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 rookie cards, and reflections on the 2025 Chicago National. Additionally, Dr. Beckett delves into Panini's blockchain initiatives and Upper Deck's unique approach to hockey cards, among other subjects. 

 

00:34 Tributes to Sports Legends

01:14 AI and Sports Card Cruise

01:40 Dueling Questions and SABR Presentation

03:37 National Perspectives and Pre-National Ramblings

06:41 Panini Blockchain and Upper Deck Innovations

08:21 Sports Card History and T206 Set

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 Reviews

09:23 Card Recycling and Creative Destruction

13:24 Sports Art and the Hobby

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 collecting world, emphasizing the artistry and passion involved in assembling this iconic set.

 

00:20 Phil Rosenzweig's Book and Early Baseball History

00:37 Role of Spalding in Early Baseball Cards

03:06 Regional Influence and Player Origins

05:36 The Evolution of Baseball Leagues and Systems

06:11 Underrated Players and Collectors' Perspectives

09:52 Field Days and Player Competitions

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 players featured in the set, and the evolution of baseball photography. Phil's book is recommended and available from PMRbooks.com/T202 or Amazon.

 

00:50 Collecting T202 Triple Folders

05:08 1912: A Pivotal Year in Baseball

08:06 Marketing and Popularity of T Cards

09:41 Legendary Players and Iconic Cards

14:25 Baseball Photography Evolution

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

01:21 Innovations in Card Production

05:05 Impact of 1990 Pro Set

08:21 Licensing and Market Dynamics

18:05 Pacific's Unique Approach

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 companies, and the shift from completing sets to seeking unique, high-value cards.

 

05:46 The Impact of the Baseball Strike

08:27 The Rise and Fall of Card Shops

08:51 The Role of Card Shows

14:25 The Digital Age and Modern Collecting

17:11 Marketing in the Hobby

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

10:20 The Cup: High-End Hockey Cards

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 advantages and challenges of integrating digital assets into traditional collecting, ensuring both longtime collectors and newcomers understand the emerging landscape.

 

00:38 Panini Blockchain Overview

01:19 Transparency and Market Impact

04:54 Physical and Digital Pairing

09:20 Accessing Panini Blockchain

10:16 Future of Collecting

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 Blockchain Strategy and Market Impact

04:39 Technological Advancements in Digital Cards

05:04 Challenges and Future of Digital Collecting

09:41 Engaging New and Existing Collectors

13:40 The Concept of Digital Vaults

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 Market Dynamics and Buying Behavior

04:10 Dealer Strategies and Market Equilibrium

07:26 The Rise of Online Breaks and Addiction

15:05 Autograph Area Challenges