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 would be the positive or negative implications of PSA 9.5 cards?
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 …
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.
The case against sticker autographs ... and in defense of sticker autographs!
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...
A discussion of what an ideal card back could/should look like.
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?