Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Episodes
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Dr. Beckett answers questions on the evolving sports card market, the impacts of AI on the industry, and nostalgic memories from his early collecting days. Hear from passionate collectors and learn about vintage cards, grading variances, and the rise in value of autographed cards.
01:00 The Rise of Football and Basketball Cards
02:13 AI in the Sports Card Industry
04:25 Memories and Milestones
07:33 Grading and Pricing Cards
09:32 Autographed Cards and Their Value
11:42 Historical Finds and Partnerships
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Dr. Beckett's and Victor Roman Sr. delve into the history and evolution of rookie card guidelines in the sports card hobby. Despite initial resistance, the need to clarify rookie card definitions became evident. They discuss specific cases like the Mantle and Mays rookie cards, the emergence of parallel cards, and the impact of defining rookie cards on the market. The discussion also covers niche sets like Sportflix and Tiffany sets, their reception, and how perceptions of rookie cards have changed over time.
00:39 Rookie Card Guidelines and Pushback
01:33 Historical Examples and Market Reactions
03:50 Modern Challenges and Evolving Definitions
07:54 Sportflix and Market Perception
11:12 Tiffany Sets and Rookie Card Debate
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Dr. Beckett and Victor Roman Sr. dive deep into the history and controversies surrounding rookie cards in the sports card collecting hobby. Dr. Beckett shares his personal insights and experiences from over the years, exploring topics such as the anger some collectors have towards rookie cards, the role of dealers, and the challenges of establishing a standard definition for rookie cards.
00:56 Victor's Research and Initial Reactions
04:46 Challenges with Card Companies
05:36 The Role of MLBPA
07:23 Impact on Collectors and Dealers
12:09 Historical Context and Dealer Practices
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the intersections of baseball cards, baseball history, and sabermetrics. The episode covers valuable topics such as the evolution of card photography, the rarity and value of checklist cards, the differences in grading standards among major companies, and strategies for valuing personal collections. They also share anecdotes about the card industry and discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic and new market players have influenced the hobby's growth.
00:49 Challenges of the Card Market in the 80s
02:08 The Process Behind Baseball Card Photography
04:00 The Rarity and Value of Checklist Cards
04:38 Card Grading Standards and Market Perception
08:27 Advice for Valuing and Selling Your Collection
09:26 Impact of COVID-19 on Sports Card Collecting
11:05 Trend of One-of-One Cards
12:05 Interactions with Card Companies
13:22 Renata Galasso and Her Impact on the Hobby
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
Dr. Beckett shares his remarks from the recent SABR Annual Convention #53. Along with Rich Klein and moderated by Paul Rogers, they delve into the evolution of sports card collecting, the transition from hobby to business, and the shifting dynamics within the industry. They discuss the changes in card pricing, the rise of modern cards, and the ongoing passion that drives collectors.
01:21 Early Days and Personal Journey
05:30 Challenges and Transitions
10:46 Evolution of the Hobby
14:05 Modern vs. Vintage Cards
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Dr. Beckett teams up with Iowa Dave (Dave Schwartz) for a continuation of their Dueling Questions. They discuss a range of topics including ethical dilemmas in sports card dealing, the role of nostalgia in the hobby, and the evolving nature of the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett also reflects on historical shifts in the hobby and shares personal anecdotes about the industry's past and present.
01:50 Ethical Obligations of Dealers
03:48 Venezuelan Card Ventures
06:50 The Evolution of the Hobby
11:15 Breaking and the Hobby-Industry Divide
16:01 The Beckett Magazine Philosophy
19:41 Hiring Passionate Collectors
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Guest Dave Schwartz (Iowa Dave) delves into Dr. Beckett's journey from a statistics PhD student to a prominent figure in the sports card industry. They explore how Dr. Beckett's background in statistics helped him understand and innovate within the sports card market. The conversation also shifts to the controversial topic of online breaking casinos, discussing the addictive nature of breaking and potential regulatory measures.
02:30 The Birth of the Price Guide
04:34 Breaking 'Casino' Phenomenon
06:26 Risks and Regulations of Breaking
12:16 Addictions and the Hobby
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Dr. Beckett brainstorms an innovative concept for a sports card-themed cruise. He describes a comprehensive plan for a cruise departing from Miami, priced at $3,000 per cabin, which includes food, lodging, table fees, and exclusive swag from sponsors. The cruise would feature card shows, trade nights, and panel discussions, all set in a secure environment with advanced planning for token-based table reservations. He discusses potential logistics, such as on-board security, internet connectivity, and handling high-value collectibles.
00:44 Cruise Logistics and Pricing
02:13 Event Structure and Activities
04:38 Security and Practical Considerations
06:05 Potential Challenges and Solutions
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Friday Jul 04, 2025
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1376 to 1399 of his podcast, including listener questions, Panini's consistency across sports, dividing collections with Rich Klein, Pete Rose's gambling, hobby news, and much more. Dr. Beckett reflects on the content, shares his thoughts, and discusses what makes each episode unique and engaging for both new and veteran collectors.
02:46 Panini Consistency and Product Strategies
03:51 Dividing Collections and Hobby Experiences
04:33 Generational Collecting and Pete Rose Discussion
06:25 Dealer Advice and Show Experiences
07:58 Panini and Upper Deck Product Reviews
09:44 Father-Son Episodes and Personal Stories
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Dr. Beckett reflects on the life of recently passed baseball icon Dave Parker, with personal anecdotes, Parker's illustrious achievements, and his struggles with Parkinson's Disease. He discusses Parker’s journey from his early years with the Pirates to his later contributions to the Reds and A's, highlighting key moments and stats that defined his career. Additionally, the episode touches on the ethics of autograph pricing following a celebrity's death and Parker's impact on the baseball community.
01:00 Dave Parker's Career Highlights
01:57 Autograph Market and Ethics
03:40 Dave Parker's Hall of Fame Journey
04:21 Health Struggles and Legacy
07:28 Comparisons and Final Reflections