Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Episodes
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
Dr. Beckett and Jeremy Lee discuss the creation and development of the Jeremy's Hobby Spectrum assessment. They delve into the origins, purpose, and future enhancements of this diagnostic tool designed for sports card collectors and investors, including the directory feature, the diverse archetypes, and how the assessment aims to build community and facilitate connections within the hobby.
00:23 Jeremy Lee's Hobby Spectrum Assessment
01:34 Development and Community Building
02:38 Archetypes and Collector Identity
05:57 Intensity and Evolution in Collecting
08:48 Advisors and Development Team
12:44 Future Plans and Monetization
3 days ago
3 days ago
Dr. Beckett (along with his Hobby Hotline co-host Dom and Rich) looks into topics including the recent AI-generated return scam-dal on eBay, the potential of AI in the hobby, and strategic marketing opportunities for sports card companies. Rich also brings up the significance of Hall of Fame speeches, specifically Ted Williams' 1966 speech that catalyzed the inclusion of Negro League players. Additionally, we explore the new partnership between Arena Club and the San Antonio Spurs, as well as the broader implications of integrating sports cards into sporting events.
00:39 Bill White and Hall of Fame Discussions
03:27 eBay Scandal and AI in the Hobby
07:24 Arena Club and Sports Partnerships
13:54 Card Shows and Collecting Tips
6 days ago
6 days ago
Dr. Beckett (during the Hobby Hotline show) discusses the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot and evaluates the chances of players like Carlos Beltran, Andrew Jones, and Chase Utley. They examine the voting trends, ballot dynamics, and the impact of modern metrics on the Hall of Fame selections. Special attention is given to the role of contributors and overlooked players in the Hall of Fame.
00:38 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion
01:29 Debate on Hall of Fame Candidates
02:32 Hall of Fame Voting Trends and Criteria
09:12 Historical Comparisons and Contributor Recognition
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
Dr. Beckett discusses the potential future of sports card shows with the integration of facial recognition technology. He explores the benefits and challenges of implementing such technology, including faster entry, enhanced security, and the ability to track attendance and customer preferences. Dr. Beckett also addresses privacy concerns and the importance of using technology responsibly to create safer, more efficient, and enjoyable card show experiences.
00:28 Future of Card Shows: Facial Recognition
01:29 Security and Privacy Concerns
02:43 Technology Integration in Card Shows
05:28 Legal and Ethical Considerations
07:03 Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Dr. Beckett outlines his preferences and strategies, favoring the thrill and learning experience of sifting through less organized dollar boxes over participating in structured breaks or premium boxes. He shares insights on differentiating valuable cards, avoiding common pitfalls, and optimizing his time at shows. The discussion highlights the pleasure derived from unexpected finds and the depth of knowledge required to make savvy purchases.
00:54 Finding Value in Unorganized Boxes
01:52 Navigating Shows and Dealer Strategies
03:33 Evaluating Non-Base Cards
05:11 Importance of Visual Appeal and Variations
08:47 Personal Insights and Hobby Philosophy
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Dr. Beckett discusses Jeremy Lee's Hobby Spectrum assessment, which categorizes collectors into seven archetypes based on their hobby activities. Dr. Beckett shares his experiences and insights as a 'Hybrid' collector, balancing passion and profit in his collecting journey. He delves into his history with sports cards, his unique approach to buying and selling, and how he navigates the evolving landscape of the hobby.
01:04 Personal Journey and Hybrid Identity
01:46 Buying and Selling Strategies
03:36 Reflections on the Hobby Spectrum
06:22 Auction Insights and Market Dynamics
09:11 Emotional Connection and Hybrid Nature
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Dr. Beckett discusses seven rebuttals to common opinions and concerns expressed recently within the sports card industry. Topics include the impact of monopolies on the hobby, market manipulation, the grading process with companies like BGS and PSA, and the practices of big dealers and auction houses. Dr. Beckett offers perspectives on these issues, aiming to foster a more comprehensive conversation about the hobby.
02:07 Monopolies in the Hobby
04:57 Market Manipulation
06:44 Grading Inconsistencies
09:14 Raw Card Review Controversy
11:18 Shill Bidding Concerns
12:22 Auction Reserves and Dealer Pushback
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Monday Jan 05, 2026
Dr. Beckett and guest Dan Bliss explores the nuances of modern sports card collecting. They discuss the importance of understanding player longevity and household recognition for investment purposes, the diversity of collector motivations, and the strategies for holding cards long-term. The discussion includes insights into card shows, vendor experiences, and the evolving landscape aided by AI and major acquisitions like PSA's purchase of Beckett. Additionally, Dan shares his own collecting habits and thoughts on the future of the hobby.
01:57 Collector Strategies and Market Trends
05:10 Personal Collecting Habits
07:32 Expanding Card Shows to the East Coast
10:12 AI in the Collecting World
12:36 PSA's Acquisition of Beckett
Friday Jan 02, 2026
Friday Jan 02, 2026
Dan Bliss joins Dr. Beckett to discuss the future of sports card shows moving towards 2030. They explore the unique aspects of in-person shows, such as the joy of discovering bargains and the importance of interpersonal connections that online sales can't replicate. The conversation also delves into balancing the vendor mix between sports cards and non-sports cards like TCGs and the impact of grading on the hobby. Furthermore, Dr. Beckett shares his journey into the publication industry and the evolution of price guides over the years.
00:55 The Future of Sports Card Shows
04:45 Balancing TCG and Sports Cards
08:25 The Evolution of Price Guides
10:03 Junk Wax Era and Market Dynamics
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Dr. Beckett offers his reflections on the past year in the hobby, shares his plans to continue the podcast and his intention to be more aggressive in interviewing notable figures in the sports card world. He talks about his interactions with fans, receiving thoughtful gifts, and touches on the controversies and market trends that have shaped the hobby. Dr. Beckett also shares personal anecdotes, including nostalgic moments from his early days in the hobby, and discusses the importance of maintaining security and taking a critical approach to the business and financial aspects of sports card collecting.
02:05 Community Interactions and Generosity
02:57 NASCAR and Collectible Insights
06:16 Holiday Cards and Personal Reflections
06:59 Controversies and Opinions in the Hobby
11:10 Memories and Autograph Stories
12:32 Looking Ahead: Business Insights