Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

205 - Confidence in Grading

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How to think about the confidence sports card collectors should have in grading services in terms of variability and consistency.

204B - Raw Vintage VG Cards

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Mark Zentkovich laments the challenge of filling out sets of off-condition vintage, where half-off is not a bargain for "good" condition card...

204A - Topps USFL Football Cards

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A look back at Topps two iconic sets, 1984 and 1985, featuring the now-defunct USFL. 

204 - Player: Jose Canseco (with Tanner Jones)

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tanner Jones has super-collected Jose Canseco, even spending a day with the slugger.  More details in his excellent book, Confessions of a Baseball C...

203 - Origin: Buck Easley

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Vintage collector Buck Easley shares his collecting origin story.

202 - Set: 1968 Topps Baseball (with Rich Klein)

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss 1968 Topps baseball cards.  Rich remembers his first cards being third series of that year, an auspicious start indeed!

201 - The 1970's: Early Card Shows (by Allan Muir)

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Allan Muir asks about the early days of card shows before the advent of price guides.

200 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 179-198

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We briefly recap the past twenty episodes over the past four eventful weeks.  If you have questions or comments, please send them to doctorjamesbecke...

199C - BCCG Question from Ryan

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Ryan inquired about BCCG in response to our earlier full episode.

199B - Lou Brown Out-Takes

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lou and I had an interesting conversation before we recorded his origin episode that I thought was worth sharing.

199A - Origin: Lou Brown (Legends Sports & Games)

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lou shares his multi-faceted journey through the sports card hobby from his successful LCS in Grand Rapids, MI.

199 - Twins Collecting (with Stephan Loeffler)

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Stephan and I discuss his love of the Twins baseball franchise.

198 - Home Schooling? (with Rich Klein)

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss the use of sports cards in a home schooling curriculum.

197 - Pre-Tribute: Carol Fowler on Administrative Professionals Day

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

196 - Origin: Tanner Jones, author of Confessions of a Baseball Card Addict

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tanner engagingly shares his sports card hobby origin story.  More info on Tanner can be found in his excellent autobiographical book, Confessions o...

195 - The 1970's: Buying Trips (by Allan Muir)

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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-pri...

194C - Hating Plastic Sheets?

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I don't hate plastic sheets or other kinds of popular sports card holders, but how I use them is my own personal preference.

194B - Malcolm Gladwell's Adages

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell has written several very "insightful" books.

194A - Tribute: Stu Payne (with Drew Herndon)

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

194 - Dueling Questions (with Ben Wilson)

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and I trade hobby questions for each other back and forth.

193 - Taxes on Tax Day

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sport card collectors in America are subject to various taxes, including annual income taxes.

192 - Guess That Price (with Rich Klein)

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

191 - Dueling Questions (with Mike Sommer)

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mike and I take turns asking each other hobby questions.

190C - Investment Fallacies: Out of Stock

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The dreaded "Out of Stock" has taken on a new meaning the days of COVID-19.

190B - Easter Scheduling?

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Easter is special for many reasons - but sports card collectors and dealers realize a "floating" holiday can make spring show schedules tricky, workin...

190A - Ethical Dealers? (with Joe Davis)

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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.  J...

190 - Alternative Selling Platforms (with Mike Sommer)

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mike responded to our earlier episode of the same title and adds some additional considerations based on his experience.

189A - Cultural Literacy

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion of cultural literacy and other forms of understanding that could help a sports card investor gain an edge with emerging prospects.

189 - Player: Al Kaline (with Mike Payne)

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Payne, Editorial Director of Beckett Media, discusses the life, cards, and memorabilia of recently-passed baseball legend, Al Kaline, Mr. Tiger. ...

188 - Origin: Ben Wilson (About The Cards)

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Wilson, co-host of the popular podcast, About The Cards, shares his hobby origin story.

187 - Dueling Questions (with Drew Herndon)

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Drew Herndon trades questions back and forth - unrehearsed and unedited.

186B - Collection Breakdown Math

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After you bring home a sports card collection - what then?  Ever wondered how long it takes to break it down and organize it.

186A - The Best Hobby?

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We make a case for sports card collecting being the best hobby in the world!

186 - Origin: Drew Herndon (Lemme Get That Podagraph)

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Drew Herndon, popular host of the outstanding hobby podcast, Lemme Get That Podagraph, comes on to relate his hobby origin story. 

185 - Origin: Mike Sommer (Wax Pack Hero)

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Wax Pack Hero, Mike Sommer, popular blogger and podcaster discusses his hobby origin story with us.

184 - Faux Sponsor: Card Fracking

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the patent pending technology and concept behind card fracking.

183 - Player: Curly Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters (with Rich Klein)

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Recently deceased Harlem Globetrotters' star dribbler and ball-handler, Curly Neal, is discussed in context of his wizardry, cards, and societal impac...

182 - Player: Jimmy Wynn (with Rich Klein)

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss recently departed baseball star, Jimmy Wynn, the "Toy Cannon". Rich's first favorite player, who was very popular with Topps.

181B - Then and Now: McGwire's RC?

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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....

181A - Personal (Collecting) Mission Statement

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just like a personal mission statement can be unique to you - so can your personal collecting mission statement.  First, take stock of your assets, f...

181 - Player: Jerry West

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A look at Jerry West, the NBA Hall of Fame player, exceptional executive, and "logo".

180 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 159-178

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Podcast episodes 159-178 are briefly summarized and recapped.

179 - Then and Now: BCCG (Beckett Collectors Club Grading)

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the birth of BCCG, Beckett's bulk grading option.

178 - Home-Bound Collecting Enjoyment

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

177 - Set: 1984 Donruss Baseball (with Rich Klein)

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 thi...

176B - Investment Fallacies: Sunk Cost

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Sunk Cost fallacy is applied to your sports card portfolio.  Sometimes it is the prudent thing to sell cards at a loss.

176A - Who Are You: Enthusiast or Addict?

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How into sports cards are you?  Have you ever wondered if your wholesome passion borders on addiction? 

176 - What If: President Trump Loved Sports Cards?

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The far-fetched scenario of President Trump being a member of our hobby and those implausible implications are discussed.

175 - Responding to COVID-19

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion of coronavirus effects based on the latest situation - how collectors might respond.

174 - Listener Question and Feedback: Doug Kale

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Doug Kale and I tackle a range of topics and questions, many stemming from previous podcasts.

173 - Player: Eddie Murray (with Brad Askew)

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Brad Askew and I discuss his favorite player and card collecting focus, Eddie Murray, the powerful, switch-hitting Hall of Famer. 

172 - Collecting Baseball Cheaters (with Rich Klein)

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I discuss (in a positive tone) the awkward subject of cheating in baseball, historically and currently, including the impact on sports ...

171B - Investment Fallacies: Safer with the Herd?

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are you safer always following the crowd?  When, if ever, do you go your own way?

171A - Potential Impact of Coronavirus

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A brief discussion of the coronavirus as well as the shocking cancellations of live sports - how that might impact our industry?

171 - Tribute: Mark Harwell (President and CTO of Beckett Publications)

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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.  ...

170 - To Graph or Not to Graph? (with Jacob Noble)

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"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 discu...

169 - Card Show Roles and Rewards (with Rich Klein)

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

168 - Alternative Selling Platforms (with Doug Kale)

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hobby veteran Doug Kale and I discuss other ways (and platforms) to sell cards.

167 - Listener Question and Interview: Brad Askew

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Brad Askew and I have a wide-ranging and enjoyable discussion.

166B - Tribute: Bert Randolph Sugar

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bert Randolph Sugar's Sports Collectors Bible, published back in 1975, was a huge foundational contribution to our industry.

166A - Upper Deck Young Guns Hockey (with Ken Capell)

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ken Capell shares his love for Upper Deck's Young Guns.

166 - Player: Thurman Munson (with Rich Klein)

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I discuss Thurman Munson's tragically-shortened career and his cards.

165 - Player: Brett Favre (with Jordan Hagedorn)

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

NFL Agent and Favre super-collector, Jordan Hagedorn, and I sit down to discuss Brett Favre and his many football cards.

164 - Origin: Doug Kale

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

163 - Then and Now: Pro Set (with Dave Sliepka)

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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.  Muc...

162 - Player: Orel Hershiser (with Tim Getsch)

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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.  O...

161B - Who Are You? Investor or Collector?

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you know whether you are more of an investor or more of a collector?

161A - Ready, Aim, Fire!

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Pulling the trigger (quickly or slowly) on a card purchase can depend on your personality and your preparation.

161 - Team: Seattle Mariners (with Eric Norton)

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

160 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 139-158

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We briefly recap all the immediate past episodes from #139 through #158.  Any questions, comments, or future episode suggestions can be sent to docto...

159 - Origin: Adam Martin (Dave and Adam's)

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 rig...

158 - Then and Now: Advanced COMC Selling (with Tim Getsch)

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Getsch, Founder and CEO of COMC.com, and I discuss advanced selling strategies on his platform. 

157 - "Must" Interview: Geoff Wilson

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Geoff Wilson's "Sports Card Investor" podcast published an excellent episode in December 2020, entitled "20 Things New Sports Card Investors Must Know...

156B - Set: 1991-92 Upper Deck Basketball

22 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Sean Coleman's favorite set! 

156A - Listener Question: Stressful Job (with Jacob Noble)

22 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jacob Noble has a stressful job: criminal defense attorney.  Jacob wrote me in response to our prior episode on hobby job opportunities, and we discu...

156 - Origin: John Newman (Sports Card Nation)

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Newman, creator and host of the popular (and highly recommended) podcast, Sport Card Nation, joins for an enjoyable conversation.  We discuss hi...

155 - Show Admission Fees (with Rich Klein)

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I discuss setting and changing card show admission fees as we approach his popular semi-annual Adat Chaverim benefit show.

154 - What If: Len Bias? (with Eric Norton)

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

153 - Interview: COMC Future Features (with Tim Getsch)

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Getsch, Founder and CEO of COMC.com, and I discuss some potential future features with his COMC service and platform.

152 - Origin: Sports Card Investor (with Geoff Wilson)

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

151C - Box Review: 2020 Topps Series One Baseball Hobby

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We compare the 2020 Topps Series One Baseball hobby box of 24 packs with the jumbo box of ten packs - slight preference for jumbo!

151B - Valentine's Aftermath

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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!

151A - What If: Wife Also Collects?

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What if a couple collects together?  Mostly good?

151 - Review: Huggins & Scott Catalog 2/20/20

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at the printed catalog for the Huggins & Scott Sports Auction Catalog dated and ending 02202020.

150 - Origin: Joe Davis (Got Baseball Cards)

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

149 - Origin: Jordan Hagedorn

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jordan Hagedorn, NFL Player Agent and passionate Brett Favre card collector, sits down to discuss his hobby journey.

148 - Origin: Clay Luraschi (Topps Global VP of Product Development)

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ri...

147C - Valentine's Proportionality

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Expectations increase when times are good ... and times are good.

147B - Listener Question: Moderation?

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 q...

147A - Listener Question: Wife Harmony?

08 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listener question about wanting to escalate his budget for buying cards but concerned his wife will not approve.

147 - Origin: Geoff Wilson (Sports Card Investor)

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Geoff Wilson, founder of the popular podcast and YouTube "Sports Card Investor", joins for a discussion of his origin story and his card investment ph...

146 - Modern Dinner Convo: Podcasters, etc.

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the growth and potential for the different excellent podcasts covering our hobby/industry as well as other current topics.  You may recogn...

145 - Modern Dinner Convo: 2020 Predictions?

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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, Ro...

144A - Topps Million Card Rip Party Report

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ar...

144 - Modern Dinner Convo: 2020 Baseball Outlook

04 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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:...

143 - Modern Dinner Convo: Topps Million Card Rip Party

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

142B - Hobby Job Opportunities

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

142A - LCS Perspective on Kobe (with Mike Fruitman)

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 pass...

142 - Vintage Dinner Convo: Safer Cards?

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

141 - Vintage Dinner Convo: Collection Narratives

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A round-table discussion about collection narratives at our recent vintage  sports hobby dinner.  Besides me, the other voices you hear are Tim Gets...