Sept. 9, 2026

1587 - Dueling Questions with BA Murry, Part 2

1587 - Dueling Questions with BA Murry, Part 2
1587 - Dueling Questions with BA Murry, Part 2
Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights
1587 - Dueling Questions with BA Murry, Part 2

Dr. Beckett hosts a wide-ranging “dueling questions” conversation with longtime friend and former colleague B.A. Murry, discussing early National show memories and table costs, regrets about selling too soon and not buying more, and Murry’s niche of curated obscure/oddball items for star players rather than post-2000 inventory. They compare old-school pricing confidence versus today’s reliance on comps, the role of want lists in proving collector intent, and how scarcity knowledge came from what advanced collectors repeatedly needed. They recount non-sports material once being hard to sell, the impact of licensing changes and eBay on sourcing, and Murry’s preference to sell to end collectors rather than flippers. Dr. Beckett also reflects on selling his company years ago, scaling back travel, health lessons, and how the hobby and the National foster friendships and therapeutic enjoyment. 00:41 Regrets and Early Nationals 01:32 Finding a Dealer Niche 03:13 eBay and Pricing Without Comps 06:50 Non Sports Wax Box Lessons 08:46 No Flipping Long Term Mindset 09:56 Want Lists and Scarcity Signals 11:12 John Rumirez and Master Sets 13:45 Life After Selling the Company 14:52 Health Perspective and Daily eBay 16:47 Independence and Hobby Therapy 17:48 National Show Community Wrap Up