down in the Collectable Podcast studio (sorry, not fully sound-proofed) at the MINT Collective in Las Vegas and just talked about the sports card hobby, past, present, and future. Thanks Josh!
The last twenty-five episodes filled with sports card insights in case you missed some (or I mis-spoke) - these recaps are another way for me to continue our dialogue about what makes this sports card hobby so great - thanks!
Jeremy Lee interviewed me for more than an hour about the MINT Collective and Collectable's interesting coming-soon IPO's - check out his whole YouTube show - this is only a snippet - thanks Jeremy!
Jeff Hoferer, Panini's Hobby Marketing Director, sent over three different boxes of this year's basketball product - in spite of a strong pull from the highest price box - it was not my preference with respect to what I would pick going forward (if I had to pick just one). Thanks Jeff and Panini!
Doug, Cody, and I took a time-out at the MINT Collective and recorded this podcast directly from the show floor - thanks guys - keep up the great work with all you do! Check out MojoBreak!
First a word about the importance of excellent vision and pattern recognition in the sports card hobby and then an interesting application of a medical nano-technology for your contemplation.
This Today's Collector interview (the full version) was released on YouTube leading up to the MINT Collective and was an effort to share different styles of collecting (and investing) from the present (and the past). Enjoy this short excerpt. Thanks Jeremy.
We kept the recorder going since I had a few additional basketball card questions for Jake and unsurprisingly he had a few extras for me as well - thanks Jake - enjoyed it!
Joel and I sat down near the end of the ground-breaking, first event of its kind, MINT Collective, in Las Vegas, and we share our perspective on the success as well as some suggestions for next year. Thanks Collectable, IMG, and eBay ... and thanks Joel!
Today's Collector is found on the MINT Collective YouTube Channel - this is a small part of my interview that ran there in its entirety a few weeks ago.
Two similar but different baseball boxes - one slightly more expensive even with less autographs promised - both seven cards in the one pack which is the box - which one to choose - depends on how knowledgable you are about prospects and young players.
I compare Upper Deck Hockey Series One with O-Pee-Chee - both fine hockey products - I preferred O-Pee-Chee based on my collecting approach but UD Series One was probably better due to the Young Guns phenomenon. Thanks Upper Deck!
Marty's interview went into overtime as we traded stories and reminiscences about the good old days of primarily baseball, and first and foremost for him, the New York Yankees. Thanks Marty!
As you would expect from Jake, mostly basketball questions from him, and I gave him my best historical recollections. History does not always repeat itself, but it's not to be ignored either.
Rich and I analyze the age-old battle between Mantle and Mays and the demand for their cards - what are the key factors determining why Mantle has become so much pricier?
Ryan's latest book is very helpful and recommended (and cheap insurance against getting burned) - it seems everyone eventually has an encounter with a counterfeit card. Thanks Ryan for your research!
Marty was the long-time PR Director for the New York Yankees and has lots of stories about Mantle and other Yankee stalwarts. He also has written 24 books and worked for Topps, so I hope you enjoy his perspective as much as I did. Thanks Marty!
Tom Brady has un-retired - celebration - confusion - certainly more upside than downside in the football card hobby, as Tom can add to his career stats - and more importantly, pursue another Super Bowl.
Jake Roy shares his sports card (mostly basketball) origin story - I'd like to say Jake is typical for guys his age, but no, he's more passionate!
Rich sold all his cards at the last show and shares his feelings after the fact - it was a premeditated sale and we will see how long it takes Rich to build back better - in the meantime he will still be attending his usual shows including the resumption of his popular Adat synagogue show later this year.
Does the sports card hobby have identity issues - how healthy would we say it is? Plus, what it takes to get kicked off my card wall, or at least quietly replaced.
Would you attend a single-sport card show - I certainly would - assuming I loved that particular sport - I appreciate shows that have a known established distinctive tradition. Thanks Ken.
Young Ryan Nolan has a great story, being a (vintage!) collector from his earliest memories - however in spite of his youth he has published a book, Spotting Fakes, and VLOG's many of the sports card shows around the country at shows, 52 shows last year!
I started selling some lots on eBay and, although bucking some conventional wisdom, am enjoying the experience, and it has converted a bunch of cards into a few coins (not gold coins!).
Kevin sent me eight thematic ways he collects and displays sports cards and I commented as to whether I did it that way or some other way as we had some overlap.
John had saved up some questions for me and I did my best to answer them - the problem with the past can be that it was a long time ago, and he stumped me on his first question. Thanks John!
The last five weeks of daily podcasts in a very brief summary format in case you missed a few, plus additional insights that have come up in the interim including some more card wall videos posted to my YouTube channel - thanks for listening or watching.
Seven more sports card hobby questions from the email bag - thanks and send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thank you very much!
Ken and I swapped questions and answers all about hockey card collecting, including how, when, and why the Beckett Hockey monthly magazine got started.
Kevin is a third-grade teacher and we continued our robust discussion about how to get kids more involved in this great sports card hobby.
John and I interviewed each other, commenting and following up on topics discussed on our mutual past podcast episodes, starting off with the plight of hobby sports card distributors.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a hobby content event - especially a live twice-weekly call-in video show with rotating multiple, eclectic hosts - it works!
Jay Baker, former CEO of Kohl's, specialized 26 years ago on meaningful memorabilia from the five iconic players of his favorite team, the New York Yankees, and Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Jeter. Now viewable on exhibit at Artis-Naples, The Baker Museum, in Naples, Florida. Great foresight, Jay!
Another seven - always different - always surprised - thanks for your sports card hobby questions and comments - keep them coming - and send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
John Newman and Jeff Dinson were my co-hosts on this recent Hobby Hotline, where we discussed, along with live commenters, the roll-out of this eBay Authentication requirement for certain items above $750.
Anything newsworthy can have an effect on card sales and prices - changing teams especially - hobby love is stronger with certain cities and franchises - we will see how it plays out in the standings and future card values.
Those selected each year sometimes see a bump in their card values and interest - however this year some of the non-selectees were just as hot, likely because they are considered good bets for next year.
Jay has the best memorabilia collection in the world for the Yankees' Big Five: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Jeter - currently on exhibit at Artis-Naples, The Baker Museum, in Naples, Florida.
I accumulated another seven questions from a variety of sources - please send your sports card hobby questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Josh Luber's epic paper on the hobby/industry deserves a read (and a re-read). Eager to see how Fanatics tries to take our hobby/industry to the next level. I mention several interesting important asides amplifying or clarifying some of Josh's excellent points.
The third and final installment of my interview with Ryan - I was curious about his business model and his technical prowess and where he will be a in a few years - thanks Ryan and keep up the good work.
The second half of my catch-up with John Bello on the early days of the football card boom plus some insights from Hawaii's Mr. Pro Bowl, Bill Chandler.
Stimulated by an insightful comment/question from Victor Roman Sr. during this live show, we addressed it briefly then, and I have added in some further reflection at the beginning. Bottom line: a few bad stories out there, but tons of great stories. Constructively deal with the bad - future good can come of it.
Brad, Rich, and I are regulars at Kyle Robertson's every-other month big card show at Watters Creek in the DFW Metroplex - we reflect on why the show has caught on to be the preeminent non-national show in the country - congratulations Kyle.
This was the most one-sided box battle that I can remember - a truly shocking result that was completely unexpected - thanks Upper Deck!
What happens to Brady's cards now that he is officially retired? Are any of his cards currently undervalued? What is the upside for the next five years?
John Bello presided over the spectacular growth in the football card category back in the late 1980's and early 1990's - he gave Lud Denny his shot with Pro Set!
Dustin and I kept going with our sports card hobby questions - many what-if's and hypotheticals from me - and his several questions for me were not too tricky - thanks Dustin!
This Breaking Cardboard show featured young teen and pre-teen collectors (and future of the hobby): Brody the Kid, Jacob Burris, BlakeDown, and Max and Owen Gotcher. Those conversations stimulated many thoughts I wanted to share - thanks guys!
It's not second-guessing if decisions have not been made yet. Based on our combined hobby experiences, Ted and I project the impact of Fanatics on our whole category and we are optimistic.
Dustin and Brad invited me to be on their hour-long live YouTube show - catch the whole thing, but this is just a short excerpt of how it went - they made it fun - thanks guys!
A brief synopsis of the past twenty-five episodes - I get a chance to reflect on what I'd like to add and some of you get a chance to hear a little about an episode you may have missed - thanks.
GemRate has earned a place in the hobby in a short time - by bringing data analytic capabilities to pop reports - thanks Ryan for your free GemRate e-newsletter.
Industry veteran Ted Barker discusses exciting current trends in trading card industry events - not just card shows any more - lots more to offer!
Dustin has been a guest here before and has his own YouTube show - but this was a chance for us to exchange questions with each other about the hobby - thanks Dustin!
Should you open your box of sports card product immediately or wait a while? - or flip it unopened? This dilemma repeats itself every day in the modern hobby - we discussed this on Hobby Hotline with Val Marz, Adam Palmer, plus live call-ins and commenters.
Rich and I break down the enigmatic 1981 Donruss baseball card product, which was rushed to market, and hence not their best product in hindsight, and yet by 1984 Donruss was riding high.
Ryan Stuczynski shares his hobby origin story, resulting in his founding of GemRate, which has been steadily gaining traction in the world of making sense of pop reports and grading capacity/velocity. Thanks Ryan.
Industry veteran, Ted Barker, shares his sports card hobby journey experience, having worked for many of the key players in the industry, now serving visibly at Beckett Media.
Ryan and I continued our discussion of the mysterious allure of 1987 Topps baseball cards, and how that product has played some role in the renaissance of the hobby in the past two years. Thanks Ryan.
Ryan Fagan, senior baseball writer for The Sporting News, joins me for a discussion of the historical importance of that weekly tabloid, to which I was faithfully subscribed in my early days in this hobby.
We had a three-person question session that was fun with three old-timers reminiscing about the good old days of the hobby (when it really was a hobby) - thanks TS and thanks Rich!
Dane and I don't seem to run out of questions for each other. I am curious about his Dynasty Breaks business and he wants to know about the good old days of Beckett Publications. Thanks Dane.
Rich and I break down the various Pacific hockey products that year: Aurora, Crown Royale, Dynagon Ice, Pacific (their flagship), and Paramount. Unfortunately missing info were Omega and Revolution. Thanks Mike Cramer!
Kin and I trade questions about the sports card hobby we have both pursued intensely for many decades - thanks Kin!
Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks is back for a third round of Dueling Questions with me about the sports card hobby and more specifically the business aspects. Thanks Dane!
Hobby icon and pioneer Bob Lemke has been gone (but not forgotten) for the past five years. We discuss his three huge contributions to the growth of our great hobby.
Rich Klein introduced me to Ryan, who has had a long-time special interest in 1987 Topps baseball cards - which is apparently shared by many who follow him - find out why?
Rich and I review and explain the Pacific official production and distribution spreadsheets for the following 1998 Pacific football sub-brands: Aurora, Crown Royale, Omega, Paramount, and Revolution. We were surprised and you probably will be too.
Popular player and coach, Dan Reeves has passed away, due to complications with dementia - his rookie card is a proud member of my Card Wall of Fame for my visitors to see and have memories evoked.
John Clemens, veteran 1957 Topps baseball collector, minor league PA announcer, and all-around good guy passed away a few weeks ago from Multiple Myeloma. Our condolences to his family - he is missed!
TS has worn many hats in this hobby/industry - many know him as the former editor of Sports Collectors Digest - but we first recognized him for his self-published artistic set of Baseball Greats from 1983 - Thanks TS and thanks Rich!
Michael Rubin, Fanatics primary owner, has moved very quickly again, strategically buying the trading card division of Topps for a reported $500 million - here's my take on the potential after-effects.
We hear from Kin about his sports card hobby origin story - pretty consistent over the decades and still enjoying the ride. Thanks Kin for sharing!
Rich and I review official production and distribution figures for the following 1999 Pacific Baseball products: Aurora, Crown Collection, Crown Royale, Invincible, Omega, Paramount, Prism, Private Stock, and Revolution.
Some random sports card hobby thoughts, resolutions, directions, and insights for the coming year - Let's make 2022 the best year yet.
A brief recap of the past 25 episodes over the last month in case you missed some - plus I sometimes think of some additional insights to share. Thanks!
John Madden at 85 has passed - iconic in American sports in several ways, outstanding NFL coach, popular broadcaster, and his Madden video game longevity. Thanks for making football entertaining for all.
Co-founder Ezra Levine explains why he is so bullish on our industry and this upcoming high-end trade event in Las Vegas at the end of January. Encouraged by the early indications of key participants.
Jeremy Lee and Jason Dean Martin had wide ranging discussions of these sports card hobby topics - excerpted from the live call-in Hobby Hotline video show last Saturday morning.
Pepper represented our company (well) at this amazing never-repeated hobby event years ago with prime Tiger Woods - Pepper shares his insights - you will wish the sports card hobby had more events like that. Thanks Upper Deck!
Some thoughts on this joyous season and how we express it - we have much to be thankful for - and yet we are all hoping 2022 will be even better.
JP had some extemporaneous questions for me about the sports card hobby we both love - especially vintage baseball - thanks JP.
Ezra describes his hobby ride including the founding and growth of the fractional trading platform, Collectable, which has garnered lots of attention from individual and institutional investors.
Shreedhar's discussion with me went longer than I thought, because we lost track of time - happens sometimes with two passionate collectors - thought these interchanges were worth sharing - thanks Shreedhar!
I was on the Hobby Hotline show last Saturday morning with Jeremy Lee and Jason Dean Martin and these are some of the topics either brought up by recent events or from the live audience - thanks everyone.
Pepper (Beckett editorial employee #1) and I reminisce about the earliest days of our editorial/art package for Beckett Baseball Card Monthly and the many strong contributors inside and outside the company, who were instrumental in building our brand.
After I thought our interview was over, Mike (Mike's Stadium Sportscards) and Rob (Burbank Sports Cards) had some more what if's - so here it is - glad I kept the recorder going - thanks guys!
JP and I shared our perspectives on grading (and other issues) in the sports card hobby from our different vantage points. Thanks JP.
No duel here, except perhaps between the two of them, as I answered their thoughtful sports card hobby questions - including what if's! - thanks guys!
Which you prefer depends on your holding period - I realized I am more of an Archives guy now - maybe has to do with my age and the fact that I personally remember all the original designs of Topps cards - thanks Emily Kless of Topps and Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks for providing boxes.
Joel came with some questions for me and some interesting answers to my questions - thanks Joel for your hard work on your weekly newsletter - an excellent five-minute read.
Mike and Rob share their opinions on card shop security - and their practices - take precautions but remember people are more important than cards!
I broke a box of each and decided which one I liked better depending on my collecting parameters. Both had redeeming value, but I preferred the complexity of A&G - thanks Emily Kless at Topps for the enjoyable experience,
Pepper and I discuss the origin of Raw Card Reviews and Graded Card Reviews as well as other stories from the early days of BGS at home and on the road.
Brad and I discuss these four brand new Baseball Hall of Famers elected by committee - any affect on their sports card and memorabilia may be modest for the first two, in spite of their career exploits.
Shreedhar and I are in different chapters of the same global organization for Presidents and CEO's of companies so we share a similar executive perspective on the state of the sports card industry.
Newest Baseball Hall of Famers Gil Hodges and Minnie Minoso are unfortunately no longer alive to celebrate their induction with their many fans. Their card values are positively influenced by their election, Minoso more so than Hodges.
Another five sports card hobby questions from listeners to the podcast - send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - every question matters - and I hope to either address your idea directly or weave it into a future episode - thanks.
JP has been assisting collectors with auctions and private sales for the past 21 years through his Memory Lane - I came away with a better understanding of his business. Thanks JP.
John Newman and Rich Klein had thoughts about corporate presence at shows and in general greater visibility for the companies in our industry and I shared my perspective.
This is the first recap episode under the new format of every 25 episodes - in case you missed some or want a brief refresher - sometimes I clarify or amplify the previous episode - thanks.
Greg is an author and journalist from the UK, and more importantly a soccer card/sticker enthusiast and collector - I encourage you to checkout both his books on soccer cards.
Joel's Mint Condition weekly e-newsletter has become a must-read for me and I recommend it to you as well - here is Joel's sports card hobby origin story.
Five different questions from sharp listeners about our sports card hobby - send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Greg and I zoomed from England - Greg's highly anticipated second book is just coming out now (today!) to help us understand the history of soccer cards and stickers. Thanks Greg
Jacob Burris had Brody The Kid, John Newman, and myself on his show last week and we talked about whatever Jacob wanted us to talk about - football season and cards.
Popular LCS owners and sponsors Mike Fruitman (Mike's Stadium Sportscards) and Rob Veres (Burbank Sports Cards) join me for explicitly expressing what we are thankful for this year in our great sports card hobby.
Last Saturday the crew from Hobby Hotline, including Rich Klein and John Newman, along with our call-in guests, discussed preventive security measures to thwart thieves attacking card shops.
Evan and I continue on with our discussion of music vs. sports as collectibles - taken from his Radar podcast where he interviewed me - thanks Evan.
Soccer is extremely popular worldwide and especially in Germany where Torsten lives - when will soccer cards go into hyper-drive in America?
Rob and I extended our sports card question and answer session to include his final question about balance in life and hobby life.
My baseball card vintage discussion with Mike turned toward our opinions on the Hall of Fame prospects of Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, and others.
Evan's podcast, Radar, interviewed me as a guest, and we drew parallels between record vinyl album collecting and sports card collecting. Thanks Evan!
The Pareto Principle applies to sports cards! Torsten and I discuss how and why in our quest to better understand the sports card market.
Rob, the Sports Card Therapist, sent me an interesting list of hobby and life questions, which we both answered on this show - thanks Rob!
Robin's exhaustive work on the intricacies of the 1962 Post football set is impressive - I wish I had access to his research back in the day (but it did not exist yet) - Thanks Robin!
PWCC's Director of Development Jesse Craig fielded my questions and explained some of what made and makes PWCC formidable in the high-end auction and sales space for sports cards.
Guest appearing at Mike Moynihan's house for his YT channel - here are some excerpts of our vintage baseball card conversation.
Caught up with Jeremy again at the latest Dallas Card Show at Watters Creek - Jeremy was (fractionally) serving four corporate clients all at the show with his marketing and graphic expertise.
These were some of Brad's sports card questions for me excerpted and taken from his show - check it out - Card Time.
Wall Streeter Jason Granet has concerns about our hobby and our need and opportunity to regulate ourselves before other entities decide to do so for us.
Young Jacob and I continue asking each other questions about the hobby we both love - looking forward to meeting Jacob at the next National! Check out his podcast, Sports Cards Second.
Robin Pauls has done extensive research on this very challenging set from almost 50 years ago - he literally wrote the book on these cards and how they were distributed and why some of the cards and panels are so scarce. Thanks Robin.
Jesse Craig, Director of Business Development, discusses the latest at PWCC as they are sharpening their auction platform in this dynamic sports card hobby/industry.
Rich and I riff on words beginning with E that contribute to a memorable podcast: energy, emotion, engagement, efficiency, experience, enthusiasm, etc.
A brief recap of the past four weeks worth of episodes in case you missed some - additional insights or further reflections - thanks!
My German collecting friend Torsten Bauer and I discussed the esoteric parallels between the distribution and inequality of income and card values - Torsten's graphs show how the inequality of both has similarly increased over the past two years of COVID. Thanks Torsten.
I got a call from a private equity group inquiring about the investibility of our sports card hobby - as I am a pro bono consultant, I was happy to oblige - here is my half of the conversation.
We discuss Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Matt Stafford - but NOT in that order!
If "vault" is more broadly defined, there are many vaults in this great hobby - many safe places to keep your precious cards.
Jason and I wanted to talk about regulation and aspect of chance and skill-based gambling, but our conversation meandered based on his Wall Street experience. Thanks Jason!
Thirteen-year-old Jacob Burris and I had a simulcast where we went back and forth with questions for each other - way to go Jacob!
I drove over to Mike's house and he gave me the grand tour of his baseball card collection and "The Beast." Thanks Mike, look forward to having you over here soon.
I was a guest on Brenn's Cloud 259 podcast. Brenn's a collector and has hopes that track cards can really catch on. These are excerpts from his podcast where he is asking me fresh questions from his unique perspective.
Most gifts and freebies are to be accepted - but is there a catch? - especially in the sports card hobby?
Pacific's Founder Mike Cramer shared with Rich and me the actual production summary spreadsheets for these three baseball card products - very interesting!
Brad Bethune and Jeff Dinson were my co-hosts on Hobby Hotline this month and one of the questions was about the hopefully positive impact of kid's getting COVID vaccinations.
Actually a continuation of the basketball-related questions that Kyle and I started last week - check out Kyle's Wax Museum podcast for all things basketball.
Will track and field cards ever be mainstream? That's how Brenn and I started and we took off from there with what it would take for that to happen in this new dynamic collecting environment.
John sent me some questions ahead plus he had a few spontaneous questions as well for us to discuss - enjoyed the interaction with a guy who really loves the baseball card hobby - especially the '70's.
Here's a few players and the process I go through when rifling quickly through a football dollar box - the better the player, the more lenient I am, with what I would take. Doing this episode helped me realize I should be more conservative with certain players.
Steve and I both had a few more questions left and so we tackled them - your questions for me or others, just send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
John had a number of eclectic questions for me about collecting in the seventies for his excellent topical podcast - his specialty - distant memories were retrieved.
Blake is 9 1/2 and has his own YouTube channel - I enjoyed his ambitious take on Topps Project 70 and the 51 artists engaged, which is the current focus of his baseball card hobby interest.
Brad (TXCardDude) turned the tables on Rich and me, and asked us both some candid questions that elicited some interesting responses.
A brief recap of the past four weeks of episodes in case you missed or hurried through some of them - if you have a topic that we should cover, please send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks.
There were 14 questions (distilled into one) centering around the dilemma of transparency and conflicts of interest in dealing cards while being an influencer and price guide publisher in this current day.
Seven more questions or comments about this podcast and the sports card hobby - send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thank you very much.
I had a deeper discussion with four of my friends and former colleagues now at Panini, Tracy Hackler, David Porter, Rob Springs, and Tim Trout. Friendships in our hobby can be deeper and more enduring. It's fabulous to work (or hobby) with those you truly enjoy being with.
Drew Herndon, Sam Shuford and I (co-hosts this week of Hobby Hotline) field questions about this year's Industry Summit in Las Vegas - we wish we would have been there!
What if there had been a different (fatal) outcome exactly 25 years ago? How would Beckett Publications have been affected and specifically BGS at it was being rolled out?
Rich and I hear the rest of Bob's story - including his radio and writing and PR careers, local card shop, collection brokering, and his short-lived grading company.
I reprise my episode from two years ago on my wife's birthday and her contributions to this podcast - including her question about GOAT's - Tom Brady's longevity - how to recognize greatness earlier.
John and I discuss the decades immediately after and before his favorite, the 1970's that he deals with in depth in his excellent podcast, That Seventies Card Show.
The overtime discussion between Sam and me about her vision for involving more women in our great hobby of sports card collecting.
Sam and I discuss her origin story as well as her efforts to connect and attract women into our great hobby of sports card collecting - follow her on Instagram at Women of the Hobby.
I won two boxes of this innovative and overlooked product in the latest Huggins and Scott Auction - I opened the box and got almost exactly what I predicted - is that why this product was never really that successful?
Rich and I discuss our experiences and understandings of the 1976 and 1977 Topps baseball sets, when Topps was the only (baseball) game in town.
How hiatus is defined matters as Rich, Brad, and I discovered. Thinking of gears like a car, hiatus does not have to mean being in reverse or neutral, but could mean downshifting to first gear.
Adam and I could not fit our competing questions within 15 minutes, so here is the rest of our interchange - thanks Adam for your questions.
Seven more questions about our great hobby of collecting sports cards - it seems they are picking up - which is fine - I want to talk about things you want to hear, so I sincerely appreciate your questions and comments - thanks.
I co-hosted Hobby Hotline last Saturday along with Drew Herndon and Sam Shuford - toward the end of the show we discussed the interesting implications of a co-op arrangement for a local card shop.
Kyle asked me to be on his Wax Museum show, and the theme of his questions and our discussion was education, inside and outside the hobby. Thanks Kyle.
Fernando Mania was a huge in 1981 and the early 1980's - Victor, the Rookie Card Specialist, and I experienced it (differently) - however Fernando's RC situation is not as straight-forward as you might imagine.
Not everyone likes to buy a pig in a poke - a large unsorted diverse collection - could be many different sports and span many different years or even eras, but Tanner and I enjoy the thrill of discovery.
Kyle Johnson discusses his on-boarding as a remote employee of COMC and how he is looking forward to the resumption of show travel for his marketing effectiveness for COMC.
Steve Grad and I go a second round of Dueling Questions - mine more about his specialty and his about my reminiscences and possible regrets. If you have suggestions for who I should "duel" with in the future, just let me know. Thanks.
Seven hobby and sports card questions have arrived and are dealt with briefly - send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thank you for listening.
Four interesting products - which would you chose if you had $100 to spend? Alexis LaFreniere, Star Rookies, UD Extended, or Trilogy? I am a law-abiding rule-breaker.
Victor, the Rookie Card Specialist and All-Time Greats blogger, and I trade questions back and forth exclusively about rookie cards, especially their history.
Tanner and I share our understanding of these elusive collectible cards - their origin, distribution, and rarity - definitely not pack-pulled.
Stefan and Angela Loeffler and Ben Wilson asked me to guest for an hour on their weekly show, About The Cards. Ben Wilson had apparently been saving up some questions and comments for me on Economics, which I enjoyed.
Brad had just returned from setting up at a much smaller card show and related his experiences with Rich and me (who have set up and promoted smaller shows, Rich recently, and me long ago).
A brief recap of the past four weeks of daily episodes in case you need a refresher. Send your episode ideas to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks for listening!
Collectors are frequently asking me about investment risk with sports cards - here today on the exact 20th anniversary of 9/11 are seven macro (potentially apochalytic) trends that could significantly affect our hobby (at least the way we have always known it). My intention is to be sobering, not depressing - however today is a melancholy day of reflection and thoughts of the future. There are NO sure things.
Kevin Sullivan and Monica Paul had me as a guest on their weekly Mic Drop podcast from the Dallas Sports Commission - here are the portions that dealt with our hobby and sports card insights.
Ben Ecklar came to Beckett Publications in 1994, probably his first full-time job, and continuously helped build our hobby to what it is today, having been at Panini for the past many years, after leaving our company. He will be missed not just for his hobby excellence, but for the even better person he was. We didn't have the chance to say goodbye to Ben, but we can pray for his wife and six kids.
Listener Corey Barnes suggested Rich and I discuss notable non-rookie cards over the decades - we start with 1952 Topps and work our way up - more to come.
Do pure collectors recoil at the word investment - is there a stigma - most, but not all, hobbyists consider sports cards and memorabilia an alternative investment.
Many think there are too many parallels these days. Victor Roman, Rookie Card Specialist, asked the group to re-consider whether the parallels of the base RC should also be considered RC's or as merely rookie year cards, like inserts.
The big Fanatics news and shake-up in the sports cards category will certainly affect the existing marketplaces where cards are bought and sold.
Listeners do not run out questions - some interesting and eclectic ones this time - send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Andy and I continued our wide-ranging conversation, about the hobby and other tangential considerations that might surprise you. Thanks again, Andy, for sharing your story!
Andy (accomplished artist, writer, musician) describes the artistic freedom given him by Topps in approaching and executing his 70-year retrospective of the graphic imagery of Topps through the years - thanks Andy!
Our group of hobby content creators discussed the future of card manufacturers and how we think the recent Fanatics news might affect them and others in the hobby ecosystem.
The hobby content creators dinner at the Watters Creek show on Saturday Aug 28th immediately after the show - here are the self intros of the attendees and as well as their take on stickiness as it applies to their hobby content. Thanks to all!
Basketball questions only for this dueling questions battle with Adam Gray. Any ideas you have for episode topics - send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
The rest of the questions from Nat and to Nat about our great hobby and how we see it and have seen it in our experiences.
Another six listener questions on a variety of hobby subjects - lots of big happenings these days - exciting to be in the greatest hobby in the world.
John (Sports Card Nation) and Corey (YamWax) both asked me some penetrating questions about how I and others collect or have collected over the decades - thanks John and Corey!
John Newman's new monthly live show debuted with Corey of YamWax as co-host and myself as guest - we had a great time talking hobby for an hour - here's a few excerpts and thanks John and Corey!
Kyle's Wax Museum podcast is one of my favorite regular listens - here Kyle and I bounce basketball hobby questions off each other.
Bob Brill's Brill Report was a must-read back in the 1990's, plus Bob did so many other innovative things in the organized hobby - we hear directly from Bob about his interesting journey.
Dan Ertle shares his (non-sport and comic book) collecting story and how CBCS has blended into the outstanding Beckett Media team of graders and authenticators.
Questions to and from Nat Turner, collector extraordinaire, and owner/CEO of PSA/Collectors Universe.
Fanatics will be taking over for Topps in 2025 as the sole licensee for the baseball card category. This morning on Hobby Hotline I was joined by nine other co-hosts for this live timely call-in show - an hour and a half distilled into ten minutes - check it out!
Five different and new questions from listeners accumulated and answered - send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
These are remarks coming before and after our scheduled Basketball Dueling Questions episode (to be released shortly), which I thought were worthy of inclusion - thanks Adam!
Huge bombshell news that Fanatics will be taking over the baseball card license from Topps in 2025 as a joint venture with MLB and MLBPA. Major implications!
Rich and I talk about our experiences with public relations within and outside the hobby, especially our days working together at Beckett Publications long ago.
I was Jeremy Lee's guest on the first hour or so of Sports Cards Live the week before the National - this is 14 minutes excerpted from that longer live show. Thanks Jeremy!
Jordan interviewed me for his "For The Hobby" podcast and here is a brief excerpt form his longer interview, which can be caught in its entirety by his fans on his platforms. Thanks Jordan!
A brief recap of the past four weeks of short daily audio episodes in case you missed some - each episode stands on its own and hopefully most are evergreen.
Sad to report dealer Rich Altman, mainstay of the sports card show circuit, including promoting his own large shows, has passed away. This brief tribute will not suffice, but please check out some of the other statements circulating made by his many friends in the industry.
As soon as Brad and I signed off, I realized we had not addressed some concerns that were worth adding to the discussion on this timely topic for baby boomers, and it's an important topic for all, as no one lives on this earth forever.
The first Dueling Questions on this topic - Brad and I have had time to reflect since our last conversation and each of us has additional thoughts to share.
Brett asked some excellent questions during his longer Stacking Slabs interview of me - here are two threads I thought I would pass on to you but I certainly encourage you to check Brett's full episode(s).
This is the third and final installment of our conversation about COMC and its nuances. Hope you have learned something helpful.
Rich and I compare and contrast these two popular Topps baseball card products - we mostly agree!
Anyone with a side gig should know some basic do's and don't's as applies to doing your Federal income tax return, where documenting basis and expenses may be critical to your case.
The show was terrific - extremely crowded - and ran smoothly for me - the dinners were festive - but my airport experiences were another story.
A recap of my experience at this year's National in Chicago, arguably the best ever with people and cards galore.
Mike and I went back and forth with a few more suggestions of how users can optimize the COMC platform for more profit and enjoyment.
Jordan is planning the opening of his new "For The Hobby" local card shop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for later this fall.
I reveal some of my (long-honed over the decades considering hundreds of thousands of cards) speed sorting tips - no copyright, no trademark, no patented processes - sort away!
Mike and I sit down for a discussion of how to get the most out of the COMC experience for buyers and sellers and flippers.
What was Topps thinking with this three-year run of slightly oversized veteran-centric baseball cards? Rich and I try to reverse engineer their thinking at the time and the hobby's lukewarm acceptance then.
Hobby Hotline, the live call in show ranged over a variety of topics in this episode, which aired the week before the National; my co-hosts were Rich Klein, Jeremy Lee, and Sam Shuford.
Fred Reed brought editorial structure to Beckett Publications at the onset and during the high growth years. His legacy includes the amazing people he hired and mentored, many of whom have gone on to enduring great success in the hobby.
John Keating had enough interesting hobby questions that we made a whole episode out of our dialogue.
Irrepressible Jordan Hagedorn returns with some interesting questions and answers for this Dueling Questions segment.
Tim, Chad, and Ricky were joined by John Newman for this special HobbyPalooza edition of Pack to the Future. I joined in for the last half and here are some of the things we talked about. Enjoy.
I am leaving tomorrow - here are my last minute thoughts on how I am preparing differently than any other prior year - see you there!
Long-time National dealers and card shop owners, the Gold family from the Chicago area, have passed but are not forgotten - an amazing family - Rich and I have fond remembrances.
Giannis' performance throughout the NBA playoffs and culminating in his break-through performance in the final game 6 have moved him up another layer of greatness within the basketball card hobby.
Joe Orlando, CEO of PSA's parent Collectors Universe, resigned last week after 22 years with the company. This is my take on that decision and its implications.
The first time for this format of "topical" dueling questions with football expert David Lee - our first questions overlapped!
Bernard co-moderates a Facebook sports card group and I enjoyed their live session - here are a few excerpts. Thanks Bernard!
For this month's appearance on Hobby Hotline, I was joined by nine of the other co-hosts for a special edition in honor of the annual HobbyPalooza, which our show kicked off.
Several interesting "what if's" about the upcoming National in Chicago are posed to my fellow co-hosts at Hobby Hotline, Jeremy Lee and Jeff Defness45.
A brief recap of the past four weeks of daily audio episodes in case you missed some or are just a little curious. Thanks for listening!
I was on a distinguished panel for the Virtual Expo along with moderator Jeremy Lee and Karvin Cheung and Chris McGill discussing the sustainability of the sports card hobby.
The most recent five questions coming in from listeners - send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and I hope to address your concern quickly and thanks!
Jay and I go another round of friendly questions about the "hobby" we both love. In fact is it still a hobby?
Brad made a list so he can be fully prepared for a fabulous National this year in Chicago - I compared his list to mine for your listening benefit.
David unpacks his seven-hour virtual course covering what it takes to be successful in this complicated hobby.
Rich and I discuss the long, storied history of combo (combination) cards featuring two or more players linked together by some connection.
Kyle's Dallas shows have been the biggest over the past twelve months - we hear Kyle's philosophies and why his show have emerged as the standard in this area and beyond.
Would the grading companies consider having a formal grading seminar where they taught their customers how to grade like they do?
What if prices in the hobby stayed the same for an extended period of time? How would various sports card hobby entities be affected?
Rich has some question about some of the past difficult management dilemmas over the years and how they relate to today's leaders in this en fuego market.
One of the local dealer tables I frequent has been the Palmers - so I wanted them to share how they do it - it works for me, but obviously it is also working for them as they do a great friendly business - I am a repeat customer.
Jay and I, both former professors, go back and forth with (practical rather than scholarly) questions and answers.
Brett and I traded extemporaneous questions (and answers) about the sports card hobby for 15 minutes - every DQ is unrehearsed and different!
Mike and I went back and forth with our provocative questions with an emphasis on vintage baseball, which we both love.
Collectors Holdings LP, fresh from the acquisition of Collector's Universe and PSA, has now acquired Goldin Auctions, with the stated intention of keeping the entities separate and letting Ken do what he does best.
Blackstone ($650 billion strong) has acquired a controlling interest in CCG at a reported valuation of more than $500 million - CCG until last year was not in the sports cards space, now through CSG Grading they are!
July 1 marked the beginning of a new era in college athlete's potential financial opportunities - how will this impact the sports collectibles world? Stay tuned, more changes will be coming.
David shares his origin story including his time at Beckett and onward with his free-lance career helping others inside and outside the sports card hobby.
John Broggi and his sons share their optimism for this year's National in Chicago - we hope their expectations are exceeded!
The second part of my in-depth interview of Dr. Eric Strachan about our hobby and psychological constructs - although with a psychologist the question might be - who was really being interviewed?
John had me as a guest on his excellent show (Sport Card Nation, highly recommended) early this month and asked me many interesting questions - here are two of my answers that broke new ground in a manner of speaking.
Mike never took a hiatus from this great hobby which is the exception - he enjoys the hobby, especially vintage baseball, delights in showing his great cards, and has created over a thousand YouTube hobby-related videos.
Mike interviewed me on his excellent show (highly recommended) and we enjoyed the conversation, as we both love vintage baseball and have been around a good while.
Six more listener questions from various platforms and venues - send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
What would it take to get impeached from any of the Halls of Fame - how could it even happen and how might that affect sports card values?
I was featured on an interview segment of Rob and Ivan's excellent show - listen to the whole two hours - but in case you don't, here's ten minutes of hopefully fresh insight extracted from that enjoyable time.
Ron and Rhett are mainstays on the Dallas card show scene working their diverse inventory - truly something for everyone - and great customer service.
Mike and Sam enjoy Denver sports and the hobby - they both, in a sense, have two jobs - both of which sound like a lot of fun. Sam is a locker room attendant for the Denver Nuggets.
A brief recap of the past four weeks of our daily episodes - as usual a diverse mix of eclectic sports card hobby topics.
Popular YouTuber Mike Moynihan joins in with his dad Palmer and together they explain their collecting gene (and love of baseball) with some great stories along the way.
The second half of our Father's Day interview - we were having too much fun to stop considering three generations - a lot of laughter about the world's greatest hobby.
Sports Card Nation podcaster John Newman guests along with his dad and his son for an episode of all things Newman - hobby is the people - an enjoyable conversation!
Long-time auction house Huggins and Scott has a unique approach - Bill and his son Ricky have enjoyed the ride together over the decades.
Rich Klein joins me as we interview the Broggi's on their sports card hobby involvement and leadership and experience together.
Stephen Britton and son Ryan and Brandon Mills and son Jackson share their hobby stories in father and son sports card collecting including their families' friendship.
Jay discusses the wild ride he has had in his hobby journey recovering from a devastating theft, but now riding high, as he has applied his professorial marketing savvy to his collecting excellence.
More discussion of a fallen comrade who had a huge impact on our hobby thirty years ago - literally trying to bring his cards into every home!
Brad Bethune and Rich Klein joined me in a discussion of retail - this was a small part of the hour-long live show, that you should check out.
Bill and I (with Mike Conroy contributing in the background) discuss the meteoric rise and fall of Lud Denny and his huge impact, marketing wise, on the non-baseball side of the sports card hobby.
Eric looks at our hobby through the lens of a research psychologist and he questions what's going on with grading and how to make sense of that.
We listen to fellow podcaster Brett McGrath's sports card hobby journey as well as his vocational journey.
Mike brought his passion for collecting baseball cards and his technical expertise to the Baseball Card Hall of Fame in simplifying its voting structure as the project continues to take off.
Stepped Up basis may be eliminated by the Congress, which would affect hobby generational wealth transfer in a big way.
An accumulation of related questions and themes from Instagram on how I do hobby - spoiler alert - I am not typical.
Co-Hosts Brad Bethune (TX Card Dude), Rich Klein, and I fielded questions from this live Saturday morning hobby show about shows, old and recent.
Ray shares his baseball card collecting journey - leading him all the way to the founding of the Baseball Card Hall of Fame.
How do we maintain momentum and continue to sustain the remarkable recent growth in our great hobby?
Conflicts of interest in the sports card industry may not be illegal but they can be destructive to the long term health of the hobby if too many new collectors are burned (badly).
The distinguished panelists at the dinner in late May in Dallas had suggestions for how they maintain motivation and consistency in the delivery of their helpful hobby content.
Eddie and I tout the benefit of collecting the popular players from your schools or area - a great focus allowing for every budget.
The question of transparency - too little or even too much - came up in our group discussion - lots of expert voices chiming in.
Ray and I kept rolling as we referenced prominent baseball cards pictured on my (multi-sport) Wall of Fame.
The first question of the evening was: who inspired you in the beginning of your sports card hobby journey - a brief, but well-deserved, shout-out to many of the unsung heroes in the hobby.
We had 26 in attendance at the first Hobby Content Creators dinner, held immediately after the huge Dallas card show on May 22nd - this episode provides all of the 30-second self introductions. A great group and evening!
Mike Steveline brought his tech skills to the Baseball Card Hall of Fame project, but like Ray, his two hobby loves are baseball cards and the Hall of Fame. Voting can be accessed at
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCFhR_s6HCLB7IT-c4aB1QMeMXXW8fQxxO0RKwm6LFVffE_A/viewform
Josh had me on his Cardboard Chronicles show as a guest and we batted ideas around for 45 minutes - check out his show regularly - this was about ten minutes on a topic that I thought my show's listeners would appreciate as being largely a fresh take. Thanks Josh.
A brief recap of the past four weeks of daily episodes - hopefully something for everyone - whether you are a pure collector or an aggressive investor.
I confess that I flip cards - but patiently, and on a smaller scale - in fact my selling horizon is ten years. Whereas some flippers at shows barely hold cards at all before selling or trading them in the other corner of the big show. You need to really know the current market and the very latest true comps.
I kept the recorder going for this after-the-interview back-and-forth explaining some of the cards on my wall of Fame as John pointed some of them out and inquired about them.
John and I trade questions about his first and current "sports" loves. The questions do not have to be explicitly about sports cards, but they need to shed light on helpful hobby insights.
Six more listener questions on a variety of sports card questions - timely and timeless - please send your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com so they can be considered.
Ray Fonio aka Ray from Philly created a Baseball Card Hall of Fame four years and voting is by collectors - this year's class is available for voting until the end of this May at
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCFhR_s6HCLB7IT-c4aB1QMeMXXW8fQxxO0RKwm6LFVffE_A/viewform
Brad and I trade questions - most of his questions centered on the early days of BGS card grading - but my questions to him were more personalized.
Josh and I had questions for each other and we enjoyed the back-and-forth comparing our hobby experiences then and now.
I further complicate this adage - it is true, but there are additional considerations raised - when all is said and done, the answer can be neither (hint: NFT's are not necessarily cards and your digital wallet is not really a holder).
Comparing and contrasting two boxes received thanks to Emily Kless of Topps - these are from two of the world's most popular sports - Formula 1 is coming on strong!
Six more eclectic sports card questions addressed from recent feedback from a variety of sources and on a variety of topics - if you want your question answered write to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com.
Hard to find or impossible to find wax at Walmart or Target - facetiously are you more likely to find a fight than to find a desirable box - what can be done? Some ideas.
John's origin story involves him originally and still collecting baseball cards, but apparently now loving soccer even more, although surprisingly he is a not a big collector of soccer cards.
Jimmy asked about the best way to break into breaking cases - to be profitable a breaker has to acquire desirable sports card cases at a reasonable cost.
John's Sports Card Nation is one of my favorite podcasts. In this episode we trade alternating questions about the hobby we both love.
Brad and I discuss the technical challenges inherent in what GradeA.id's press release and marketing mock-up seem to suggest.
Co-hosts Brody the Kid and Brad Bethune joined me for a stimulating conversation about this breaking news story and how it might impact the grading world.
Josh and I discuss Card Ladder - an impressive analytical app that provides a 21st century price guide approach to many of the inter-related high demand cards in our hobby as well as other cards suggested by the followers.
Brody the Kid and Brad Bethune (@TXCardDude) were my co-hosts a couple of weeks ago on Hobby Hotline (available live or as an audio podcast) - this was the part of the show that elaborated on my kids' product idea.
Bowman came back with a splash in 1989 when Topps brought back the first of these prospect-driven baseball card sets, which have continued to be anticipated staples within the annual mix of baseball card releases. Rich and I cover the first three years of Bowman baseball sets.
Gabriella had some questions she wanted to ask me about the sports cards hobby for her college psychology paper about how nostalgia has played an important part in the resurgence of collecting during the pandemic.
Buy on the big dip, the little dip, the future dip, the permanent dip? Very confusing especially in a raging bull market for sports cards.
In sports card grading the spread between the values of 9's versus 10's is not a fixed constant, as it floats and is dependent on many factors especially the condition sensitivity of the card. Here's what I would do if I think 9's are undervalued with respect to 10's (of the same card).
Question submitted about whether 1 of 1's should be graded - here's ten considerations that are relevant to me on my decision in that regard.
We hear Brad's sports card origin story including how his wife surprisingly encouraged him at a strategic crossroads.
Val and I trade questions back and forth, and not all questions were NASCAR related. Val's love of sports card collecting, especially racing, and NASCAR shines through!
Josh shares his sports card origin story and how he began his content creation activities culminating in co-founding Card Ladder.
I was on Hobby Hotline last Saturday with Brad Bethune (TXCardDude) and Brody The Kid and this segment came up with respect to the recent press release and the certain coming of more tools to assist with pre-grading.
We briefly recount the highlights of the past four weeks of daily episodes - if you have episode ideas, please send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Interesting news from PSA acquiring Genamint to enhance or lead their AI grading initiatives - this episode discusses the difficulty of AI Grading specifically with respect to edges.
Some sports card collections are simply too large to be "shown" in their entirety, but they can be described, hopefully in summary form, drilling down for more details if asked.
Jimmy Estruch of RetroBoomin shares his origin story with us - he had written in and sought advice on shaping and growing his sports card hobby business now that he is full-time.
Our modern virtual dinner guests (Ken Capell, Jason Granet, Jordan Hagedorn, Jeremy Lee, and Mike Sommer) each had an opinion of the value of budgeting in this exciting time in our hobby.
Val, co-host of NASCARD Radio, and I discuss the history of NASCAR cards and other related racing subjects. NASCAR is America's second most popular spectator sport!
Gabriella is a psychology major at Stern College for Women in New York and has both a father and brother who collect sports cards - she is writing a paper on our hobby and we discuss those issues practically and a little bit scholarly.
Detroit collector Frank Guastella and I fondly remember three great collectors from Detroit who were all outstanding ambassadors for our sports card hobby.
How easy is it to manipulate the sports card market or at least the price or value of a specific card or player?
Lots of changes from the card grading companies - restrictions and increases - how should collectors and submitters react and respond?
Rich basically interviews me on what I like to do when I am not collecting or handling sports cards. Helping solve the problems of others is easier than solving your own!
As you recall, Rocco has been totally blind for the past 15 years, but that has not slowed his sports card collecting passion.
Rich and I discuss the relative merits of magical years vs. dynasties vs. superstar-dominated eras across all the major sports.
Frank Nagy was a hobby icon from Detroit who had on of the top collections in the world but was very willing to share first-hand information and promote this great hobby.
Using basketball as an analogy - here are six considerations for an avatar that might fit the way you collect during this bull market on basketball (and other sports) cards.
Another six questions (with answers!) submitted by listeners, all concerning the hobby we all love. Your questions can be submitted to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com as an email and thanks!
This Hobby Hotline show (a weekly live show but I am on as a recurring guest once a month) featured John Newman (Sports Card Nation) and Rich Klein as well as the questions and comments of all the live viewers. Hope you like these excerpts as much as I enjoyed the actual full show.
I give specific details on how I would configure an interesting sports card product/set that I believe could be a winner - especially intentionally for kids at a lower price point.
I make a case for the Anaheim National of 1991, the largest attendance and the first to really feature corporate promos. Rich, on the other hand, has a sentimental favorite. Finally, we both hope the next one is the greatest!
Golf professional Frank Guastella and I compare and contrast returning to playing golf after a long hiatus, with returning to sports cards collecting after decades off.
A Dueling Questions episode with Joe's first question to me being about PSA's latest shocking news with regard to their backlog, and how it will be preferentially addressed for the next three months. Then my first question to him was about how I should feel being called the author of the "bible".
There are 14 finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame calass of 2021 - I don't have a vote, but I obviously have an opinion - here are my seven, who I think will get in later this year, starting with Paul Pierce.
Six fresh new listener-submitted questions - the easiest way is sending email to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com for your question to be considered.
Today is Good Friday, and Joe and I discuss how "evangelism", that is, the sharing of "good news" could be applied secularly to this, the greatest hobby, and how "making disciples" can be co-opted in the context of training up new collectors to fully enjoy the hobby.
Why does BGS have subgrades explicitly shown on the label? Are all of this past year's new grading company entrants going to survive? And if not, why not? Just my opinion.
It sure seems that prices are fluctuating faster and faster lately - although mostly up. Why is this happening? Is there a downside?
Ken Capell invited me and our other distinguished guests (Jason Granet, Jordan Hagedorn, Jeremy Lee and Mike Sommer) to weigh in on his dilemma, of how, where, and when to sell his 1993 SP Jeter RC in RCR 9.
A brief recap of the past four weeks of episodes in case you want a refresher or missed some. Send your suggestions for future episodes to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Elgin Baylor was one of the greatest players I ever saw - he has surprisingly few basketball cards to chase, but well worth the pursuit.
I enjoyed being on Hobby Hotline this month along with John Newman and Rich Klein - and I noticed that the recurrent theme of the week seemed to be the bold, decisive judgment of some of the key players in our industry - that were headline grabbing.
Rich and I continue our discussion, as it seems there was more to the story than what we could fit in our standard episode size. Your ideas for episodes? Try doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!
Rich and I discuss why we find it enjoyable to work our way through big boxes of random cards at a show knowing all are being offered at the same price - we find we are looking for different "bargains" mostly non-overlapping.
Brian Flinn, Frank Guastella, Eddie Healy, Kevin O'Keefe, and Jim Telford took turns asking questions about the vintage sports card collecting hobby we all love.
At the virtual modern dinner, guests Ken Capell, Jason Granet, Jordan Hagedorn, Jeremy Lee, and Mike Sommer each had a thoughtful question.
Brian Flinn, Frank Guastella, Eddie Healy, Kevin O'Keefe, and Jim Telford join me for an interesting discussion of what vintage may be or even look like in say 20 years.
Looking back at the very successful card show run by Kyle Robertson - 608 tables spread over five "rooms" - the biggest show of the year - and probably the hobby's biggest show in the past 12 months.
Chris and I continued our discussion after our dueling questions segment was finished - these are the topics we pursued.
A reflective look at the latest Huggins & Scott's March Auction with some regret, having been outbid as I slept. Nevertheless this experience has helped my evolve my bidding strategies.
Brian Flinn, Frank Guastella, Eddie Healy, Kevin O'Keefe, and Jim Telford join me for a robust discussion of what is considered collectable condition for the typical vintage sports card collector.
Dustin and I compare and contrast collecting today with collecting thirty years ago - most things are better ... way better.
Rocco tells us the rest of the story - how he totally lost his vision 15 years ago and yet still enjoys the sports card hobby - availing himself of adaptations, starting with a very understanding wife.
Rocco shares his early collecting memories in the Bronx and his inclusive loyalties beginning in the 1960's. Your questions: try doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
Topps baseball boxes are evaluated - and the surprise winner wound up being the most popular in other ways as well, but congrats also to Allen & Ginter Chrome, Stadium Club Chrome, and Bowman Chrome Draft Sapphire.
When you hear these world record prices, what is your predominant emotion - perhaps it depends on the quality and stage of your collection? Thanks to our excellent guest contributors Ken Capell, Jason Granet, Jordan Hagedorn, Jeremy Lee, and Mike Sommer.
Chris and I discuss the aesthetic and financial merit of this five-year run of Fleer baseball products.
Brian Flinn, Frank Guastella, Eddie Healy, Kevin O'Keefe, and Jim Telford joined me for an enjoyable discussion of budgeting in the vintage sports card collecting world.
We hear YouTuber Dustin Cooley's sports card collecting origin story and how and why he started his YouTube channel, Personal Finance Dad.
The first modern virtual dinner generated some great content. Thanks to excellent panelists: Ken Capell, Jason Granet, Jordan Hagedorn, Jeremy Lee, and Mike Sommer. If you would like to be considered for a future event, send your request to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and we will add you to the list.
Joe and I trade industry questions reflecting our combined many decades in the hobby, back and forth.
Panini's recent basketball, football, and racing products are reviewed and compared - my choice surprised even myself.
Dustin interviewed me for his excellent YouTube show (highly recommended) and these are a few excerpts involving some fresh questions he asked.
We hear Chris Harris' sports, especially baseball, card hobby origin story and why Stale Gum is meaningful to him.
Shaq collector Torsten Bauer, a theoretical nuclear physicist from Germany now works in risk management.
Billy Celio hypothetically breaks down some Upper Deck hockey products including his favorites along with some inside info.
A brief synopsis of each of the last four weeks of episodes in case you missed some. Let me know your listening preferences at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
A fresh analysis of the emphases in the Huggins & Scott latest auction catalog including what is or is not appealing to me and Rich ... and why.
Exactly three years ago I gave a speech at the Beckett Industry Summit held here in Dallas that year on the "then and now" importance of the city and location of Dallas to the sports card hobby. Times have changed but much of what was said still holds.
Louise Bird was a key contributor to the success of Beckett Publications based on her attitude and experience - Bob and I fondly remember her contributions.
Joe and I discuss his broad hobby origin story as well as his recent arrival at Heritage Auctions and the impact on adjacent categories of collectibles.
Last week left many in Texas without electrical power for extended periods of time - how did I and other collectors cope?
Last week's record low temperatures in Texas was disruptive to all aspects of life including sports card collecting.
An accumulation of six sports card hobby and personal questions asked by listeners recently, each briefly addressed. Direct your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks.
Hobby Hotline is a fast-moving live call-in show on Saturday mornings - this is a brief excerpt from the show two weeks ago. If you enjoy this snippet, check out the whole show, past or future.
NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt passed away exactly twenty years ago today. Val Marz, host of the NASCARD Radio podcast helps me remember this racing icon.
Torsten and I talk about the skills acquired in sports cards collecting that serve one well in their career and non-hobby life.
Billy talks about his sports card hobby origin story including how he got his job at Upper Deck.
David has some great stories to tell about his decades in the hobby including his worst deal ever from 30 years ago. His goal was to get ALL the cards.
Five of Upper Deck's hockey products from this year are evaluated: Chronology, Synergy, Team Canada Juniors, O-Pee-Chee, and Upper Deck Hobby series one.
Brody turns the tables on his show - he gets to ask me the questions - at 12 and a half years old he holds his own! Here's seven minutes of fun with Brody! Check out his whole show(s) on YouTube!
Bob Richardson led our company's subscription effort for many years and we discuss the importance of monthly subscribers in print publications, especially since we were not so ad-driven.
Jeremy Lee and I had several threads across his Sports Card Live show from January 9, 2021 - highly recommended that you listen to the whole episode.
Dueling Questions with Charles Hodder stretched way beyond COMC, where he works, into other industry backlogs.
Dave and I review the big shows of the decade of the 2000's, especially the Nationals each summer.
Many misunderstandings about graded cards and the companies who grade them. Quotas have been whispered or suggested over the years but what does that mean?
I enjoyed being on Carl's podcast and these were the interchanges that seemed more relevant to our audience - but I encourage you to listen and enjoy his weekly show in its entirety.
COMC Canada's Barry and I go back and forth with some hobby questions on a wide range of topics.
Rich and I discuss the 1960 and 1961 Fleer sets that featured baseball hall of famers and other old-timers. I remember buying them in packs back in the day.
Jordan interviewed me for an article in SLAM magazine. These are the out-takes for that discussion.
Carl sold his company, Niche Media, a year and a half ago, and we share stories about that as well as all the other start-ups, events, and consultations he has experienced in various niche media over the past several decades.
A brief recap of the past four weeks of episodes - you can send your comments or questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and they may "influence" a future episode.
By the end of January many have given up on their New Year's resolutions - here are some hobby resolutions you should maintain throughout the year.
The amazing run-up in Game Stop stock lately has generated major news - what can we learn in terms of sports card insights? Can bubbles be long-term permanent?
Sports writer Pete Williams is not the only knowledgable fan who holds Dale Murphy as their favorite player (and wants him in the Baseball Hall of Fame ASAP).
Jeremy Lee, host of Sports Card Live, and I discuss several interesting topics as mentioned in the title.
Not everything you wanted to know about COMC's card identification process - but I certainly learned some things. Charles' eclectic collecting background certainly suits his role at COMC.
Rich and I reminisce about our old friends, whom we regularly saw at the popular Philadelphia shows over many decades.
Send your email address to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com explaining how you have promoted the hobby and this podcast for consideration to be included in these annual private "dinners" with limited attendance - this year via private zoom - the vintage dinner is Monday February 15th from 7:30pm-9pm CST and the modern dinner is Tuesday February 16th from 7:30pm-9pm CST.
Hank Aaron has passed away from a massive stroke at the age of 86 - he was the premier power hitter of his generation and still holds the all-time record for career RBI's and by all accounts a humble, gracious man.
The influence of a national daily newspaper with a ground-breaking approach to sports reporting was fundamental to the growth of the industry in my opinion - Pete was on the sports writing side and had a unique perspective.
Jeremy Lee, my co-host last Saturday on Hobby Hotline, and I got into an in-depth substantive discussion of the two Gretzky 10 RC's, which went for world record prices at Heritage's recent big auction.
Ben collects pre-rookie post cards and enjoys the quest for knowledge about these tougher cards and the photographers who produced them.
Barry and I talk about his key role in the development and operation of COMC Canada including their virtual show presence.
Jeremy Lee, popular host of Sports Cards Live, interviewed me on the biggest stories of the past year - recommend you subscribe to Jeremy's YouTube channel.
Would you invest in Bitcoin but NOT in Sports Cards? They are similar in some ways but very different in other ways. Compared and contrasted!
Lee and I continue our discussion on some baseball cards that are very hard to find, perhaps because they are hard to distinguish.
Brody and I sit down for a wide-ranging discussion of his "career" in the hobby - great to talk about the future of kids in this hobby with a real kid!
Pete's book, Card Sharks, back in 1995 was a must read - we catch up with him 25 years later and find out what interesting things Pete has been up to.
Lee and I discuss the difficulty of finding some of the toughest baseball cards from the junk wax era.
Dave and I discuss the legacy of recently departed Gale Sayers as well as other Chicago Bears legends.
This particular Hobby Hotline show was an hour and an half long - lots of good discussion and questions from live listeners - recommend listening to the whole show (as I do, although I enjoy being a co-host only once a month) every Saturday morning on YouTube.
Tommy LaSorda has passed away from a fatal heart attack at the age of 93, the oldest living Baseball Hall of Famer. Tommy was colorful and a huge personality, a true ambassador for the game of baseball.
Excellent questions and comments from Jeremy Lee of Sports Cards Live, where I appeared recently - very enjoyable show every week - highly recommended.
Geoff (Sports Card Investor podcast) and I discussed a range of hobby topics at his Holiday Virtual Show last month.
Syracuse has had three amazing HOF runners carry their number 44: Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little. John Newman shares his interactions with Floyd, the man.
Val Marz, Jeremy, and John Newman, mainstays of the Hobby Hotline call-in show, join this wide-ranging (and live) discussion about the hobby's future (which no one know incidentally!).
Great Baseball Hall of Fame knuckle-balling pitcher Phil Niekro has passed away from cancer at 81 - his cards and memorabilia have always been very reasonable compared to his excellence.
A brief recap of the past twenty episodes in case you missed any of them. Episode ideas or suggestions can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com for consideration - happy new year!
Jeremy Lee of Sports Cards Live interviewed me on his YouTube channel about the biggest stories of 2020. We were largely in agreement.
We hear Rob's exciting predictions for the sports card hobby in 2021 - no secret that he is very bullish.
Mike and I discuss what we think will happen next year in our industry (which is trending!).
Rich and I discuss the just-named 25 Pro Football Hall of Fame semi-finalists and their Hall chances as well as any potential impact on their particular football cards.
Hobby sports memorabilia auction pioneer and co-founder of Leland's, Josh Evans has passed away - he is greatly missed and mourned.
Rich and I discuss the impact on the sports card hobby of MLB deciding to now include and integrate 1920-48 Negro Leaguers and their certified playing stats into their records.
A quick review of the notable sports deaths this past year, undoubtedly the deadliest ever.
Dave and I discuss some miscellaneous issues on a range of hobby topics. If you have questions, try doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and feel free to attach an audiogram.
Christmas means gifts to many, but most of those gifts are expected reciprocal gift exchanges - but what about unsolicited gifts within the hobby from those you really don't know that well?
On Christmas Eve we have anticipation for what we might get for Christmas - deferred gratification is a helpful trait for sports card collectors.
Cleveland has announced they are retiring the Indians name to be replaced with something else - Rich and I ponder the possibilities and whether that matters in the card world.
Val Marz and Jeremy Lee, co-hosts of Hobby Hotline, join the discussion of the impact of the noteworthy new round of investors in StarStock, including Kevin Durant and AJ Vaynerchuk.
Phil Spector, good friend of Rich's and mine, and all who knew him, passed away early last week. He was a mainstay in the hobby at the Nationals, East Coast and Philly shows, and was a key player in the success of Score Board.
I joined with Val Marz and Jeremy Lee on Hobby Hotline for this short thread on additional benefits that may accrue to the owners of PSA if they are taken private early next year. Highly recommend checking out the whole episode of Hobby Hotline, the hobby's live call-in show, every Saturday morning.
Ken Marks and I continued our conversation on his very challenging and successful master set quest.
Kevin and I trade questions based on his thoughtful email to me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - thanks Kevin!
Rich Klein and I discuss this turning point set from Topps - more complicated than you may think.
Ken Capell and I go a second round of dueling questions initiated by his thoughtful email to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and its implications.
Rich and I discuss those special instances where demand is strong for certain world champs, especially in vintage baseball cards, for example, the 1968 Detroit Tigers.
Shaq's biggest card collecting fan in Germany is Torsten Bauer. Some guy named Dirk is Torsten's second favorite.
Karate Kid and Cobra Kai have popularized this cryptic saying - but here's an application for sports card collectors and investors.
Some notes about these boxes (one pack per box!) as well as related hobby topics about modern sports cards.
Dane and I got on a roll and kept the microphones on for some additional back-and-forth questions and answers - including the one thousand episode controversy.
Joe Palke, teacher and coach, and I discuss the opportunities for attracting more kids into our hobby sooner rather than later.
Dick (Don't Call Me Richie) Allen passed away at 78 on Monday. I believe he is future Baseball Hall of Famer, which will undoubtedly impact the value of his baseball cards and memorabilia.
Upper Deck did not accidentally pop on the scene in 1989 - behind the scenes the year before..
Brief recap of the past 20 episodes in case you missed some. Contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com if you have episode ideas - thanks!
I was honored to be a panelist on Hobby Hotline last month. Recommend listening to (and watching) that show regularly as it is live on Saturday mornings.
Bill and I discuss various topics in this overtime session - I thought worth sharing - if you have ideas for guests or topics for this podcast, please send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com for consideration.
1990-91 was the pivotal year for hockey collectors with the debut of several hobby mainstay products.
Veteran advanced collector Ken Marks discusses his master set of 1961 Post baseball and more.
Exciting news that collector-extraordinaire Nat Turner along with some other serious financial investment entities have reached agreement to purchase PSA (Collectors Universe) hence taking the company private ... for $700,000,000, that's 700 million dollars!
Rich and I enjoyably break a couple of Archives baseball hobby boxes (masked up and behind a wall) courtesy of Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks.
Stuff from our conversation that did not make the finished episodes including my fantasy five basketball starting line-up.
A couple of stories about my departed friend Frank Steele, who was a true Baseball Hall of Famer in this industry.
John Newman's very entertaining podcast show, Sports Card Nation, included a roundtable discussion of Content Creation in the hobby as well predictions from 2021. Please listen to his whole episode, but this here contains some of my comments and second thoughts afterward.
Rich Klein has been on so many of these episodes always adding his wonderful stories - this is my opportunity to say thank you to my friend Rich.
I give Adam my top ten and he comments and compares to other rankings he has received in his Basketball Card Fanatic e-Magazine (available for free at basketballcardfanatic@gmail.com).
Bill discusses his hobby journey before and after coming to Beckett Publications back in late 1996, always having a sense of the business aspects.
Peter Gudmundsson was the successor CEO when Beckett Publications was sold to Apprise Media back in 2005.
Every year there are new rookies and new excitement in the basketball card market - but it's not all bad if this year is a little weaker than the past two years.
Promoter Kyle Robertson's recent Watters Creek show in Plano, Texas, was very successful each day of this three-day show.
I was honored to be a guest on John Newman's 100th episode along with Brody The Kid and Drew Herndon. John's first question concerned the opportunities to get more kids involved in this great hobby. Go to Sport Card Nation to listen to his whole episode, but here are my main comments from the show and my additional thoughts afterwards.
Eddie Healy shares his experience with his dad and the 1974 Topps rack packs they were able to resist opening all these years.
Alex Bell's card shop was operational from 1988-1995 with lots of local brick and mortar competition. Now card shops compete with the digital world of card sales and virtual community.
Victor Roman collects RC's of Hall of Famers in the four collecting major sports as do I - we discuss our respective approaches.
Brad and I had an extended conversation about several subjects related to the discomfort of our finite mortality and how to deal with our valuable sports collections.
Karl's father only collected and completed only one baseball card set - but it was a great one - plus he kept his daily journal from 1949!
Torsten's experience as a basketball card collector in Germany over the years was heavy reliant on his trusted Beckett magazines.
Advanced collector Anthony Nex shares his quest for completing these elusive panels, which were intended to preview the upcoming set, but were apparently discarded as there are few copies available today.
Karl shares his family's positive story involving his dad's cards and how they were handled over the decades since the exact day they were purchased.
Brad and I discuss this difficult topic that perhaps every serious collector will eventually face.
A brief recap of the most recent twenty episodes of this podcast in case you are curious.
Dr. Rick and I rambled on for some of the other interesting Post and Jello sets from the early 1960's. The year 2020 has taught us that "ridiculous" prices may not be so ridiculous.
Breaker Dane Coenen, who has appeared on this show before, kindly sent over a couple of boxes of Panini Origins for our review.
Dr. Rick and I discuss the similarities and differences between these two challenging sets, both with the allure of intriguing short prints.
Adam Gray's e-Magazine is highly recommended - contact him at basketballcardfanatic@gmail.com for a free copy of his first issue.
Joe Palke wants to sell some of his cards - don't many of us? What are the preferred selling platforms or methods for selling cards of various value levels?
Alex Bell and I discuss different methods of storing and protecting sports cards - the more valuable as well as those less valuable.
Recently deceased Pro Football Hall of Famer Herb Adderley is worthy of a second look - his cards look like utter bargains based on their supply compared to comparable baseball player's cards of the same era.
Hobby Hotline is a great show (live!) that I encourage you to listen to in its entirety. I was joined by John Newman, Jeff Dinson, Jeremy Lee, and James Hummel for this segment.
Hobby Hotline is always interesting and worth your attention. We had an interesting exchange last time I was on this live show, worthy of sharing.
Rich and I examine the big shows, especially the Nationals, over the decade of the 1990's.
Victor Roman has done extensive research and reporting on rookie cards, which he shares with us. What defines an RC has evolved.
Kevin, a second grade teacher, and I discuss ways to get more kids into our great hobby.
Looking through the political lens with next week's election, here are seven price guide hacks along with some connections to popular controversial topics, their definitions and interpretations.
The recent Beckett Industry Summit had a number of excellent sessions. Ray Schulte interviewed me for one and this was the segment I thought was particularly worth sharing here.
Listen to this episode if you agree that athletes and celebrities should do a better job of signing their names in terms of legibility and recognizability.
The introduction of up and down arrows in Beckett Baseball Card Monthly was a turning point back in 1985.
We are in another period of explosive hobby growth - Rich interviews me on what we can learn from the last time?
I go down a path of "what if's" reimagining our annual National Sports Collectors Convention, considering that this year is the first year since inception with no National.
A SPAC is a special financial approach for helping companies go public more easily. Is there another public company in the hobby's future?
Derek and I discuss the hobby, what makes it great, and how Heritage is strategically positioned.
I am obviously not anti-analytics, but I realize there are some trailblazers out there who write their own "music" and scripts for success.
Music superstar and guitar hero Eddie Van Halen's life and death suggest insights for us sports collectors.
Derek was former head grader at SGC and has brought his keen eye and knowledge to Heritage serving as VP for the past nine years and evaluating and handling many of the great collections that have or will come up for auction.
Joe Morgan, perhaps the greatest second baseman in baseball history, passed away this past Sunday of polyneuropathy.
A very quick summary of the episodes of the past four weeks - thanks! doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
My friend Barrie Sullivan passed away almost six years ago. He was an early strong contributor to the health and expansion of our hobby based on his friendly personality and sharp legal mind.
I took three routes to see which would be most pleasing or profitable in pursuing Stature. I was surprised.
Huggins & Scott's auction logistics expertise allows them to profitably handle large lots as a service to the industry.
A closer look at Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Gibson's life, career, and cards, after his tragic passing at the age of 84 to pancreatic cancer.
My sister Claire and I share stories about the early days of Beckett Publications and our mom's influence on this her 95th birthday.
My sister Claire and her husband Jeff really stepped up when I had my heart attack exactly 24 years ago today and led Beckett Publications during that trying time.
Pew Research nationally surveyed for and then ranked the top 12 most concerning social and political issues involved in this coming presidential election. Many of them have a bearing on our hobby.
Rewards for substantive feedback - listen and find out how and why during the month of October 2020.
Ryan Krueger's firm helps clients manage their investments. Ryan and I compare and contrast publicly-traded stocks and publicly-traded sports cards.
Derek and I have a wide-ranging conversation including his sports cards and collectibles hobby journey and the key brands to which he has strongly contributed over the past two decades.
Premier autograph authenticator Steve Grad and I trade questions on a variety of hobby topics.
Mike and I discuss the various meanings attached historically to the words hobby and dealer.
Rich and I discuss the respective chances of some hobby favorites waiting hopefully for their Hall call.
Live caller Kevin Jones had an interesting question which was addressed - recommend you listen to the whole hour-long show, Hobby Hotline, another excellent podcast.
Last Saturday's Hobby Hotline had many great moments (as a live show) - I encourage you to listen to the whole show with Drew Herndon, Texas Card Dude, Ziggy No, and me.
Rich and I discuss the baseball card products of one of the most innovative card companies and the people involved including some history-repeated stories.
Pete shares his strong background in the hobby, landing at Heritage for the past 12 years.
Ryan discusses how he has applied what he learned as a young collector to his current career in money management.
Collectable has syndicated the PSA 10 Mickey Mantle from 1953 Topps, a true condition rarity.
Both my father and father-in-law have birthdays this week - they are terrific examples of the greatest generation. More than 90% of the Major Leaguers their ages have passed, but left their mark.
Tanner and I discuss the dramatic effect of the Internet on sports card collecting at the three inflection points of Tanner's hobby experience.
Rich and I discuss Donruss' innovative (at the time) approach to the Canadian baseball card market and its enduring collectability.
A brief recap of the past twenty episodes over the past four weeks in case you missed a few, and are curious. If you want to hear more on some topic, just email me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
Long-time insurance pro and serious hockey card collector, Ken Capell and I discuss the merits of insuring your sports card collection.
Tanner and I kept the recorder going and I have extracted this short exchange from his interview of me, which I thought you would like.
On Adam's The Basketball Card Podcast last week (recommend that you listen to the whole episode) I was asked about historical market manipulation of the card hobby. My brief response recorded here is a small part of the show.
The most interesting of the modern O-Pee-Chee baseball sets with all the subtle and not-so-subtle differences compared to the Topps set of the same year.
Adam suggests that every serious collector should be on Instagram and gives his four reasons why.
There is sorting and there is mega-sorting. Mike shares his on-going experience breaking down a largely-unsorted million-card inventory.
Jeff shares his hobby journey and his current work at Topps directing their successful eCommerce efforts.
Popular book summarized (and the book summary is recommended) - how and where do you get in the zone with respect to the hobby?
I "analyzed" and "quantified" this 300+ table weekend card show (and its contents) and share some of my conclusions.
Adam shares his origin story, his essentially uninterrupted life-long passion for basketball cards, including the development of his excellent podcast, The Basketball Card Podcast, and his Top 100 Cards.
Mike has some thoughtful questions about previous episodes dealing with the financial aspects of this great hobby.
Tanner talks about his "labor of love" hobby of creating custom cards on a very limited basis for personal use and enjoyment.
Rich and I discuss the interesting parallels and contradictions between the world of music and sports cards.
Today is 8-24 - informally now known as Kobe Bryant Day! My best Kobe find, victory snatched from the jaws of defeat.
Highly recommend that you listen (or watch) Jeremy's Episode 30 of his Sports Cards Live on YouTube, where I was his guest for an enjoyable hour three weeks ago. Thought DJBSCI listeners might especially enjoy this nine-minute interchange.
We hear Nick's origin story from young savvy collector to his current position at Panini.
The National Sports Collectors Convention for 2020 has been officially cancelled now, so Rich and I look forward to Chicago next summer, and how the National might be different going forward.
Sports journalist and author Dan Good (and husband of Sooz) shares his hobby journey with us, including his ghost-writing.
We discuss the evolution of the National Sports Collectors Convention and other large regional sports card shows during the 1980's.
A brief recap and highlight of each of the past twenty episodes in case you missed some. Thanks for listening - doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
We compare and contrast the experience and results of opening these two similarly priced hockey hobby boxes. One had a higher yield, but that was not my long-term preference. Any questions or comments can be directed to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com. Thanks!
Is It A Good Deal Now? Seven aspects to consider before pulling the trigger on a major purchase.
Jeremy (Sports Cards Live on YouTube) and I duel with our hobby questions to each other.
Geoff and I exchange opinions about current and past sports card analytics and graphs and their interpretation.
Sometimes it's healthy to take a break from your hobby. Tanner and I discuss the ramifications of the hamster wheel.
Thank you, Upper Deck, for the opportunity to review this product - hard to describe, but very eclectic and very enjoyable, especially if you like all sports and popular culture as I do.
What does it feel like to own a professional sports franchise? How is it similar to owning a fabulous sports card collection?
Jon and his dad Pat were regulars on the sports card show circuit back in the 1980's and owned a card shop in North Little Rock.
Grant and I trade questions about the sports card hobby including his advice for the card companies.
Sooz, formerly of Beckett Media and Topps, shares her interesting hobby journey with us.
I was interviewed last month for this excellent podcast and this was a slice I wanted to be sure my listeners heard.
Short excerpt from my recent appearance on Beckett Live with Eric Norton discussing then and now type issues.
Mike Sommer of Wax Pack Hero shares his accumulated knowledge of helpful shipping tips relative to sports cards.
Geoff provides plenty of free information, but has structured his program in such a way that investors can choose to pay for certain products and services he and his team have developed.
National sports collectibles dealer Tom Reid had great stuff and was a great guy. He is missed.
A chance to predict who will win and potentially why, although many basketball stars seem to already be fully priced.
Comparing and contrasting these two recent football card releases from Panini. Listen to find which one I prefer, as they are ironically the same price on the secondary market at this time.
Thanks Panini for putting out and sending over for review two excellent baseball card products, each with its own merits.
Shawn Barker and Mike Fruitman are co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Card Shop with Mike and the Big Dog.
Sy Berger, who helped build Topps into the hobby power that it became, is missed by all who knew him.
A further prioritization and reflection on yesterday's Mortality episode, which you should listen to before this follow-up episode.
There is more to the story than just whether a particular card has low population report status.
The popular Facebook Group and website is de-mystified by Drew Herndon (Lemme Get That Podagraph).
Dan and I discuss the relative merits of the mainstream sets put out by Fleer, Philadelphia, and Topps during the competition between the AFL and NFL.
Rich and I discuss the many cards which have celebrities or superstars in the background of the front photo and how that can drive value.
Chris asks "Would I rather look at cards or look at sports on TV"? I give a surprising answer and an explanation of the "tell" as to how someone might answer.
Veteran collector and announcer discusses proper collecting etiquette when having close access to the players.
Dan and I exchange tricky, unedited and unscripted, questions and answers about the hobby and our experiences.
Grant and I bat some questions back and forth, dealing with the past, present, and future of our hobby.
Chris asks a provocative question about sub-grades with an excellent example showing the nuances of high grade cards and their values.
Media pro John Clemens describes his long love affair with and on-going pursuit of the 1957 Topps baseball set.
Out-takes from the Father's Day episode - a behind the scenes look at Burbank Sports Cards
Opening an O-Pee-Chee Platinum hockey box from Upper Deck and sharing the contents with you.
Three generations of the Veres family behind Burbank Sports Cards give us a glimpse of their dynamic and why Burbank has been such a huge success.
Jordan and I discuss relative valuations for equivalently scarce cards - whether basketball or football - basketball is typically priced higher.
Grant is Upper Deck's Director of Product Development. He shares backstory on some of his favorite products.
Following up on my earlier Jackie Robinson Player episode, John and I discuss the totality of Jackie's impact on baseball, other sports, our culture, and hence on our hobby.
Dan Hitt, long-time Beckett Football Price Guide editor, sits down for a chat about his hobby journey from his earliest days.
We discuss the history of Fat Packs, the long-running, successful weekly podcast, that is now morphing into Beckett Live Presents.
Wearing a mask hides your identity. It seems every robber wears a mask, but obviously all mask-wearers are NOT robbers.
Since immediately after graduating from college, Grant has held key positions at two hobby stalwarts, Beckett Publications first, and now Upper Deck as Director of Product Development.
Tim Shepler (aka Big Shep of About the Cards) discusses his favorite player, George Brett.
Sports media personality, announcer, and radio voice, John Clemens, shares his hobby origin story.
Listen to Episode #229A for the questions, but here are the answers as promised, plus my surprising (and perhaps unrealistic) 20th pick for the next selection group.
An excellent offering by Topps, considered by some to be the best baseball set of the decade.
Who would you select for Topps if they were to do another 20 baseball players in the artistic format of Project 2020 next time?
Each of the 20 selected players from Topps Project 2020 is the answer to a trivia question. See how many you can get.
John Newman's recent provocative episode on his shorter Hobby Quick Hits, IMHO deserved further consideration. Please listen to his episode first, then we hope you enjoy our treatment of a subject that is not typically discussed, but should be!
Todd Westover spent more than a decade successfully selling non-indigenous ads within this hobby/industry, while building his sports card and memorabilia collection.
John Newman of Sports Card Nation and Hobby Quick Hits discusses the exploding phenomenon, which is Topps Project 2020.
Tim Shepler, co-host of the weekly "About the Cards" podcast shares his hobby origin story.
What is worth saving? What should be disposable? Cultural opinions and tastes evolve over time. Last generation's trash can be this generation's treasure ... but the opposite can also be true.
The sports card hobby is not a balloon, but, if it was, how can we let a little air out of it.
Faux sponsor FCG proposes a radical approach to sports card grading which focuses on the concept of the card's eye appeal.
Barry was a part owner of the New York Yankees and was the face of high-end sports card and memorabilia collecting in the late 20th century. We shared some great stories over the years.
Memorial Day honors those who have lost their lives in the military serving and defending their country in war.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) compared to fear of embarassment as applied to our sports card industry.
Veteran property tax consultant Buck Easley discusses the parallels between his profession and the valuation of sports cards.
Rich and I discuss our experiences with the black-bordered 1971 Topps baseball card set.
Compulsive gambling is a problem - exposed when the winning stops - as it alway does when you are relying on luck and not on skill and self-control.
Just finished the ten-part ESPN docu-series on the Last Dance and am reflecting on the future hobby impact.
Back and forth questions with Stephan's wife, Angela Loeffler, getting her female perspective.
The National has been tentatively re-scheduled to December 12-16, 2020, still in Atlantic City. That will likely mean some changes - some for the better.
Huggins & Scott's latest auction features more than 1200 lots - highlighted here in this podcast are the early leaders in most bids.
George Lyons (1937-2001) seemed to be at the epicenter of the hobby back beginning in the late 1970's, armed with his WATS line. Many of that eras big trades and deals went through or were brokered by him.
Rich and I discuss two light-hitting, but media-savvy, former baseball catchers, a funny guy and a comedian.
Joe Davis of GotBaseballCards.com, and co-host of the new podcast, The Collector and The Dealer, shares his theories of the causes of the latest dramatic price movements.
Stephan and his wife Angela sit down for a behind the scenes look at their popular podcast.
Todd shares his precocious hobby journey through vintage baseball cards to AFL cards and AFL history.
The thesis of this baseball book is that great players are made, not necessarily born - they sometimes take a non-conformist path.
Goals "should" be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. As a hobbyist that's not necessarily so.
How to show appreciation to your mother in the context of loving sports cards - you, not necessarily her.
What will the shows of the future look like - what safeguards and protections might be put in place?
Respected Georgia card shop owner Joe Davis discusses what the post-COVID environment might look like for his shop.
Jefferson Burdick (1900-1963), was one of truest and noblest pioneers of our great hobby, our initial cataloger. His selfless contributions to our later growth cannot be overstated.
How to think about the confidence sports card collectors should have in grading services in terms of variability and consistency.
Listener Mark Zentkovich laments the challenge of filling out sets of off-condition vintage, where half-off is not a bargain for "good" condition cards.
Tanner Jones has super-collected Jose Canseco, even spending a day with the slugger. More details in his excellent book, Confessions of a Baseball Card Addict, available on Amazon.
Rich and I discuss 1968 Topps baseball cards. Rich remembers his first cards being third series of that year, an auspicious start indeed!
We briefly recap the past twenty episodes over the past four eventful weeks. If you have questions or comments, please send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com so I can address them.
Lou and I had an interesting conversation before we recorded his origin episode that I thought was worth sharing.
Lou shares his multi-faceted journey through the sports card hobby from his successful LCS in Grand Rapids, MI.
Today is Administrative Professionals Day in the US - what better day than to honor my long-time Executive Assistant Carol Fowler, who is now happily retired.
Tanner engagingly shares his sports card hobby origin story. More info on Tanner can be found in his excellent autobiographical book, Confessions of a Baseball Card Addict, which I highly recommend.
Allan Muir interviews me for a future edition of Beckett Vintage magazine with respect to my personal experience with buying trips back in the pre-price guide days.
I don't hate plastic sheets or other kinds of popular sports card holders, but how I use them is my own personal preference.
Sadly, Stu Payne passed away about a year ago from cancer at the young age of 26. Drew Herndon, founding co-host of the highly recommended podcast, Lemme Get That Podagraph, remembers his great friend Stu.
Sport card collectors in America are subject to various taxes, including annual income taxes.
A "game" for profitably passing time while waiting to go back to work. An opportunity to test yourself as to finding good deals and great deals - a secret can be preparation.
Easter is special for many reasons - but sports card collectors and dealers realize a "floating" holiday can make spring show schedules tricky, working around family plans.
On this special Good Friday episode Joe Davis (Got Baseball Cards) and I discuss what it means to be an ethical dealer or ethical business person. Joe relates some of his business adages and philosophies and where they come from.
Mike responded to our earlier episode of the same title and adds some additional considerations based on his experience.
A discussion of cultural literacy and other forms of understanding that could help a sports card investor gain an edge with emerging prospects.
Mike Payne, Editorial Director of Beckett Media, discusses the life, cards, and memorabilia of recently-passed baseball legend, Al Kaline, Mr. Tiger.
Ben Wilson, co-host of the popular podcast, About The Cards, shares his hobby origin story.
After you bring home a sports card collection - what then? Ever wondered how long it takes to break it down and organize it.
Drew Herndon, popular host of the outstanding hobby podcast, Lemme Get That Podagraph, comes on to relate his hobby origin story.
Wax Pack Hero, Mike Sommer, popular blogger and podcaster discusses his hobby origin story with us.
Recently deceased Harlem Globetrotters' star dribbler and ball-handler, Curly Neal, is discussed in context of his wizardry, cards, and societal impact.
We discuss recently departed baseball star, Jimmy Wynn, the "Toy Cannon". Rich's first favorite player, who was very popular with Topps.
We look back to 1984 and 1985 (in the back issues of Beckett Baseball Card Monthly) to see the historical treatment of Mark McGwire's 1985 Topps card.
Just like a personal mission statement can be unique to you - so can your personal collecting mission statement. First, take stock of your assets, financial and otherwise.
Ryan Cracknell wrote an excellent article on Beckett.com, "11 Things Sports Card Collectors Can Do While They're Stuck at Home", is discussed plus a few more suggestions added in.
Rich Klein calls 1984 Donruss his baseball card set of the decade. We discuss the iconic Don Mattingly RC as well as other noteworthy aspects of this enduring set.
The Sunk Cost fallacy is applied to your sports card portfolio. Sometimes it is the prudent thing to sell cards at a loss.
How into sports cards are you? Have you ever wondered if your wholesome passion borders on addiction?
The far-fetched scenario of President Trump being a member of our hobby and those implausible implications are discussed.
A discussion of coronavirus effects based on the latest situation - how collectors might respond.
Doug Kale and I tackle a range of topics and questions, many stemming from previous podcasts.
Brad Askew and I discuss his favorite player and card collecting focus, Eddie Murray, the powerful, switch-hitting Hall of Famer.
Rich Klein and I discuss (in a positive tone) the awkward subject of cheating in baseball, historically and currently, including the impact on sports cards and their values.
A brief discussion of the coronavirus as well as the shocking cancellations of live sports - how that might impact our industry?
My friend and colleague Mark Harwell passed away three and a half years ago - he is sorely missed - I watched his career fully blossom with delight.
"To graph or not not to graph, that is the question, whether 'tis nobler ..." is a take-off on the famous Shakespeare quote. Jacob Noble and I discuss the tension between hobbyists who disagree about getting a rookie card personally signed.
Rich Klein and I have a wide-ranging conversation about where you would rather be on a Saturday at a show - behind or in front of the table - or the seller of the tables.
Bert Randolph Sugar's Sports Collectors Bible, published back in 1975, was a huge foundational contribution to our industry.
NFL Agent and Favre super-collector, Jordan Hagedorn, and I sit down to discuss Brett Favre and his many football cards.
My guest and friend Doug Kale has worn many hats in this industry including a fruitful stint at Beckett Publications. We discuss his origin story and his eclectic and diverse collecting interests.
Dave Sliepka and I discuss the meteoric rise and fall of Pro Set, which burst on the scene in 1989 as the official card manufacturer of the NFL. Much of the on-going success and vitality of the football card market can be traced back to Pro Set's innovations and aggressive marketing.
Tim Getsch, founder and CEO of COMC.com, joins for a discussion of Orel Hershiser and his cards, as Tim is one of several who player collect Orel. Obviously COMC plays a key role in his pursuit.
Pulling the trigger (quickly or slowly) on a card purchase can depend on your personality and your preparation.
Eric Norton, host of Beckett Media's Fat Packs podcast, sits down with me for a chat about his experience working directly in-stadium for the Seattle Mariners, selling game-used memorabilia and card team sets.
We briefly recap all the immediate past episodes from #139 through #158. Any questions, comments, or future episode suggestions can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com for consideration. Thanks!
Adam Martin of mega-dealer/wholesaler Dave and Adam's discusses his hobby journey including the growth of his enterprise and the heat of the hobby right now.
Tim Getsch, Founder and CEO of COMC.com, and I discuss advanced selling strategies on his platform.
Geoff Wilson's "Sports Card Investor" podcast published an excellent episode in December 2020, entitled "20 Things New Sports Card Investors Must Know". I recommend listening to his episode first. Then I did an episode (#126 on January 9, 2020) briefly commenting on (and generally affirming) his list. This current show is our face-to-face discussion of how much we agree as well as the nuances of any disagreements, including the semantic and intended interpretation of "must".
Jacob Noble has a stressful job: criminal defense attorney. Jacob wrote me in response to our prior episode on hobby job opportunities, and we discuss his situation. Jacob had some interesting ideas and can be reached at jacob@noblelawyer.com if you want to follow up with him.
John Newman, creator and host of the popular (and highly recommended) podcast, Sport Card Nation, joins for an enjoyable conversation. We discuss his collecting origin story as well as his expanding podcast portfolio. You should also check out his (collaborating with several other noteworthy podcasters) Hobby Hotline for live call-ins about the hobby.
Rich Klein and I discuss setting and changing card show admission fees as we approach his popular semi-annual Adat Chaverim benefit show.
Len Bias was the second pick overall in the 1986 NBA draft - to be the next superstar for the Boston Celtics, but his life was cut short when he died of a drug overdose the day after the draft. Eric Norton and I discuss the what if's associated with what could have been for Len and his potentially future cards and their value.
Tim Getsch, Founder and CEO of COMC.com, and I discuss some potential future features with his COMC service and platform.
Geoff Wilson sits down to discuss his Sports Card Investor podcast (and YouTube show) - how it got started, how he has positioned it, and why it took off.
We compare the 2020 Topps Series One Baseball hobby box of 24 packs with the jumbo box of ten packs - slight preference for jumbo!
It's the day after Valentine's - too early to plan for next year? A discussion of gift giving and receiving. A hint: it might be about the hints!
We take a look at the printed catalog for the Huggins & Scott Sports Auction Catalog dated and ending 02202020.
Joe Davis, owner of Got Baseball Cards in the Atlanta area, sits down to discuss his current multi-faceted involvement in our hobby/industry, and how that came to be.
Jordan Hagedorn, NFL Player Agent and passionate Brett Favre card collector, sits down to discuss his hobby journey.
We sit down together to discuss Clay's 23-year hobby journey from PR for Fleer to executive at Topps as well as plans(?) for the next "Million Card Rip Party".
Listener question about how to spend five hours a week on the hobby he loves - and whether he can moderate his passion after completing a long hobby quest as a super-collector. What's next?
Listener question about wanting to escalate his budget for buying cards but concerned his wife will not approve.
Geoff Wilson, founder of the popular podcast and YouTube "Sports Card Investor", joins for a discussion of his origin story and his card investment philosophies and practical helps.
We discuss the growth and potential for the different excellent podcasts covering our hobby/industry as well as other current topics. You may recognize my voice by now, but there were many outstanding contributors in attendance who shared their thoughts, Rich Klein at 0:00, Geoff Wilson at 2:10, Dave Sliepka at 3:30, Rich Klein at 4:20, Don Spence at 5:25, Keith Hower at 9:00, Jordan Hagedorn at 9:35, Dave Sliepka at 10:40, Jordan Hagedorn at 11:15, Geoff Wilson at 12:00, Keith Hower at 12:10, Tim Trout at 13:50, Keith Hower at 14:10, Tim Trout at 15:00, Brian Fleischer at 16:10, and Dave Sliepka at 16:30.
We discuss our predictions for the upcoming year. Not including me, you are hearing from Tim Trout 0:40, Don Spence at 1:15, Eric Norton at 1:45, Rob Springs at 2:20, Rich Klein at 2:50, Tim Trout at 3:25, Rob Springs at 3:45, Keith Hower at 5:20, Rich Klein at 7:00, Brian Fleischer at 7:40, Geoff Wilson at 8:05, Rob Springs at 9:45, Geoff Wilson at 10:25, Rich Klein at 10:45, Jordan Hagedorn at 10:50, Geoff Wilson at 11:40, and Jordan Hagedorn at 12:20.
Just got back from the Topps Million Card Rip Party at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX with about 18 different high-profile industry breakers who are breaking one million 2020 Topps Series One Baseball cards.
We discuss the outlook for baseball cards in 2020 around the big board table over dinner. Speaking and contributing, other than me, are Tim Trout 0:00, Rich Klein at 1:00, Rob Springs at 2:30, Rich Klein at 4:15, Joe Davis at 5:20, Rob Springs at 5:40, Tim Getsch at 6:20, Jordan Hagedorn at 6:40, Geoff Wilson at 6:55, Jordan Hagedorn at 7:15, Tim Trout at 7:45, Jordan Hagedorn at 8:00, Tim Trout at 8:35, Jordan Hagedorn at 9:10, Keith Hower at 9:30, Jordan Hagedorn at 10:15, Rich Klein at 10:50, Jordan Hagedorn at 11:00, Keith Hower at 12:10, Rich Klein at 12:25, Keith Hower at 12:45, Joe White at 13:00, Joe Davis at 13:05, Geoff Wilson at 13:25, Dave Sliepka at 14:00, Geoff Wilson at 14:30, and Tim Trout at 15:20.
We discuss the upcoming Topps Million Card Rip Party at Jerry Jones' American Airlines Stadium with 18 breakers busting a million card that day. The voices you are hearing, other than me, are Rich Klein at 0:10, Tim Trout at 0:40, Keith Hower at 2:20, Joe White at 2:50, Dane Coenen at 3:20, Tim Trout at 4:50, Rich Klein at 5:00, Keith Hower at 5:40, and Jordan Hagedorn at 9:30.
Do you prefer being your own boss or having a job with a steady paycheck? There are many opportunities in this industry with most hobby businesses doing very well. Let me know at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com if you are interested in this topic - especially if you are in the DFW area.
Mike Fruitman (Mike's Stadium Sports Cards in Aurora, CO) and I discuss the legacy of Kobe and what has happened during this first week after his passing and some ethical and pricing considerations raised.
Our round-table discussion of which cards are "safer" at the annual hobby vintage dinner. The voices you hear, besides mine, are Jordan Hagedorn at 0:00, Rich Klein at 1:20, Shane Leonard at 2:45, Jerry Adamic at 3:10, Stephan Loeffler at 3:45, Leon Luckey at 4:30, Jordan Hagedorn at 4:50, Tim Getsch at 6:00, Rich Klein at 6:20, Tim Getsch at 7:00, Shane Leonard at 9:00, Chris Ivy at 9:55, Jordan Hagedorn at 10:50, Chris Ivy at 11:15, Leon Luckey at 11:45, and David Porter at 13:30.
A round-table discussion about collection narratives at our recent vintage sports hobby dinner. Besides me, the other voices you hear are Tim Getsch at 0:00, Jordan Hagedorn at 1:05, Stephan Loeffler at 3:05, Jordan Hagedorn at 4:05, Rich Klein at 5:15, Paul Rogers at 5:30, Eddie Kelly at 8:00, Tim Getsch at 9:00, Shane Leonard at 9:40, Paul Rogers at 12:15, David Porter at 12:45, and Leon Luckey at 13:20.
We recap the past twenty-plus episodes (#119-138) for those of you who selectively listen. Send feedback to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com if you have questions or suggestions.
Where does vintage end in terms of the year - 1980? - 1973? - 1960? - 1945? Assuming you recognize my voice, others attending spoke and contributed as follows: David Porter at 0:45, Leon Luckey at 1:05, Shane Leonard at 2:40, Tim Getsch at 3:00, Shane Leonard at 3:50, Jerry Adamic at 4:55, Rich Klein at 5:20, Andy Broome at 5:55, Chris Ivy at 7:15, Shane Leonard at 7:30, Chris Ivy at 8;20, Rich Klein at 9:00, David Porter at 9:20, Chris Ivy at 10:20, Shane Leonard at 10:40, Rich Klein at 11:30, Stephan Loeffler at 12:55, Jerry Adamic at 13:30, Shane Leonard at 14:15, and Andy Broome at 14:30.
Beckett Publications was sold on January 25-26, 2005 - this episode focuses on the aftermath of the sale, tracking over the last fifteen years. Any questions or comments about this or any other episode, just email me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your thoughts. Thanks!
Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash earlier today. My primary reaction is sadness - nevertheless there has been an immediate effect on his cards and collectibles.
A round-table discussion on the aspirational promise of the soccer card market from the recent modern hobby dinner. You probably can recognize my voice by now, but others weighing in are Joe Davis at 0:00, Dave Sliepka at 1:10, Rich Klein at 1:55, Brian Fleischer at 2:20, Joe Davis at 4:20, and Rob Springs at 4:25.
A round-table discussion of price guide anomalies from the recent modern hobby dinner. You probably recognize my voice by now, but others chiming in are Brian Fleischer at 0:10, Tim Getsch at 1:20, Brian Fleischer at 3:20, Rich Klein at 3:40, Brians Fleischer at 4:00, Tim Trout at 4:20, Brian Fleischer at 4:50, and Eric Norton at 5:55.
Over the next two weeks I will be releasing several episodes unpacking the conversations which took place around our big board table over dinner. Please forgive the poor audio, but I believe the candid, unpredictable conversation (among the 15 or 16 hobby experts participating) was worth recording and presenting to you.
Beckett Publications was sold on January 25-26, 2005 - almost exactly fifteen years ago. I focus on what led up to the sale as well as some of the pre-sale considerations and concessions. I knew what I was retiring from, but not perfectly what I was retiring to.
The second year of Score football did not have the rookie star power of their inaugural year, but had a plethora of interesting embedded subsets providing collectors multiple versions and depictions of their favorite players.
Rich and I discuss the hypothetical "what if" scenario that Burbank Sportscards or Mike's Stadium Sportcards did not exist - and who or what would fill that void. If you have a "what if" concept you would like considered, contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your thoughts.
Rich and I compare and contrast Walt Alston and Sparky Anderson, two Hall of Fame managers, who had notable lack of success as players. If a group of '50's or '60's Topps cards for sale indicates "Hall of Famers" included, you would be hoping they are not referring only to these two fine managers!
Today is Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20, 2020, and hence our episode concerns Jackie Robinson, who broke the color line for Major League Baseball back in 1947 and then went on to a Hall of Fame career. His cards, especially his two rookie cards, and autographs (he died in 1972) are highly sought after.
Racial harmony is important. I have not always taken MLK Day seriously, but recently in my retirement I have hosted black/white friendship dinners, which have been mutually enriching with respect to increasing understanding. Sports and sports card collecting can also play a part. People always ask me what I do in my retirement - I can now say I am a podcaster! But I also do other interesting things that I think might make a difference in our world and culture. Sports is a great common denominator.
Where were you on January 20, 1968? I know exactly where I was and what I was doing - but more importantly - who I was with. Best friends were formed that evening that furthered my enjoyment of sports and this great hobby.
Alan Rosen (Mr. Mint) was a force in our industry for three decades, marketing and elevating our hobby into mainstream life. Dave Sliepka and I discuss his significant long-term positive impact on our industry.
Rich and I discuss the rise and fall of Wild Card, the card company known for their infamous striped cards. Interestingly that innovation from the early '90's has not been copied.
We talk to Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks about his favorite set. 1993 Topps Finest Baseball marked a seismic turn toward higher end premium products, leading to all the amazing products of today.
Daryl McKay (co-founder of Sports Images, a leading distributor then, and now a business consultant) and I compare and contrast the Distributor landscape from 30 years ago to now, and conclude there are more similarities than differences.
A discussion of Honus Wagner - not just his notorious T206 card but also his playing and coaching career.
Dave and I lament the decrease in truly regional card and memorabilia shows, while being encouraged by the recent increase and proliferation of local card shows.
Dave and I discuss the National Sports Collectors Convention, most frequently held in Chicago, and speculate as to what other shows come close to the National's impact.
Eric Norton, popular host of Beckett Media's Fat Packs podcast and wrestling aficionado, helps me evaluate a newly-arrived group of 75 recent wrestling card complete sets I had won in a recent Huggins & Scott auction.
Geoff Wilson's excellent podcast, Sports Card Investors, recently featured an episode entitled "20 Things New Sports Card Investors Must Know." We comment, largely affirming, his thoughts and explanations. You can also find his written transcript at www.sportscardinvestor.com as well as other helpful stuff.
Chris Carlin, Upper Deck's Senior Manager of Customer Experience shares his hobby journey, joining Upper Deck right out of college and working his way up.
James and I discuss the current COMC experience as well as what's coming in terms of innovations. Go to COMC.com to find out more.
Rich and I discuss the hypothetical situation whereby Heritage Auctions never moved into sports cards ; and Huggins and Scott Auctions perhaps stayed as a local-only live auction. There would be a void - how would it be filled?
Joe Morgan, considered by Bill James as the best second baseman in history, had a long and storied career including many cards. However his important role as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Baseball Hall of Fame has even more impact on our hobby and its future.
Bill Mazeroski is in the Hall of Fame because of his defensive prowess at second base as well as his historic walk-off home run in the 1960 World Series. His cards are valued as a lower-demand hall of famer - but he had one of the most iconic memories of my childhood as I remember exactly where I was when he hit his home run!
Rob Veres (Burbank Sportscards) and I discuss strategies for effectively integrating a (very) large purchase of cards (such as the two pallets of cards he purchased at the National) into his already massive inventory.
For this first episode of the year I have decided to share some of my near-fatal heart attack story from back on October 6, 1996. There were timely preparations the summer before in terms of my delegation, which kept this episode from being truly tragic for my family and friends as well as for the company (Beckett Publications) that had my name on it. If you have indigestion, chest pressure, shortness of breath, and numb left arm, or any combination of some of those - go straight to the hospital. I had all those symptoms and did not go directly to the hospital, and I almost didn't make it - three minutes to spare!
We recap and review the most recent 20 episodes, since many of our listeners do not listen to every episode in linear sequence. If you have questions or suggestions about this podcast or sports card insights, please send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com so they can potentially be addressed for the benefit of all.
With so many (different) cards in existence doe sit seem strange that there are just a few that capture the fancy of the public. Sales of cards in the long tail are also an indication of health and strength of the hobby. The velocity or probability of sales of certain lower-demand cards can be an important contribution to overall profitability for a dealer or collector.
Free labor is not always free! What you would do without compensation (for your hobby) is frequently a task you would have to pay someone to do for you, so is that still free labor? Your true costs and true profit should perhaps take into account your "free" labor.
Strategies for when to sell a card you just bought for a good price are like opinions - everyone has one. But there are no hard and fast rules or "best" strategies for when to sell - it is your call and there are too many factors to know exactly.
Memories and reminiscences of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with respect to sports cards - if you want to share yours, just contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your short story. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Boxing Day is celebrated primarily in the UK and is not well understood in America. Nevertheless some "boxing" stories are shared in the spirit of the season.
Christmas memories and reflections with respect to our hobby - if you would like to share yours, contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your story.
The normal thought is to buy the best condition or card you can afford - but at what cost - the "best" premium could be so outrageous as to be avoided as a bad deal - No one knows the future!
Quantity discounts vs. quantity premiums. Bottom line: Honesty is the best policy. Say what you mean and do what you say and your business reputation and sales should grow.
Listener Kevin O'Keefe suggests that more expanded stats on card backs would contribute to greater math understanding in students and in adults. I wholeheartedly agree, subject to readability. Kevin also teed it up with an audio file he sent me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com putting his question in his own words. Thank you Kevin!
Daryl McKay, co-founder of Sports Images, a well-known distributor in the Northeast, shares his origin story as a precocious entrepreneur, starting four decades ago.
James and I discuss his hobby journey as a collector including his amazing recent retail pull of a 1/1 Zion Williamson. Any questions or experiences to be shared? Contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and let us know. Thanks!
Chris Ivy and I take turns swapping stories in this unedited conversation about finds over the years.
Dane Coene of Dynasty Breaks relates the types and styles of breaks that he most enjoys. It is more than a matter of luck - skill is helpful too!
Rich and I discuss how he started and grew Sport Collectors Daily website and daily email - four stories about sports cards/collectibles a day for more than 13 years - now more than 14,000 stories!
What if PED's (performance enhancing drugs) were suddenly undetectable (and hence perhaps indirectly acceptable)? How would that effect the game itself as well as players active as well as retired.
What if there were no redemption cards at all (due to legal, business, or other reasons) - would that be good or bad for our industry?
What if the recent damaging Dallas tornado had hit just two miles farther north or two miles farther south?
Rich Klein and I discuss the hypothetical scenarios whereby Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck do not exist at all or at least in the form they are now. Any listener ideas for other "What If" topics or episodes can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com if you'd like.
Sponsor Bill Huggins relates the distinctives of Huggins & Scott Auctions, including their famous "treasure chest" and "shoebox" auction lots.
Mike Fruitman discusses his passion for making local card shops and the hobby more kid friendly, through his successful Kids Club concept.
Rich Klein and I discuss memories (and the 50th anniversary) of 1969 Topps Baseball, its series, inserts, and oddities.
Rob Veres walks through some of the processes, procedures, and innovations he has employed to great advantage in the growth and success of Burbank Sportscards.
An encouragement for more "explicit" cards, that is, clearly spelling out slight differences in cards that can have big value implications. After all, the definition of explicit: stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.
A discussion of what makes a beautiful, well-designed card - specifically the card front in this short mini-episode: name, logo, art, color, borders, portrait, in action, specialty, etc. If you have questions or comments, just contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - thanks!
The physical aspects of excellent card design, including card shape, thickness, coating, embossing, etc.
We hear Rich Mueller's origin story of his collecting background as well as his sports broadcasting experience, culminating with his Sports Collectors Daily, which is free and highly recommended.
Chris Carlin, Upper Deck's Senior Manager of Customer Experience, gives us a preview of what to expect in 2020 from Upper Deck (upperdeck.com).
A tribute to my friend and former book publishing partner, Denny Eckes, and his major impacts on our industry, before his untimely passing in 1991.
Rich and I "encourage" the card companies to make the serial numbering of cards more visible, and, in general, more recognizable, without distracting from the aesthetics of the card.
Rich and I briefly discuss the merits of having a facsimile autograph on the front of the card.
Rich and I discuss the discouraging difficulty of alter-ability of cards with rounded corners.
Rich and I discuss the merits of having a second, non-duplicitous photo on the front of the card as an additional creative element.
Rich and I discuss how prominent the player's position should be on the card, if at all!
Rich and I discuss why vertically oriented cards are more popular and present better in slabs than horizontally designed cards.
How prominent should the team name be on the card front. Does the particular sport matter in this consideration?
Rich and I begin a series of episodes discussing our opinions on card design preferences, beginning with a discussion of the now-standard size, 2 1/2" by 3 1/2".
I take a look back at the past twenty episodes, adding and clarifying what was talked about, in part based on your feedback. Any feedback can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com - thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to you - no episode tomorrow - but back on Friday!
Sponsor Bill Huggins of Huggins & Scott Auctions joins me for a discussion of his origins within the sports collectibles industry as a collector, dealer, shop owner, and auctioneer - since 1979.
I sat down with Jimmy Fisher, part-time dealer from Tulsa, at the beginning of the last day (Sunday) of the three-day show here in the Dallas area, and we discussed his collecting journey as well as his dealing philosophies, which ironically are very much in line with what my recent "investment fallacies" episodes have suggested.
Counter-instinctively, "Profit Maximization" is not always the best tactic or strategy, especially for long-term success in this hobby/industry. Questions or comments about this or any other episode - please contact me at doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com
Full-time is not necessarily better or more profitable than part-time when it comes to this hobby/industry.
Sponsor Mike Fruitman joins for a discussion of what's going on in his local card shop in Aurora, CO, Mike's Stadium Sportscards.
Emily Kless (Topps Communications Manager) lets us in on some of Topps 2020 planning in this phone interview.
We look at HOF running back Walter Payton, Dave Sliepka's favorite football player, and his cards, autographs, and memorabilia.
Kevin Isaacson and I have a phone chat (with him in Hawaii!) discussing the "then and now" aspects of SCD and Krause Publications from before Kevin got there in the mid-90's until now.
Eric and I discuss professional wrestling and wrestling cards - when we were kids, up through now.
Brian Fleischer, Manager of Beckett Media's Card Pricing team and Senior Market Analyst, compares and contrasts the evolution of card pricing processes and technology over the past sixteen years. We discuss the early strong contributors, many of whom are in significant positions throughout the hobby at other leading companies.
Pepper Hastings and I discuss our visit(s) up to Stevens Point, Wisconsin back in the day to meet with Larry and Jeff about their millions of cards - their setup was truly one of the seven wonders of the collecting world. Larry and Jeff are dearly missed, both having suffered untimely deaths to cancer (Larry in 2007) and heart disease (Jeff in 2017).
My Army officer personal story and how it intersected with my card collecting passion back in the day.
Jeromy and I discuss Beckett Media's big move into authenticating with the global launch of Beckett Authentication Services a few years ago. Jeromy is Beckett Media's VP over grading and authentication.
A review of Huggins & Scott's Auction closing November 14, 2019. I enjoy perusing the eclectic lots (2023 lots!), some of which I will be bidding on!
A Tribute to Mike Gordon, a key contributor to our industry, show dealer, store owner, and co-promoter of the 1984 National Sports Collectors Convention in Parsippany, New Jersey. If you have any comments or questions about this or any other episode, send to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com, or 5600 W. Lover Lane, #116-301, Dallas, TX 75209 for physical mail.
Andy and I discuss his hobby history and why he is so passionate about grading and authentication and vintage cards. Long ago Andy was the principal grader for a smaller grading company - we respected Andy so much, we bought the company! Andy is now the Senior Vintage Card grader at BGS.
A look at two old-time Chicago White Sox shortstops - alphabetically adjacent in the Baseball Hall of Fame, coincidentally with the same initials! For comments or questions about this or any other episode, try doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com.
Eric and I discuss each of this podcast's sponsors (Beckett Media, COMC, Burbank Sportscards, Mike's Stadium Sportscards, Heritage Auctions, Huggins & Scott Auctions, Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck) and his workings with them, and their positives from his perspective.
Gloria Rothstein, founder of the long-running, very successful card shows in White Plains and other East Coast venues, brought excellence and professionalism to our hobby, as Rich Klein and I reminisce about our experiences there over the years.
I recap the highlights of the past 20 episodes ... in case you missed some. As some of you may know, I listen to podcasts at 1.5X speed or faster, and you can too, as most podcast listening apps have that capability. Easier to catch up!
We trace Kevin's hobby journey from Krause Publications up through his many consultant engagements, including a long stint with eBay.
Emily and I have a phone conversation about her background and important role at Topps.
Pepper and I talk about the early days of Beckett Publications contrasted with later days, spanning more than two decades, including the true story of the midnight disposal of damaged copies of the inaugural issue #1 of Beckett Baseball Card Monthly. Our final story tells the true tale of Pepper's round of golf with Tiger Woods on behalf of our company.
Tracy Hackler's favorite football player is discussed - his cards, memorabilia, and peers.
We discuss Jeromy's career over 19 years at Beckett Media, culminating in his current leadership of BGS, BAS, and CBCS (their newest service with comic books).
David and I discuss the enjoyment of his career over the past twenty years at BGS, including his current role training the new potential graders coming in to help with the huge demand for grading.
Dan Dischley was the Founder, Editor, and Publisher of The Trader Speaks, the leading monthly publication in the hobby beginning in 1968. Dan was also one of the co-founders of SABR )Society of American Baseball Research).
Eric and I discuss podcast sponsorship, especially his sponsors and how they work well together.
Ace Marchant, college professor (Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology) and National sports collectibles dealer, passed away a few years ago. Rich and I discuss our interesting, intellectual interactions (especially about reading books) with Ace over a couple of decades.
Pepper was one of the first full-time non-family employees for Beckett Publications, coming in summer of 1986, and served well in a multiplicity of leadership roles for more than two decades. We discuss those early days - how he got started and how we handled the rapid growth as best we could.
2019-20 Upper Deck hockey products are opened and discussed - Artifacts and O-Pee-Chee - contrasted and evaluated. Plus a conundrum: buying a young hockey star's house.
I have an unscripted and unedited conversation with my outstanding 94-year-old mom on her birthday.
I discuss the many wise ways my wonderful wife Diane has contributed to this podcast, especially in its formation, structure, and delivery.
We recap and comment on our episodes 039-058 incorporating listener feedback and my second thoughts over the past four weeks.
Free-lance writer Brian Flinn and I discuss the other excellent sports card podcasts being produced - as podcasting in general continues to increase and expand in exposure and popularity.
A discussion with Chris Ivy, how he got started in this industry, and how he spearheaded the move of coin auction giant, Heritage, into sports cards and collectibles in a big way.
Tracy Hackler sits down and discusses his hobby history including two stints at Beckett Publications, now the digital face of Panini America Sports.
Tracy Hackler (of Panini - PaniniAmerica.net) was kind enough to bring over some boxes of Panini football products recently released. Opening and describing the cards and the experience included what I liked about each box.
Patty Young, the effervescent co-host of the Kit (and Patty) Young Hawaii Trade Show as well as the exclusive Maui extension, took those events to new heights through her relational skills and sensitivity.
1990-91 Hoops Basketball was the second-year product from the NBA's official card producer.
I enjoy interviewing my dad on his 94th birthday about his card collecting and business management background - some of the blessings I received from my dad!
Hoops was the official card of the NBA; this is a review of this first set from Hoops, including the anticipated debut of David Robinson.
Rich Klein and I discuss the importance of Baseball Hobby News, as a pace-setting hobby newspaper tabloid from 1979 through the '90's. Frank and Vivian Barning, our friends, the husband-wife founding publishers and editors of BHN, are now comfortably retired in Las Vegas, after a great run.
Examining nepotism in professional sports, kid sports, and in business, specifically Beckett Publications back in 1984.
Rich and I I discuss what it would be like to attend your first card show as a new collector.
Rich and I discuss what it would be like for a newbie to visit a card store, what to look for and what to avoid.
Rich Klein and I discuss where we were on 9/11/01 and how it affected us, our company, our industry, and our American culture.
Jay Johnson, subject of Episode 034, turns the tables, asking questions about why Beckett Publications did things the way we did, frequently counter-intuitive. We discuss our initial advertising policies; our two editorial maxims: positive tone and no investment advice; strict conflict of interest policy; and other things.
Some strategies for buying cards at the National Sports Collectors Convention depending on your objectives. Wandering the floor? Systematic or Random? Front to back or back to front? Clockwise or counter-clockwise?
A conversation with Eric Norton, voice of Fat Packs, Beckett Media's excellent weekly (every Thursday) podcast, about different approaches to and inner workings of podcasting as well as covering the sports card hobby.
Rich Klein and I open a box each of 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball (courtesy of Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks) and discuss and enjoy what we got.
We recap the past four weeks of episodes including the reflections and feedback of readers. The month's most popular episodes were in hindsight relatively predictable. Your feedback, questions or comments can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com.
I walk through Rich Klein's famous Labor Day Adat Chaverim synagogue show and describe my experience for those of you not here. Starting with the drive-up, the admission table out front, and some pleasant interactions with table holders, collectors, and friends. Great fun but difficult to describe without pictures or video.
Dr. Beckett recounts his Labor Day experiences, with emphasis on "labor", between 1979 and 1996, also announcing that there will be no episode released on this Monday in honor of Labor Day.
Mike Fruitman turns the tables and interviews me about my 1980 co-ownership of a local Dallas card store as well as other reminiscences in response to Mike's questions. Since we have not known each other as long except by reputation, it was an interesting interchange.
National sports card dealer Wayne Varner of Shoebox Cards in the Pittsburgh area recently passed away after an extended illness. He was a stalwart on the card show circuit for decades and was our good friend and a strong contributor, certainly worthy of honor.
A visit with Jay Johnson, our 13th employee hired at Beckett Publications, who worked in a variety of leadership roles for us from 1989-1999, including a look back at those good old days, in that fast-growing publishing environment.
A visit with Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks, discussing the joys of breaking from his and his particular community's perspective. More info at www.dynastybreaks.com or at dynastybreaksllc@gmail.com.
Leading podcaster Eric Norton of Fat Packs shares his origin story including a stint with the Seattle Mariners. His main current responsibility is hockey card analyst for Beckett Media, also trouble-shoots the Beckett Marketplace, but his passion is his Fat Packs weekly podcast for Beckett Media (www.beckett.com).
A discussion with Rob Veres about the iterations of Burbank Sportcards, home of 43,000,000 databased cards, readily accessible for collectors completing sets or adding to their player collections.
The history of technology and computer programming in the sports card industry - a discussion between Tim and Jim. COMC's website is conveniently COMC.com.
Mike Fruitman of Mike's Stadium Sportscards in Aurora, Colorado discusses his store and the benefits of local card stores.
Dave Sliepka is a versatile hobby veteran, who has worked for or with most of the significant companies in the industry in a variety of roles with distinction. If you have questions or comments about this or any other episode, send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com or try 5600 W. Lovers Lane, #116-301, Dallas, TX 75209 for physical mail.
We have a pleasant phone conversation with Stephan Loeffler, COMC Identification Tech, and co-host of the popular video podcast, About the Cards, available all the places podcasts are found.
Dan Even unfortunately passed away during the National Sports Collectors Convention after a long illness. He was a pleasant and delightful friend and very helpful contributor to Beckett Publications, readily sharing his vast knowledge of player postcards and team issues.
Rich and I compare and contrast two upcoming shows. First we discuss Kyle Robertson's upcoming larger (300 tables) Allen (suburb of Dallas) show at Watters Creek, which hopes to be the biggest show in the area in some time. Then two weeks later over Labor Day Sunday-Monday, Rich hosts his very popular and ultra-collector-friendly Adat Chaverim show, which I always look forward to.
Rob Veres, founder of Burbank Sportscards of Burbank, California, shares his origin story coming from pre-teen coin collecting roots, along with his consistent hard work ethic, and growing into the largest card store in the world.
Tim Getsch, Founder and CEO of COMC.com, airs his hobby origin story. Spoiler alert: We both love data!
Mike Fruitman of Mike's Stadium Sportscards of Aurora, Colorado, shares his personal hobby origin story.
Listener feedback and reaction to the first three weeks of this podcast garnered at last week's National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.
Recapping the very successful National Sports Collectors Convention (40th Annual!) just held in Chicago.
Ten interesting items from this catalog and commentary on the potential stories behind those items. See hugginsandscott.com for more info.
Mike Berkus, co-founder of the annual National Sports Collectors Convention, now in its 40th year, was a force in the industry, always seeming to be near the epicenter with a smile and a story. We miss him!
Please consider our fine sponsors: Beckett Media, Beckett Grading Services, Beckett Authentication Services (all at beckett.com), Burbank Sportscards (burbanksportscards.com), COMC fka Check Out My Cards (COMC.com), Heritage Auctions (ha.com), Huggins & Scott Auctions (hugginsandscott.com), Mike’s Stadium Sportscards (mikesss.com), Panini (paniniamerica.net), Topps (topps.com), and Upper Deck (upperdeck.com).
A review of two products, which have been out for a month or two, including pricing and availability in the secondary market. See paniniamerica.net for more info.
A fond look at two gone-too-soon friends, father and son, who made an impact on the hobby and on us.
A walk through the Beckett OPG noting some of Roberto's toughest cards. See beckett.com for more info.
Please consider our fine sponsors: Beckett Media, Beckett Grading Services, Beckett Authentication Services (all at beckett.com), Burbank Sportscards (burbanksportscards.com), COMC fka Check Out My Cards (COMC.com), Heritage Auctions (ha.com), Huggins & Scott Auctions (hugginsandscott.com), Mike’s Stadium Sportscards (mikesss.com), Panini (paniniamerica.net), Topps (topps.com), and Upper Deck (upperdeck.com).
Heritage's July catalog is a work of art, full of great items. Dr. Beckett picks ten items he would love to have in his collection as well as ten he actually has (and wonders what they will eventually go for.) See HA.com for more info.