Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

559 - Tribute: Ben Ecklar

Ben Ecklar came to Beckett Publications in 1994, probably his first full-time job, and continuously helped build our hobby to what it is today, having been at Panini for the past many years, after leaving our company.  He will be missed not just for his hobby excellence, but for the even better person he was.  We didn't have the chance to say goodbye to Ben, but we can pray for his wife and six kids.

558 - Notable Non-Rookie Cards of the Fifties, with Rich Klein

Listener Corey Barnes suggested Rich and I discuss notable non-rookie cards over the decades - we start with 1952 Topps and work our way up - more to come.

557 - Content Convo 2: Investment Semantics

Do pure collectors recoil at the word investment - is there a stigma - most, but not all, hobbyists consider sports cards and memorabilia an alternative investment. 

556 - Content Convo 2: Base and Parallel Rookie Cards

Many think there are too many parallels these days.  Victor Roman, Rookie Card Specialist, asked the group to re-consider whether the parallels of the base RC should also be considered RC's or as merely rookie year cards, like inserts.

555 - Content Convo 2: Future of Marketplaces

The big Fanatics news and shake-up in the sports cards category will certainly affect the existing marketplaces where cards are bought and sold.

554B - Six Listener Questions 8.0

Listeners do not run out questions - some interesting and eclectic ones this time - send yours to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com and thanks!

554A - Out-Takes with Andy Friedman, Topps Spotlight 70

Andy and I continued our wide-ranging conversation, about the hobby and other tangential considerations that might surprise you.  Thanks again, Andy, for sharing your story! 

554 - Andy Friedman, Topps Spotlight 70

Andy (accomplished artist, writer, musician) describes the artistic freedom given him by Topps in approaching and executing his 70-year retrospective of the graphic imagery of Topps through the years - thanks Andy!

553 - Content Convo 2: Future of Manufacturers

Our group of hobby content creators discussed the future of card manufacturers and how we think the recent Fanatics news might affect them and others in the hobby ecosystem.

552 - Content Convo 2: Intros and Stickiness

The hobby content creators dinner at the Watters Creek show on Saturday Aug 28th immediately after the show - here are the self intros of the attendees and as well as their take on stickiness as it applies to their hobby content.  Thanks to all!