Episodes

  • 1297 - Metal Universe (Hockey) Review

    1297 - Metal Universe (Hockey) Review
    Nov 8 2024
    Join Dr. Beckett as he opens a Skybox Metal Universe Hobby box from Upper Deck, featuring 15 packs with 7 cards each. Delve into the rich history of the Metal Universe brand, its evolution, and the challenges it faced over the years. From the origins of Skybox and its acquisition by FLIR, to PMGs and the collector's dilemma, Dr. Beckett provides a comprehensive historical perspective. 00:53 Historical Background of Skybox and Metal Universe 01:40 Current Product Details and Rarity 03:48 Personal Insights and Historical Perspective 04:25 Challenges and Market Reception 10:23 Confusion and Market Impact
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    15 mins
  • 1296 - My Watters Creek Show Report November 2024

    1296 - My Watters Creek Show Report November 2024
    Nov 6 2024
    Dr. Beckett reports on the recent Watters Creek card show held from October 31 to November 3, sharing his experiences from the show, including interactions with advanced collectors like Bobby Baseball, finding an elusive stamp dealer by chance, and acquiring various hockey and NASCAR card lots. He also discusses strategies for buying cards, insights into player lots for eBay, and making meaningful contacts. 01:21 Personal Interactions and Observations 02:55 Hockey Card Strategy 07:51 NASCAR Card Purchase 08:42 COMC and eBay Strategies
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    15 mins
  • 1295 - Ten Listener Questions 6.0

    1295 - Ten Listener Questions 6.0
    Nov 4 2024
    Dr. Beckett addresses ten listener questions, including two related to the upcoming election. He discusses the impact of politics on the sports card hobby, shares his demographic experiences with political junk and spam from both parties, and clarifies his perspective on what's best for the hobby. Dr. Beckett touches on topics such as hobby regulation, safety, and the importance of civil discourse. Additional discussions cover various hobby topics, such as the pulled T206 Honus Wagner card, the legitimacy of autographs, and past experiences with notable figures in the sports card community. 01:24 Listener Feedback on Election Episode 02:04 Political Opinions and Hobby Impact 06:43 Sports Card Specific Inquiries 08:52 Autographs and Authenticity 12:36 Final Thoughts and Autograph Requests
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    14 mins
  • 1294 - Out-Takes from Off Topic 102124

    1294 - Out-Takes from Off Topic 102124
    Nov 1 2024
    Dr. Beckett, responding to Off Topic's questions from Graig and Darren, delves into the impact of the Beckett Price Guide, the complexities and evolution of card grading, and the terminology of the industry. We also explore the challenges faced by Beckett Grading Services (BGS) through years of leadership changes, competition, and conflicts. 03:12 Hobby Terminology Evolution 05:21 Open Discourse and Decision Making 07:12 Challenges in Card Grading 09:53 Leadership and Market Discontinuities 10:34 The Value of Subgrades 11:42 Market Confusion and Grading Systems 15:02 Potential Conflicts of Interest 17:21 Future of Beckett Grading
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    20 mins
  • 1293 - How Should Collectors Vote?

    1293 - How Should Collectors Vote?
    Oct 30 2024
    Dr. Beckett as he delves into how the upcoming presidential election could shape the sports card hobby, examining the potential impact of various party policies on collectors, dealers, and manufacturers by discussing 12 key national issues including abortion, border security, climate change, crime, the opioid crisis, inflation, Israel and Palestine, gun safety, conflict in Ukraine, political visions for America's future, Social Security, and the importance of voting. 02:22 Evaluating Policies and Stakeholders 04:25 Abortion and Its Implications 05:09 Border Crisis and Immigration 05:41 Extreme Weather and the Hobby 06:11 Crime and Punishment: Policing Perspectives 06:48 Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis 07:05 Inflation: Economic Challenges 07:33 Israel and Palestine Conflict 08:01 Gun Safety and Second Amendment Rights 09:09 Social Security Concerns 09:44 War in Ukraine: Global Implications 10:12 Big Government vs. Small Government
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    12 mins
  • 1292 - Where Could My Cards Live?

    1292 - Where Could My Cards Live?
    Oct 28 2024
    Dr. Beckett in this insightful episode of SportsCard Insights as he delves into the best and worst places to store your valuable sports card collection. Drawing from personal experiences across different living environments—from parental homes to dorms, apartments, and barracks—Dr. Beckett highlights various challenges and benefits of each storage solution. Learn practical tips to safeguard your prized cards from water, fire, theft, and natural disasters. Discover strategies for optimal storage including safe rooms, barns, and bank vaults, alongside the importance of climate control and flood prevention. 01:10 Where Should Your Cards Live? 02:25 Living with Parents: A Risky Start 03:16 College Dorms: Not a Safe Haven 04:02 Apartment Living: Roommate Risks 04:47 Army Barracks: Collecting on Duty 06:57 Insurance and Disaster Preparedness 10:57 Downsizing and Future Plans
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    12 mins
  • 1291 - 2024 Panini Football Boxes Plus More

    1291 - 2024 Panini Football Boxes Plus More
    Oct 25 2024
    Dr. Beckett reviews Panini 2024 football boxes including Elite, Prestige, and Origins. This episode explores the potential future trend of combo autographs and editorializes about the controversy around the cancelation of Fanatics Fest in Orlando (and how total honesty is not always the best policy but it is always better to avoid dishonesty). 01:09 Detailed Review of Each Panini Box 03:38 Kid Reporter Cards and Their Relevance 06:32 Understanding Insert Rarity 08:20 Memorabilia and Fallen Stars 10:35 Fanatics Fest Controversy 11:23 The Balance of Honesty in Business
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    15 mins
  • 1290 - Mr. Mint's Entourage, with Rich Klein

    1290 - Mr. Mint's Entourage, with Rich Klein
    Oct 23 2024
    An exploration of Al 'Mr. Mint' Rosen's impact on the sports card collecting community, including strategies and alliances that propelled him, featuring anecdotes about key figures like Mike Gordon, John Broggi, Dick DeCourcy, Joey Esposito, Brian Morris, and Lou Lipset. This episode unveils the dynamics of trust, market pricing, and the evolution of business models within the hobby. 00:21 Remembering Mr. Mint 01:19 Dick DeCourcy's Early Days and Business Acumen 02:52 The Art of Deals and Distribution 05:04 Questions and Reflections on the Hobby 07:32 Mr. Mint's Business Strategy 08:30 Collaborations and Friendships 11:01 The Financial Dynamics of the Hobby 11:41 Debates on Market Influence 13:47 Hobby Feuds and Final Thoughts
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    15 mins