Episodes

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 D...

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....

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 co...

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 Wingma...

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-Pe...

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 th...

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...

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:...

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 E...

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 Chall...

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 Nepot...

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...

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 T...

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 episod...

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 Pers...

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...

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 Colle...

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 Inters...

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. ...

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 wor...

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, Clip...

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 s...

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...

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 co...