Episodes

Aug. 20, 2025

1421 - The History of Sports Cards, with Darin Ostrom, Part 2

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 ...

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Aug. 18, 2025

1420 - The History of Sports Cards, with Darin Ostrom

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 ...

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Aug. 15, 2025

1419 - Hockey is Different

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 ant...

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Aug. 13, 2025

1418 - Panini Blockchain, with Kort Peters, Part 2

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 car...

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Aug. 11, 2025

1417 - Panini Blockchain, with Kort Peters

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 in...

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Aug. 8, 2025

1416 - Peak National(?) with Dave Sliepka

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,...

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Aug. 6, 2025

1415 - 2025 Chicago National Recap

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 com...

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Aug. 4, 2025

1414 - 1958 Topps Baseball, with Rich Klein

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 collector...

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Aug. 1, 2025

1413 - National Perspectives, with Rich Klein, Part 2

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, breakin...

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July 31, 2025

1412 - National Perspectives, with Rich Klein

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 c...

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July 30, 2025

1411A - Tribute: Ryne Sandberg, with Rich Klein

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 l...

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July 28, 2025

1411 - More Pre-National Ramblings

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 Nati...

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July 26, 2025

1410A - Pre-National Ramblings

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 fathe...

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July 25, 2025

1410 - Tribute: Hulk Hogan, with Rich Klein

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'...

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July 23, 2025

1409 - SABR53 Baseball Card Collectors AMA

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, gradin...

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July 21, 2025

1408 - Out-Takes on Rookie Cards from Victor Roman, Part 2

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 ...

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July 18, 2025

1407 - Out-Takes on Rookie Cards from Victor Roman

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, explori...

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July 16, 2025

1406 - SABR 53 Q&A, with Rich Klein

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 car...

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July 14, 2025

1405 - SABR 53 Presentation, with Rich Klein

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, an...

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July 11, 2025

1404 - Dueling Questions with Iowa Dave (Schwartz), Part 2

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 ...

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July 9, 2025

1403 - Dueling Questions with Iowa Dave (Schwartz), The Shallow End

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 ...

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July 7, 2025

1402 - Sports Card Cruise?

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 exc...

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July 4, 2025

1400 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1376-1399

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 ref...

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July 2, 2025

1401 - Tribute: Dave Parker

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 ear...

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