Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

1197 - Thumbtacks

We delve into the realm of sports card alterations, distinguishing between deceptive modern alterations and childish alterations from the past, such as thumbtacks or tape on cards during the 1950s and 1960s. While altered cards are indeed worth less, they should not be considered worthless. In fact, in some cases, an altered card could possess more value than a lower-graded, unaltered counterpart. We oppose deceptive alterations aimed at increasing a card's value fraudulently but acknowledges that cards altered innocently in the past hold a certain charm and authenticity. He further explores specific types of alterations including the use of tape, glue, and other materials, and how these affect a card's grading and overall market value. We suggest the market is evolving to appreciate the unique history and authenticity of such cards, potentially leading to a reevaluation of their value in the collectors' market.

00:12 The Closet Episode: A Deep Dive into Card Alterations
00:59 Understanding the Value of Altered Cards
02:16 Navigating the World of Card Restoration and Grading
10:09 Market Dynamics and the Future of Card Grading

1196 - Listener Questions about My Card Wall

He shares an interesting perspective on binge-watching his content, a habit he personally enjoys and believes adds momentum and enjoyment to consuming media. Viewers' comments spark discussions on various topics, from the binge-ability of his videos to specific interesting cards like the Vern Gagne wrestling card and a Lou Gehrig card inherited from his father, showcasing a blend of personal stories and hobby insights. Dr. Beckett reflects on the "Readers Write" tradition from Beckett Baseball Card Monthly, illustrating an audience connection over the years.  Looking towards future content, he contemplates creating more detailed videos and exploring eclectic card collections outside of his traditional Card Wall setup, to keep it fresh and engaging.

00:49 Binge Watching
01:27 The Card Wall
02:04 Reminiscing Readers Write Tradition
03:09 Wrestling Cards
03:52 The Legacy of Lou Gehrig
04:23 The Ken Griffey Junior Collection
05:38 The Charm of Zee Nut and PCL Cards
06:13 The SMU Connection and High School Cards
08:00 Eskimo Pie Cards
09:19 Exploring Obscure and Eclectic Cards

1195 - Listener Questions on YouTube Hobby Box Reveals

An array of listener questions and feedback originating from his YouTube channel, where he shares box opening videos. We touch on topics like the appreciation for the artistic effort behind sports card sets, notably Court Kings basketball, and shares his personal experiences and surprises from opening high-value card boxes, including a memorable 2003-04 SP Authentic hobby box that yielded a Michael Jordan Significant Signatures card. Additionally, the complexities of collecting are explored through Beckett's own collecting habits, the concept of 'loaded' boxes, and the emotional dimension of whether to keep or sell high-value cards. He also deliberates on the cultural and financial considerations that influence soccer card collecting globally. Further he pays tribute to the unseen graphic designers who contribute significantly to the aesthetics of sports cards. The episode encapsulates the multifaceted nature of sports card collecting, combining practical insights, personal anecdotes, and viewer engagement to provide a comprehensive look at the hobby.

00:57 Appreciating the Artistry in Sports Cards
01:35 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Card Collecting
02:24 The Soccer Card Market and Sticker Collecting
03:33 The Thrill of Finding Valuable Cards
04:47 The Definition of a 'Loaded' Box
05:51 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
07:55 The Collector vs. Investor Dilemma

1194 - Listener Questions on RC Ramblings

Dr. Beckett reflects on his previous discussions with Victor Roman on the RC Ramblings episodes, delving into the nuances of what constitutes a 'junk wax' product and the transformative impact of grading on card values. Listeners are introduced to eclectic collecting preferences, like pursuing pre-rookie cards and the distinctions between pack-pulled and other types of cards. The discussion also touches on the significant influence of money in the hobby, suggesting that chaos in card categorizations can lead to financial gains for those with hard-earned knowledge. The debate continues over what should be considered a rookie card, given differences in distribution methods, such as Topps Tiffany's and vending box issues. Dr. Beckett shares a personal anecdote about his collection downsizing strategy, emphasizing a focus on reducing volume over financial gains. The conversation shifts to the evolving semantics surrounding rookie cards, the changing landscape of card availability due to digital advancements, and the ongoing debate over regional exclusivities and their impact on card values. Towards the end, the episode tackles the criteria for defining the 'best' rookie card, including the timing of release and its implications for collectors. Dr. Beckett advocates for clear guidelines in defining rookie cards, despite the challenges posed by the hobby's evolution. The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of reasonable structures in understanding rookie cards, alongside a nod to the global expansion of the hobby. Dr. Beckett thanks Victor Roman for his contributions and promises more discussions in forthcoming episodes, emphasizing a commitment to clarity and structure amidst the hobby's intricacies.

01:23 Insights on Junk Wax and Grading
02:22 Exploring Pre-Rookie Cards
03:12 The Impact of Money on the Hobby
04:55 Debate on Topps Tiffany's and Vending Box Cards
06:40 The Semantics of Rookie Cards
07:47 The Evolution of Card Availability
08:25 Geographic Boundaries and Card Definitions
10:18 The Importance of Card Issuance Timing

1193 - Nine Listener Questions 7.0

A wide array of listener questions are addressed, covering topics from the intricacies of trading on COMC, spotting celebrities on sports cards, to the aesthetic considerations of slab uniformity in collections. Discussions extend to the impact of personalities like Jeremy Lee on the sports card content atmosphere, alongside an insightful exploration into the collector mentality through an anthropological lens provided by a college survey project from Hannah Torres. Survey at:

https://csuci.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3pXDdrIeP041ErQ

 

Additionally, the episode navigates the nuances of the PSA and SGC acquisition, shedding light on its implications for the sports card industry, and reflects on the essence of promoting the hobby versus self-promoting, underscoring the importance of fostering a positive community around the hobby.

01:08 COMC Haggling?
02:32 Spotting Celebrities in Card Backgrounds
03:23 Addressing Negativity in the Hobby
04:31 The Uniformity of Slabs in Sets
05:49 Hannah Torres' Anthropological Study on Collecting
08:36 Addressing Criticism on Self-Promotion
09:31 Speculations on the PSA SGC Acquisition

1192 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Part 3

The final part of this insightful and engaging conversation, we reflect on the evolution of card manufacturing since the 1980s and discuss the potential impacts of ongoing changes within the sector. A primary topic of discussion is the entry of Fanatics into the industry, and the potential for it to positively impact the sector if handled correctly, despite recent consolidation at the manufacturer level. However, we stress the importance of attracting more collectors, rather than just boosting card production, to ensure long-term growth and sustainability of the hobby. Meanwhile, we caution new companies against focusing solely on financial returns, and instead highlight the significance of embracing the love and passion for card trading. The conversation also includes a look at the rising participation of younger fans, as well as the challenging transitions companies face when going public, which is a potential path for Fanatics. The speakers nostalgically reflect on their personal connections with card collecting, before offering their perspective on the industry's power structures, arguing that a duopoly could prove to be more formidable than monopoly or single dominant entity. Lastly, they propose an untapped growth area within the hobby: the music, celebrity, and entertainment sector, which they believe could attract a broader demographic and instill a deep sense of nostalgia, similar to sports. They suggest that companies like Fanatics could leverage their marketing prowess to create structured collectables centered around musicians and actors, potentially fuelling a ten-fold growth in this niche. The conversation is a deep dive into the complexities, challenges, and opportunities within card and collectibles market, underscoring the need to balance profit motives with the core joy and love of collecting.

00:00 The Evolution of Card Manufacturing
00:20 The Impact of Fanatics on the Industry
00:48 The Importance of Growing the Collector Base
01:10 The Role of Fanatics in Expanding the Hobby
01:55 The Potential of Young Collectors
02:00 The Dangers of Overemphasizing Financial Returns
03:42 The Challenges of Going Public
05:41 The Origins of a Card Collector
07:21 The Dynamics of Monopolies and Duopolies
10:07 The Future of Collecting: Music and Celebrity Cards

 

1191 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Part 2

We start with an exploration of our personal journeys through sports card collecting including their collecting methods and preferences, from set collecting to chasing color variations and autographs. They also walk through how their professional backgrounds have been instrumental in their contributions to the industry. Dr. Beckett possesses a Ph.D. in statistics while Orlando holds a law degree, both of which have offered them unique perspectives in handling their collections and understanding the market dynamics. Furthermore, the duo delve into the current state of the sports cards industry, emphasizing the constant innovation and experimentation which keeps it dynamic and interesting. Key business aspects including branding, universal acceptance, and reputation are highlighted as crucial factors that differentiate a major grading company or a major auction company in this competitive market. They also shed light on the essential role that auction houses and dealers play in authenticating and representing sports card products in the market. As key intermediaries in the value chain, these entities contribute significantly to customer education and trust building in the industry. Lastly, they reinforce the importance of brand recognition and provide insights into the interaction between grading entities and auction platforms, highlighting the symbiosis that exists between these essential industry players.

01:05 Collecting Journey and Challenges
03:18 The Impact of Education on Career
06:51 Appreciating the Current State of the Hobby
09:14 Defining Major Auction and Grading Companies
12:00 The Role of Dealers and Auction Houses

1190 - Out-Takes on PSA/SGC from Hobby Hotline 030224

Dr. James Beckett, alongside Hobby Hotline co-hosts Danny Black and Victor Roman, explores the repercussions of PSA's acquisition of SGC in the sports card collecting and grading industry, analyzing it as a strategic business move reflective of the hobby's trend towards consolidation. The conversation extends to speculate on potential future acquisitions by Fanatics and its impact on grading and market dynamics. We preview the introduction of a universal checklist and registry, discussing how it might affect collectors. The potential harmonization of grading standards between PSA and SGC, considering the historical differences and how it might unfold moving forward. Implications on set registries with the merging of companies are debated, pondering how such changes could affect collectors ranked within these systems. Dr. Beckett and his guests also ponder how these developments could sway the future strategic directions of not just PSA and SGC, but also Beckett, CGC, and Fanatics.

00:25 Discussion on PSA Acquiring SGC
00:59 Potential Business Moves in the Hobby Industry
01:35 Concerns about Market Dominance and Pricing
02:26 Consumer Confidence and Job Security in Grading
03:34 Speculations on Future Consolidations and Branding
04:03 Discussion on Grading Standards and Market Leadership
07:32 Potential Changes in Grading Scale and Standards
09:47 Challenges and Possibilities of a Universal Registry
12:21 Potential Impact of Fanatics and Other Big Players

 

1189 - Dueling Questions with Joe Orlando, Heritage

Dr. James Beckett and Joe Orlando, respected industry veteran and former CEO of PSA, discuss the dynamic evolution, emerging trends, and future outlook of the sports card and collectibles industry. Touching on the exponential growth from the 1980s to the digital age, they delve into the significance of universal population reports and the transition from relational to transactional dealing. They express ambivalent sentiments about the idea of a universal registry system, citing the complexities arising due to it. The discussion also uncovers surprising trends in the industry, underlining the growing importance of tickets, photo matching and game-worn items. This conversation further explores the potential impact of universal auction listings on dominant companies like PSA and Heritage. Finally, emphasizing the collector's emotional attachment to the 'hunt' of collection, the dialogue ends on a high note considering the future shape of the industry.

01:04 Reflecting on the Past: The 1980s Boom
01:28 Regrets and Successes: A Look Back
01:46 The Impact of Digitalization on the Industry
02:01 The Evolution of Grading
02:27 The Pros and Cons of a Universal Pop Report
03:45 Current State of the Hobby
05:02 The Potential of a Universal Registry
09:15 Surprising Trends in Collectible Categories
11:18 The Future of Auction Listings

 

1188 - Dollar Box Travels, with Rich Klein

We delve into the enticing prospect of attending the Philadelphia sports card show to graze through the dollar boxes in search of nuggets. We offer advice and insights to our friend Kyle, who is contemplating his own attendance at the show.

We touch on the potential challenges of bringing back a substantial haul of cards from the show. Recognizing the limitations of luggage space and weight restrictions, we strategize various methods of packing and shipping cards to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. We stress the importance of being selective in our purchases, carefully considering the value and practicality of each card before adding it to our collection.

Additionally, we explore the unique characteristics of the Philadelphia show, highlighting its vintage-oriented nature and discussing potential differences in pricing and selection compared to other shows. We encourage Kyle to approach the dollar boxes with a discerning eye, aiming for quality deals rather than sheer quantity to avoid overwhelming himself with unwieldy amounts of cards.

We share personal anecdotes, reflecting on our own experiences attending card shows and the joys and challenges that accompany them. Our main objective is to equip Kyle with the knowledge and wisdom gained from our own journeys, hoping to spare him from potential mistakes and inspire him to make the most of his own card show adventure.