Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Allan Muir interviews me for a future edition of Beckett Vintage magazine with respect to my personal experience with buying trips back in the pre-price guide days.

I don't hate plastic sheets or other kinds of popular sports card holders, but how I use them is my own personal preference.

Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell has written several very "insightful" books.

Sadly, Stu Payne passed away about a year ago from cancer at the young age of 26.  Drew Herndon, founding co-host of the highly recommended podcast, Lemme Get That Podagraph, remembers his great friend Stu.

Ben and I trade hobby questions for each other back and forth.

Sport card collectors in America are subject to various taxes, including annual income taxes.

A "game" for profitably passing time while waiting to go back to work.  An opportunity to test yourself as to finding good deals and great deals - a secret can be preparation. 

Mike and I take turns asking each other hobby questions.

The dreaded "Out of Stock" has taken on a new meaning the days of COVID-19.

Easter is special for many reasons - but sports card collectors and dealers realize a "floating" holiday can make spring show schedules tricky, working around family plans.  

On this special Good Friday episode Joe Davis (Got Baseball Cards) and I discuss what it means to be an ethical dealer or ethical business person.  Joe relates some of his business adages and philosophies and where they come from.

Mike responded to our earlier episode of the same title and adds some additional considerations based on his experience.

A discussion of cultural literacy and other forms of understanding that could help a sports card investor gain an edge with emerging prospects.

Mike Payne, Editorial Director of Beckett Media, discusses the life, cards, and memorabilia of recently-passed baseball legend, Al Kaline, Mr. Tiger. 

Ben Wilson, co-host of the popular podcast, About The Cards, shares his hobby origin story.

Drew Herndon trades questions back and forth - unrehearsed and unedited.

After you bring home a sports card collection - what then?  Ever wondered how long it takes to break it down and organize it.

We make a case for sports card collecting being the best hobby in the world!

Drew Herndon, popular host of the outstanding hobby podcast, Lemme Get That Podagraph, comes on to relate his hobby origin story. 

Wax Pack Hero, Mike Sommer, popular blogger and podcaster discusses his hobby origin story with us.

We discuss the patent pending technology and concept behind card fracking.

Recently deceased Harlem Globetrotters' star dribbler and ball-handler, Curly Neal, is discussed in context of his wizardry, cards, and societal impact.

We discuss recently departed baseball star, Jimmy Wynn, the "Toy Cannon". Rich's first favorite player, who was very popular with Topps.

We look back to 1984 and 1985 (in the back issues of Beckett Baseball Card Monthly) to see the historical treatment of Mark McGwire's 1985 Topps card.

Just like a personal mission statement can be unique to you - so can your personal collecting mission statement.  First, take stock of your assets, financial and otherwise.