Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Episodes
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Dr. Beckett recaps the last 25 episodes, covering his card wall YouTube videos, Darren Rovell's Jordan XRC take, extended interviews with Cage Lawyer and Chris Sewell, and four different father-son episodes from well-known hobby families. Tributes to Bill Walton, Jerry West, and Willie Mays are also featured, ending with discussions about card show security, the upcoming National, and the evolving landscape of the card hobby.
00:20 Card Wall Videos and Grading Challenges
01:50 Jordan XRC and Darren Rovell
02:27 Tributes and Personal Reflections
03:55 Fixing BGS via Dueling Questions
05:35 Father-Son Episodes
06:35 Tributes to Sports Legends
09:57 National Booth Subleasing and Grading Outtakes
10:38 Ramblings with Rich and Security Concerns
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Dr. Beckett dives into boxes of 2023-24 Upper Deck Extended and Synergy Hockey hobby boxes, sharing thoughts on young guns, the allure of hobby boxes, and the general landscape of hockey cards. Dr. Beckett also discusses the impact of player fatigue, specifically referencing Connor McDavid's playoff performance. The episode touches on the odds and randomness in card distribution, the excitement of the National Sports Collectors Convention, and the potential improvements in the hobby industry.
00:56 Observations on Hockey and UD's Performance
01:31 The Connor McDavid Phenomenon
03:01 Extended Series and Young Guns Discussion
04:08 Bounties and Rewards in Card Collecting
06:58 Synergy Box and Statistical Oddities
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Discussion centers around the evolving security protocols at card shows, driven by recent troubling events. We examine increased security measures, such as heightened police presence and potential use of ID verification and metal detectors, aimed at safeguarding attendees, dealers, and promoters from potential threats. They also explore the implications of these changes on privacy, convenience, and the overall hobby experience. With references to past incidents and hypothetical scenarios, the conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between security and attendee satisfaction.
01:05 Impact of Recent Events on Show Security
01:59 Security Measures and Dealer Adjustments
02:46 Collector Concerns and Safety
03:22 Potential Security Enhancements
04:08 Challenges with Implementing Security
09:55 Insurance and Risk Management
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the upcoming National, sharing their experiences and strategies for maximizing the event whether attending in person or remotely. They also discuss the importance of having a 'wingman,' navigating deals, and the value of connectors in the sports card community. Security measures and logistical challenges, particularly the differences between venues in Cleveland and Chicago, are also covered.
00:45 Remote Enjoyment of the National
01:21 The Role of a Wingman at the Show
08:01 Security and Logistics at the National
11:07 Improving Security Measures
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Various rambling topics including the challenges of customer service in large companies like Beckett Media and COMC.com, the impact of card companies expanding into non-sports products on pricing, and the complexities of dealing with high-value unopened cases in auctions. They also dive into the concept of 'junk wax' and debate whether cards from certain overproduced eras can ever be considered vintage.
00:44 Customer Service Challenges
01:50 Pricing Dynamics in Sports Cards
02:46 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Case Dilemma
05:11 Debate on Junk Wax and Vintage Cards
06:42 Griffey vs. Bonds: Popularity and Legacy
08:38 Grading and Value of Junk Wax Cards
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Our first rambling is on the tennis card market, specifically highlighting Ivan Lendl's career and rookie cards. We discuss the history and significance of Lendl's sportscaster and NetPro cards, while providing insights into the broader debate over what constitutes a 'rookie card.' The conversation also touches upon other sports cards, including Chris Evert's cards, and the integration of non-traditional rookies into the market. The episode concludes with a discussion on card organization and the challenges of subjective awards within the hobby industry.
00:26 Tennis Legends: Yvonne Lendl's Career
02:25 The Debate on Rookie Cards
08:05 Wrestlers and Two-Sport Athletes
10:07 Organizing Card Collections
11:47 Subjectivity in Card Awards
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a significant theft that occurred at last weekend's Dallas Plano Allen Waters Creek bi-monthly card show. They discuss whether the heist was a premeditated crime or a crime of opportunity, the methods used by the criminals, and the potential repercussions for the hobby. They also explore past incidents, potential security improvements, and the complexities of insurance and restitution for stolen goods.
01:25 Security Measures and Past Incidents
04:22 Theft Analysis and Criminal Tactics
09:07 Impact on the Hobby and Final Thoughts
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss their experiences and strategies in the sports card market, the motivations behind setting up at shows, the dynamics of the Dallas card scene, and the differences between high-end and low-end markets. They also touch on the economics of retail products in hobby shops and share thoughts on maintaining discipline in card buying.
00:36 Motivations for Setting Up at Shows
01:35 Experiences at Different Shows
02:28 The Dynamics of Dealer-to-Dealer Transactions
03:13 Confidence in the Low-End Market
07:32 The Concept of a Price Freeze
09:07 Navigating Value Boxes
12:26 Living Hobby: Player Performance and Card Value
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
We (Danny Black, Horacio Ruiz, and I) dive into PSA's recent introduction of grader notes, discussing the implications and benefits for collectors and the broader hobby. Dr. Beckett shares his insights on the history of subgrades, the importance of detailed feedback, and the potential future of public grading information. We also explore the rigorous process of card grading and the role of various grading companies, touching on the nuances of evaluating modern versus vintage cards.
00:14 The Evolution of Grading Practices
01:27 Current Limitations and Future Prospects
04:00 Understanding Subgrades and Grading Criteria
05:26 Challenges and Controversies in Grading
07:39 Technology in Grading
12:23 Training and Expertise of Graders
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Join Dr. James Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the controversial topic of table sharing at major sports card shows, particularly under new rules potentially being enforced by the National's new promoters. They explore the complexities and potential enforcement challenges of subleasing tables, sharing personal experiences and examples, and debating possible solutions to provide fairness for all.
00:19 New Promoters and Rule Enforcement
00:49 Personal Experiences and Opinions
02:31 Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas
04:26 Potential Solutions and Scenarios