Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights

Jay Baker, former CEO of Kohl's, specialized 26 years ago on meaningful memorabilia from the five iconic players of his favorite team, the New York Yankees, and Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Jeter.  Now viewable on exhibit at Artis-Naples, The Baker Museum, in Naples, Florida.  Great foresight, Jay!

Another seven - always different - always surprised - thanks for your sports card hobby questions and comments - keep them coming - and send to [email protected]

John Newman and Jeff Dinson were my co-hosts on this recent Hobby Hotline, where we discussed, along with live commenters, the roll-out of this eBay Authentication requirement for certain items above $750. 

Anything newsworthy can have an effect on card sales and prices - changing teams especially - hobby love is stronger with certain cities and franchises - we will see how it plays out in the standings and future card values.

Those selected each year sometimes see a bump in their card values and interest - however this year some of the non-selectees were just as hot, likely because they are considered good bets for next year.

Jay has the best memorabilia collection in the world for the Yankees' Big Five: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Jeter - currently on exhibit at Artis-Naples, The Baker Museum, in Naples, Florida.

I  accumulated another seven questions from a variety of sources - please send your sports card hobby questions to [email protected]m  and thanks!

Josh Luber's epic paper on the hobby/industry deserves a read (and a re-read).  Eager to see how Fanatics tries to take our hobby/industry to the next level.  I mention several interesting important asides amplifying or clarifying some of Josh's excellent points. 

The third and final installment of my interview with Ryan - I was curious about his business model and his technical prowess and where he will be a in a few years - thanks Ryan and keep up the good work.

The second half of my catch-up with John Bello on the early days of the football card boom plus some insights from Hawaii's Mr. Pro Bowl, Bill Chandler.