Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Dr. Beckett shares his remarks from the recent SABR Annual Convention #53. Along with Rich Klein and moderated by Paul Rogers, they delve into the evolution of sports card collecting, the transition from hobby to business, and the shifting dynamics within the industry. They discuss the changes in card pricing, the rise of modern cards, and the ongoing passion that drives collectors.
01:21 Early Days and Personal Journey
05:30 Challenges and Transitions
10:46 Evolution of the Hobby
14:05 Modern vs. Vintage Cards
5 days ago
5 days ago
Dr. Beckett teams up with Iowa Dave (Dave Schwartz) for a continuation of their Dueling Questions. They discuss a range of topics including ethical dilemmas in sports card dealing, the role of nostalgia in the hobby, and the evolving nature of the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett also reflects on historical shifts in the hobby and shares personal anecdotes about the industry's past and present.
01:50 Ethical Obligations of Dealers
03:48 Venezuelan Card Ventures
06:50 The Evolution of the Hobby
11:15 Breaking and the Hobby-Industry Divide
16:01 The Beckett Magazine Philosophy
19:41 Hiring Passionate Collectors
7 days ago
7 days ago
Guest Dave Schwartz (Iowa Dave) delves into Dr. Beckett's journey from a statistics PhD student to a prominent figure in the sports card industry. They explore how Dr. Beckett's background in statistics helped him understand and innovate within the sports card market. The conversation also shifts to the controversial topic of online breaking casinos, discussing the addictive nature of breaking and potential regulatory measures.
02:30 The Birth of the Price Guide
04:34 Breaking 'Casino' Phenomenon
06:26 Risks and Regulations of Breaking
12:16 Addictions and the Hobby
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Dr. Beckett brainstorms an innovative concept for a sports card-themed cruise. He describes a comprehensive plan for a cruise departing from Miami, priced at $3,000 per cabin, which includes food, lodging, table fees, and exclusive swag from sponsors. The cruise would feature card shows, trade nights, and panel discussions, all set in a secure environment with advanced planning for token-based table reservations. He discusses potential logistics, such as on-board security, internet connectivity, and handling high-value collectibles.
00:44 Cruise Logistics and Pricing
02:13 Event Structure and Activities
04:38 Security and Practical Considerations
06:05 Potential Challenges and Solutions
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1376 to 1399 of his podcast, including listener questions, Panini's consistency across sports, dividing collections with Rich Klein, Pete Rose's gambling, hobby news, and much more. Dr. Beckett reflects on the content, shares his thoughts, and discusses what makes each episode unique and engaging for both new and veteran collectors.
02:46 Panini Consistency and Product Strategies
03:51 Dividing Collections and Hobby Experiences
04:33 Generational Collecting and Pete Rose Discussion
06:25 Dealer Advice and Show Experiences
07:58 Panini and Upper Deck Product Reviews
09:44 Father-Son Episodes and Personal Stories
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Dr. Beckett reflects on the life of recently passed baseball icon Dave Parker, with personal anecdotes, Parker's illustrious achievements, and his struggles with Parkinson's Disease. He discusses Parker’s journey from his early years with the Pirates to his later contributions to the Reds and A's, highlighting key moments and stats that defined his career. Additionally, the episode touches on the ethics of autograph pricing following a celebrity's death and Parker's impact on the baseball community.
01:00 Dave Parker's Career Highlights
01:57 Autograph Market and Ethics
03:40 Dave Parker's Hall of Fame Journey
04:21 Health Struggles and Legacy
07:28 Comparisons and Final Reflections
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Dr. Beckett discusses the concept of being CEO of your card collection, inspired by Mike Steveline's take on Brett McGrath's Stacking Slabs podcast. He examines what it means to take on the 'CEO' role, the responsibilities it implies, and shares his personal experiences from his time as a CEO and president. Dr. Beckett also delves into financial management, organizational skills, and the importance of maintaining a healthy enterprise, ultimately tying these business principles back to the world of card collecting.
00:22 Email from Mike and Initial Thoughts
00:49 The Role and Responsibilities of a CEO
04:02 Organizational Skills and Financial Awareness
08:35 Learning and Community Engagement
11:16 Fun: Encouragement, Enthusiasm, and Energy
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Dr. Beckett dives into the intriguing parallels between car collecting and card collecting, discussing themes like the value of preservation, market demand, and the joy of ownership. He reflects on lessons learned from both car enthusiasts and card collectors, emphasizing the importance of 'staying in your lane' in both hobbies.
03:30 Staying in Your Lane: Advice for Collectors
04:51 The Market Dynamics of Cars and Cards
06:42 Restoration and Authenticity
06:59 The Importance of Utility and Personal Preference
13:11 The Future of Cards: VINs and Tracking
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
On last Saturday's Hobby Hotline, Dr. Beckett, John Newman, and Orlando Collector's Dream discuss news in the sports card industry. Topics include recent changes at SGC affecting bulk submitters, insights into Fanatics Fest, and a deep dive into the potential implications of a rumored PSA-GameStop merger. Also highlighted are the experiential differences between Fanatics Fest and The National, emphasizing the unique positioning and future of both events.
00:44 SGC Bulk Submission Changes
04:45 PSA and GameStop Potential Acquisition
08:55 Fanatics Fest Highlights
11:24 Comparing Fanatics Fest and The National
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Dr. Beckett is joined by Mike and Andrew Aronstein, and Rich Klein. They delve into their rich histories in the sports card hobby, sharing stories about operating multiple card stores, dealing with TCMA items, and handling vintage photography. The episode sheds light on fascinating behind-the-scenes operations, from the creation of sports cards to the unique challenges faced in the industry. They also reflect on influential figures and moments that shaped their careers.
00:31 Managing Multiple Card Stores
00:53 TCMA and Cooperstown Involvement
02:57 Printing Errors and Card Variations
04:52 Transition to Digital Printing
09:25 Exclusive Distribution Deal
12:51 Vintage Photography and Collecting