Cardboard Wars

Jake M46 Rippin' and Kevin Rips dive into the inspiring story of Jim Abbott, the one-handed pitcher who made history with a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium in 1993. Listeners will explore Abbott's journey from growing up in Flint, Michigan, to his rise as a top MLB pitcher, overcoming challenges along the way. The hosts discuss his iconic baseball cards, such as the 1988 Topps Traded and 1991 Desert Shield, emphasizing their significance to collectors. This episode blends sports history with the art of card collecting, showcasing Abbott's remarkable career and legacy.

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

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Explore the legendary rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson with hosts Kevin Rips and Bobs Rippin' on Cardboard Wars. Relive the pivotal moments from their college face-off in 1979 to their iconic NBA Finals battles in the '80s. Discover how their competition transformed basketball and the collectible card market, especially with their shared 1980 Topps rookie card. Dive into the history, influence, and legacy of Bird and Magic, two essential figures who reshaped the game and left an indelible mark on sports culture.

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Explore the fascinating debate between legendary quarterbacks Joe Montana and Dan Marino with hosts Kevin Rips and Bob's Rippin'. Delve into their storied NFL careers, key moments, and contrasting legacies. Examine the impact of their achievements on the trading card market, discussing iconic rookie cards and the rarity and value of collectibles. Join Kevin and Bob as they unravel the enduring rivalry between two of football's greatest, evaluating what makes a quarterback truly great. Engage with the rich history and ongoing allure of Montana and Marino in football and collectibles.

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

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Bob Rippin and Jake M46 dive into the iconic 1998 home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in this episode of "Cardboard Wars: The Rivals Series." They explore the cultural impact of that historic summer, the ensuing steroid controversies, and their effects on McGwire's and Barry Bonds' legacies. Shifting focus to their baseball cards, they assess the market and nostalgia surrounding these collectibles, while discussing the players' merits and Hall of Fame snubs. This engaging conversation offers a deep dive into baseball's complex history and its influence on card collecting.

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

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Hosts Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips dive deep into the Legacy of Lou Gehrig, exploring his monumental achievements like his MVPs and Triple Crowns, his pivotal role in the Yankees' success, and his enduring battle with ALS. They discuss Gehrig's significance in the baseball card hobby, comparing his cards to Babe Ruth's and examining their market value. Discover Gehrig's remarkable durability, overshadowed career, and why his story remains an invaluable part of baseball history. Tune in for an insightful journey through the life and legacy of baseball's Iron Horse. ----------

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

Part of the Rippin' Podcast Network

Join hosts Jake M46 and Bobs Rippin' as they explore the captivating world of error cards in the hobby. From the infamous 1989 Billy Ripken "F-Face" card to the rare 1990 Frank Thomas "No Name on Front," dive into stories of printing blunders that transformed into sought-after collectibles. Discover the origins, variations, and market impact of these mistakes, while also considering how player careers influence their value. Perfect for collectors and newcomers alike, this episode offers a blend of interesting tales and hobby insights.

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

Part of the Rippin' Podcast Network

Join hosts Ben Ripping and Kevin Rips as they dive into the extraordinary journey of Serena Williams on Cardboard Wars. Discover Serena's unparalleled career, marked by dominance, resilience, and cultural impact, as well as the surprising trajectory of her trading card market. From her early days in Compton to transforming tennis, Serena's story inspires. Uncover the fascinating dynamics of women's sports card collecting and Serena's significance in the market. This episode explores her legacy, the rise of women's sports, and the collectors' treasure trove in her cards. Don't miss this compelling narrative of triumph and memorabilia.

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

Part of the Rippin' Podcast Network 00:00 Serena Williams: The Beginning

08:01 Serena Williams' Journey from Underdog to Tennis Legend

14:52 A Tennis Champion's Near-Death Experience and Triumphant Return

15:45 Serena Williams' Unmatched Tennis Legacy and Incredible Achievements

17:43 Serena Williams' Resilience and Advocacy After Childbirth Complications

18:48 Serena Williams: A Legacy Beyond Tennis

22:26 The Rise of Serena Williams' Iconic Rookie Cards

29:07 Alexis Ohanian's Massive Serena Williams Card Collection

30:21 The Rise of Women's Sports Cards and Serena's Legacy

If you're attending The National Sports Collectors Convention 2026, this is the only guide you need. Whether you're buying sports cards, hunting for grails, chasing autographs, grading with PSA, or looking for the best deals at the National Card Show, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your experience.

In this episode of Cardboard Wars, we break down everything collectors need to know before walking into the biggest sports card event in the world. We cover buying strategies, budgeting, autograph guests, PSA grading, dealer negotiations, Topps and Panini National exclusives, the best days to buy, and insider tips from collectors who've experienced the National firsthand.

If you're a collector of baseball cards, basketball cards, football cards, hockey cards, Pokémon, soccer cards, or vintage sports cards, this episode will help you prepare for one of the largest hobby events on Earth.

Explore Pat Tillman's extraordinary journey from NFL player to Army Ranger and the truth behind his untimely death. Hosts Ben Rippin and Kevin Rips delve into Tillman's life, legacy, and the significance of his trading cards in the hobby market. Discover the complexities of a man driven by conviction rather than fame, and learn why his cards continue to resonate with collectors. Featuring insights on key Tillman cards like the 2020 Panini Donruss Optic Downtown, this episode is a must-listen for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

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@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

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NBA scouts and enthusiasts worldwide gather in Henderson, Nevada, to witness 18-year-old French prodigy Victor Wembanyama in action. Hosts Ben Rippin' and Kevin Rips dive into Victor's rise, from his athletic lineage and diverse sports background to his strategic choices shaping his basketball journey. Explore how Wembanyama captivated the NBA and card collectors, breaking hobby records with his pre-rookie and rookie cards. As Wembanyama's influence skyrockets, Ben and Kevin uncover the extraordinary impact on the card market and this potential "GOAT's" burgeoning legacy. ---------

Connect with the Rippin' Crew

@benripping - @kevinripscards - @m46rippin - @bobsrippin

Part of the Rippin' Podcast Network