Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

1241 - Bronny Hype

Dr. Beckett delves into the hype surrounding Bronny James following his selection by the Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft. He discusses Bronny's potential, his pedigree as LeBron James' son, his heart scare, and the challenges he faces in the NBA. Dr. Beckett also talks about the sports card market's perspective on Bronny.

 

00:22 Bronny's Draft and Potential

00:56 Personal Reflections and Health Concerns

01:58 Bronny's College Performance and NBA Prospects

03:43 Comparisons and Nepotism in Sports

08:16 Bronny's Future and Card Value

 

 

1240A - Tribute: Orlando Cepeda

In this episode, Dr. James Beckett pays tribute to the late baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, discussing his remarkable career and achievements, including comparisons to Albert Pujols and Willie Mays. Dr. Beckett also tangentially connects Cepeda to a product review of 2024 Donruss Racing highlighting the affordability and unique appeal of NASCAR collectibles. The discussion explores the dynamics of sports card collecting and factors affecting the market value of cards from different sports.

 

00:54 Tribute to Orlando Cepeda

01:35 Comparing Cepeda and Pujols

03:49 Cepeda's Career Highlights and Challenges

04:43 2024 Donruss Racing Box Review

06:09 Collecting Trends and Market Insights

 

 

1240 - Out-Takes from Hobbypalooza 062224

We reflect on the recent passing of Willie Mays and discuss who now holds the title of the greatest living baseball player, with names like Sandy Koufax, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ricky Henderson featuring prominently. The conversation dives into the impact of advanced metrics on baseball history, the ethics surrounding sports memorabilia pricing following an athlete's death, and the dynamics of buying and selling at major events like the National Sports Collectors Convention. 

 

00:00 The Greatest Living Ball Player Debate

00:42 Barry Bonds: The Controversial Choice

02:54 The Influence of Advanced Metrics

03:50 The Hobby's Evolution: Griffey Jr. vs. Bonds

07:05 The Ethics of Card Pricing

08:42 National Card Show Strategies

13:09 Cleveland National: Expectations and Logistics

 

1239 - Father/Son: Ron/Khyber Oser, Part 2

Dr. Beckett engages with Khyber and Ron Oser exploring the father-son dynamic between them, their experiences in the sports card industry, and their memories of influential figures and key events. The trio delves into topics like the challenges of cataloging and authenticating photos, the impact of technology on modern type one photos, and the significance of provenance in collections. They also reflect on the evolution of auctions and the importance of maintaining good relationships. The episode concludes with anecdotes from their personal journeys and their continuing passion for the hobby.

 

00:35 Cataloging and Authenticity Challenges

01:31 Influence of Beckett in the 80s

03:10 Early Days of Beckett Publications

06:11 Auction Practices and Shill Bidding

10:59 Memorable Moments in the Hobby

 

 

1238 - Father/Son: Ken/Paul Goldin, Goldin Touch, Part 2

Dr. Beckett continues his discussion with Ken Golden, diving deep into Ken's influence on the sports card industry, his early experiences, his rise to prominence on QVC, and his notable sales achievements, including the innovative and record-breaking sale of the Jumbo Wagner card. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, collecting habits, and the evolving dynamics of the card market.

 

01:00 Ken Golden's Early Career and Persona

03:56 Industry Changing Events and Auctions

05:48 Personal Reflections and Health

07:12 Collecting Stories and Memorabilia

11:49 Market Trends and Advice

 

 

1237 - Father/Son: Bob/Shane Zaiger, Part 2

Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with Shane Zaiger, discussing the evolving landscape of sports card collecting and selling. They reflect on nostalgic memories, strategies for modern sales on platforms like eBay and COMC, and the dynamic future of hobby shops. Shane shares personal stories about his late father and details his own journey back into the hobby market. Insights on maximizing sales, the impact of technology on the hobby, and the potential transformation of retail models in the sports card industry.

 

01:15 Career Decisions and Hobby Involvement

02:26 Reentering the Hobby and Market Trends

04:14 Selling Strategies and Platforms

11:51 Hobby Shop Evolution and Challenges

 

 

1236A - Tribute: Willie Mays

Dr. Beckett pays tribute to the legendary Willie Mays. Reflecting on Mays's illustrious career, his all-time great status, and unique achievements, Dr. Beckett delves into the sports card market, highlighting key Mays cards to collect. The discussion also covers Mays's challenges with racism, comparisons with contemporaries like Mickey Mantle, and the undervalued nature of certain Mays cards.

 

01:20 The Say Hey Kid: Nicknames and Racism

03:39 Willie Mays' Legendary Throws and Skills

07:27 Collecting Willie Mays Cards: Insights and Tips

09:04 Willie Mays' Military Service and MVP Awards

11:32 The Scarcity and Value of Willie Mays Cards

 

 

1236 - Father/Son: Steve/Chris Ivy, Heritage Auctions, Part 2

We explore the parallels between coin and sports card collecting, focusing on concepts like historic, contrived, and conditional rarity. They discuss the shift in both markets towards high-end items, the influence of wealthy collectors, and the crossover appeal among different collectible categories. The episode delves into the investment potential of collectibles, the generational transfer of the hobby, and the personal experiences of Steve and Chris in the auction business. 

 

01:08 The Intersection of Coins and Cards

02:39 Market Trends and Investment Insights

07:33 Generational Collecting and Personal Stories

11:15 The Collecting Gene and Its Impact

 

1235 - Father/Son: Ron/Khyber Oser

Dr. Beckett welcomes seasoned auction experts Ron and Khyber Oser for an engaging discussion delving into the nuances of catalog writing, the impact of meticulous storytelling on auction prices, and their journey in the sports memorabilia industry. The Oser's share their non-collector ethos, the evolution of the auction business, and the joy of unearthing rare finds. The conversation also touches upon their different career paths, with Ron’s long history and Khyber's modern approach grounded in a rich writing background. They emphasize the importance of historically significant details and the thrill of connecting consignors with passionate collectors.

 

00:57 The Art of Auction Catalog Write-Ups

02:36 Personal Journeys in the Auction Industry

06:13 The Importance of Provenance and Hobby History

08:45 Transitioning Careers and Auction House Experiences

 

1234 - Father/Son: Ken/Paul Goldin, Goldin Touch

Featuring guests Ken Goldin and his son Paul Goldin delving into the rich history and legacy of sports card collecting, sharing stories from Ken's father and the early days of establishing a business in the hobby. Ken navigated the ever-evolving world of sports cards, from mail order at age 13 to ground-breaking business ventures like Score Board. This episode also pays tribute to Paul Goldin, Ken's father, his significant impact on the industry, and the lessons passed down through the generations.

 

01:30 Ken Golden's Early Days in Collecting

02:36 The Birth of Score Board

04:49 Paul Golden's Collecting Journey

07:36 Generational Insights and Reflections

10:59 Ken Golden on Retirement and Legacy