Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Over the next two weeks I will be releasing several episodes unpacking the conversations which took place around our big board table over dinner.  Please forgive the poor audio, but I believe the candid, unpredictable conversation (among the 15 or 16 hobby experts participating) was worth recording and presenting to you. 

Beckett Publications was sold on January 25-26, 2005 - almost exactly fifteen years ago.  I focus on what led up to the sale as well as some of the pre-sale considerations and concessions.  I knew what I was retiring from, but not perfectly what I was retiring to. 

The second year of Score football did not have the rookie star power of their inaugural year, but had a plethora of interesting embedded subsets providing collectors multiple versions and depictions of their favorite players.  

Rich and I discuss the hypothetical "what if" scenario that Burbank Sportscards or Mike's Stadium Sportcards did not exist - and who or what would fill that void.  If you have a "what if" concept you would like considered, contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com with your thoughts.

Rich and I compare and contrast Walt Alston and Sparky Anderson, two Hall of Fame managers, who had notable lack of success as players.  If a group of '50's or '60's Topps cards for sale indicates "Hall of Famers" included, you would be hoping they are not referring only to these two fine managers!

Today is Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20, 2020, and hence our episode concerns Jackie Robinson, who broke the color line for Major League Baseball back in 1947 and then went on to a Hall of Fame career.  His cards, especially his two rookie cards, and autographs (he died in 1972) are highly sought after.

Racial harmony is important.  I have not always taken MLK Day seriously, but recently in my retirement I have hosted black/white friendship dinners, which have been mutually enriching with respect to increasing understanding.  Sports and sports card collecting can also play a part.  People always ask me what I do in my retirement - I can now say I am a podcaster!  But I also do other interesting things that I think might make a difference in our world and culture.  Sports is a great common denominator.

Where were you on January 20, 1968?  I know exactly where I was and what I was doing - but more importantly - who I was with.  Best friends were formed that evening that furthered my enjoyment of sports and this great hobby.  

Alan Rosen (Mr. Mint) was a force in our industry for three decades, marketing and elevating our hobby into mainstream life.  Dave Sliepka and I discuss his significant long-term positive impact on our industry.

Rich and I discuss the rise and fall of Wild Card, the card company known for their infamous striped cards.  Interestingly that innovation from the early '90's has not been copied.