Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

109 - LCS: Kid Friendliness (with Mike Fruitman)

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Fruitman discusses his passion for making local card shops and the hobby more kid friendly, through his successful Kids Club concept.

108 - Set: 1969 Topps Baseball (with Rich Klein)

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I discuss memories (and the 50th anniversary) of 1969 Topps Baseball, its series, inserts, and oddities.

107 - The Burbank Edge (with Rob Veres)

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Veres walks through some of the processes, procedures, and innovations he has employed to great advantage in the growth and success of Burbank Spo...

106C - Card Design Preferences: Sticker Autographs

08 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The case against sticker autographs ... and in defense of sticker autographs!

106B - Card Design Preferences: Be More Explicit

07 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

An encouragement for more "explicit" cards, that is, clearly spelling out slight differences in cards that can have big value implications.  After al...

106A - Card Design Preferences: Card Front Aesthetics

07 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion of what makes a beautiful, well-designed card - specifically the card front in this short mini-episode: name, logo, art, color, borders, ...

106 - Card Design Preferences: Card Backs

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion of what an ideal card back could/should look like.

105 - Card Design Preferences: Physical Aspects

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The physical aspects of excellent card design, including card shape, thickness, coating, embossing, etc. 

104 - Origin: Rich Mueller (Sport Collectors Daily)

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We hear Rich Mueller's origin story of his collecting background as well as his sports broadcasting experience, culminating with his Sports Collectors...

103 - Interview: Upper Deck 2020 Planning (with Chris Carlin)

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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).

102 - Tribute: Denny Eckes

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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.

101G - Card Design Preferences: More Visible Serial Numbers (with Rich Klein)

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I "encourage" the card companies to make the serial numbering of cards more visible, and, in general, more recognizable, without distracting ...

101F - Card Design Preferences: Facsimile Autographs (with Rich Klein)

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I briefly discuss the merits of having a facsimile autograph on the front of the card.

101E - Card Design Preferences: Round Corners (with Rich Klein)

01 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss the discouraging difficulty of alter-ability of cards with rounded corners.

101D - Card Design Preferences: Second Photo on Front? (with Rich Klein)

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss the merits of having a second, non-duplicitous photo on the front of the card as an additional creative element.

101C - Card Design Preferences: Player Position (with Rich Klein)

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss how prominent the player's position should be on the card, if at all!  

101B - Card Design Preferences: Vertical vs. Horizontal? (with Rich Klein)

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss why vertically oriented cards are more popular and present better in slabs than horizontally designed cards.

101A - Card Design Preferences: Team Names (with Rich Klein)

30 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How prominent should the team name be on the card front.  Does the particular sport matter in this consideration?

101 - Card Design Preferences: Size (with Rich Klein)

29 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I begin a series of episodes discussing our opinions on card design preferences, beginning with a discussion of the now-standard size, 2 1/2"...

100 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 079-098

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I take a look back at the past twenty episodes, adding and clarifying what was talked about, in part based on your feedback.  Any feedback can be sen...

099 - Origin: Bill Huggins

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sponsor Bill Huggins of Huggins & Scott Auctions joins me for a discussion of his origins within the sports collectibles industry as a collector, deal...

098 - Investment Fallacies: Counter-Example (with Jimmy Fisher)

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I sat down with Jimmy Fisher, part-time dealer from Tulsa, at the beginning of the last day (Sunday) of the three-day show here in the Dallas area, an...

097B - Investment Fallacies: Profit Maximization?

24 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Counter-instinctively, "Profit Maximization" is not always the best tactic or strategy, especially for long-term success in this hobby/industry.  Que...

097A - Investment Fallacies: Full-Time Best?

23 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Full-time is not necessarily better or more profitable than part-time when it comes to this hobby/industry.

097 - Investment Fallacies: Supply OR Demand

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I make the case that, in this hobby/industry, Demand is more important than Supply!

096 - LCS: Mike Fruitman

21 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sponsor Mike Fruitman joins for a discussion of what's going on in his local card shop in Aurora, CO, Mike's Stadium Sportscards.

095 - Interview: Topps 2020 Planning (with Emily Kless)

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Kless (Topps Communications Manager) lets us in on some of Topps 2020 planning in this phone interview.  

094 - Player: Walter Payton (with Dave Sliepka)

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We look at HOF running back Walter Payton, Dave Sliepka's favorite football player, and his cards, autographs, and memorabilia.

093 - Then and Now: SCD and Krause Publications (with Kevin Isaacson)

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Isaacson and I have a phone chat (with him in Hawaii!) discussing the "then and now" aspects of SCD and Krause Publications from before Kevin go...

092 - Then and Now: Wrestling Cards (with Eric Norton)

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric and I discuss professional wrestling and wrestling cards - when we were kids, up through now.

091 - Investment Fallacies: Buy Low, Sell High

14 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Advice to "Buy Low and Sell High" sounds foolproof but there are counter-examples.

090 - Then and Now: Beckett Card Pricing with Brian Fleischer

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Fleischer, Manager of Beckett Media's Card Pricing team and Senior Market Analyst, compares and contrasts the evolution of card pricing processe...

089 - Tribute: Larry and Jeff Fritsch (with Pepper Hastings)

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pepper Hastings and I discuss our visit(s) up to Stevens Point, Wisconsin back in the day to meet with Larry and Jeff about their millions of cards - ...

088 - Origin: Veteran's Day (Lt. Beckett)

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

My Army officer personal story and how it intersected with my card collecting passion back in the day.

087 - Origin: BAS (Beckett Authentication Services) with Jeromy Murray

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jeromy and I discuss Beckett Media's big move into authenticating with the global launch of Beckett Authentication Services a few years ago.  Jeromy ...

086 - Catalog: Huggins & Scott November 14 Auction Review

07 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A review of Huggins & Scott's Auction closing November 14, 2019.  I enjoy perusing the eclectic lots (2023 lots!), some of which I will be bidding on...

085 - Tribute: Mike Gordon (with Rich Klein)

06 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A Tribute to Mike Gordon, a key contributor to our industry, show dealer, store owner, and co-promoter of the 1984 National Sports Collectors Conventi...

084 - Origin: Andy Broome, Senior Vintage Grader at BGS

05 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Andy and I discuss his hobby history and why he is so passionate about grading and authentication and vintage cards.  Long ago Andy was the principal...

083 - Players: Luis Aparicio and Luke Appling

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A look at two old-time Chicago White Sox shortstops - alphabetically adjacent in the Baseball Hall of Fame, coincidentally with the same initials!  F...

082 - Sponsor Review: Our Podcast Sponsors (with Eric Norton)

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric and I discuss each of this podcast's sponsors (Beckett Media, COMC, Burbank Sportscards, Mike's Stadium Sportscards, Heritage Auctions, Huggins &...

081 - Tribute: Gloria Rothstein (with Rich Klein)

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gloria Rothstein, founder of the long-running, very successful card shows in White Plains and other East Coast venues, brought excellence and professi...

080 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 059-078

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I recap the highlights of the past 20 episodes ... in case you missed some.  As some of you may know, I listen to podcasts at 1.5X speed or faster, a...

079 - Origin: Kevin Isaacson (industry consultant)

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We trace Kevin's hobby journey from Krause Publications up through his many consultant engagements, including a long stint with eBay.

078 - Interview: Emily Kless (Topps Communications Manager)

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Emily and I have a phone conversation about her background and important role at Topps.

077 - Interview: James C.M. Beckett (My 13-year-old nephew)

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A first-person (past) hobby experience from my very sharp nephew.

076 - Set: 1970 Topps Baseball (with Rich Klein)

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

See Topps.com for more info.

075 - Then and Now: Pepper Hastings

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pepper and I talk about the early days of Beckett Publications contrasted with later days, spanning more than two decades, including the true story of...

074 - Origin: Brian Fleischer, Beckett Media's Manager of Card Pricing and Senior Market Analyst

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

073 - Player: John Elway (with Tracy Hackler)

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Hackler's favorite football player is discussed - his cards, memorabilia, and peers.

072 - Then and Now: BGS with Jeromy Murray, VP of Grading

18 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss Jeromy's career over 19 years at Beckett Media, culminating in his current leadership of BGS, BAS, and CBCS (their newest service with comi...

071 - Set: 1990 Upper Deck Baseball

17 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

See upperdeck.com for more info.

070 - Interview: David Poole, BGS Grader Trainer

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

David and I discuss the enjoyment of his career over the past twenty years at BGS, including his current role training the new potential graders comin...

069 - Tribute: Dan Dischley, Founder of The Trader Speaks

15 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Dischley was the Founder, Editor, and Publisher of The Trader Speaks, the leading monthly publication in the hobby beginning in 1968.  Dan was al...

068 - Sponsor Review: Fat Packs Sponsors (with Eric Norton)

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Eric and I discuss podcast sponsorship, especially his sponsors and how they work well together.

067 - Tribute: Ace Marchant (with Rich Klein)

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ace Marchant, college professor (Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology) and National sports collectibles dealer, passed away a few years ago.  Rich and I ...

066 - Origin: Pepper Hastings

10 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pepper was one of the first full-time non-family employees for Beckett Publications, coming in summer of 1986, and served well in a multiplicity of le...

065 - Hockey Box Reviews: 2019-20 Upper Deck Artifacts and 2019-20 Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

2019-20 Upper Deck hockey products are opened and discussed - Artifacts and O-Pee-Chee - contrasted and evaluated.  Plus a conundrum: buying a young ...

064 - Interview: Heritage Sports Auctions (with Chris Ivy)

08 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Chris and I discuss the growth and success of Heritage Sports Auctions.

063 - Pre-Tribute: Jane Beckett (my mom)

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I have an unscripted and unedited conversation with my outstanding 94-year-old mom on her birthday.

062 - Pre-Tribute: Diane Beckett (my awesome wife on her birthday)

04 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I discuss the many wise ways my wonderful wife Diane has contributed to this podcast, especially in its formation, structure, and delivery.

061 - Interview: Panini (with Tracy Hackler)

03 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion with Tracy Hackler about Panini's sports card products and philosophies.

060 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 039-058

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We recap and comment on our episodes 039-058 incorporating listener feedback and my second thoughts over the past four weeks.

059 - Player: Albert Pujols (with Rich Klein)

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A look at Albert Pujols career and cards.

058 - International Podcast Day: Other Sports Card Podcasts

30 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Free-lance writer Brian Flinn and I discuss the other excellent sports card podcasts being produced - as podcasting in general continues to increase a...

057 - Interview: Chris Ivy, Heritage Sports Auctions

27 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion with Chris Ivy, how he got started in this industry, and how he spearheaded the move of coin auction giant, Heritage, into sports cards a...

056 - Interview: Tracy Hackler, Panini

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Hackler sits down and discusses his hobby history including two stints at Beckett Publications, now the digital face of Panini America Sports.

055 - Football Box Reviews: 2019 Panini Black, 2019 Panini XR, and 2019 Panini Absolute

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tracy Hackler (of Panini - PaniniAmerica.net) was kind enough to bring over some boxes of Panini football products recently released.  Opening and de...

054 - Tribute: Patty Young (with Dave Sliepka)

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Patty Young, the effervescent co-host of the Kit (and Patty) Young Hawaii Trade Show as well as the exclusive Maui extension, took those events to new...

053 - Set: 1990-91 Hoops Basketball

23 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

1990-91 Hoops Basketball was the second-year product from the NBA's official card producer.

052 - Pre-Tribute: James Beckett Jr. (my dad)

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I enjoy interviewing my dad on his 94th birthday about his card collecting and business management background - some of the blessings I received from ...

051 - Set: 1989-90 Hoops Basketball (with Rich Klein)

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hoops was the official card of the NBA; this is a review of this first set from Hoops, including the anticipated debut of David Robinson.

050 - Then and Now: Baseball Hobby News (with Rich Klein)

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I discuss the importance of Baseball Hobby News, as a pace-setting hobby newspaper tabloid from 1979 through the '90's.  Frank and Viv...

049 - Then and Now: The Ideal Sports Card Store (with Rich Klein)

17 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss how sports card stores and shops have evolved over the years.

048 - Issue: Nuanced Nepotism

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Examining nepotism in professional sports, kid sports, and in business, specifically Beckett Publications back in 1984.

047 - Newbie: First Visit to a Card Show (with Rich Klein)

13 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I I discuss what it would be like to attend your first card show as a new collector.

046 - Newbie: First Visit to a Card Store (with Rich Klein)

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I discuss what it would be like for a newbie to visit a card store, what to look for and what to avoid.

045 - Then and Now: 9/11 and Travel (with Rich Klein)

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I discuss where we were on 9/11/01 and how it affected us, our company, our industry, and our American culture.

044 - Origin: Beckett Magazine Policies (with Jay Johnson)

10 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jay Johnson, subject of Episode 034, turns the tables, asking questions about why Beckett Publications did things the way we did, frequently counter-i...

043 - Issue: National Buying Strategies (with Rich Klein)

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some strategies for buying cards at the National Sports Collectors Convention depending on your objectives.  Wandering the floor?  Systematic or Ran...

042 - Origin: Podcasting (with Eric Norton)

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation with Eric Norton, voice of Fat Packs, Beckett Media's excellent weekly (every Thursday) podcast, about different approaches to and inne...

041 - Box Review: 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball (with Rich Klein)

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein and I open a box each of 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball (courtesy of Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks) and discuss and enjoy what we got.

040 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 019-038

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We recap the past four weeks of episodes including the reflections and feedback of readers.  The month's most popular episodes were in hindsight rela...

039 - Descriptive Audio: Rich Klein's Adat Chaverim Show

03 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

I walk through Rich Klein's famous Labor Day Adat Chaverim synagogue show and describe my experience for those of you not here.  Starting with the dr...

038 - Origin: Labor Days

30 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Beckett recounts his Labor Day experiences, with emphasis on "labor", between 1979 and 1996, also announcing that there will be no episode release...

037 - Interview: Me by Mike Fruitman

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Fruitman turns the tables and interviews me about my 1980 co-ownership of a local Dallas card store as well as other reminiscences in response to...

036 - Tribute: Wayne Varner (with Rich Klein)

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

National sports card dealer Wayne Varner of Shoebox Cards in the Pittsburgh area recently passed away after an extended illness.  He was a stalwart o...

035 - Then and Now: Sorting Cards

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Different ways to sort cards.

034 - Interview: Jay Johnson

26 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A visit with Jay Johnson, our 13th employee hired at Beckett Publications, who worked in a variety of leadership roles for us from 1989-1999, includin...

033 - Interview: Dane Coenen, Dynasty Breaks

23 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A visit with Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks, discussing the joys of breaking from his and his particular community's perspective.  More info at www.dy...

032 - Interview: Eric Norton, Fat Packs

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Leading podcaster Eric Norton of Fat Packs shares his origin story including a stint with the Seattle Mariners.  His main current responsibility is h...

031 - Interview: Burbank Sportscards

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion with Rob Veres about the iterations of Burbank Sportcards, home of 43,000,000 databased cards, readily accessible for collectors completi...

030 - Then and Now: Technology (with Tim Getsch)

20 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The history of technology and computer programming in the sports card industry - a discussion between Tim and Jim.  COMC's website is conveniently CO...

029 - Interview: Mike's Stadium Sportscards

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Fruitman of Mike's Stadium Sportscards in Aurora, Colorado discusses his store and the benefits of local card stores.

028 - Interview: Dave Sliepka

16 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Sliepka is a versatile hobby veteran, who has worked for or with most of the significant companies in the industry in a variety of roles with dis...

027 - Interview: Stephan Loeffler, About the Cards

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We have a pleasant phone conversation with Stephan Loeffler, COMC Identification Tech, and co-host of the popular video podcast, About the Cards, avai...

026 - Tribute: Dan Even (with Rich Klein)

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Even unfortunately passed away during the National Sports Collectors Convention after a long illness.  He was a pleasant and delightful friend an...

025 - Upcoming Shows: Watters Creek and Adat Chaverim (with Rich Klein)

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I compare and contrast two upcoming shows.  First we discuss Kyle Robertson's upcoming larger (300 tables) Allen (suburb of Dallas) show at ...

024 - Issue: Card Trimming

12 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A controversial issue perhaps not well understood.

023 - Interview: Rob Veres

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Veres, founder of Burbank Sportscards of Burbank, California, shares his origin story coming from pre-teen coin collecting roots, along with his c...

022 - Interview: Tim Getsch

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Getsch, Founder and CEO of COMC.com, airs his hobby origin story. Spoiler alert: We both love data!