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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 coll...
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 …
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.