Dr. Beckett is joined by Darin Ostrom, aka Sports Card Professor, to delve into the 1990s efforts by companies like Pro Set and Fleer to engage young collectors through educational and community-focused initiatives. They discuss the FACT (Football and Academics) program initiated by the Cincinnati School Board and how Pro Set and Fleer tried to reach kids via collectible card sets. The conversation also explores the challenges and short-lived success of various card initiatives aimed at kids, providing insights into the strategic missteps and eventual downfall of these brands. Additionally, the discussion touches upon the importance of creating kid-friendly environments in card shops and the potential strategies to capture the interest of young collectors today.

 

00:15 1990s Efforts to Engage Kids in Sports Cards

02:02 Pro Set's Nationwide Expansion and Challenges

06:02 Educational Integration of Sports Cards

08:25 Challenges in Finding 1990 Cincinnati FACT Cards

12:18 Innovative Card Concepts in the 1990s

15:39 Strategies for Engaging Kids in the Hobby

17:09 Creating Kid-Friendly Card Shops and Events