Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

A look at Jerry West, the NBA Hall of Fame player, exceptional executive, and "logo".

Podcast episodes 159-178 are briefly summarized and recapped.

We discuss the birth of BCCG, Beckett's bulk grading option.

Ryan Cracknell wrote an excellent article on Beckett.com, "11 Things Sports Card Collectors Can Do While They're Stuck at Home", is discussed plus a few more suggestions added in.

Rich Klein calls 1984 Donruss his baseball card set of the decade.  We discuss the iconic Don Mattingly RC as well as other noteworthy aspects of this enduring set.

The Sunk Cost fallacy is applied to your sports card portfolio.  Sometimes it is the prudent thing to sell cards at a loss.

How into sports cards are you?  Have you ever wondered if your wholesome passion borders on addiction? 

The far-fetched scenario of President Trump being a member of our hobby and those implausible implications are discussed.

A discussion of coronavirus effects based on the latest situation - how collectors might respond.

Doug Kale and I tackle a range of topics and questions, many stemming from previous podcasts.

Brad Askew and I discuss his favorite player and card collecting focus, Eddie Murray, the powerful, switch-hitting Hall of Famer. 

Rich Klein and I discuss (in a positive tone) the awkward subject of cheating in baseball, historically and currently, including the impact on sports cards and their values.

Are you safer always following the crowd?  When, if ever, do you go your own way?

A brief discussion of the coronavirus as well as the shocking cancellations of live sports - how that might impact our industry?

My friend and colleague Mark Harwell passed away three and a half years ago - he is sorely missed - I watched his career fully blossom with delight.  

"To graph or not not to graph, that is the question, whether 'tis nobler ..." is a take-off on the famous Shakespeare quote.  Jacob Noble and I discuss the tension between hobbyists who disagree about getting a rookie card personally signed. 

Rich Klein and I have a wide-ranging conversation about where you would rather be on a Saturday at a show - behind or in front of the table - or the seller of the tables.

Hobby veteran Doug Kale and I discuss other ways (and platforms) to sell cards.

Listener Brad Askew and I have a wide-ranging and enjoyable discussion.

Bert Randolph Sugar's Sports Collectors Bible, published back in 1975, was a huge foundational contribution to our industry.

Ken Capell shares his love for Upper Deck's Young Guns.

Rich Klein and I discuss Thurman Munson's tragically-shortened career and his cards.

NFL Agent and Favre super-collector, Jordan Hagedorn, and I sit down to discuss Brett Favre and his many football cards.

My guest and friend Doug Kale has worn many hats in this industry including a fruitful stint at Beckett Publications.  We discuss his origin story and his eclectic and diverse collecting interests. 

Dave Sliepka and I discuss the meteoric rise and fall of Pro Set, which burst on the scene in 1989 as the official card manufacturer of the NFL.  Much of the on-going success and vitality of the football card market can be traced back to Pro Set's innovations and aggressive marketing.