Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Daryl McKay, co-founder of Sports Images, a well-known distributor in the Northeast, shares his origin story as a precocious entrepreneur, starting four decades ago. 

James and I discuss his hobby journey as a collector including his amazing recent retail pull of a 1/1 Zion Williamson.  Any questions or experiences to be shared?  Contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com  and let us know.  Thanks! 

Chris Ivy and I take turns swapping stories in this unedited conversation about finds over the years.

Dane Coene of Dynasty Breaks relates the types and styles of breaks that he most enjoys.  It is more than a matter of luck - skill is helpful too!

Rich and I discuss how he started and grew Sport Collectors Daily website and daily email - four stories about sports cards/collectibles a day for more than 13 years - now more than 14,000 stories!

What if PED's (performance enhancing drugs) were suddenly undetectable (and hence perhaps indirectly acceptable)?  How would that effect the game itself as well as players active as well as retired.

What would be the positive or negative implications of PSA 9.5 cards?

What if there were no redemption cards at all (due to legal, business, or other reasons) - would that be good or bad for our industry?

What if the recent damaging Dallas tornado had hit just two miles farther north or two miles farther south?

Rich Klein and I discuss the hypothetical scenarios whereby Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck do not exist  at all or at least in the form they are now.  Any listener ideas for other "What If" topics or episodes can be sent to doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com  if you'd like.

Sponsor Bill Huggins relates the distinctives of Huggins & Scott Auctions, including their famous "treasure chest" and "shoebox" auction lots.

Mike Fruitman discusses his passion for making local card shops and the hobby more kid friendly, through his successful Kids Club concept.

Rich Klein and I discuss memories (and the 50th anniversary) of 1969 Topps Baseball, its series, inserts, and oddities.

Rob Veres walks through some of the processes, procedures, and innovations he has employed to great advantage in the growth and success of Burbank Sportscards. 

The case against sticker autographs ... and in defense of sticker autographs!

An encouragement for more "explicit" cards, that is, clearly spelling out slight differences in cards that can have big value implications.  After all, the definition of explicit: stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion. 

A discussion of what makes a beautiful, well-designed card - specifically the card front in this short mini-episode: name, logo, art, color, borders, portrait, in action, specialty, etc.  If you have questions or comments, just contact doctorjamesbeckett@gmail.com  - thanks!

A discussion of what an ideal card back could/should look like.

The physical aspects of excellent card design, including card shape, thickness, coating, embossing, etc. 

We hear Rich Mueller's origin story of his collecting background as well as his sports broadcasting experience, culminating with his Sports Collectors Daily, which is free and highly recommended.

Chris Carlin, Upper Deck's Senior Manager of Customer Experience, gives us a preview of what to expect in 2020 from Upper Deck (upperdeck.com).

A tribute to my friend and former book publishing partner, Denny Eckes, and his major impacts on our industry, before his untimely passing in 1991.

Rich and I "encourage" the card companies to make the serial numbering of cards more visible, and, in general, more recognizable, without distracting from the aesthetics of the card.

Rich and I briefly discuss the merits of having a facsimile autograph on the front of the card.

Rich and I discuss the discouraging difficulty of alter-ability of cards with rounded corners.