Episodes

Oct. 21, 2024

1289 - Tough Cards, with Rich Klein

Discover what makes certain cards difficult to find, distinguish between short prints and genuinely rare items, and learn how the evolution of the market has impacted card availability and pricing. Through historical examples...

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Oct. 18, 2024

1288 - Out-Takes from Hobby Hotline 101224

Dr. Beckett discusses the evolution and significance of game-used patches, the increase in autographed cards, and the economic dynamics behind exclusive autograph deals. The episode sheds light on the financial implications, ...

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Oct. 16, 2024

1287 - Ten Listener Questions 5.0

Dr. Beckett addresses ten eclectic questions from listeners. He discusses topics including selling card collections, advice for heirs, controversies around Upper Deck's 1989 Griffey card, and strategies for engaging young col...

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Oct. 14, 2024

1286 - Questions from Phil Pierce, Part 2

Dr. Beckett and Phil discuss the complexities of Marvel character autographs, the distinction between Rob and Ed Broder's unlicensed card productions, and the challenges in organizing large card collections. They also touch o...

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Oct. 11, 2024

1285 - Dating the Cup (Upper Deck)

Dr. Beckett discusses the unexpected release timing of products like 2022-23 The Cup, 2023-24 OPC Platinum, 2023-24 UD Ice, and 2024-25 UD MVP 24-25, providing insights into the complexities card companies face in production ...

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Oct. 9, 2024

1284 - Ten Listener Questions 4.0

Dr. Beckett addresses ten listener questions on various topics related to sports card collecting. He discusses the influence of family on collecting habits, pronunciation challenges with names, the impact of Jerry Jones on fo...

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Oct. 7, 2024

1283 - Tribute: Pete Rose

Dr. Beckett shares his reflections on baseball legend Pete Rose, who recently passed away. Covering Rose's illustrious career and controversial gambling issues, Beckett discusses how these impacted Rose's legacy and his stand...

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Oct. 4, 2024

1282 - Friendly Dollar Box Battles, with Rich Klein

We discuss individual strategies, preferences, and the subtle nuances that give each of them an advantage while sifting through thousands of cards. With insights into rookie cards, SP's, serial numbers, subtle variations, and...

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Oct. 2, 2024

1281 - Cataloging, with Rich Klein

Join Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the nuanced world of cataloging sports cards. Rich shares his experience cataloging for COMC, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an up-to-date catalog, especially for new...

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Sept. 30, 2024

1280 - How to Price Unique Items

Dr. Beckett discusses the intricacies of valuing unique sports memorabilia items. He provides insights into how items such as Babe Ruth's 'called shot' jersey are appraised and what factors can influence their market value. D...

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Sept. 27, 2024

1279 - Card Companies, with Rich Klein

Valuable sports card insights, touching upon various card companies including Upper Deck, Panini, Topps, Pacific, and more. The discussion delves into the history and status of these companies, with a particular focus on Paci...

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Sept. 25, 2024

1278 - Questions from Phil Pierce

Dr. Beckett hosts Phil Pierce, and they discuss various intricacies of the sports card industry, including rare card sets, grading issues, and buying strategies on COMC. The conversation also touches upon organizing autograph...

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Sept. 23, 2024

1277 - Hobby Career Inquiries, with Greg Sobocinski, Part 2

Dr. Beckett discusses Greg's potential fit with CommC, the importance of loyalty programs, and the evolving landscape of the sports card industry. They cover key qualities sought by hobby companies, the significance of custom...

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Sept. 20, 2024

1276 - Authentication Conundrums, with Rich Klein

Dr. Beckett discusses the complexities of autograph authentication with guest Rich Klein. Rich recounts an experience where one of his personally signed cards was rejected by PSA due to a lack of signature exemplars. Despite ...

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Sept. 18, 2024

1275 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1251-1274

n this recap episode, Dr. Beckett delves into key points from episodes 1251 through 1274. He discusses a variety of topics, including outtakes from Hobby Hotline, listener questions, the Cleveland National Retrospective, the ...

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Sept. 16, 2024

1274 - Upper Deck Hockey Box Breaks

Dr. Beckett explores three different Upper Deck hockey card products: the 2023-24 SpX Hockey, the 2023-24 UD Credentials Hockey, and the 2024-25 UD MVP Hockey. He shares his insights and experiences with each product, providi...

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Sept. 13, 2024

1273 - Hobby Career Inquiries, with Greg Sobocinski

Dr. Beckett discusses the job market within the sports card industry with Greg Sobocinski. They dive into the importance of having hobby insights, the benefits of consultation roles, and valuable tips for distinguishable resu...

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Sept. 11, 2024

1272 - Questions from Graig Miller, MidLife Sports Cards, Part 2

Dr. Beckett shares personal anecdotes, market insights, and the importance of understanding supply and demand in the hobby. The conversation touches on the nostalgia of collecting, the significance of autograph hunting, and t...

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Sept. 9, 2024

1271 - Out-Takes from Hobby Hotline 083124

Dr. Beckett, alongside Danny Black, Chris Carlin, and John Newman, dive deep in this abridged 14-minute segment from the hour-long live Hobby Hotline. From the excitement and logistics of Fanatics Fest to the evolving landsca...

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Sept. 6, 2024

1270 - Questions from Graig Miller, MidLife Sports Cards

Dr. Beckett recounts how his magazine rapidly gained market share in the 1980s, focusing on customer service and distribution strategies that catered to card shops. The discussion also delves into the challenges of maintainin...

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Sept. 4, 2024

1269 - Terry's Sales Dilemma's

Dr. Beckett shares valuable advice for collectors looking to downsize their collections. He discusses strategies for working with auction houses, the importance of item authentication, and how to maximize your collection's va...

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Sept. 2, 2024

1268 - Star Company's License?

Dr. Beckett addresses criticisms, shares insights, and provides historical context on the licensing and market dynamics of major card companies like Topps and Fleer, contrasted with the Star Company. Using a provocative analo...

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Aug. 30, 2024

1267 - Star Co. Controversies, Final Part 3, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan…

Dr. Beckett concludes his long conversation with Star aficionados Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup. They delve into the intricacies and controversies surrounding the Star Company, its cards, particularly those featu...

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Aug. 28, 2024

1266 - Star Co. Controversies, Part 2, with Dave Dzendzel, Ryan Jessu…

Join Dr. James Beckett in the second part of an in-depth discussion with Dave Dzendzel, Steve Taft, and Ryan Jessup about the Star Company's impact on the hobby. They explore the controversies surrounding the classification o...

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