Joe Davis is cracking open the vault of nostalgia in this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe—and this time, it's personal. With decades of firsthand experience and a deep love for the hobby, Joe walks you through the iconic rookie cards that defined the 1980s, year by year. From the electric debut of Rickey Henderson to the hobby-shifting arrival of Ken Griffey Jr., this episode covers the key cards, memorable players, and the untold stories behind the cardboard.
You’ll also hear about:
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The rookie card that once sent Joe and his team to Disney World 🌟
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What made 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly the card to chase
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Which rookies got left out of key sets—and how that shaped the market
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Joe’s personal missteps, grading lessons, and why centering matters and not just corners
And of course, don’t miss Joe’s definitive Top 10 list of 1980s rookie cards.
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