Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

690 - Pro Football Hall of Fame Class 2022

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Those selected each year sometimes see a bump in their card values and interest - however this year some of the non-selectees were just as hot, likely...

689 - Interview: Jay Baker, Yankees Exhibition

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jay has the best memorabilia collection in the world for the Yankees' Big Five: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Jeter - currently on exhibit at Ar...

688 - Seven Listener Questions 4.0

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I  accumulated another seven questions from a variety of sources - please send your sports card hobby questions to [email protected]  and...

687 - Luber Manifesto Reaction

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Luber's epic paper on the hobby/industry deserves a read (and a re-read).  Eager to see how Fanatics tries to take our hobby/industry to the nex...

686 - Interview: Ryan Stuczynski, GemRate, Part 3

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The third and final installment of my interview with Ryan - I was curious about his business model and his technical prowess and where he will be a in...

685 - Interview: John Bello, Former President, NFL Properties, Part 2, with Bill Chandler

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The second half of my catch-up with John Bello on the early days of the football card boom plus some insights from Hawaii's Mr. Pro Bowl, Bill Chandle...

684 - Out-Takes on Processing Bad News from Hobby Hotline 011522

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stimulated by an insightful comment/question from Victor Roman Sr. during this live show, we addressed it briefly then, and I have added in some furth...

683 - Dallas Card Show Distinctives, with Brad Bethune and Rich Klein

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brad, Rich, and I are regulars at Kyle Robertson's every-other month big card show at Watters Creek in the DFW Metroplex - we reflect on why the show ...

682 - Upper Deck Box Battle: MVP Hockey vs. AEW Wrestling

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This was the most one-sided box battle that I can remember - a truly shocking result that was completely unexpected - thanks Upper Deck!

681 - Tom Brady Retirement Effect?

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to Brady's cards now that he is officially retired?  Are any of his cards currently undervalued?  What is the upside for the next five ...

680 - Interview: John Bello, Former President, NFL Properties

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Bello presided over the spectacular growth in the football card category back in the late 1980's and early 1990's - he gave Lud Denny his shot wi...

679 - Dueling Questions 2.0, with Dustin Cooley, Personal Finance Dad

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin and I kept going with our sports card hobby questions - many what-if's and hypotheticals from me - and his several questions for me were not to...

678 - Aftermath: Breaking Cardboard, with John Newman and young friends

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This Breaking Cardboard show featured young teen and pre-teen collectors (and future of the hobby): Brody the Kid, Jacob Burris, BlakeDown, and Max an...

677 - Fanatics Decisions, with Ted Barker, Beckett Media

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's not second-guessing if decisions have not been made yet.  Based on our combined hobby experiences, Ted and I project the impact of Fanatics on o...

676 - Out-Takes from Off Centered, with Brad Jarryd and Dustin Cooley

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin and Brad invited me to be on their hour-long live YouTube show - catch the whole thing, but this is just a short excerpt of how it went - they ...

675 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 649-673

29 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A brief synopsis of the past twenty-five episodes - I get a chance to reflect on what I'd like to add and some of you get a chance to hear a little ab...

674 - Interview: Ryan Stuczynski, GemRate, Part 2

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

GemRate has earned a place in the hobby in a short time - by bringing data analytic capabilities to pop reports - thanks Ryan for your free GemRate e-...

673 - Industry Events with Ted Barker, Beckett Media

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Industry veteran Ted Barker discusses exciting current trends in trading card industry events - not just card shows any more - lots more to offer!

672 - Dueling Questions with Dustin Cooley, Personal Finance Dad

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin has been a guest here before and has his own YouTube show - but this was a chance for us to exchange questions with each other about the hobby ...

671- Out-Takes on Opening Unopened from Hobby Hotline 011522

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should you open your box of sports card product immediately or wait a while? - or flip it unopened?  This dilemma repeats itself every day in the mod...

670 - 1981 Donruss Baseball, with Rich Klein

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I break down the enigmatic 1981 Donruss baseball card product, which was rushed to market, and hence not their best product in hindsight, and...

669 - Interview: Ryan Stuczynski, GemRate

22 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Stuczynski shares his hobby origin story, resulting in his founding of GemRate, which has been steadily gaining traction in the world of making s...

668 - Origin: Ted Barker, Beckett Media

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Industry veteran, Ted Barker, shares his sports card hobby journey experience, having worked for many of the key players in the industry, now serving ...

667 - 1987 Topps Baseball, Part 2, with Ryan Fagan, The Sporting News

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan and I continued our discussion of the mysterious allure of 1987 Topps baseball cards, and how that product has played some role in the renaissanc...

663 - The Sporting News, with Ryan Fagan

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Fagan, senior baseball writer for The Sporting News, joins me for a discussion of the historical importance of that weekly tabloid, to which I wa...

666 - Dueling Questions with TS O’Connell and Rich Klein

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We had a three-person question session that was fun with three old-timers reminiscing about the good old days of the hobby (when it really was a hobby...

665 - Dueling Questions 4.0, with Dane Coenen, Dynasty Breaks

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dane and I don't seem to run out of questions for each other.  I am curious about his Dynasty Breaks business and he wants to know about the good old...

664 - 1998-99 Pacific Hockey Brand Analysis, with Rich Klein

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I break down the various Pacific hockey products that year: Aurora, Crown Royale, Dynagon Ice, Pacific (their flagship), and Paramount.  Unf...

662 - Dueling Questions with Kin Kinsley

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kin and I trade questions about the sports card hobby we have both pursued intensely for many decades - thanks Kin!

661 - Dueling Questions 3.0 with Dane Coenen, Dynasty Breaks

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dane Coenen of Dynasty Breaks is back for a third round of Dueling Questions with me about the sports card hobby and more specifically the business as...

660 - Tribute: Bob Lemke, with TS O’Connell and Rich Klein

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hobby icon and pioneer Bob Lemke has been gone (but not forgotten) for the past five years.  We discuss his three huge contributions to the growth of...

659 - 1987 Topps Baseball, with Ryan Fagan, The Sporting News

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Klein introduced me to Ryan, who has had a long-time special interest in 1987 Topps baseball cards - which is apparently shared by many who follo...

658 - 1998 Pacific Football Brand Analysis, with Rich Klein

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I review and explain the Pacific official production and distribution spreadsheets for the following 1998 Pacific football sub-brands: Aurora...

657 - Tribute: Dan Reeves

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Popular player and coach, Dan Reeves has passed away, due to complications with dementia - his rookie card is a proud member of my Card Wall of Fame f...

656 - Tribute: John Clemens

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Clemens, veteran 1957 Topps baseball collector, minor league PA announcer, and all-around good guy passed away a few weeks ago from Multiple Myel...

655 - Origin: TS O’Connell, Editor, SCD, with Rich Klein

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

TS has worn many hats in this hobby/industry - many know him as the former editor of Sports Collectors Digest - but we first recognized him for his se...

654 - Fanatics Buys Topps!

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Rubin, Fanatics primary owner, has moved very quickly again, strategically buying the trading card division of Topps for a reported $500 milli...

653 - Origin: Kin Kinsley

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from Kin about his sports card hobby origin story - pretty consistent over the decades and still enjoying the ride.  Thanks Kin for sharing!

652 - 1999 Pacific Baseball Brand Analysis, with Rich Klein

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I review official production and distribution figures for the following 1999 Pacific Baseball products: Aurora, Crown Collection, Crown Royal...

651 - New Year’s Day Musings

01 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some random sports card hobby thoughts, resolutions, directions, and insights for the coming year - Let's make 2022 the best year yet.

650 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 624-648

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A brief recap of the past 25 episodes over the last month in case you missed some - plus I sometimes think of some additional insights to share.  Tha...

649 - Tribute: John Madden

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

John Madden at 85 has passed - iconic in American sports in several ways, outstanding NFL coach, popular broadcaster, and his Madden video game longev...

648 - MINT Collective, with Ezra Levine, CEO of Collectable

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Co-founder Ezra Levine explains why he is so bullish on our industry and this upcoming high-end trade event in Las Vegas at the end of January.  Enco...

647 - Out-Takes on Upper Deck, Marketing, and MINT Collective from Hobby Hotline 121821

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Lee and Jason Dean Martin had wide ranging discussions of these sports card hobby topics - excerpted from the live call-in Hobby Hotline video ...

646 - The Tiger Woods Event, with Pepper Hastings

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pepper represented our company (well) at this amazing never-repeated hobby event years ago with prime Tiger Woods - Pepper shares his insights - you w...

645 - Christmas Musings

25 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some thoughts on this joyous season and how we express it - we have much to be thankful for - and yet we are all hoping 2022 will be even better.

644 - Questions from JP Cohen, Memory Lane

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

JP had some extemporaneous questions for me about the sports card hobby we both love - especially vintage baseball - thanks JP.

643 - Interview: Ezra Levine, CEO of Collectable

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ezra describes his hobby ride including the founding and growth of the fractional trading platform, Collectable, which has garnered lots of attention ...

642 - More Executive Insights with Shreedhar Shah

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shreedhar's discussion with me went longer than I thought, because we lost track of time - happens sometimes with two passionate collectors - thought ...

641 - Out-Takes on Panini, PSA, and Cooperstown from Hobby Hotline 121821

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I was on the Hobby Hotline show last Saturday morning with Jeremy Lee and Jason Dean Martin and these are some of the topics either brought up by rece...

640 - Early Beckett Magazine Contributors, with Pepper Hastings

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pepper (Beckett editorial employee #1) and I reminisce about the earliest days of our editorial/art package for Beckett Baseball Card Monthly and the ...

639 - Out-Takes on Fanatics and Grading with Mike Fruitman and Rob Veres

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After I thought our interview was over, Mike (Mike's Stadium Sportscards) and Rob (Burbank Sports Cards) had some more what if's - so here it is - gla...

638 - Grading with JP Cohen, Memory Lane

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

JP and I shared our perspectives on grading (and other issues) in the sports card hobby from our different vantage points.  Thanks JP.

637 - Questions from Mike Fruitman and Rob Veres

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No duel here, except perhaps between the two of them, as I answered their thoughtful sports card hobby questions - including what if's! - thanks guys!...

636 - Topps Box Battle: Archives vs. Heritage Minors

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Which you prefer depends on your holding period - I realized I am more of an Archives guy now - maybe has to do with my age and the fact that I person...

635 - Dueling Questions with Joel Belfer, Mint Condition

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Joel came with some questions for me and some interesting answers to my questions - thanks Joel for your hard work on your weekly newsletter - an exce...

634 - Store Security Measures with Mike Fruitman and Rob Veres

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mike and Rob share their opinions on card shop security - and their practices - take precautions but remember people are more important than cards!

633 - Topps Box Battle: Gypsy Queen vs. Allen & Ginter

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I broke a box of each and decided which one I liked better depending on my collecting parameters.  Both had redeeming value, but I preferred the comp...

632 - Early BGS Travel Stories, with Pepper Hastings

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pepper and I discuss the origin of Raw Card Reviews and Graded Card Reviews as well as other stories from the early days of BGS at home and on the roa...

631 - Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva, Buck O‘Neil, Bud Fowler, with Brad Askew

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brad and I discuss these four brand new Baseball Hall of Famers elected by committee - any affect on their sports card and memorabilia may be modest f...

630 - Executive Insights with Shreedhar Shah

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shreedhar and I are in different chapters of the same global organization for Presidents and CEO's of companies so we share a similar executive perspe...

629 - Tributes: Gil Hodges and Minnie Minoso, with Brad Askew

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Newest Baseball Hall of Famers Gil Hodges and Minnie Minoso are unfortunately no longer alive to celebrate their induction with their many fans.  The...

628 - Five Listener Questions 4.0

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Another five sports card hobby questions from listeners to the podcast - send your questions to [email protected] - every question matters...

627 - Interview: JP Cohen, Memory Lane

04 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

JP has been assisting collectors with auctions and private sales for the past 21 years through his Memory Lane - I came away with a better understandi...

626 - Out-Takes on Corporate Presence from Hobby Hotline 111321

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

John Newman and Rich Klein had thoughts about corporate presence at shows and in general greater visibility for the companies in our industry and I sh...

625 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 599-623

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first recap episode under the new format of every 25 episodes - in case you missed some or want a brief refresher - sometimes I clarify or...

624 - Soccer Cards/Stickers History, with Greg Landsdowne

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Greg is an author and journalist from the UK, and more importantly a soccer card/sticker enthusiast and collector - I encourage you to checkout both h...

623 - Origin: Joel Belfer, Mint Condition

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Joel's Mint Condition weekly e-newsletter has become a must-read for me and I recommend it to you as well - here is Joel's sports card hobby origin st...

622 - Five Listener Questions 3.0

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Five different questions from sharp listeners about our sports card hobby - send your questions to [email protected] and thanks!

621 - Panini Soccer History, with Greg Landsdowne

27 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Greg and I zoomed from England - Greg's highly anticipated second book is just coming out now (today!) to help us understand the history of soccer car...

620 - Out-Takes from Sports Card Second

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jacob Burris had Brody The Kid, John Newman, and myself on his show last week and we talked about whatever Jacob wanted us to talk about - football se...

619 - Thanksgiving with Mike Fruitman and Rob Veres

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Popular LCS owners and sponsors Mike Fruitman (Mike's Stadium Sportscards) and Rob Veres (Burbank Sports Cards) join me for explicitly expressing what...

618 - Out-Takes on Security Measures from Hobby Hotline 111321

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last Saturday the crew from Hobby Hotline, including Rich Klein and John Newman, along with our call-in guests, discussed preventive security measures...

617 - Out-Takes on Music from Radar, Evan Toth, Part 2

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Evan and I continue on with our discussion of music vs. sports as collectibles  - taken from his Radar podcast where he interviewed me - thanks Evan....

616 - Soccer Cards, with Torsten Bauer

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Soccer is extremely popular worldwide and especially in Germany where Torsten lives - when will soccer cards go into hyper-drive in America? 

615 - Dueling Same Questions 2, with Rob Girard, Sports Card Therapist

20 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rob and I extended our sports card question and answer session to include his final question about balance in life and hobby life.

614 - Out-Takes on Rose and Bonds with Mike Moynihan, Baseball Collector

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My baseball card vintage discussion with Mike turned toward our opinions on the Hall of Fame prospects of Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, and others.

613 -Out-Takes on Music from Radar, with Evan Toth

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Evan's podcast, Radar, interviewed me as a guest, and we drew parallels between record vinyl album collecting and sports card collecting.  Thanks Eva...

612 - Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule), with Torsten Bauer

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Pareto Principle applies to sports cards!  Torsten and I discuss how and why in our quest to better understand the sports card market.

611 - Dueling Same Questions with Rob Girard, Sports Card Therapist

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rob, the Sports Card Therapist, sent me an interesting list of hobby and life questions, which we both answered on this show - thanks Rob!

610 - 1962 Post Cereal Football, Part 2, with Robin Pauls

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Robin's exhaustive work on the intricacies of the 1962 Post football set is impressive - I wish I had access to his research back in the day (but it d...

609 - Interview: Jesse Craig, PWCC, Part 2

13 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

PWCC's Director of Development Jesse Craig fielded my questions and explained some of what made and makes PWCC formidable in the high-end auction and ...

608 - Out-Takes on Vintage from Mike Moynihan, Baseball Collector, Golden Age

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Guest appearing at Mike Moynihan's house for his YT channel - here are some excerpts of our vintage baseball card conversation.

607 - Interview: Jeremy Allen

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Caught up with Jeremy again at the latest Dallas Card Show at Watters Creek - Jeremy was (fractionally) serving four corporate clients all at the show...

606 - Out-Takes from Card Time, with Brad Bethune

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These were some of Brad's sports card questions for me excerpted and taken from his show - check it out - Card Time. 

605 - Voluntary (Self) Regulation, with Jason Granet

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wall Streeter Jason Granet has concerns about our hobby and our need and opportunity to regulate ourselves before other entities decide to do so for u...

604 - Dueling Questions 2, with Jacob Burris, Sports Cards Second

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Young Jacob and I continue asking each other questions about the hobby we both love - looking forward to meeting Jacob at the next National!  Check o...

603 - 1962 Post Cereal Football, with Robin Pauls

06 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Robin Pauls has done extensive research on this very challenging set from almost 50 years ago - he literally wrote the book on these cards and how the...

602 - Interview: Jesse Craig, PWCC

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse Craig, Director of Business Development, discusses the latest at PWCC as they are sharpening their auction platform in this dynamic sports card ...

601 - E Words, with Rich Klein

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rich and I riff on words beginning with E that contribute to a memorable podcast: energy, emotion, engagement, efficiency, experience, enthusiasm, etc...

600 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 579-598

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A brief recap of the past four weeks worth of episodes in case you missed some - additional insights or further reflections - thanks!

599 - Gini Coefficient of Inequality Applied to Cards, with Torsten Bauer

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My German collecting friend Torsten Bauer and I discussed the esoteric parallels between the distribution and inequality of income and card values - T...

598 - Private Equity Inquiry

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I got a call from a private equity group inquiring about the investibility of our sports card hobby - as I am a pro bono consultant, I was happy to ob...

597 - Out-Takes on Top Tier QB‘s from Hobby Hotline 100921

30 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Matt Stafford - but NOT in that order!

596 - Hobby Vaults, with Rich Klein

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If "vault" is more broadly defined, there are many vaults in this great hobby - many safe places to keep your precious cards.

595 - Disincentives to Sell, with Jason Granet

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason and I wanted to talk about regulation and aspect of chance and skill-based gambling, but our conversation meandered based on his Wall Street exp...

594 - DuelingQuestions with Jacob Burris, Sports Card Second

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Thirteen-year-old Jacob Burris and I had a simulcast where we went back and forth with questions for each other - way to go Jacob!

593 - Out-Takes on Investment Grade from Mike Moynihan, Golden Age, Baseball Collector

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I drove over to Mike's house and he gave me the grand tour of his baseball card collection and "The Beast."  Thanks Mike, look forward to having you ...

592 - Out-Takes on Track Cards from Cloud 259 with Brenn Jones, Part 2

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I was a guest on Brenn's Cloud 259 podcast.  Brenn's a collector and has hopes that track cards can really catch on.  These are excerpts from his po...

591 - Free is not always Free, with Rich Klein

23 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most gifts and freebies are to be accepted - but is there a catch? - especially in the sports card hobby?