Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

We kept the recorder going since I had a few additional basketball card questions for Jake and unsurprisingly he had a few extras for me as well - thanks Jake - enjoyed it!

Joel and I sat down near the end of the ground-breaking, first event of its kind, MINT Collective, in Las Vegas, and we share our perspective on the success as well as some suggestions for next year.  Thanks Collectable, IMG, and eBay ... and thanks Joel!

Today's Collector is found on the MINT Collective YouTube Channel - this is a small part of my interview that ran there in its entirety a few weeks ago.

Two similar but different baseball boxes - one slightly more expensive even with less autographs promised - both seven cards in the one pack which is the box - which one to choose - depends on how knowledgable you are about prospects and young players.

I compare Upper Deck Hockey Series One with O-Pee-Chee - both fine hockey products - I preferred O-Pee-Chee based on my collecting approach but UD Series One was probably better due to the Young Guns phenomenon.  Thanks Upper Deck!

Marty's interview went into overtime as we traded stories and reminiscences about the good old days of primarily baseball, and first and foremost for him, the New York Yankees.  Thanks Marty!

As you would expect from Jake, mostly basketball questions from him, and I gave him my best historical recollections.  History does not always repeat itself, but it's not to be ignored either.

Rich and I analyze the age-old battle between Mantle and Mays and the demand for their cards - what are the key factors determining why Mantle has become so much pricier?

Ryan's latest book is very helpful and recommended (and cheap insurance against getting burned) - it seems everyone eventually has an encounter with a counterfeit card. Thanks Ryan for your research!

Marty was the long-time PR Director for the New York Yankees and has lots of stories about Mantle and other Yankee stalwarts.  He also has written 24 books and worked for Topps, so I hope you enjoy his perspective as much as I did.  Thanks Marty!