Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

1211 - Out-Takes from Hobby Hotline 041324

This detailed discussion excerpted from Hobby Hotline with co-hosts Danny Black and Chris Carlin highlights the strategic movement within the collecting industry, focusing on the new partnership between eBay and Collectors facilitated by Ken Golden's "trade" to eBay. It explores the innovative vaulting service that offers a safe, efficient way for collectors to store and sell their valuable cards, and how this service aligns with the needs of both novice and seasoned collectors. The conversation also delves into the significant impacts of NIL policies on the collectibles of college athletes like Caitlin Clark, predicting her potential in professional sports. Furthermore, it looks at the anticipated Fanatics Fest, aiming to bridge the gap between sports fans and collectibles enthusiasts, while contemplating the importance of balancing dealer presence to ensure the event's success. Also discusses the role of grading and grader notes in enhancing collector experience, the strategic positioning of companies within the sports collectibles ecosystem, and the welcoming of new media ventures that aim to enrich the hobby with quality content.

00:20 eBay and Collectors: A New Synergy
01:04 The Impact of Ken Golden's Move to eBay
02:45 Vaulting: Security and Convenience for Collectors
04:37 The Future of Grading: Adding Grader's Notes
06:41 Spotlight on Caitlin Clark: Rising Star in Basketball
10:17 Fanatics Fest vs. East Coast National

 

1210 - 50th Birthday, with Rich Klein

At Rich's request, Dr. James Beckett, delves into his personal leadership journey, particularly focusing on the initiative he took around his 50th birthday in 1999 to meet one-on-one with each of his approximately 150 employees. He discusses the logistics and the impact of these meetings, set against the backdrop of his recovery from a heart attack in 1996 and a temporary step back from the company. Through these conversations, he sought not only to understand the professional challenges faced by his team but also to connect with them on a personal and familial level, acknowledging the interplay between personal issues and professional performance.

00:26 Reflecting on Leadership and Employee Engagement
02:17 The Missed Miniature Golf Outing: A Light-hearted Anecdote
03:23 Insights into Business Operations and Employee Relations
04:55 Dynamics of Card Shows and Business Strategies
07:16 Remote Work and the Importance of Personal Connections
08:42 Personal Growth and the Value of One-on-One Meetings

1209 - Experiencing 10X, with Rich Klein

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 conversation about market fluctuations, notably concerning Fanatics' large production volumes. We examine Fanatics' aggressive approach to testing the market, contrasting it with a more conservative strategy of printing to demand or slightly less. We share insights on the necessity of innovative distribution and marketing strategies to captivate new collectors, citing past successful promotions linked with food products and the unique appeal of regional and team-specific sets. The episode concludes on a reflective note emphasizing the intrinsic joy of collecting, untethered from its potential financial gains, advocating for a hobby that encourages fun and community building over mere profitability.

01:03 Fanatics' Market Strategy and Experimentation
02:27 Reflecting on Beckett's Growth and Strategy
06:13 The Evolution of Collecting and Market Expansion
06:45 Fanatics' Innovative Distribution and Product Strategies
13:26 The Joy of Collecting: Beyond Monetary Value

 

1208 - Hobby Mt. Rushmore (Future)

A future 'Mount Rushmore' for the card collecting world, exploring who might be immortalized in stone in the distant future. This episode focuses on contributors, all of whom are very much alive, with many in their primes, with more excellence from them likely on the horizon. Dr. Beckett's list of 16 individuals, ranging from pioneering collectors to influential figures and entrepreneurs who have shaped (and potentially are shaping) the hobby. Each person's unique contributions are highlighted, from revolutionizing card collecting to building industry-standard companies, showcasing a diverse array of talents and impacts. 

00:24 Theoretical Mount Rushmore
01:08 Nobody's Perfect
01:52 Commentary on Worthy Contenders

1207 - Hobby Mt. Rushmore (Past)

A thoughtful exploration of a 'Mount Rushmore' dedicated to influential figures within the sports card hobby, with a clear distinction made between individuals who are still living and those who have passed away. Dr. Beckett draws an analogy to the concept of a 'small hall' of fame, highlighting the exclusivity and significance of being named on such a list, and proposes a hypothetical 'Mount Rushmore' to honor these impactful individuals. Central figures such as Jefferson Burdick and Sy Berger are spotlighted for their pioneering efforts in card collecting and contributions to the sports card industry, as well as a broader range who left a lasting legacy on the sports card world.

00:24 The Concept of Mount Rushmore in Sports Cards
02:29 Deceased Legends
10:27 Controversial Picks and Final Thoughts

1206 - Panini Multi-Sport Hobby Box Battle

Three different Panini sports card hobby boxes, baseball, football, and racing. Starting with the 2023 Panini Elite Extra Edition Baseball box, Dr. Beckett shares his enthusiasm for prospect cards and the significance of early player cards, expressing a strong appeal for cards of minor league and college players due to their potential future value. Moving onto the 2023 Panini Obsidian Football, he recounts his pleasure in receiving an Anthony Richardson Rookie Jersey autographed card, which he plans to slab and display on his Card Wall. The episode takes an exciting turn with the unboxing of the Panini Prizm Racing box, which Dr. Beckett finds compelling enough to consider purchasing again. He appreciates the continuity in Panini's Prizm design across different sports and highlights the enjoyment derived from collecting cards with vibrant colors and distinct parallels. Dr. Beckett concludes the episode with reflections on the hobby's evolution, the role of AI in modern card manufacturing, and the importance of every card finding a home, ending on a note of gratitude towards Panini and his listeners. 

00:58 Diving into Baseball: Panini Elite Extra Edition
04:49 Exploring Football: Panini Obsidian
06:51 Revving Up with Panini Prizm Racing

1205 - Upper Deck Hockey Hobby Box Battle (Bedard?)

Four unique hockey card products from Upper Deck, beginning with 2022-23 Parkhurst Champions, praised for its blend of veterans, legends, and rookies, despite its lack of premium feel. Then 2022/23 Upper Deck Clear Cut is scrutinized for its confusing release year and the unusual gamble of obtaining a card from either of two different years in a single pack. 2022-23 O-Pee-Chee Platinum, shiny appearance and systematic insertion of cards, which offers a sense of predictability and organization that appeals to Dr. Beckett. Finally, 2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey Series 2, highlighting the excitement of pulling a Conor Bedard YG rookie card, making this box a significant win. Throughout the review, Dr. Beckett intersperses his personal memories, expert insights into card collecting dynamics, pricing strategies, and market pressures.

00:52 2022-23 Parkhurst Champions
01:50 2022-23 Upper Deck Clear Cut
05:35 2022-23 O-Pee-Chee Platinum
08:31 2023-24 Upper Deck Hockey Series 2
10:32 Reflections and Insights on Card Collecting

1204 - Restoration Questions, with Brian Gray, Part 2

Pressing issues surrounding card grading, authentication, and restoration. They debate the merits and ethics of card restoration, highlighting how altered cards are currently processed and perceived by grading companies and collectors alike. The discussion also explores the future of card grading, suggesting technological solutions for tracking a card's history and proposing a more transparent and comprehensive approach to grading altered cards. Throughout, the emphasis is on the importance of honesty and integrity in the hobby, while acknowledging the evolving nature of collecting practices and standards.

00:27 Turning the Tables: A Q&A Session
01:05 The Debate on Card Restoration and Grading
02:31 The Nostalgia and Appeal of Vintage Cards
06:27 The Future of Card Grading and Restoration
09:29 Technological Advancements in Authentication

1203 - Restoration Questions, with Brian Gray

The ethics of card restoration, the practice of altering cards for grading purposes, and the challenges faced in detecting such modifications. Dr. Beckett presents his views on the widening gap in card prices due to grading and shares his expertise on improving detection methods to maintain the integrity of card collecting. Furthermore, they discuss the industry's approach to restoration and alteration, emphasizing the need for transparency and precise grading criteria to accurately describe a card's condition. They conclude by pondering the future of card grading, with Brian suggesting the adoption of dual grading scales similar to the comic book industry to better represent restored cards.

01:00 Brian's Personal Journey and Insights into the Card Business
02:16 Exploring the Ethics of Card Restoration and Alteration
03:05 Detecting Altered Cards and Industry Solutions
07:18 The Debate on Card Alteration: Perspectives and Proposals
10:18 Reflecting on the Evolution and Future of Card Grading

1202 - Small Nuggets in Plain Sight, with Brian Gray

Exploring the nuanced strategies for unearthing hidden gems within the sports card market. Both speakers employ a type of contrarian approach to collecting, specifically by showing interest in cards that the majority of the market overlooks due to their low cost. They challenge the prevailing market trends that prioritize highly valuable cards, emphasizing how lower-priced cards can hold significant potential for growth. Brian elaborates on this principle by sharing personal anecdotes and examples, such as his investment in non-sports cards and historical figures, to illustrate the overlooked value found in plain sight. The conversation also weaves in broader topics, including the psychology of collecting, the impact of grading on card values, and the crucial role of personal research and experience in making informed buying decisions. Finally, the video touches on the importance of adopting a long-term perspective in collecting and investing, suggesting that a marathon approach, rather than a sprint, is more suited to realizing the true value of sports cards.

01:56 The Contrarian Approach to Collecting
03:13 Spotting Value in Unlikely Places
04:56 The Philosophy of Collecting: Sprint vs. Marathon
10:36 Navigating the Hobby with Experience and Insight