Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Eric and I discuss each of this podcast's sponsors (Beckett Media, COMC, Burbank Sportscards, Mike's Stadium Sportscards, Heritage Auctions, Huggins & Scott Auctions, Panini, Topps, and Upper Deck) and his workings with them, and their positives from his perspective.

Gloria Rothstein, founder of the long-running, very successful card shows in White Plains and other East Coast venues, brought excellence and professionalism to our hobby, as Rich Klein and I reminisce about our experiences there over the years.

I recap the highlights of the past 20 episodes ... in case you missed some.  As some of you may know, I listen to podcasts at 1.5X speed or faster, and you can too, as most podcast listening apps have that capability.  Easier to catch up!

We trace Kevin's hobby journey from Krause Publications up through his many consultant engagements, including a long stint with eBay.

Emily and I have a phone conversation about her background and important role at Topps.

A first-person (past) hobby experience from my very sharp nephew.

See Topps.com for more info.

Pepper and I talk about the early days of Beckett Publications contrasted with later days, spanning more than two decades, including the true story of the midnight disposal of damaged copies of the inaugural issue #1 of Beckett Baseball Card Monthly.  Our final story tells the true tale of Pepper's round of golf with Tiger Woods on behalf of our company.

Tracy Hackler's favorite football player is discussed - his cards, memorabilia, and peers.

We discuss Jeromy's career over 19 years at Beckett Media, culminating in his current leadership of BGS, BAS, and CBCS (their newest service with comic books). 

See upperdeck.com for more info.

David and I discuss the enjoyment of his career over the past twenty years at BGS, including his current role training the new potential graders coming in to help with the huge demand for grading.

Dan Dischley was the Founder, Editor, and Publisher of The Trader Speaks, the leading monthly publication in the hobby beginning in 1968.  Dan was also one of the co-founders of SABR )Society of American Baseball Research).

Eric and I discuss podcast sponsorship, especially his sponsors and how they work well together.

Ace Marchant, college professor (Ph. D. in Experimental Psychology) and National sports collectibles dealer, passed away a few years ago.  Rich and I discuss our interesting, intellectual interactions (especially about reading books) with Ace over a couple of decades.

Pepper was one of the first full-time non-family employees for Beckett Publications, coming in summer of 1986, and served well in a multiplicity of leadership roles for more than two decades.  We discuss those early days - how he got started and how we handled the rapid growth as best we could.

2019-20 Upper Deck hockey products are opened and discussed - Artifacts and O-Pee-Chee - contrasted and evaluated.  Plus a conundrum: buying a young hockey star's house.

Chris and I discuss the growth and success of Heritage Sports Auctions.

I have an unscripted and unedited conversation with my outstanding 94-year-old mom on her birthday.

I discuss the many wise ways my wonderful wife Diane has contributed to this podcast, especially in its formation, structure, and delivery.

A discussion with Tracy Hackler about Panini's sports card products and philosophies.

We recap and comment on our episodes 039-058 incorporating listener feedback and my second thoughts over the past four weeks.

A look at Albert Pujols career and cards.

Free-lance writer Brian Flinn and I discuss the other excellent sports card podcasts being produced - as podcasting in general continues to increase and expand in exposure and popularity.