Sports Cards Live

Sports Cards Live host Jeremy Lee sits down with hobby OG Brandon Steiner of CollectibleXchange for a blunt conversation about grading, gambling, and greed in today's sports card market. In this episode we tackle the uncomfortable questions. Are auctions broken for everyday collectors, how deep does shill bidding and market manipulation really go, and what happens when breaks, repacks, and live streams start to look a lot like gambling addiction instead of hobby fun. This episode also features:

Dan the Card Lawyer and Josh Adams from 90s Auctions join us to keep pulling back the curtain on shill bidding, reserves, and how auction houses really work behind the scenes. We look at where “accepted hobby practice” ends and fraud begins, why some newer hobby-first auction houses are drawing hard lines, and how much shill is quietly baked into the prices we all rely on. We also touch on eBay authentication horror stories, stolen mail, and whether it is even possible to collect without being touched by any of this. Highlights include: A criminal defense lawyer's perspective on shill bidding, fraud, and why some practices cross the line An auction owner explaining why 90s Auctions walked away from reserves and house bidding How guarantees, reserves, and “system bids” can warp prices long before you place your max bid The uncomfortable question of how much shill is baked into almost every COMP in the hobby Your comments drive the show, so bring your questions and experiences to the live chat. If you find value in this conversation, please hit like, subscribe to Sports Cards Live, and share the episode with another collector who needs to hear it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports Cards Live 289 keeps the heat on the biggest issue in the hobby right now. Jeremy and Dan take a hard look at shill bidding, reserve games, and how bad data can quietly push every collector into paying more than they should. The conversation turns blunt, practical, and focused on what real solutions could look like and how collectors can protect themselves in the meantime. In this segment of Sports Cards Live 289, we cover: • Why shill bidding and reserve logic are more connected than most people realize • How inflated or faulty COMPs can affect your max bid without you noticing • Where the legal line sits between shady tactics and actual fraud • What a healthier, more transparent auction environment would require Your comments and questions drive the show, so jump in and tell us where you stand on bidding trust and what changes you want to see in the hobby. If you enjoy the content, please: • Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube • Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts • Leave a rating or review to help more collectors find the show Thank you for watching Sports Cards Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports Cards Live 289 keeps rolling as Jeremy, Leighton, and Dan mix vintage story time with some uncomfortable questions about how our comp driven hobby really works. Leighton shares a new prewar pickup with a great family backstory, Jeremy shows off a low grade vintage grail that punches way above the label, and Dan comes in hot with ideas on what needs to change at the auction house level if collectors are going to trust comps again. In this segment of Sports Cards Live 289, we touch on: • A rare prewar pickup Leighton chased to Nashville, including why its regional roots and family history make it more than just another group of old cards • Jeremy's latest vintage hockey addition that tests how far you are willing to bend on grade when centering, color, and overall presence are all there • The challenge of valuing cards that almost never trade publicly, and what it looks like to price and buy in a world where the usual comp tools are not much help • Dan's case for stronger transparency from auction houses, from bidder vetting to what we should really be able to see when we place a bid • How secret reserves, house bidding, and inflated bid counts can quietly shape prices and collector behavior far beyond a single auction • The tension between fighting the good fight on shill bidding and still keeping enough joy in the hobby to enjoy shows, trades, and collecting with friends Your comments and questions drive the show, so jump in live or in the replay chat and let us know where you stand on rare regional issues, low grade stunners, and what you expect from auction houses going forward. If you enjoy the content, please: • Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube • Follow on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts • Leave a rating and review so more collectors can find the show Thank you for watching Sports Cards Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports Cards Live 289 continues with a big reveal and a very different kind of hobby conversation. Jeremy officially announces his upcoming book, “POPs and COMPs: Truths, Insights and the psychology behind the numbers that drive the sports card market,” and walks through what it covers, how it is structured, and why it has consumed his time for the last several months. The discussion then turns to Appendix F and why a detailed breakdown of auction house reserves, house bidding, employee bidding, and shill bidding policies feels especially relevant right now. From there, the conversation shifts into collecting philosophy, the realities of hobby drama, and a fun vintage segment around 1953 Topps icons and the concept of “flight collecting.” In this episode of Sports Cards Live 289, we discuss: • The announcement of “POPs and COMPs” and how the book grew from a 22,000 word idea into an 80,000 plus word manuscript with 83 chapters and seven appendices • The six part structure of the book, including foundations, pops, comps, integration, demand drivers, and psychology, plus why the appendices are packed with practical tools • Appendix F and its focus on auction house reserve policies, employee bidding, house bidding, and shill bidding across more than thirty companies • How the book handles sensitive topics like population control without throwing reckless accusations while still asking hard questions collectors care about • Why Jeremy chose self publishing on Amazon to keep creative control and move faster rather than waiting a year or more for a traditional route • A first tease of the separate web based project being built with a software development team, what the MVP timeline looks like, and why it is designed to compete with nobody yet be useful to everybody • Leighton's perspective on ignoring daily hobby drama, focusing on family, store level reality, and why a clear educational resource is badly needed right now • Joe's 1953 Topps “flight” approach to collecting Mantle, Jackie, and Satchel Paige, along with a thought experiment about a hypothetical 1952 Topps high number Satchel and what that would mean for value and priority • A quick recap of the Jackie Robinson Museum event and how well run hobby experiences connect history, education, and collecting Your comments and questions drive the show, so share your thoughts on the book concept, Appendix F, auction house transparency, and how you approach building your own collection. If you enjoy the content, please: • Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube • Follow on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts • Leave a rating and review so more collectors can find the show Thank you for listening to Sports Cards Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports Cards Live 289 kicks off with a heavy dose of real hobby talk. Jeremy and Joe open the show with collector shout outs, Expo reflections, and then dive into a powerful story driven pickup that has nothing to do with chasing comps and everything to do with history, scarcity, and meaning. From there, the conversation turns blunt as they walk through a rough SGC vintage submission, what the grades looked like, and what it might say about where grading is heading right now. Along the way, Jeremy starts to peel back the curtain on the long teased Appendix F project and how it fits into the broader auction and grading landscape. In this episode of Sports Cards Live 289, we discuss: • The story behind an 1888 Goodwin Champions Isaac Murphy card and why it instantly became a top twenty piece • How history, racial context, and true scarcity can make a “modest” card feel like a grail • The reality of shipping, authentication, and the fear of losing an irreplaceable vintage card in the mail • A frustrating SGC grading return on clean 1973 Topps cards and why the grades did not match collector expectations • What collectors are seeing from SGC lately, from stricter standards to fears that the brand is being left to die • Why PSA's guarantee and fee structure still shape the market and how secondary buyers benefit from that insurance • Early hints about Appendix F and how auction house policies and grading companies collide in today's hobby Your comments and questions drive the show, so share your thoughts on story driven collecting, grading changes, and the future of SGC. If you enjoy the content, please: • Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube • Follow on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts • Leave a rating and review so more collectors can find the show Thank you for listening to Sports Cards Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of our Fall 2025 Expo recap, the BoothMates crew goes deep into the pickups, stories, people, and pure hobby energy that made this show unforgettable. Jeremy, Sam, Jay Z, Daniel, and Josh continue the conversation from Part 1 — this time focusing on the cards that came home with them, the surprising deals that unfolded, and the post-Expo adrenaline that kept everyone buying even after the show closed. Jeremy kicks things off with the vintage pickup that haunted him from the moment he entered the show: a beautifully centered 1953 Parkhurst Maurice Richard PSA 1.5 with exceptional registration despite its light creasing. This leads into a long, thoughtful discussion about grade vs. eye appeal, registry chasing, and the real differences between buying numbers and buying cards. The crew shares stories of their own swaps, upgrades, and “upgrade by downgrade” moves — including a Gretzky deal that proves sometimes the lower grade is the better card. The episode then shifts into modern PC pickups, with Jeremy revealing a stack of SP Authentic Limited Autos, Ultimate patches, Emblems of Endorsement cards, Cup honorable numbers, and multiple Fleury, Crosby, Thornton, Nash, Francis, Ovechkin, Lemieux and Kucherov additions. Even after four full days at the booth, the guys laugh about making “post-Expo hotel room deals” because, as Sam says, the hobby doesn't stop when the show closes. There's also a powerful moment when a longtime Hobby Insider member Matt gifts Jeremy a funeral program from Dale Hawerchuk's memorial, a gesture that catches him off guard and nearly brings him to tears. The group talks about staying “in the hobby zone” after returning home, the upcoming Langley and Chicago Spectacular shows, and the joy of seeing collectors find cards they never expected — from a massive Steve Yzerman want list to Jason Allison binders to PC grails that made the trip worthwhile for collectors who flew across the continent. They wrap with Expo reflections: • the best show energy in years • corporate and community presence at an all-time high • the hobby family that forms around a shared booth • the Expo's continuing growth — more halls coming, more vendors, more momentum • and why the show feels less like a card show and more like a true annual event Part 2 closes with final highlights, gratitude, and plans for future Expos, the National, and beyond. BoothMates is all about the people first, cards second — and this episode is exactly why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Lee and Sam Genova sit down with their Expo booth crew to decompress from what might have been the best Toronto Sport Card Expo they've ever had. From Tim Hortons in the morning to the late-night hangs, and the 35 hours of show floor action over 4 four straight days at a new booth location that turned into one of the busiest rows in the building. Joined by longtime hobby friends Jay Z, Daniel, and Josh Adams, the group talks about how this Expo felt different: packed aisles from open to close, real collectors buying for their PCs, and a hobby that looks very healthy north of the border. Jeremy shares that he did roughly 120 deals at the show, and the guys compare notes on how Sunday felt more like a second Saturday than a wind-down day. Sam also opens up about a tough situation at the booth: a high-end card sale that a buyer tried to reverse after the fact. The panel walks through what happened, the “all sales are final” norm vs. the human side of the hobby, and why Sam ultimately chose to take the high road and undo the deal. They wrap Part 1 by showing and describing some of their favorite pickups from the weekend — from McDavid, Crosby, Forsberg, and Lemieux to Hank Aaron, Phil Rizzuto, Babe Ruth, and some pristine 80s Oilers rookies — and why the booth felt more like a clubhouse than a table. This is Part 1 of 2 from the live BoothMates Expo recap. Part 2 drops tomorrow with the stories, pickups, and hobby talk from the Toronto floor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lively roundtable on the big question: can curation be art? We compare collection-building to composing music—layers, sequencing, and narrative—plus mixtapes/DJ sampling, museum installation, and how display choices (binders, walls, set runs) create meaning. We draw a line between accumulation and authorship: intent, coherence, and communication turn a pile of cards into a personal statement. Along the way: eye appeal vs grade, why some sets read like albums, and how a collection can transparently reflect identity—even if you don't call yourself an “artist.” We finish with chat takes and a palate-cleanser lightning round: GOAT Halloween candy (Rockets/Smarties, Twix, Reese's, KitKat, Nerds Candy Corn, and more). Highlights Curation vs creation: When selection, sequencing, and presentation become authorship Music parallels: Layering, sampling, mixtapes, and “binder as album” storytelling Aesthetic judgment: Eye appeal over label; why some 9s beat 10s Display matters: Frames, binders, themed runs—the message is the medium Community voices: Chat pushes back and builds on the “art or acquisition?” spectrum Sign-off: Next streams, Expo schedule note, and the time-change reminder If you're into deep-dive hobby conversations, subscribe to Sports Cards Live and tap the

After an all-timer Game 7 finish, the crew shifts from heartbreak to hobby joy with a massive '90s/'00s insert show-and-tell: Pacific, Crown Royal, Topps Gold Label, Mystery Finest, Beam Team, Lamplighters, Omega Online, Kramer's Choice, Blades of Steel, hat-shaped die-cuts, acetate sandwiches—the works. We unpack why these mixed-media, heavy-foil, die-cut designs still slap, how binders keep sets fun and affordable, and where to hunt budget-friendly shine. Then we zoom out: is a superstar championship good for the hobby? Should acquired Panini brands (Prizm, NT, Kaboom) go dormant for a few years or continue uninterrupted? Plus the new Topps NBA flagship—do “first Topps” cards matter, how do one-of-one ‘First Off the Press' parallels change the chase, and what the long NBA/NFL licensing shift means for collectors. Highlights Binder bliss: Why viewing full sets (refractors, atomics, team-combining puzzles) beats lone slabs Design nostalgia: Foil/acetate layering, laser cuts, jumbo oddballs—why this era's creativity endures Affordable lanes: Beautiful inserts that won't break the bank, even for star names First-Topps vs rookies: Importance, value expectations, and where scarcity actually lives Dormancy debate: Let legacy Panini brands rest (rarity pop) or keep them running (continuity)? Championship effect: Superstar wins, hobby sentiment, and where it really moves markets Follow & Subscribe Watch live on YouTube (@SportsCardsLive) and catch replays on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If this segment hit the nostalgia nerve, subscribe, like/review, and share with a binder buddy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A wild Game 7 unfolds live as the panel digs into the hobby's toughest question: what do you do when your PC cards moon—sell, trade, or hold? Jeremy, Joe, John, Chris, and Josh unpack the collector's conundrum (profit vs attachment), price anchoring to what we paid years ago, and strategies like keeping a single “time-capsule” card when you move on. We also hit the joy of binders and 90s/00s inserts (Pacific, Pinnacle, Topps Mystery Finest), giving cards to kids, and finding budget-friendly lanes that still look amazing—while the Dodgers clinch Game 7 in real time. Highlights Sell, trade, or hold? How rising prices pressure even die-hard collectors, and ways to decide without future regret Keep a token: Preserving one piece of a set/player run as a memory anchor when consolidating Beat price anchoring: Reset expectations by switching lanes (new players/eras) or trading horizontally into cards you value more Low-pop = high regret: Why letting go of scarce cards can sting—and how to choose sell candidates you can realistically reacquire Affordable beauty: Binders of Pacific/Pinnacle/Mystery Finest; why many inserts from that era deliver premium look at modest prices Hobby goodwill: Handing out cards to kids, camp giveaways, and keeping the joy in collecting—beyond comps Follow & Subscribe Watch live on YouTube (@SportsCardsLive) and catch replays on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this segment, subscribe, drop a like/review, and share—it really helps more collectors find the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programming note: This is a mid-week programming interruption so everyone can pre-game for The Expo. We're sliding these Wednesday/Thursday drops in, and Sports Cards Live resumes on Friday. There will be no episodes next week on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday. Part 2 dives into on-floor tactics, vendor best practices, and the week's community events. We talk why price tags on the front of the card convert, how payment actually works in Canada (cash is king, e-transfer is common; PayPal/credit accepted by many), and simple fraud prevention (check ID, be mindful of stolen cards/tap limits). We also cover which Expo days deliver what, a quick autograph stage update (one guest shifts off due to scheduling), and how to prep: comfy shoes, anti-fatigue mats, and a big refillable water bottle. Plus: where to find ultra high-end vintage hockey on the floor and our exact spot. Highlights Dealer tips that help buyers buy: price tags on the front, be present, keep conversations easy Payments 101 (Canada): cash, Interac e-Transfer, many vendors with Square/Stripe/Clover; ATMs on site get refilled Fraud prevention: verify ID on larger credit transactions; be cautious with tap limits Days & pace: why Thursday/Friday are prime hunting; how Saturday/Sunday feel different for deals and mobility Autograph stage update: one signer off due to schedule; others still on deck What's on display: ultra high-end vintage hockey in a major vintage booth; our own showcases priced, binders unpriced but deals are happening Events week at a glance: Wed: pre-show trade night (near Yorkdale) Thu: industry meet-up with giveaways/appies (minutes from the venue) Fri: VIP appreciation inside the building, a stand-up comedy show nearby, and a community rip party Sat: Mint Inc. trade night (proceeds to Mackenzie Health Foundation for mental health) Fun extras: eBay's on-site gaming zone; big-booth raffles and activations; giveaway for a Matthew Knies game-used signed stick Collector talk: when buying without COMPs actually works; IP autos vs. game-used signatures; why in-person hobby time beats pure screen time Find us: Booth 1707—come say hi, flip through the binders, bring your trade box, and let's make some deals. Subscribe/follow so you catch this mid-week pair before showtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Programming note: This is a mid-week programming interruption ahead of The Sport Card Expo. We're inserting special Wednesday and Thursday BoothMates episodes so you can pre-game for the show. Sports Cards Live resumes on Friday, and there will be no episodes next week on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday. We're gearing up for The Expo—travel plans, booth setup, and the “home show” feeling even when you have to fly in. We talk what we're bringing (and how much), how we buy at shows (sometimes ignoring COMPs altogether), why Expo is still the best room for hockey while staying strong across sports, and how recent playoff buzz could bring new/returning fans through the doors. A show organizer even pops in near the end to add some on-the-ground context. Highlights Where to find us: Booth 1707 right off the entry What's on the tables: late-90s/early-2000s inserts, patches, jerseys, numbered cards, plus autos/patch-autos Buying approach for the weekend: feel first, then price—when ignoring COMPs actually works Why the Toronto show still feels like “home” and how the community keeps expanding Hockey-heavy floor (and why that matters), with plenty of baseball/basketball/football/soccer in the mix Playoff afterglow → more casual fans walking in, what they'll likely be hunting, and how that helps the hobby Main-stage autograph interviews preview (timing/guests permitting) Quick Strongsville crossover talk and why operational polish makes shows better for everyone If you're coming, swing by Booth 1707—say hi, flip through the binders, and bring your wants/trade box. Subscribe/follow so you don't miss Part 2 tomorrow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Game 7 still raging, the conversation pivots from chat banter to two big hobby storylines: whether Topps/Fanatics should touch Panini (lawsuits, licenses, and the future of brands like Prizm, NT, Immaculate, Flawless, Select, Kaboom, Downtown), and what to make of PSA's offer network that lets submitters sell graded cards instantly. John (“BasketballCardGuy”) joins late in the segment to weigh brand strategy, exclusivity headaches (why we may never get a true licensed Wembanyama auto RC), and the rising “comp economy” mindset at shows. Highlights Panini → Topps? Why lawsuits and timing make an acquisition less compelling now; the case for letting Panini's brands go dormant and reviving later Licenses & exclusivity: How player/league deals create gaps (e.g., Wemby auto RC reality), and why sub-licensing could unlock creativity again Design without logos: Tyson Beck–style approaches that make unlicensed cards feel premium (inserts like Platinum Portraits as proof of concept) PSA's offer network: Instant sell-through during/after grading, perceived conflicts, and why transparency about third-party buyers matters Collectors vs flippers: Kids running margin math off COMPs vs building attachment—what that means for the hobby's long-term health Live reactions to Blue Jays–Dodgers crunch time sprinkled throughout Follow & Subscribe Watch live on YouTube (@SportsCardsLive) and catch replays on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, leave a review, and share—it helps more collectors find us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Blue Jays and Dodgers face off in Game 7 of the World Series, Jeremy Lee and Joe Perreault balance live baseball drama with sharp hobby talk. Between innings, they break down the buzz around Panini America potentially being sold, revisit how eye appeal premiums continue to reshape grading culture, and share a few Expo plans while cheering every pitch. It's part watch-party, part collecting clinic—an easygoing, memorable opening to Episode 288. Highlights Joe's pickup of a 1953 Jackie Robinson and why it's worth paying over COMPs The rise of eye-appeal-driven collecting and waning trust in numerical grades How Jeremy uses COMC → PSA to simplify grading submissions Early chatter about the upcoming Sport Card Expo Toronto Canada's World Series energy, nostalgia, and a few laughs along the way Follow & Subscribe Watch every episode live on YouTube (@SportsCardsLive) and catch replays anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe, follow, and leave a review to help more collectors discover the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dig into Auburn's big idea: auction houses collaborating on a shared shill-bidder list to protect buyers and legit sellers. Chris explains how some marketplaces already purge unpaid sales from data, and why tougher KYC/AML-style identity checks could raise the bar. We also break down private sale transparency, when a headline price is really marketing spend, and how to contextualize comps so you don't get wrecked by bad data. Topics: Cross-auction shill blacklist & real penalties Fanatics sending unpaid-item removals; why more should do it KYC / AML-style identity verification for bidders—practical or pipe dream? Private sales: docs, names, paper trails, and fraud risk Comp literacy: float, intent, rarity, and why not all sales are equal PSA Offers, vault deals & what should count as a comp Disclaimer: Nothing here is financial or legal advice. Verify policies with each marketplace. If you found this useful, like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts on shill enforcement & KYC below. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports Cards Live episode 287, Part 4. We tackle the hobby's messiest gray areas: PSA's first graded card and whether it was trimmed or just hand-cut, how language (“house bids,” “single panel,” “perforated”) shapes value and trust, and why some collectors say trimming is worse than shilling—while others disagree. We break down the Bird/Magic/Dr. J triple-panel rookie labeling across graders, the “I've got a higher offer” negotiation killer, and what Fanatics' anti-shill policy should look like in practice. Plus, quick hits on the NBA betting scandal and how integrity headlines can ripple into card markets. What you'll learn The difference (and stakes) between hand-cut vs. trimmed—and why it matters for grading and value How graders label Bird/Magic/Erving when separated (“single panel,” “perforated”) and what buyers should check The spectrum of shilling (semantics vs. manipulation) and how platform policies/loopholes actually work Why “I have a better offer” often nukes deals—and a simple script to defuse it Practical bidding tactics to avoid getting nudged: late max bids, ceilings, and BIN/Best Offer pivots How league betting scandals and injury-report gamesmanship can affect pricing sentiment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We pivot from auction ethics to the field: why some sellers use fourth-party consignors for marketing/storytelling, how that hype can shape comps, and where hidden reserves and so-called house bids blur the line with shilling. We also debate the eBay Authenticity bottleneck—security benefits vs. week-long delays even on graded cards—and when BIN/Best Offer beats auction “dopamine.” Then a data-driven NFL checkpoint: which QBs are over-/under-achieving vs. preseason expectations, how MVP narratives (stats, legacy, redemption arcs) move prices, and where Prizm PSA-10s look hot or frothy. What you'll learn Why fourth-party consigning can lift visibility—and when it risks artificial comps How reserves/house bids influence auction behavior and perceived market value A practical bidding playbook: set ceilings, use BIN/BO strategically, and time bids The trade-off on eBay Authenticity (protection vs. speed) and a case for optional use NFL QB market snapshot: surprise leaders, MVP lanes, and pricing tells in modern chrome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dive deep into the shill bidding storm and the auction-house fine print driving it. What many call “house bids” to defend reserves can feel indistinguishable from shilling to buyers. We unpack how reserves, house bidding, and employee-bidding policies really work, why they matter for comp integrity, and how one-off headline results (like the Baltimore News Babe Ruth) can distort value in a thin market. Then we zoom out to solutions: how to set a ceiling and stick to it, when to favor BIN/Best Offer over auctions, and how to sanity-check comps using trade frequency, condition/eye appeal premiums, and platform context. We also tackle the eBay Authentication Program—security benefits vs. painful delays—and whether it should be optional. Plus: a quick vintage lesson on why a sharp 1950 Bowman Ted Williams in a lower grade can outshine numerically higher slabs, and thoughts on marketplace changes like Probstein → SNYPE and what that might mean for liquidity and fees. Highlights Shill bidding vs. house bids: ethics, optics, and the fine print Reserves explained and how they influence bidder behavior Protecting yourself: ceilings, BIN/BO strategy, comp validation eBay Authentication: safeguard vs. slowdown—and the case for making it optional Vintage insight: paying up for eye appeal (and when it's worth it) Marketplace shifts (SNYPE, eBay) and potential impact on comps and trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sports Cards Live episode 287, Part 1. Jeremy sits down with Joe Poirot to kick off the night, then Leighton Sheldon jumps in for a deep dive on the headline sale of the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth that just hammered around 4M after a prior 7.2M comp. We unpack why rare does not always equal iconic, how schedule issues compare to Goudey Ruths, and what “value” means when a card trades so infrequently. From there we zoom out to the auction landscape: shill bidding realities, house bidding on behalf of consignors, and reserves—how they work, where they are disclosed, and how buyers can protect themselves. Jeremy shares a Classic Auctions mail day, completing a 1952 Parkhurst “flight” with Rocket Richard alongside Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, and Tim Horton, plus a fun pickup of game-used Mats Sundin gloves. We also touch on Probstein moving off eBay to SNYPE, Fanatics vault strategies, and using Card Ladder to sanity-check comps. What you'll learn Why the Baltimore News Ruth can lag iconic appeal despite extreme rarity How auction house reserves and house bids can affect bidding behavior Practical tactics to limit shill exposure set a ceiling price and stick to it How “flight collecting” works as a middle path between set and type collecting Vintage hockey targets in 1951–52 Parkhurst and why they resonate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chat goes nuclear on PSA upcharges: what happens when you pull a monster and can't afford the fee—do you sell the card to pay PSA? We tackle “predatory vs free market,” whether fees should be based on raw value (not the grade PSA assigns), guarantee caps and submitter exclusions, SGC/Beckett “a grade behind” takes, and why some collectors want a flat-fee or opt-out guarantee. We close with practical drought hacks—enjoying your existing PC, dollar-box therapy, and balancing content consumption vs actually playing with your cards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Community crossfire with Chris McGill & Josh Adams. Joe signs off and we sprint through 70+ starred comments: Is PSA's upcharge model fair capitalism or a predatory practice? Would a flat-fee grading tier solve the rage (and reduce cheap slabs)? Who actually benefits from the PSA guarantee—and why doesn't the submitter get it? We dig into Nat Turner's pre-ownership take vs today, authenticity vs condition guarantees, and the collector vs flipper divide. Jeremy also shares a real $6,000 guarantee payout story—and the designer-clothes analogy for why slabs drive value even though the card hasn't changed. Highlights Flat-fee grading idea: demand control, less plastic, fewer low-value slabs Free market lens vs “predatory” framing—who's choosing to pay? Guarantee realities: per-card and lifetime caps, submitter exclusion “Buy the card, not the slab” vs registry/set-building culture Do changing standards make old grades obsolete? Expiring-grade thought experiment Collector feedback as a feature, not a bug—why companies should listen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy and Dylan gush over modern executions of vintage designs—Topps Chrome refractor tributes (think '52 Mantle), Heritage retrofractors, and even OPC “blast from the past”-style rookies—and why some tributes can look better than the originals. Joe shares a missed Ohtani Topps Heritage 1/1 (yes, Superfractor, not “gold vinyl”), and Dylan makes the case for enjoying vintage players on modern tech as a smart, budget-friendly lane. Mid-segment, Mikey Singer (Sport Card Expo/Strongsville) pops in to show his completed 1990–92 Upper Deck Heroes auto run, plug next week's VGLX gaming show, and share November Expo details—including on-site grading. Highlights Why refractor/retrofractor tributes of icons (Mantle, Hank, Nolan, Gretzky) can out-aesthetic the originals Heritage Retrofractor full-set love (hockey) and why “modern retro” scratches the vintage itch Prism/Optic vs Topps Chrome: year-to-year design, surface “shine,” and where Fanatics needs to improve Dylan's encouragement to vintage die-hards: try shiny—safely and cheaply Intermission with Mikey Singer: Completed UD Heroes autographs run ('90–'92) VGLX gaming & culture show (video games, TCG, indie devs, AMD/MSI free-play, cosplay) Sport Card Expo Toronto (Nov 6–9): PSA & Beckett on-site; TAG taking subs; stage/Q&A teasers Nostalgia side quest: Vectrex mini chatter + retro consoles Listen + support Follow Sports Cards Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and please leave a quick rating or review. Subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss Parts 4–5 of Episode 286. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dig deeper into grading: does the era a card was graded matter as much as the number on the flip? Joe explains why he now checks the grade date on vintage, Dylan lays out why consistency beats luck, and we examine whether PSA's upcharge model creates a financial interest in the cards they grade. Then Dylan pivots to “hobby firsts” and Topps lineage: Mantle's retired card number 7, the first Topps Chrome refractors, golds numbered to the year, and the rise of printing plates. If you're moving from Prizm into the Topps world for basketball (and football soon), this is a primer. Highlights The Era of the Slab: why 2021–2025 grades can land 1–2 steps lower PSA upcharges, guarantees, and the “financial interest” debate Consistency vs opinion: AI grading's promise and TAG's role PSA vs SGC vs BGS/BVG: perceived strictness and crossover realities Dylan's “grade your own” approach: museum-style labels and more info on the flip Topps lineage + hobby firsts: Mantle's retired #7 in Topps base and its return years 1996 Topps Chrome refractors and why that first matters Golds numbered to the year and 2009 Chrome Gold /50 Printing plates (CMYK): how to evaluate cyan, magenta, yellow, black Practical takeaways for collectors shifting from Panini to Topps Listen + support Follow Sports Cards Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and please drop a quick rating or review. Subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss Parts 3–5 from Episode 286. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 286 of Sports Cards Live kicks off with a candid look at PSA upcharges: are we paying for plastic or for an opinion that the hobby itself has elevated in value? Jeremy explains why he now prioritizes eye appeal and authentication over chasing a number, Joe talks risk, liquidity, and legacy planning as reasons collectors still slab, and we tackle the “pop control vs tougher standards” question head on. Dylan Davis joins near the end for what becomes an epic episode of SCL! Highlights PSA upcharges: insurance, incentives, and the “sell-it-immediately” dilemma for modern cards Are we enabling the premium? How the hobby built PSA's value differential Inconsistency vs opinion: why Jeremy trusts his own eye over the flip Eye appeal over grade: centered, lower-grade vintage that still pops “Population control” or simply tighter standards on low-pop icons Security and liquidity: reasons to grade even if you are not selling Calgary show recap: 2023–24 Upper Deck Outburst Gold 1/1 Anthony Stolarz The Cup Dual Patch Auto /35: Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman Toronto Sport Card Expo notes: new booth 1707 with Sam Genova, Thursday night GP Sports social at Arizona's with giveaways Listen + support Follow Sports Cards Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and please leave a quick rating or review. It helps more collectors find the show. Subscribe on YouTube for the full livestream every Saturday night and to catch Parts 2–5 from Episode 286. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consensus is fading—and that's okay. We dig into why today's hobby thrives without a single authority, how to think for yourself on rookie designations and comp use, and when it's smart to pay ahead for a true keeper. We also hit BIN vs. auction dynamics, social media's role in fragmenting opinion, and practical deal safety (escrow, in-person, and why G&S isn't a force field). Quick Expo talk to close it out. Highlights “No boss in the hobby”: more voices, fewer absolutes, better collecting Comps as guidance, not gospel—especially for non-fungible copies and 1/1s BIN patience vs. auction urgency: timing, visibility, and outcome gaps Rookie debates (e.g., dating/labeling issues) and why consensus shifts Buyer mindset: pay now vs. pay more later for rare, eye-appeal pieces Safer transactions: escrow for big deals, in-person meets, and G&S limits Support the show Enjoying Sports Cards Live? Follow and rate the podcast, share this episode with a hobby friend, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comps are a data point—not the destination. We dig into context-sensitive pricing: how eye appeal and scarcity challenge the “last sale,” why off-record deals distort the public picture, and when Buy-It-Now patience outperforms auctions. We also hit scan-to-comp tools, the role of auction-house marketing in setting records, and the buyer psychology behind paying “next year's price” to land true keepers. A brief Pokémon retail dust-up kicks things off, then it's all cards. Highlights Context over copy-paste: eye appeal premiums/discounts and non-fungible grades The “invisible comps” problem: shows, LCS, and private sales that never hit databases BIN vs. auction: patience premium, missing bidders, vacations, and timing risk Tech on the table: scan your slab to pull sales history and comparable results Marketing matters: how better storytelling/presentation can lift auction outcomes Buyer psychology: paying ahead for rare pieces, shifting tastes, and triangulating value Practical takeaways: use comps as guidance, track your own private sales, and price to sell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pricing isn't just “check a comp.” We dig into price discovery: how vendors set numbers on the floor, why eye appeal (centering, strength/weakness for the grade) can trump the last sale, and where “invisible comps”—private deals and off-platform sales—shape the real market. Dan Bliss stays on to share a dealer's playbook for fair, competitive pricing and fast inventory turnover, and Leighton Sheldon joins to weigh in on rare cards, negotiation ethics, and keeping your own private sales data. Highlights Competitive vs. cushion pricing: why marking 20–30% over comps can stall your table Eye appeal premium/discounts: strong-for-grade vs. off-center within the same numeric grade Commoditized cards vs. scarce pieces: when comps matter—and when they don't “Invisible comps”: private show/LCS/Facebook deals that never hit public databases Buying etiquette: avoiding “lowball” moments, respecting sellers, and still getting to yes Collector vs. flipper negotiations: why intent shouldn't change fair pricing Practical takeaways: price to sell, track your own private sales, refresh inventory often Support the show Enjoying Sports Cards Live? Follow and rate the podcast, share this episode with a hobby friend, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Card shows keep getting bigger — but how are the best operators keeping up with the scale? With 400–600 tables, 8K+ attendees, and serious floor activity, the modern show is a different animal. Dan Bliss from Front Row Card Show joins the conversation to break down how they manage rapid growth, vendor mix, security measures, and why vintage remains a powerful draw. Highlights Expansion from Vegas to 7 major cities with strong collector turnout How wristbanding, vendor controls, and on-site police keep shows secure 400–600 table scale and 8K+ attendee crowds Real numbers: six-figure deals on the floor including a $300K 1952 Topps set Balancing Pokémon growth without losing the sports card identity Collector talk: eye appeal, storytelling, and why some lower-grade cards are irreplaceable Support the show If you enjoy Sports Cards Live, follow and rate the podcast, share this episode with a hobby friend, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off Part 1 with collector Zach Tarhini sharing a cautionary tale about a high-end Lionel Messi card deal that went sideways after paying by PayPal Goods & Services. Zach explains how the seller linked to Metaverse Cards refused to refund, PayPal twice ruled against him, and why their “for resale” carve-out left him exposed. We talk practical safeguards for private transactions, alternatives to consider, and how this kind of outcome could affect hobby confidence. Dan Bliss of Front Row Card Show joins at the end and reacts from a show-runner's point of view. Highlights The deal: targeting a 2022 World Cup Messi Impeccable/Imminence auto and why Zach felt safe using Goods & Services What went wrong: refund refusal, dispute timeline, and PayPal closing in the seller's favor The fine print: how a “for resale” interpretation can negate buyer protection Risk management: reputational checks, marketplace layers, notes in payment, and when to prefer in-person deals Broader impact: how fear around payments could ripple into bidding and liquidity Dan Bliss on best practices for show transactions Support the show Subscribe, rate, and review Sports Cards Live. Share this episode with a hobby friend who buys and sells online. Turn on notifications so you never miss a new segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the debut episode of Booth Mates, a brand new live stream on Sports Cards Live hosted by Jeremy Lee and his longtime Toronto Sport Card Expo booth partner and good friend, Sam Genova. The plan is to do this show every two weeks. For over five years, Jeremy and Sam have been set up side by side at card shows, building not only their collections but also a strong friendship and countless stories from life behind the booth. Now they're sharing that camaraderie with the hobby in a relaxed, unfiltered conversation series. In Episode 1, Intervendor Etiquette and Tales from the Schwan, we recap our recent trip to the Saskatchewan Card and Collector Experience in Saskatoon. Jeremy traveled in from Calgary, Sam flew in from Toronto, and together we share highlights from the show, behind-the-scenes booth stories, and lessons every dealer, vendor, and collector can relate to.

We ask why value dominates hobby conversation—and whether comps have become a shortcut that replaces independent thought. The panel dissects price as a heuristic, the risks of “comps culture,” and real show-floor scenarios when no comp exists. Then: the 1951 Bowman vs. 1952 Topps Mantle debate, a Bond Bread Jackie Robinson rabbit hole, Messi Mega Cracks headline math, and whether an “oddball era” is arriving. We close by questioning why collectors seek non-hobby approval and revisit whether cards were ever truly “for kids.” Highlights Price as shorthand vs. context: when comps help—and when they mislead Show tactics with no comp: fairness, phone-a-friend, and game theory 51 Bowman (rookie) vs. 52 Topps (icon): “scoreboard” vs. what you value Bond Bread Jackie primer and the case for mispriced early/rarer issues Flippers, bounties, pumps: predatory cases vs. real services Do outsiders' opinions matter? Ego, validation, and why context wins Origins chat: tobacco & candy tie-ins, Rogers Peet, business-card roots Mailday: 2007 The Cup All-Star Royalty Bobby Orr auto /7 cameo Recorded live Sept 27, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 4 opens with a candid design Q&A: why some modern hockey releases skip the embossed Upper Deck logo, how chrome stock and foiling budgets force trade-offs, and what it's like to keep your collector passion while building products—and reading the comments. Then we shift into a lively roundtable on flippers: the value they add, the “predatory” edge cases, bounty culture, and the dreaded “flipper vortex.” We also hit a research detour on Bond Bread Jackie Robinson, the coming “oddball era,” and where star-power vs. mainstream truly sits. Highlights Emboss vs. chrome: cost math, insert priorities, and why not every set can have everything Working in cards without losing the love; taking criticism vs. finding real feedback Flippers: service vs. scalping, pumps, selling before owning, and game-theory tactics for buyers Bond Bread Jackie primer and a case for rising “oddball” interest Quick hitters: requests for RPAs in SPx, Original Six centennial sets buzz, and living-set/gamified ideas for families Recorded Live Sept 27, 2027 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 3 shifts from chat-fueled fireworks to a nuts-and-bolts look at how modern hockey cards get made. We dig into why players sometimes miss checklists, how budget and foiling choices shape designs, balancing beloved inserts (Jambalaya, Platinum Portraits) against over-saturation, and what it takes to engineer the “next PMG.” We also touch on PWHL product plans and why thoughtful innovation matters more than ever. Highlights Live-room energy: 200+ in chat, quick nods to a Marc-André Fleury “swan song” moment and a Barkov knee news blip What companies can actually do for collectors: concrete, collector-first thinking from the product side Checklist realities: autographs, game-used, licensing/approvals, and why “just add Player X” isn't simple Cost vs wow-factor: spectrum deco foil, high-gloss choices, and why some designs get cut to hit budgets Insert strategy: keeping Jambalaya/Platinum Portraits special while avoiding annual overuse and fatigue Designing a new chase: how “Liquid Gold” became a true insert hit (tough odds, no parallels) and the blueprint for future chases PWHL roadmap: building excitement without copy-pasting NBA/WNBA formulas; fresh mechanics for a new audience Family/on-ramp ideas: hobby “quests,” living-set vibes, and gamified projects that bring kids into collecting Player-collector lens: why team/player collectors still want firsts (e.g., a legend's first Jambalaya) even if the theme returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We shift from rookie-year labeling debates to the modern marketplace: the “Hot Potato Era,” flipping vs curating, and whether today's changes help sellers more than collectors. We also unpack Tiffany vs Star distribution, value obsession in hobby content, and the longevity vs greatness debate across eras. Highlights Tiffany vs Star cleared up: factory-set Tiffany vs team-bag Star, and why distribution rules complicate “rookie” status The Hot Potato Era: cards resold within days, instant “resell” buttons, and PSA-to-market liquidity without touching the card Flipper vs curator: moving inventory for profit vs actively upgrading a personal collection The content effect: “I spent $50,000” thumbnails, sensationalism, and how it shapes newcomers' expectations Value vs appreciation: the watch-collector analogy and Iowa Dave's prompt to rank your top cards by meaning, not money Private whales exist: the low-visibility collector with a T206 Wagner and why many serious collectors stay off-camera Are flippers good for the ecosystem? Card finders who surface hard-to-find PC targets across shows and regions Do hobby leaders want growth or guardrails? Protecting new entrants vs chasing headlines Longevity vs greatness: Kareem's MJ vs LeBron framing, Sandy Koufax's peak, Pujols first 10 vs second 10, and why era normalization matters Era traps in stats: dead-ball realities, ballpark dimensions, lowered mound, pitch-speed measurement changes, and why all-time lists are tricky “Everything helps sellers” debate: box prices, eBay authentication and resell tools, buyer's premiums vs collector benefits Counterpoints: liquidity is higher than ever, more leverage with auction houses, easier buying and selling for everyday collectors Open challenge: what could manufacturers, graders, and marketplaces do that truly benefits collectors without reducing profits? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off Episode 284 with Joe Poirot and dive straight into the psychology of restraint during a red-hot market. Joe explains selling into a war chest, nearly firing on a few big cards, and why he chose patience over retail therapy. Then hobby president John Mangini joins to unpack why grading labels still say 1948 Leaf when the research points to 1949, how that impacts Jackie Robinson's “true” rookie landscape, and why accuracy on flips matters for new and seasoned collectors alike. Highlights Jeremy's long day at the Southern Alberta Card Show and why he was still wired Building a war chest: selling steadily to fund one hallmark card Choosing not to buy on a big auction night and how to manage the letdown Vintage vs modern targeting: 1952 Topps Jackie, T206 Cobb, 1990s Star Rubies out of 50, Exquisite LeBron, and a Wizards-era Jordan auto Why “feel it in your gut” beats forcing a justification on a major purchase Market reality check: fewer slips through the cracks when everything is hot The hobby friend advantage: having a second set of eyes before a big bid John Mangini on flip accuracy: 1948 Leaf vs 1949 Leaf and why it should change Other label fixes discussed: Home Run Derby 1959 vs 1960, W555 roster tells, Scrapps Tobacco, Bond Bread vs Star Subjects Rookie card logic in the wild: 1952 Topps Mantle as a first Topps, not a rookie 1984 Star vs 1986 Fleer Jordan and how distribution rules get misused Why research matters: matching photos and dates, Net54 deep dives, and what graders should own in identification Recorded live Sept 27, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a one-off pre-recorded episode. PSA 10 vs PSA 9 isn't what you think. Patrick Ryan (P. Ryan Collection / Uncut Cardboard) breaks down phantom POPs, crack-and-cross risks, and why eye appeal often beats the number on the label, plus how he's reshaping his collection around story and provenance. We cover: Origins & early wins: 1988 Topps start, autograph chasing in Houston, Giannis and Luka moves that funded vintage icons. The multi-sport autograph grail: completing a single piece signed by Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Lionel Messi, and Tom Brady — and how it changed his curation. Provenance in practice: the 1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson that moved from Patrick to Jeremy, and why public provenance matters. The 100-card case, evolved: why Patrick is shrinking to a ~25-item core and prioritizing rarer pieces with better stories. Grading realities: PSA 10 vs 9 vs 8 deltas, resubmissions, “phantom population,” standard drift, and practical buying cautions. Slab choices by use case: PSA, BGS, SGC, TAG, CGC — clarity, stackability, presentation. Modern vs vintage: lower technical grades with elite eye appeal as a value unlock. Patches & game-used: rookie photo-shoot vs second-year game-used and why disclosures matter. Collector/Investor: funding the next PC piece without losing the soul of the collection. Buyer beware: undersized cards, authentic-altered labels, and documentation gaps. If you enjoyed this conversation, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway — and tell us where you land on the collector–investor spectrum. Follow Patrick: @pryancollection • @uncutcardboard Follow Jeremy: @jlee_sportscardslive Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We close out Ep. 283 with a lively community-driven roundtable: the crew weighs Panini's legacy through the lens of “gems buried in lots of sand”—from NT vs. Immaculate vs. Flawless to the elegance (and divisiveness) of Noir, the utility of Contenders (on-card autos, Cracked Ice), and why Chronicles is a sneaky fun rip. We get into game-used vs. player-worn history, rising memorabilia costs, and Fanatics/Topps' patch-authentication innovations. Then a spicy market segment: the Messi Megacracks 71 Bis jump (≈$5K → $28K), FAMHO (fear of having missed out), hype cycles, and whether spikes are organic demand or manufactured heat. Plus: redemptions fatigue, release-schedule wishes, and final shout-outs before Jeremy hits the road for Lethbridge. Recorded live Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris McGill and Josh Adams join Jeremy to unpack the post-Adam Martin discussion and press into the biggest questions of the moment: Can Topps/Fanatics instantly stand up high-end basketball brands to replace National Treasures/Flawless/Immaculate, or are we headed for high-end uncertainty in a truly new basketball card era? They get into allocations, LCS margins, breaker dynamics, and whether live platforms tilt the field. The trio “eulogizes” the Panini era—gold /10, black 1/1s, shields/logomen, and the rise of case hits (Kaboom, Downtown, Color Blast)—and asks if we're ready for “kabooms without logos.” On the legal front, Josh flags potential antitrust and injunction scenarios, why timelines drag, and how outcomes could reshape competition. Plus: a shout-out to Dave & Adam's for surfacing early MJ 1/1s (and how one just resurfaced on Fanatics Collect). Smart, candid hobby talk with real implications for collectors, shops, and breakers. Recorded live Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy welcomes Adam Martin (Dave & Adam's Card World) for a deep dive on the hobby's biggest pivot: Topps/Fanatics taking over the NBA license and what it means for Panini, breakers, and LCSs. Adam lays out the near-term timeline around Topps' Oct 23 launch, why Panini isn't going away (expect player-licensed basketball), and how pricing and allocations could shift as Fanatics spreads product more widely. They get tactical for shop owners and breakers, dynamic pricing, the loss of Flawless/Treasure margins, and why high-end basketball may thin out initially while Topps builds premium brands. On live commerce, they compare Whatnot vs. Fanatics Live vs. eBay Live, and talk through the risk/reward if Fanatics favors breakers on its own platform. Macro factors hit the table too: Walmart's booth at the National, GameStop's hobby push, distributors pivoting (hello, Pokémon), and how World Cup Prism keeps catalyzing soccer. The segment closes on market psychology: the $12.93M Jordan–Kobe Logoman, Kevin O'Leary's capital, whether modern records trigger more supply, and why the best copies may disappear into “forever collections.” Insight-packed, candid, and grounded—this is your field guide to the post-license-swap era. Recorded live Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of Episode 283 of Sports Cards Live, Jeremy Lee is joined by co-host Joe Poirot for a wide-ranging hobby conversation. The guys kick things off with announcements about upcoming shows, bonus episodes, and community shoutouts before diving deep into one of the hottest topics in the hobby right now: vaults and grading. Jeremy and Joe discuss: How vaults like Fanatics Collect, PSA, COMC, and ShipMyCards are reshaping the collector experience The pros and cons of using vaults for security, liquidity, and convenience Jeremy's first-ever PSA submission through COMC and why the simplicity won him over Whether vaults are really for collectors or just fueling flippers The heated question: Is card grading a scam… or just a sham? A fun thought experiment: what cards would Joe buy if his collection vanished and insurance made him start from scratch The live chat also jumps in with sharp insights, challenges, and hobby banter, making this a classic Sports Cards Live Saturday night discussion. Recorded Sept 20, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We close out with Chris HOJ and Josh Adams and dig into hobby risk and reward. We revisit the Gretzky vs Messi debate, then unpack PSA's guarantee caps and what happens when a pop two becomes a pop one after an autograph. We talk through why someone might crack a seven-figure Gretzky, the record price for an autographed rookie, and whether you would rather have a 10 holder or a 9 with a 10 auto. Chris shares two telling charts on Fanatics Collect Premier: trading card lots climbing from ~120 early in the year to ~400 this month. We consider post-National consignment waves, private deals moving to public auctions, and simple supply and demand. Josh recaps his 90s auction, explains smart consolidation into a grail, and we each answer whether the current surge makes us sell or hold. We finish on whether a modern card holding the all-time record feels right, and why some vintage pieces may still be more valuable even without a recent public sale. Recorded: September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue with Graig Miller and Leighton Sheldon, then bring on Chris HOJ and Josh Adams before Graig and Leighton sign off. Leighton puts a real-world choice to the panel: 1992 Upper Deck Michael Jordan 15,000 Point Club PSA 10 around a thousand, or 1993 Ultra Power in the Key PSA 9 around thirteen hundred. We walk through a clean decision framework that weighs playing-days status, design appeal, pop counts, grade premiums, and how much future value should matter when you are buying for joy. Josh casts his vote for the 15,000 Point Club, and Chris explains why earlier inserts and lower pops can be decisive. We close with a market gut check using Messi's surging Megacracks PSA 10 and a Gretzky comparison. Chris lays out recent public private sales, pops, and why skepticism can be healthy when prices sprint. We also touch on league scale, cultural pull, and what “GOAT” means when you try to price it. Highlights A practical head-to-head: MJ 15,000 Point Club PSA 10 vs Power in the Key PSA 9 How to break ties: playing days, aesthetics, pop reports, and budget discipline Chat perspectives on collecting for love vs future value Messi Megacracks PSA 10 run, pop context, and why to sanity-check bull markets Gretzky as a useful comp when defining GOAT and market depth Segment ends with Jeremy, Chris, and Josh Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leighton Sheldon joins Jeremy and Graig Miller and we keep the trio together through the end of this part. We start with Strongsville chatter and a Savannah Bananas detour, then dive into the Messi vs Gretzky question. From there it is vintage talk in a frothy market, including being priced out of grails like 1914 and 1915 Cracker Jack Shoeless Joe Jackson, how to pivot without quitting, and why lowering grade expectations can unlock iconic cards. Leighton previews AuctionWire.ai for live auction discovery, and we swap stories about provenance, kid handwriting on the backs, and why value vintage boxes can hook new collectors. We wrap by agreeing the thrill of the hunt keeps the hobby fun, even when prices are tough. Highlights Strongsville vibes and first takes on Savannah Bananas cards Messi vs Gretzky and how worldwide relevance intersects with hobby demand When a grail runs away: consolidate, pivot, or lower the slab grade target Cracker Jack Shoeless Joe, Jordan inserts, and strategies when pricing surges AuctionWire.ai preview for tracking live auctions and fixed price marketplaces Provenance and story value: writing on cards, original owner paths, loved copies Value vintage boxes and easy entry points for new collectors Part concludes with Jeremy, Graig, and Leighton still on the mics Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Sponsor Note:  Go to ⁠hellofresh.com/cards10fm⁠ now to get 10 free meals plus a free item for life, one per box with active subscription free meals applied as a discount on the first box. New subscribers only, and it varies by plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue with Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz and Graig Miller of Midlife Cards to unpack the PSA ex-employee interview, NDAs, research room mechanics, potential bias, and why transparency and grader notes still lag. Jeremy recalls a 2009 PSA tour, we react to regrade experiments and consistency concerns, and debate what is truly bubble resistant: low supply icons or well centered, high eye appeal copies. Then it is the set registry's relevance, whether graders should be certified and better paid, and Joe signs off while teeing up a Messi vs Gretzky GOAT question for later. Highlights NDA takeaways and research room vs grading room implications Tours, grader notes, and whether new tech equals tougher grading Regrade experiments, inconsistency, and the cost of resubs What holds value best: low supply icons vs centered, high eye appeal copies Set registry reality: leaderboard vs true card quality Should graders be certified and paid like professionals Part wraps with Joe's exit and a Messi vs Gretzky prompt for later Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 282, Part 1 of Sports Cards Live kicks off with Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz as we dig into whether the hobby is frothy or in a full bubble, how injuries to Brock Purdy and Caitlin Clark ripple through prices, and why strong eye appeal in lower grades continues to command premiums. We also explore consolidation strategy, Fanatics and the 10x idea, record-setting sales bringing new attention to the market, and grading transparency with a visit from Graig Miller of Midlife Cards. Highlights Are we in a bubble or just a frothy upswing Brock Purdy and Caitlin Clark injuries and market impact Paying over comps for low grade, high eye appeal vintage Vault proceeds and the backdoor consolidation play What “10x the hobby” really means Record sales, attention, and demand The grading black box: standards, tech, and transparency Recorded: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 5 zeroes in on the record $12.9M Kobe/MJ Exquisite Dual Logoman: is it a true comp or a one-off outlier? We dig into why this sale triggered stronger reactions than Wagner/Mantle results, the marketing/use-case angle (Schemes/Dick's as precedent), and how headlines (“highest ever”) can be worth more than the incremental bid. We also kick around underbidder theories, “comp” vs “comparable,” and whether there's any real trickle-down. Then a fun closer: what would a 1/1 '89 UD Griffey be worth? Highlights Why this modern card drew more vitriol than vintage record-setters “Comp” vs “comparable”: when a data point doesn't map to anything else Marketing spend logic (Schemes/Dick's) and the Secure syndicate's “calling card” Psychological spillover vs long-term pricing reality Manufactured rarity isn't new: Wagner, '52 Topps highs, '33 Goudey Lajoie, Bert Corbeau, Leaf Marciano Quick takes from Karvin Cheung, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams on what really matters for collectors If you're into record sales, comps, and the vintage–modern divide, this one's for you. Watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive hobby talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 3 continues the “priced out” conversation with Jeremy and Mike Zier, joined midway by Karvin Cheung (creator of Exquisite, The Cup, National Treasures, and more) and later Chris McGill of Card Ladder. What starts as a collector's reality check on wax prices evolves into a roundtable on distribution, licensing, breakers, and the overall state of the hobby. From $12.9M grails to $800 wax boxes, this discussion spans both ends of the spectrum, and asks whether regular collectors can still find their lane. Highlights Collector angst: returns shrinking while wax prices soar Breaking then vs. breaking now, does it still offer value? Carvin on licensing, distribution, and why the ecosystem fuels high prices Chris McGill connects rising wax costs to broader inflation and everyday life Is “don't open it” the only way to push wax prices down? The tension between million-dollar grails and collectors just wanting affordable packs Discipline, budgets, and staying grounded in today's market If you want straight talk on wax costs, the breaking economy, and the state of the hobby from both collectors and industry insiders, this episode is for you. And don't forget, watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive conversations with hobby voices at every level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 4 shifts into a roundtable with Karvin Cheung, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams, digging into why wax is so pricey and who's actually opening it. We compare breakers vs. LCS demand, online buying behavior, and how distribution/licensing ripple through box prices. Chris puts wax costs in macro context (USD purchasing power, gold/bitcoin/S&P comparisons), while Carvin explains the ecosystem effects—and revisits Exquisite's DNA, the “1-of-1-of-1-of-1” idea, bold on-card autos, and game-used (plus where Topps Dynasty fits now). We also hit goat-chasing, sentiment signals, and whether “don't open it” is the only lever to push prices down. Highlights Breakers vs LCS: who opens more, and why it matters Distribution, licenses, and the feedback loop that lifts box prices Macro lens: cards vs gold/bitcoin/S&P; the dollar's bite on the hobby Exquisite legacy & design: bold autos > grades, and the true “1-of-1-of-1-of-1” Game-used patches today; Dynasty's role for high-end, on-card autos Cycles, sentiment, and practical ways collectors can still “stay in their lane” If you're into the real reasons wax is expensive, how breaking reshaped the hobby, and insider takes on Exquisite/Dynasty and game-used patches, this episode is for you. Watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive hobby conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy and Leighton open Part 2 by tackling the “priced out” question head-on before Mike Zier jumps in with a candid collector's perspective from the trenches, selling down, shifting to singles, and finding peace without chasing every comp. We get real about wax FOMO vs. expected value, what “being in the hobby” actually means, how to cope when prices outpace budgets, and why it's okay to love cards without loving the market. Leighton bows out midway; Jeremy and Mike keep it rolling with practical strategies regular collectors can use right now. Highlights “Adapt or get out?” unpacked: what staying looks like when wax is $500–$800 Singles over wax: maximizing joy and minimizing regret The dopamine problem: ripping vs. actually getting the cards you want Feeling underappreciated as a long-timer, and moving forward anyway Tracking every cent vs. ignoring the ticker: two healthy mindsets Using eBay solds as simple comps (and when to skip comps entirely) If you enjoy honest talk about budgets, wax vs. singles, and collecting for joy (not just headlines), this episode is for you. And don't forget, watch Sports Cards Live most Saturday nights on YouTube for live, interactive conversations with collectors, dealers, and industry voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One week after the record-setting $12.9M Jordan/Kobe Logoman sale, we ask: did it truly lift the hobby, or just the high-end yacht club? Jeremy and Joe Poirot break down the reactions, from skepticism to excitement, before Leighton Sheldon joins to share perspective from the vintage side. Together we tackle whether the sale is a real comp or an outlier, what it means for vintage vs modern, how scarcity is understood today, and whether collectors should be trimming, holding, or reallocating in a frothy market. Highlights One week later: comp vs outlier and how much weight the sale should carry PR, syndicates, and perception: does attention create “fractionalization 2.0”? Manufactured vs organic scarcity: why both now drive demand Vintage pride vs modern crown: what actually shifts for collectors Leighton's playbook: liquidity, risk management, and taking chips off the table Card allocation vs net worth: how deep is too deep? Next record-breaker candidates: '52 Topps Mantle, T206 Wagner, a Ruth rookie If you enjoy deep hobby conversations that go beyond headlines and comps, this episode is for you. And don't forget, watch Sports Cards Live every Saturday night on YouTube for live, interactive discussions with collectors, dealers, and industry leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices