Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.
Episodes
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
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Dr. Beckett engages with Khyber and Ron Oser exploring the father-son dynamic between them, their experiences in the sports card industry, and their memories of influential figures and key events. The trio delves into topics like the challenges of cataloging and authenticating photos, the impact of technology on modern type one photos, and the significance of provenance in collections. They also reflect on the evolution of auctions and the importance of maintaining good relationships. The episode concludes with anecdotes from their personal journeys and their continuing passion for the hobby.
00:35 Cataloging and Authenticity Challenges
01:31 Influence of Beckett in the 80s
03:10 Early Days of Beckett Publications
06:11 Auction Practices and Shill Bidding
10:59 Memorable Moments in the Hobby
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Dr. Beckett continues his discussion with Ken Golden, diving deep into Ken's influence on the sports card industry, his early experiences, his rise to prominence on QVC, and his notable sales achievements, including the innovative and record-breaking sale of the Jumbo Wagner card. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, collecting habits, and the evolving dynamics of the card market.
01:00 Ken Golden's Early Career and Persona
03:56 Industry Changing Events and Auctions
05:48 Personal Reflections and Health
07:12 Collecting Stories and Memorabilia
11:49 Market Trends and Advice
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Dr. Beckett continues his conversation with Shane Zaiger, discussing the evolving landscape of sports card collecting and selling. They reflect on nostalgic memories, strategies for modern sales on platforms like eBay and COMC, and the dynamic future of hobby shops. Shane shares personal stories about his late father and details his own journey back into the hobby market. Insights on maximizing sales, the impact of technology on the hobby, and the potential transformation of retail models in the sports card industry.
01:15 Career Decisions and Hobby Involvement
02:26 Reentering the Hobby and Market Trends
04:14 Selling Strategies and Platforms
11:51 Hobby Shop Evolution and Challenges
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to the legendary Willie Mays. Reflecting on Mays's illustrious career, his all-time great status, and unique achievements, Dr. Beckett delves into the sports card market, highlighting key Mays cards to collect. The discussion also covers Mays's challenges with racism, comparisons with contemporaries like Mickey Mantle, and the undervalued nature of certain Mays cards.
01:20 The Say Hey Kid: Nicknames and Racism
03:39 Willie Mays' Legendary Throws and Skills
07:27 Collecting Willie Mays Cards: Insights and Tips
09:04 Willie Mays' Military Service and MVP Awards
11:32 The Scarcity and Value of Willie Mays Cards