Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Episodes
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
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
Sunday Jun 30, 2024
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
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
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