Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights
Episodes
1278 - Questions from Phil Pierce
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett hosts Phil Pierce, and they discuss various intricacies of the sports card industry, including rare card sets, grading issues, and buying...
1277 - Hobby Career Inquiries, with Greg Sobocinski, Part 2
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett discusses Greg's potential fit with CommC, the importance of loyalty programs, and the evolving landscape of the sports card industry. Th...
1276 - Authentication Conundrums, with Rich Klein
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett discusses the complexities of autograph authentication with guest Rich Klein. Rich recounts an experience where one of his personally sig...
1275 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1251-1274
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
n this recap episode, Dr. Beckett delves into key points from episodes 1251 through 1274. He discusses a variety of topics, including outtakes from H...
1274 - Upper Deck Hockey Box Breaks
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett explores three different Upper Deck hockey card products: the 2023-24 SpX Hockey, the 2023-24 UD Credentials Hockey, and the 2024-25 UD M...
1273 - Hobby Career Inquiries, with Greg Sobocinski
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett discusses the job market within the sports card industry with Greg Sobocinski. They dive into the importance of having hobby insights, th...
1272 - Questions from Graig Miller, MidLife Sports Cards, Part 2
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes, market insights, and the importance of understanding supply and demand in the hobby. The conversation touches ...
1271 - Out-Takes from Hobby Hotline 083124
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett, alongside Danny Black, Chris Carlin, and John Newman, dive deep in this abridged 14-minute segment from the hour-long live Hobby Hotli...
1270 - Questions from Graig Miller, MidLife Sports Cards
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett recounts how his magazine rapidly gained market share in the 1980s, focusing on customer service and distribution strategies that catered...
1269 - Terry's Sales Dilemma's
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett shares valuable advice for collectors looking to downsize their collections. He discusses strategies for working with auction houses, the...
1268 - Star Company's License?
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett addresses criticisms, shares insights, and provides historical context on the licensing and market dynamics of major card companies like ...
1267 - Star Co. Controversies, Final Part 3, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan Jessup, and Steve Taft
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett concludes his long conversation with Star aficionados Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup. They delve into the intricacies and con...
1266 - Star Co. Controversies, Part 2, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan Jessup and Steve Taft
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. James Beckett in the second part of an in-depth discussion with Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup about the Star Company's impact o...
1265 - Star Co. Controversies, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan Jessup, and Steve Taft
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. James Beckett in this high-level discussion surrounding the Star Company, featuring passionate insights from Steve Taft, Dave Dzendzel, and ...
1264A - Tribute to My Mom, Jane Beckett, 1925-2024
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to his late mother following her recent memorial service. He shares lessons learned from his mom, blending them with insight...
1264 - Questions from Chris Burak, Part 2
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They explore the distinctions between the golf and soccer card markets, the evolving landscape of the hobby, and the role of printed price guides ver...
1263 - Questions from Chris Burak
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett invites Chris Burak, a dedicated collector, to discuss various topics around sports card collecting. They delve into challenges with subs...
1262 - Video Listener Questions
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Beckett explores the dynamics of sharing his podcast episodes on YouTube, discussing the benefits and challenges of using video and audio f...
1261 - Ten Listener Questions 3.0
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett tackles ten listener questions sourced from various emails, social media comments, and interactions at shows. Topics range from the appea...
1260 - Breaking Bad
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett dives into the realm of card breaking, drawing parallels between the process and the hit TV show 'Breaking Bad.' He discusses the economi...
1259 - Wing Men: Ten Suggestions
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett reflects and discusses the importance of having a good wingman in the sports card hobby. He shares stories of his own wingmen, like Rich ...
1258A - 2023-24 UD Connor Bedard Collection
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett contrasts the recently received Connor Bedard box set from Upper Deck with the Caitlin Clark product from Panini. He discusses the conten...
1258 - Rushmore Listener Questions
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett addresses listener questions revolving around the concept of a 'Mount Rushmore' for various aspects of the sports card hobby. The discuss...
1257 - Not All Fans Will Collect
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Beckett hosts a dinner at his home with 17 passionate baseball fans, primarily non-collectors, to discuss the challenges and opportunities ...
1256 - Grading Consistency
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to "grade" consistency - what is acceptable? We explore the complexities and challenges of grading consistency in the world of sports cards. Dr. ...
1255 - Tribute Listener Questions
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listener question episode focused on tributes affecting the sports card collecting community. He discusses past and potential tributes to notable fig...
1254 - 2024 Cleveland National Retrospective
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett shares his experience at the recent National at the IX Center in Cleveland. He discusses the logistical challenges and details his experi...
1253 - Hostess cards, with Rich Klein
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We take a trip down memory lane, discussing the fascinating era of Hostess Baseball Cards from 1975 to 1979. Discover how these cards, found on the b...
1252 - Ten Listener Questions 2.0
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Various listener questions accumulated from emails and card shows. Topics range from the importance of card condition, the concept of 'condition spla...
1251 - Out-Takes on the National from Hobby Hotline 072024
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett reflects on his recent appearance on Hobby Hotline alongside John Newman and Victor Roman. The discussion focuses on the implications for...
1250 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1226-1249
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett recaps the last 25 episodes, covering his card wall YouTube videos, Darren Rovell's Jordan XRC take, extended interviews with Cage Lawyer...
1249A - UD Hockey Odds Perspectives
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett dives into boxes of 2023-24 Upper Deck Extended and Synergy Hockey hobby boxes, sharing thoughts on young guns, the allure of hobby boxes...
1249 - Friction at Shows, with Rich Klein
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discussion centers around the evolving security protocols at card shows, driven by recent troubling events. We examine increased security measures, s...
1248 - 2024 National Prep, with Rich Klein
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the upcoming National, sharing their experiences and strategies for maximizing the event whether attending in p...
1247 - Ramblings with Rich Klein 10.0
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Various rambling topics including the challenges of customer service in large companies like Beckett Media and COMC.com, the impact of card companies...
1246 - Ramblings with Rich Klein 9.0
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our first rambling is on the tennis card market, specifically highlighting Ivan Lendl's career and rookie cards. We discuss the history and significa...
1245 - Watters Creek Heist Perspective, with Rich Klein
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a significant theft that occurred at last weekend's Dallas Plano Allen Waters Creek bi-monthly card show. They ...
1244 - Ramblings with Rich Klein 8.0
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss their experiences and strategies in the sports card market, the motivations behind setting up at shows, the dynami...
1243 - Out-Takes on Grading from Hobby Hotline 062924
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We (Danny Black, Horacio Ruiz, and I) dive into PSA's recent introduction of grader notes, discussing the implications and benefits for collectors an...
1242 - National Booth Sub-Leasing, with Rich Klein
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. James Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the controversial topic of table sharing at major sports card shows, particularly under new rul...
1241 - Bronny Hype
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett delves into the hype surrounding Bronny James following his selection by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft. He discusses Br...
1240A - Tribute: Orlando Cepeda
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. James Beckett pays tribute to the late baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, discussing his remarkable career and achievements,...
1240 - Out-Takes from Hobbypalooza 062224
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We reflect on the recent passing of Willie Mays and discuss who now holds the title of the greatest living baseball player, with names like Sandy Kou...
1239 - Father/Son: Ron/Khyber Oser, Part 2
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett engages with Khyber and Ron Oser exploring the father-son dynamic between them, their experiences in the sports card industry, and their ...
1238 - Father/Son: Ken/Paul Goldin, Goldin Touch, Part 2
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett continues his discussion with Ken Golden, diving deep into Ken's influence on the sports card industry, his early experiences, his rise t...
1237 - Father/Son: Bob/Shane Zaiger, Part 2
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with Shane Zaiger, discussing the evolving landscape of sports card collecting and selling. They reflect on no...
1236A - Tribute: Willie Mays
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to the legendary Willie Mays. Reflecting on Mays's illustrious career, his all-time great status, and unique achievements, D...
1236 - Father/Son: Steve/Chris Ivy, Heritage Auctions, Part 2
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the parallels between coin and sports card collecting, focusing on concepts like historic, contrived, and conditional rarity. They discuss...
1235 - Father/Son: Ron/Khyber Oser
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett welcomes seasoned auction experts Ron and Khyber Oser for an engaging discussion delving into the nuances of catalog writing, the impact ...
1234 - Father/Son: Ken/Paul Goldin, Goldin Touch
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Featuring guests Ken Goldin and his son Paul Goldin delving into the rich history and legacy of sports card collecting, sharing stories from Ken's fa...
1233A - Tribute: Jerry West
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We pay tribute to the late Jerry West, who passed away yesterday at 86. We reflect on his illustrious career from a stellar college player to a gold ...
1233 - Father/Son: Bob/Shane Zaiger
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett has an in-depth discussion with Shane Zaiger, son of the late Bob Zaiger. They reminisce about their fathers, the legacy they left behind...
1232 - Father/Son: Steve/Chris Ivy, Heritage Auctions
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Father's Day week episode Dr. Beckett interviews Steve Ivy and his son, Chris Ivy. Steve, co-founder of Heritage Auctions, joins his ...
1231 - Millennial Podcasters, with Cage Lawyer
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett and fellow podcaster Cage Lawyer reflect on their journeys as 'millennial podcasters', who have each published well over a thousand episod...
1230 - Dueling Questions with Chris Sewall 4.0
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They delve into why Chris (also) enjoys rummaging through monster boxes, including dollar boxes at shows, the challenge and pleasure of sorting cards,...
1229 - Fixing BGS, with Cage Lawyer
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett is asked directly by Cage how he personally would improve BGS to regain its former position and prestige. Addressing the competitive lands...
1228 - Upper Deck Hockey Hobby Box Semi-Finals
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Box battle with four current hockey card products from Upper Deck. He evaluates the boxes based on contents from 2023-24 Trilogy, 2023-24 Black Diamon...
1227 - Michael Jordan XRC Rejoinder
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett reviews Darren Rovell's investigative article and provides insights into the history and classification of the Michael Jordan Star Company...
1226A - Tribute: Bill Walton
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A heartfelt tribute to the late Bill Walton, reflecting on his illustrious career and his memorable moments at UCLA and in the NBA. Dr. Beckett shares...
1226 - Michael Jordan XRC, with Darren Rovell
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett is interviewed by investigative journalist Darren Revell. They delve into the history of Michael Jordan's XRC and the role of major gradin...
1225 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1201-1224
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recapping and amplifying episodes 1201 to 1224. Overall, this recap presents a rich tapestry of topics, from the evolution of sports card collecting, ...
1224 - Dueling Questions with Chris Sewall 3.0
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nuances of collecting cards with a focus on buying collections, exploring the excitement around both high demand and low supply cards, and their mutua...
1223 - Dueling Questions with Chris Sewall 2.0
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dueling Questions with Chris Sewall, a discussion that spans various aspects of the sports card market. They touch on recognizing undervalued cards no...
1222 - Basketball Tall Boy Hypothetical, with Cage Lawyer
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A purely hypothetical discussion unfolds on the future of basketball cards, involving an upper level NBA leadership decision to shift all future baske...
1221 - Dueling Questions with Chris Sewall
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Beckett interviews Chris Sewell, Baseball Card Collector Investor Dealer In That Order. Chris shares his transition from collecting to deali...
1220 - Out-Takes on Topps Conference from Hobby Hotline 050424
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Various crucial aspects of the sports card industry are examined, starting with the role of KPMG in auditing the fairness of case hits among bigger br...
1219A - Panini Select vs. Panini Recon
11 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special Saturday episode, Dr. Beckett celebrates his birthday unboxing basketball cards from Panini, comparing Recon and Select boxes. He disc...
1219 - My Dirty Jobs
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special birthday episode, Dr. Beckett takes a personal dive into his life's journey, covers his early experiences, navigating through various ...
1218 - Listener Questions on Grading, Alteration, and Restoration
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The dialogue begins with debunking the myth that card grading is a scam, illustrating the rigorous checks, balances, and competitive nature of grading...
1217 - Non-Response
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the challenges inherent to large companies in maintaining effective communication and responsiveness to consumer inquiries and concerns. Wi...
1216 - Ten Listener Questions
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the relationship between show dealers and buyers, highlighting preferences for pricing transparency and the...
1215 - Nine Listener Questions 8.0
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the nuanced evolution of rookie card significance, especially in the context of high-end releases and their accessibility to different econ...
1214 - Baseball Card Hall of Fame, with Ray Fonio, Ray from Philly
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
https://forms.gle/MPZdzJgWKNvZCtBa9 Analysis of the 2024 Baseball Card Hall of Fame Ballot with Dr. James Beckett and Ray from Philly providing insigh...
1213 - Feedback on "Sensory Challenges"
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation extends to the therapeutic potential of card collecting for memory recall in retirement homes, and accessibility enhancements for col...
1212 - Feedback on "What Is a Card?"
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. James Beckett delves deeper into the complex question of what exactly constitutes a sports card, spurring from earlier discussion...
1211 - Out-Takes from Hobby Hotline 041324
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This detailed discussion excerpted from Hobby Hotline with co-hosts Danny Black and Chris Carlin highlights the strategic movement within the collecti...
1210 - 50th Birthday, with Rich Klein
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At Rich's request, Dr. James Beckett, delves into his personal leadership journey, particularly focusing on the initiative he took around his 50th bir...
1209 - Experiencing 10X, with Rich Klein
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The discussion kicks off with Rich's recent purchase of a Heritage high number box for less than its original cost, leading into a broader conversatio...
1208 - Hobby Mt. Rushmore (Future)
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A future 'Mount Rushmore' for the card collecting world, exploring who might be immortalized in stone in the distant future. This episode focuses on c...
1207 - Hobby Mt. Rushmore (Past)
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A thoughtful exploration of a 'Mount Rushmore' dedicated to influential figures within the sports card hobby, with a clear distinction made between in...
1206 - Panini Multi-Sport Hobby Box Battle
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Three different Panini sports card hobby boxes, baseball, football, and racing. Starting with the 2023 Panini Elite Extra Edition Baseball box, Dr. Be...
1205 - Upper Deck Hockey Hobby Box Battle (Bedard?)
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Four unique hockey card products from Upper Deck, beginning with 2022-23 Parkhurst Champions, praised for its blend of veterans, legends, and rookies,...
1204 - Restoration Questions, with Brian Gray, Part 2
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pressing issues surrounding card grading, authentication, and restoration. They debate the merits and ethics of card restoration, highlighting how alt...
1203 - Restoration Questions, with Brian Gray
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ethics of card restoration, the practice of altering cards for grading purposes, and the challenges faced in detecting such modifications. Dr. Bec...
1202 - Small Nuggets in Plain Sight, with Brian Gray
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the nuanced strategies for unearthing hidden gems within the sports card market. Both speakers employ a type of contrarian approach to colle...
1201 - Founder's Half-Life, with Brian Gray
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Beckett and Brian Gray, formerly of Leaf, delve deep into the concept of corporate culture in the sports card industry, focusing on the pers...
1200 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1176-1199
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recap of episodes 1176 to 1199 from the 'Sports Card Insights' podcast, showcasing a rich array of topics within the sports card collecting hobby. The...
1199 - Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's interpreter, accused of incurring substantial gambling debts. Dr. Beckett ponders the possibility of the gambling ac...
1198 - Rule of 72
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Balance between passion and pragmatism? Addressing the often ambiguous line between collecting for pleasure and investing for profit, underscoring tha...
1197 - Thumbtacks
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We delve into the realm of sports card alterations, distinguishing between deceptive modern alterations and childish alterations from the past, such a...
1196 - Listener Questions about My Card Wall
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He shares an interesting perspective on binge-watching his content, a habit he personally enjoys and believes adds momentum and enjoyment to consuming...
1195 - Listener Questions on YouTube Hobby Box Reveals
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An array of listener questions and feedback originating from his YouTube channel, where he shares box opening videos. We touch on topics like the appr...
1194 - Listener Questions on RC Ramblings
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Beckett reflects on his previous discussions with Victor Roman on the RC Ramblings episodes, delving into the nuances of what constitutes a 'junk ...
1193 - Nine Listener Questions 7.0
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A wide array of listener questions are addressed, covering topics from the intricacies of trading on COMC, spotting celebrities on sports cards, to th...
1192 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Part 3
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The final part of this insightful and engaging conversation, we reflect on the evolution of card manufacturing since the 1980s and discuss the potenti...
1191 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Part 2
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We start with an exploration of our personal journeys through sports card collecting including their collecting methods and preferences, from set coll...
1190 - Out-Takes on PSA/SGC from Hobby Hotline 030224
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Beckett, alongside Hobby Hotline co-hosts Danny Black and Victor Roman, explores the repercussions of PSA's acquisition of SGC in the sports...
1189 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Heritage
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. James Beckett and Joe Orlando, respected industry veteran and former CEO of PSA, discuss the dynamic evolution, emerging trends, and future outloo...
1188 - Dollar Box Travels, with Rich Klein
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We delve into the enticing prospect of attending the Philadelphia sports card show to graze through the dollar boxes in search of nuggets. We offer ad...
1187 - 2023-24 Panini Prizm Premier League Soccer Box Analysis
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We begin with sharing thoughts on soccer as a collectable sport and its potential to rise in popularity. We dissect the concept of a 'flagship' brand ...