Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Dr. Beckett unretires to share sports card stories, analyses, and opinions, based on his six decades of intensive experience.

Episodes

1428 - Ramblings with John Keating 6.0

September 5, 2025 • 20 mins
Dr. Beckett and John Keating discuss various aspects of collecting sports cards, from the joy of discovering unique cards in bulk lots to the struggle of selling complete sets. They reflect on their personal collecting philosophies, the evolution of pricing guides, and the journey that cards take through different hands. They also delve into historical moments such as the rise of Beckett's online auction platform and the challenge...
Mark as Played

1427 - Ramblings with John Keating 5.0

September 3, 2025 • 19 mins
Dr. Beckett and John Keating delve into the significance and changing perceptions of rookie cards and the grading system in the sports card industry. They explore how the secondary market drives sales, the impact of exclusive deals on manufacturers, and how the emphasis on rookie cards and grading has evolved over the years. The discussion also touches on the effects of high prices, the role of repacks, and the distinct separation...
Mark as Played

1426A - Tribute: Lee Roy Jordan

September 2, 2025 • 12 mins
Dr. Beckett pays tribute to Lee Roy Jordan, the legendary Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker, who recently passed away. Dr. Beckett reflects on his personal interaction with Lee Roy, discusses his significant contributions to the team, and delves into the value and history of Lee Roy's sports cards. With insights into card collecting and the sports card market, this episode honors the remarkable career and enduring impact of Lee Roy...
Mark as Played

1426 - Ramblings with John Keating 4.0

September 1, 2025 • 18 mins
Dr. Beckett and guest John Keating discuss the dynamic landscape of sports card collecting. They touch on historical buying behaviors, the impact of the 1994 baseball strike on the industry, and the evolving nature of card collecting, highlighting personal stories and industry shifts over the decades. The conversation also explores the consolidation of manufacturers in the mid-2000s and the challenges faced by hobby shops during e...
Mark as Played

1425 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1401-1424

August 29, 2025 • 12 mins
Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1401 through 1424, expressing gratitude to loyal listeners for their active participation. The episode covers various topics, such as tributes to sports dignitaries like Dave Parker, discussions on the feasibility of a sports card cruise with AI involvement, and an insightful exchange with Iowa Dave Schwartz. The episode also includes special presentations from the SABR convention, conversations on rook...
Mark as Played

1424 - Ramblings

August 27, 2025 • 13 mins
Dr. Beckett answers listener questions about the cost of collecting and discusses several new Panini products. Additionally, he delves into the concept of 'creative destruction' in the hobby, draws parallels with the recycling methods in the fashion industry, and ponders the future of collectible card production and sports art.   02:06 Listener Questions and Feedback 02:55 Hobby Costs and Personal Selling 04:28 Panini Product Revi...
Mark as Played

1423 - 1912 Hassan T202 Triple Folders, with Phil Rosenzweig, Part 2

August 25, 2025 • 16 mins
Phil Rosenzweig joins Dr. Beckett as they delve into Phil's extensively researched book, One Splendid Season. The conversation covers the creation and background of the T202 set, including the key role played by Albert Spalding and notable photographers. They also explore historical baseball figures, the evolution of the baseball industry, and forgotten traditions like field days. The episode concludes with insights into the colle...
Mark as Played

1422 - 1912 Hassan T202 Triple Folders, with Phil Rosenzweig

August 22, 2025 • 16 mins
 Dr. Beckett sits down with Phil Rosenzweig, author of One Splendid Season, to delve into the fascinating world of the iconic and revered T202 Triple Folders. Their conversation covers the unique aspects of the T202 set, including its innovative use of fast shutter speed photography and detailed captions that shed light on early 20th-century baseball. They also discuss the historical context of the 1912 baseball season, notable pl...
Mark as Played

1421 - The History of Sports Cards, with Darin Ostrom, Part 2

August 20, 2025 • 22 mins
Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom, aka Sports Card Professor delve into the 1990s sports card industry. Topics include the unique operations of Pro Set, influential card sets, the impact of key players, and the intricate dynamics between manufacturers and licensors. Discover how visionaries like Lud Denny and Mike Cramer shaped the hobby, the challenges of cataloging mid-90s cards, and much more.    00:28 Pro Set's Unique Manufacturing...
Mark as Played

1420 - The History of Sports Cards, with Darin Ostrom

August 18, 2025 • 21 mins
Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom, the Sports Card Professor on YouTube, engage in an enlightening discussion about the history and evolution of sports cards. They delve into the significance of the 1993 Finest set, the impact of the baseball strike on the hobby, and the changing nature of sports card collecting from the 1980s to the present. The conversation also touches upon the role of card shops, the rise and fall of different card...
Mark as Played

1419 - Hockey is Different

August 15, 2025 • 13 mins
Dr. Beckett reviews the most recent hockey card products from Upper Deck. This episode includes insights on 2025-26 MVP Hockey, 2024-25 Credentials, Upper Deck Ice, Parkhurst Champions, O-Pee-Chee Platinum, and the highly anticipated 'The Cup'.    01:22 Opening 2025-26 Upper Deck MVP 03:23 Reviewing the Credentials Hockey 04:54 Exploring Upper Deck Ice 06:19 Parkhurst Champions and Retro Packs 08:38 OPC Platinum Premium Cards 10:2...
Mark as Played

1418 - Panini Blockchain, with Kort Peters, Part 2

August 13, 2025 • 15 mins
Dr. Beckett delves into the intricacies of Panini Blockchain with guest Kort Peters. They explore the significance of digital card collecting, transparency offered by blockchain, and the potential future of digital sports card collecting. This conversation covers the evolution of card trading from physical to digital, the use of Dutch auctions, redemption cards, and the concept of physical-digital pairing. They also discuss the ad...
Mark as Played

1417 - Panini Blockchain, with Kort Peters

August 11, 2025 • 15 mins
Dr. Beckett dives into the realm of digital sports card collecting with special guest Kort Peters from Panini. They discuss Panini's innovative blockchain, its development, and its impact on the trading card market. Topics include digital vaulting, rarity of digital cards, the platform's marketplace, and the reception of blockchain at events like the National.   00:22 Panini Blockchain and Digital Products 01:54 Panini's Blockchai...
Mark as Played

1416 - Peak National(?) with Dave Sliepka

August 8, 2025 • 18 mins
Dr. Beckett and Dave Sliepka dive into an in-depth discussion about experiences at the record-breaking Chicago National card collecting event. We explore the rise of a younger, high-spending crowd, the booming singles market, the ever-evolving dynamics of buying and selling at such massive gatherings, the challenges of managing autograph lines, and the impact of online breaking and repacks.    00:47 Youth and Spending Trends 01:56...
Mark as Played

1415 - 2025 Chicago National Recap

August 6, 2025 • 13 mins
Dr. Beckett shares his experiences and insights from the 2023 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago. Dr. Beckett explains his strategy for collecting cards, the importance of attendance records, and the diverse community within the hobby. He also touches on logistical aspects of the event, interactions with fellow collectors, and his overall impressions. Additionally, he reflects on the facilities, memorable interaction...
Mark as Played

1414 - 1958 Topps Baseball, with Rich Klein

August 4, 2025 • 16 mins
We explore the significance and intricacies of the 1958 Topps Baseball card set, sharing personal collection experiences and insights into the value and rarity of certain cards, especially focusing on the challenges collectors face with the first series due to condition sensitivity and variations. Highlighting key players like Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Orlando Cepeda, Curt Flood, and Roger Maris, the discussion covers the histor...
Mark as Played

1413 - National Perspectives, with Rich Klein, Part 2

August 1, 2025 • 16 mins
We reminisce about past Nationals, including favorites and the changes in the collector base. The discussion spans various topics, such as changes in the sports card market, the rise of value boxes, grading companies, breaking trends, and the impact of mass collecting and markets on card values. The video also touches on the importance of keeping the hobby accessible, emphasizing the need for affordable entry points like blaster b...
Mark as Played

1412 - National Perspectives, with Rich Klein

July 31, 2025 • 16 mins
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the evolution and experiences surrounding the National, discussing the increasing costs of attending, soaring hotel prices, and offer practical advice for budget-conscious attendees. The conversation also touches on memorable past Nationals, particularly highlighting the electrifying atmosphere of early shows and the significance of planning ahead for accommodations and transportation.   00:36 ...
Mark as Played

1411A - Tribute: Ryne Sandberg, with Rich Klein

July 30, 2025 • 18 mins
Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein reflect on the life and legacy of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who recently passed away at 65 due to metastatic cancer. They discuss Sandberg’s impactful career, his journey to becoming a baseball legend, and his influence in the sports card hobby. From his breakout in the famous 'Ryne Sandberg game' to his memorable rookie cards and autographs, the episode explores Sandberg's significance in baseball hi...
Mark as Played

1411 - More Pre-National Ramblings

July 28, 2025 • 16 mins
Dr. Beckett discusses listener inquiries about tennis card collecting, shares thoughts on thematic repacks, and provides insights into recent acquisitions and hobby experiences. He also offers key advice for enjoying the National, including preparation tips and maximizing your experience on the floor, whether it's avoiding lines, bringing the right gear, or interacting with fellow collectors.   00:33 Tennis Card Collecting 01:40 T...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

    NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal

    Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.