Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Exactly three years ago I gave a speech at the Beckett Industry Summit held here in Dallas that year on the "then and now" importance of the city and location of Dallas to the sports card hobby.  Times have changed but much of what was said still holds.

Louise Bird was a key contributor to the success of Beckett Publications based on her attitude and experience - Bob and I fondly remember her contributions.

Joe and I discuss his broad hobby origin story as well as his recent arrival at Heritage Auctions and the impact on adjacent categories of collectibles.

Last week left many in Texas without electrical power for extended periods of time - how did I and other collectors cope? 

Last week's record low temperatures in Texas was disruptive to all aspects of life including sports card collecting.

An accumulation of six sports card hobby and personal questions asked by listeners recently, each briefly addressed.  Direct your questions to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com  and thanks.

Hobby Hotline is a fast-moving live call-in show on Saturday mornings - this is a brief excerpt from the show two weeks ago.  If you enjoy this snippet, check out the whole show, past or future.

Patrick's hobby origin story beginning at age six and resulting in Radicards now. 

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt passed away exactly twenty years ago today.  Val Marz, host of the NASCARD Radio podcast helps me remember this racing icon.

Torsten and I talk about the skills acquired in sports cards collecting that serve one well in their career and non-hobby life.

Billy talks about his sports card hobby origin story including how he got his job at Upper Deck.

David has some great stories to tell about his decades in the hobby including his worst deal ever from 30 years ago.  His goal was to get ALL the cards.

Five of Upper Deck's hockey products from this year are evaluated: Chronology, Synergy, Team Canada Juniors, O-Pee-Chee, and Upper Deck Hobby series one.  

Brody turns the tables on his show - he gets to ask me the questions - at 12 and a half years old he holds his own!  Here's seven minutes of fun with Brody!  Check out his whole show(s) on YouTube!

Bob Richardson led our company's subscription effort for many years and we discuss the importance of monthly subscribers in print publications, especially since we were not so ad-driven.

Jeremy Lee and I had several threads across his Sports Card Live show from January 9, 2021 - highly recommended that you listen to the whole episode.

Dueling Questions with Charles Hodder stretched way beyond COMC, where he works, into other industry backlogs. 

Dave and I review the big shows of the decade of the 2000's, especially the Nationals each summer. 

Terry and I exchange thought-provoking questions about the hobby we both love.

Many misunderstandings about graded cards and the companies who grade them.  Quotas have been whispered or suggested over the years but what does that mean?

I enjoyed being on Carl's podcast and these were the interchanges that seemed more relevant to our audience - but I encourage you to listen and enjoy his weekly show in its entirety.

COMC Canada's Barry and I go back and forth with some hobby questions on a wide range of topics. 

Rich and I discuss the 1960 and 1961 Fleer sets that featured baseball hall of famers and other old-timers.  I remember buying them in packs back in the day.

Jordan interviewed me for an article in SLAM magazine.  These are the out-takes for that discussion.

Carl sold his company, Niche Media, a year and a half ago, and we share stories about that as well as all the other start-ups, events, and consultations he has experienced in various niche media over the past several decades.