Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

I have attended every National Sports Collectors Convention and have fond memories of all, but certainly there have been highlights ... and the National is trending!

The last five weeks of daily episodes summarized - upon further reflection for some of them - always eager to hear which episodes you enjoy the most as it does not always correlate with listener stats - thanks!

John interviewed me for his excellent show focusing on the earliest annual National Sports Collectors Conventions beginning in 1980 with the first one - thanks John!

Collectable is piecing together a history of the National Sports Collectors Convention - I enjoyed my conversation with Ezra about the many high points over the years.

Ezra interviewed me for Collectable's series, "Road to the National", since I have attended all 42 Nationals - this is an excerpted part, audio only - but you are encouraged to check out the whole series on their website or channel - thanks Ezra.

My fifth round of accumulating eight listener questions related to sports cards - keep them coming - send them to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com  and thanks!

I give ten thoughts about the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City and detail my preparation for it - hope to see you there!

The very successful, six times a year, Dallas card shows are an important part of the hobby's card show calendar, but there's only one National, this year in Atlantic City and next year in Chicago.

Among other things we talk about the upcoming inaugural International Trading Card Day from Topps/Fanatics.  This is one way the hobby can dynamically grow with increased worldwide exposure - thanks Topps and Fanatics!

We were on for almost an hour, here's the last edited portion that I thought was worth sharing - thanks Mike and Ty for contributing again to collaborative hobby content.

Bench Clear Media's annual HobbyPalooza involved a special edition of Hobby Hotline, essentially simulcast, and with a lively, expanded roster of co-hosts.

Kunal and I had an extended conversation, with then and now considerations.  Looking forward to his imprint on my old company.  He is in the process of moving to Dallas, so we will hear more from Kunal later.

I had the pleasure of hearing Kunal's exciting plans for my old company - truly an exciting time for him to come into this industry with his strong tech leadership background - welcome Kunal!

Roger is one of the very few who can say he pulled Mantle(s) straight from the pack back in the day.  He wishes he still had them, yes multiples, don't we all wish we had held!

I thought I had some interesting "what if" questions for the Schulte's - son Ryan was fearless and Ray was the voice of experience after so many years of deep involvement with major hobby events and organizations

Jordan and I have been on each other's shows, but I had never met Bob until now - glad I did - father/son dynamics are powerful - it was great to hear their respective questions and answers.  Thanks Hagedorn's! 

Lots of great questions from and for the Gotcher family - mainly about card store retailing and how they run their successful card shop in New Buffalo, MI together.

After several years of spending significant time at their National booth, I was sure they had some good questions, and they did - thanks!

Roger is an old friend and veteran vintage sports card dealer who has helped many a collector complete their sets - along with some great stories - thanks Roger! 

Around the horn with questions coming in age order - really enjoyed my time with Joe and his son Josh - and will see them in person at the upcoming National!

I break down a box of 2021 SP Authentic Golf - literally and figuratively - got the best result in terms of autos that I have ever experienced - thanks Upper Deck!

Jordan "For the Hobby" is actually "For the Bobby" as his dad Bob is dealing with colorectal cancer - thanks Bob for sharing your story and how you have positively impacted your son Jordan and his new card shop.

Last year was Ryan first immersion experience at the National following in his father Ray's footsteps.  At 12, Ryan has a bright future under his father's mentorship and experience as a brand advisor for many hobby and sports clients.

The Gotcher's are faithful supporters of the hobby and Hobby Hotline - I thought it would be great to hear from them Father's Day week as to their family's sports card shop in New Buffalo, MI. 

The first booth I shopped at the National for the past several years has been the Bachman's - great selection with fair prices and personable service.