Cardboard Wars

Explore Pat Tillman's extraordinary journey from NFL player to Army Ranger and the truth behind his untimely death. Hosts Ben Rippin and Kevin Rips delve into Tillman's life, legacy, and the significance of his trading cards in the hobby market. Discover the complexities of a man driven by conviction rather than fame, and learn why his cards continue to resonate with collectors. Featuring insights...

NBA scouts and enthusiasts worldwide gather in Henderson, Nevada, to witness 18-year-old French prodigy Victor Wembanyama in action. Hosts Ben Rippin' and Kevin Rips dive into Victor's rise, from his athletic lineage and diverse sports background to his strategic choices shaping his basketball journey. Explore how Wembanyama captivated the NBA and card collectors, breaking hobby records with his p...

Discover how a young Stephen Curry, once overlooked due to ankle injuries, transformed the NBA and became the greatest shooter in history. Hosts Kevin Rips and Bob Rippin delve into Curry's journey from being a lowly recruited player to a four-time NBA champion, unanimous MVP, and a game-changer in basketball. Uncover the stories behind Curry's iconic basketball cards, including the record-breakin...

Dive into the captivating journey of Patrick Mahomes with hosts Ben Rippon and Kevin Rips. Explore Mahomes' rise from a high school prodigy in Texas to a Super Bowl MVP, redefining NFL standards. Uncover the Chiefs' strategic draft moves, Mahomes' record-breaking performances, and his evolutionary impact on football. Discover how his dynamic card market mirrors his on-field success and why collect...

Join your host Kevin Rips as he goes solo today on Cardboard Wars as he dives deep into the allure and history of Topps Superfractors. Uncover stories of remarkable sales, and learn about the evolution of this iconic collectible. Delve into the cultural impact of these one-of-a-kind cards and what makes them stand out in the crowded hobby landscape. From past milestones to future prospects, this e...

Explore the legendary career of Honus Wagner with hosts Ben Ripping, Kevin Rips, and Bobs Rippin' on "Cardboard Wars." Journey through Wagner's storied baseball life, his unparalleled skills, and the legacy of his rare T206 card that reshaped sports memorabilia. Gain insights into the economic significance, historical controversies, and unmatched value of this iconic collectible. This episode offe...

Explore the fascinating journey of Pokemon's evolution from a small-scale card game to a global phenomenon, as hosts Kevin Rips, Ben Ripping, and Jake M46 Rippin delve into its history and unprecedented auction sales. Unravel the tale of Satoshi Tajiri's childhood passion for collecting bugs and how it inspired the creation of Pokemon. Discover why a unique Pikachu Illustrator card shattered sales...

Join hosts Ben Ripping, Kevin Rips, and Jake M46 as they dive into the history and evolution of the UFC. This episode explores the groundbreaking origins of UFC and the evolution of mixed martial arts into a global phenomenon. Learn how pivotal figures shaped the sport and the growing market of UFC sports cards and their future potential within the broader collectibles industry. ---------- Connect...

Explore the exceptional journey of the New England Patriots, from a struggling franchise to a phenomenal dynasty. Hosts Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips delve into the team's tumultuous beginnings, iconic moments, and gripping transformations over the decades. The narrative culminates in a spotlight on rising star quarterback Drake May, poised to rewrite history in an upcoming Super Bowl clash against t...

Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips dive into the storied evolution of the Seattle Seahawks, covering their rise from an expansion team to Super Bowl winners. They explore key moments and figures like Pete Carroll and the "Legion of Boom," as well as the impact of Russell Wilson. The hosts also discuss Sam Darnold's journey across NFL teams, leading to his pivotal role in the Seahawks' Super Bowl appearanc...

Explore the rich history of basketball with Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips in this episode of Cardboard Wars. Dive into the origins of the sport, pioneered by James Naismith, and learn how it evolved into a global cultural force. Discover how innovators like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan reshaped the game, driving fan engagement and value. The hosts also discuss the modern basketball l...

Join Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips on Cardboard Wars as they explore the evolution of American football from its chaotic roots in 1869 to its current status as a cultural powerhouse. Discover how figures like Walter Camp and Theodore Roosevelt transformed the sport, delve into the financial and media transformations of the Super Bowl, and examine the dazzling rise of sports cards, including insights...

Dive into the legendary impact of Joe Namath in this episode of Cardboard Wars. Hosted by Ben Ripping, with co-hosts M46 Rippin and Kevin Rips, explore Namath's rise from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to becoming Broadway Joe, a pivotal figure in football history who changed the game with his confidence and charisma. The episode highlights Namath's significance in the AFL-NFL merger and his le...

Hosts Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips jump into the iconic legacy of Tiger Woods in this episode of Cardboard Wars. They explore Woods' early rise, his game-changing impact on golf, and his influence on golf card collecting. From his transformative "Tiger Effect" on the sport to the enduring value of his collectible cards, the discussion offers insights into Tiger's historical significance as a global...

Explore the journey of Lionel Messi from his early days in Rosario, Argentina, to becoming a global football icon, shaped by his grandmother's insistence and a pivotal move to Barcelona. Hosts Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips dive into Messi's staggering achievements, including over 500 goals by age 12 and winning multiple Ballon d'Or awards. They also discuss the impact of Panini's Prism cards on the s...

Explore the captivating journey of women's basketball from its 19th-century roots to its modern-day evolution in the WNBA, with hosts Ben Rippin and Kevin Rips. Dive into the pioneering women's basketball while celebrating today's stars. Discover how trading cards from brands like Pinnacle, Fleer, and Panini have captured this journey, transforming it into a sought-after collecting phenomenon. Emb...

Explore the timeless significance of Jackie Robinson's iconic 1948 Leaf baseball card in this engaging episode of Cardboard Wars. Hosts Ben Ripping, M46 Rippin', and Kevin Rips jump into Leaf's groundbreaking entry into the trading card arena and Robinson's monumental impact on baseball and civil rights. Discover how this collectible transcends its humble origins to become a symbol of courage and...

Explore the legendary legacy of Babe Ruth as Ben Ripping, Kevin Rips, and BobsRippin' dive into his remarkable career and lasting impact on baseball and sports cards. Discover Ruth's transformation from a troubled youth to baseball icon, his groundbreaking achievements, and his humanitarian spirit. Then, uncover the fascinating history of the Goudey Gum Company, the birth of modern baseball cards,...

Join hosts Ben Rippin' and Kevin Rips as they dive into the legacy of Kobe Bryant, from his jaw-dropping 60-point farewell game to his enduring Mamba Mentality. This episode of Cardboard Wars also explores Kobe's iconic 1996-97 Topps Chrome basketball card and its impact on the sports card industry. Learn about Kobe's life, career milestones, and the evolution of Topps Chrome, a game-changer in mo...

Explore the legendary story of O-Pee-Chee hockey cards and Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, on this episode of Cardboard Wars. Hosts Ben Ripping, Bob Rippin, and Kevin Rips dive into the history and significance of O-Pee-Chee's iconic hockey cards, their unique bilingual design, and their impact on collectors. Discover how Wayne Gretzky's journey from a backyard rink to redef...

Explore the legend of Bo Jackson, an athlete of unparalleled talent, in this episode of Cardboard Wars. Hosts Ben Ripping, Kevin Rips, and Jake M46Rippin talk about Bo's rise, from dominating the fields of baseball and football to his iconic status in sports card history. Discover the story behind Bo's iconic 1990 Score card and his enduring influence on sports culture. Gain insights into Bo's pos...

Explore the fascinating history of Topps trading cards and the legendary baseball icon, Mickey Mantle, with hosts Ben Rippin, Kevin Rips, and Jake (M46 Rippin). Discover how TOPS evolved from a small gum company to a cornerstone of sports card collecting, while Mantle's legacy shines through his remarkable career and the iconic 1952 Topps card. Through rare insights and anecdotes, uncover why this...

Explore the iconic legacy of Ken Griffey Jr.'s 1989 Upper Deck rookie card with Ben Ripping, Kevin Rips, and Bobs Rippn'. Dive into Upper Deck's groundbreaking journey that revolutionized the sports card industry with premium designs and innovation, setting a new standard. Uncover the card's allure, myths, and cultural impact on collectors and fans alike, while reminiscing about Griffey's influenc...

In this episode of "Cardboard Wars," hosts Ben Rippin' and Kevin Rips jump into the extraordinary journey of Tom Brady, a legend who emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time. Through the lens of Brady's 2000 Bowman rookie card, they explore the symbiotic relationship between athletic achievement and collectible card value, capturing the evolution of...

In the inaugural episode of "Cardboard Wars," hosts Ben Rippin' and Kevin Rips dive into the fascinating journey of Fleer, the company that transformed from a humble gum manufacturer to a powerhouse in the sports card industry. Through rich storytelling, they examine the rise of Fleer with the iconic 1986 Michael Jordan basketball card at its heart. This episode emphasizes the combination of grit,...