Podcast appearances and mentions of rich klein

Dr. James Beckett, along with guests Matt Galvin and Rich Klein, delve deep into the nuances of white backs and gray backs in the first two series. The conversation extends to print management and design choices of the time, shedding light on factors affecting production.   00:31 White Backs vs. Gray Backs 01:26 The Roberto Clemente Issue 03:08 The Fascination with 1956 Topps 05:10 Printing Challenges and Production Insights    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein trade insights and advice on becoming a sports card show dealer for the first time. The discussion covers the challenges new dealers face, the importance of pricing cards, and the different experiences between small neighborhood shows and large events. Rich also highlights the best practices for engaging with customers and preparing inventory, featuring a comparison between shows pre- and post-pandemic.   00:13 Becoming a Show Dealer: Challenges 01:09 Rich's Show: A Kinder, Gentler Experience 02:00 Pricing Strategies for New Dealers 05:00 Engaging with Customers: Tips for Success 07:42 Real-Life Dealer Experiences and Advice  

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a wide-ranging discussion on type card collecting, early Beckett publications, and the intricacies of sports card cataloging. They recount stories from their careers, including the challenges of identifying type cards, integrating magazine cards into their guides, and reminiscing about their experiences at the National Sports Collectors Convention. The episode also highlights Beckett Media's early marketing strategies and the importance of fostering a team atmosphere through company lunches and offsite events.   00:37 Type Card Collecting Insights 02:24 Magazine Cards and Their Legitimacy 06:25 Beckett Employee Cards and National Shows 10:35 Company Culture and Events 15:54 Reflections on Remote Work and Leadership  

Dr. Beckett, Matt Galvin, and Rich Klein discuss their admiration for the 1956 Topps baseball card set. Dr. Beckett recounts his personal connection to the set and the aesthetic and historical elements that make it unique. They cover various topics including the design, artwork, and the player composition of the set, while also addressing the historical context surrounding it, such as the competition and eventual acquisition between Topps and Bowman. The conversation includes insights into notable cards, like those of Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson, and the strategies behind card series releases during the 1950s.   01:57 Design and Artwork of 56 Topps 04:07 Player Composition and Missing Stars 06:30 Comparing 56 Topps with Other Sets 12:05 Marketing Strategies and Final Series 13:06 Clemente and Robinson Cards  

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein share their experience of mediating the division of a large sports card collection. They recount their visit to the owner's house, discovering an unexpected 500,000 cards, and detailing the process of dividing the collection equitably (and quickly). Through effective mediation and their experience in the hobby, they managed to split the collection to the satisfaction of both parties involved, exemplifying their commitment to fair and balanced trade.   00:49 Mediation Process Begins 01:46 Discovering the Massive Collection 03:03 Comparing Past Experiences    

Dr. Beckett discusses his recent adventure at a card shop that underwent new ownership. Joined by Rich Klein, Dr. Beckett explores the interesting assortment of dollar box cards and shares his findings, including vintage and off-condition cards. They delve into the nuances of identifying valuable cards quickly, the market trends for miscut and printing error cards, and the challenges of pricing and cataloging such unique cards. The conversation also highlights the evolving management and business strategies of the card shop, and how fresh energy and a focus on clearing backlog can revitalize a store.    02:03 Strategies for Finding Valuable Cards 04:48 Unique Printing Errors and Their Market 07:08 New Owner's Impact on the Card Shop 10:46 Reflections on the Card Shop's History 11:50 Buying and Pricing Strategies 13:14 Sorting Cards by Team vs. Player  

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss strategies for monetizing Rich's weekly email newsletter, which he has developed over the past decade. Despite technical difficulties with the audio, they explore various monetization tactics, including obtaining sponsors, accepting non-cash payments, and enhancing the content's usefulness. They also touch upon the growth and evolution of sports card shows, the importance of fresh inventory, and effective promotional techniques for dealers.    00:45 Rich's Newsletter: Origins and Evolution 01:37 Expanding the Newsletter's Reach 02:49 Monetization Strategies and Challenges 06:09 Effectiveness and Feedback 07:29 Innovative Event Ideas and Experiences    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the complexities of sports card variations. They discuss the history and philosophy behind cataloging and classifying these variations, highlighting specific examples such as the 1974 Topps checklist variations and the 1984 Donruss Diamond King variations. Despite technical issues with the audio, the episode offers valuable insights into the intricacies of card collecting, the importance of both card fronts and backs, and the efforts of platforms like Beckett and COMC in providing detailed catalogs.   00:58 Discussing Card Variations 02:38 Cataloging and Price Guides 03:55 Challenges in Identifying Variations 06:22 Importance of Card Fronts vs. Backs 11:02 Modern Card Variations and Challenges    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into a 'Hobby Significance Tournament,' evaluating the hobby impact of various Baseball Hall of Fame contenders, then also exploring the significance of defunct football card companies from 1992 such as ProSet, Action Packed, and Wildcard. The discussion covers player impact, market evolution, and card company innovations.   03:17 Analyzing the Impact of Steroid-Era Players 04:59 The Case for Compilers and Controversial Figures 06:35 Players with Slim Hall of Fame Chances 07:46 The Final Batch of Baseball Candidates 09:23 1992 Football Card Manufacturers Tournament    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the challenges and strategies of dealing with high-end sports card hobby boxes. They discuss practical tips on managing big hits, dollar box cards, and everything in between. Insights include considerations for price setting, market dynamics, collector patience, and the economic aspects of sports card buying and selling.   00:12 The Dilemma of Expensive Hobby Boxes 01:42 Market Dynamics and Pricing Challenges 05:16 Strategies for Selling and Collecting 12:52 The Economics of Card Shows  

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the intricacies of sales tax in the sports card industry. From the challenges faced by card show organizers to the implications for dealers and consumers, they discuss the legal and practical aspects of sales tax collection as well as exploring the rising trend of cashless transactions and the potential impact on the hobby's charm and business practices.   01:05 Real-Life Examples and Implications 01:49 Promoters and Dealers: Compliance and Challenges 02:38 Consumer Perspective on Sales Tax 03:03 Tax Obligations for Players and Promoters 04:05 Future of Sales Tax and Digital Transactions 09:54 Cash vs. Credit: The Debate    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the concept and benefits of trade nights: personal experiences, strategies for store owners, and the differences between trade nights and traditional card shows. The conversation highlights various aspects of organizing trade nights, including the increased foot traffic, sales opportunities, and the unique community atmosphere they create.   00:49 Benefits of Trade Nights for Stores 01:56 Challenges and Considerations for Trade Nights 03:34 Comparing Trade Nights and Card Shows 04:58 Personal Preferences and Trade Night Dynamics 08:04 Organizing and Promoting Trade Nights 12:05 Security and Logistics of Trade Nights    

Dr. Beckett encapsulates his past 25 episodes, including the transition of Beckett Media's ownership, addressing questions from listeners, skipped episodes, Rich Klein's experiences, and much more. He also touches on personal stories, such as a tribute to his family's dog and handling a friend's card collection.   00:33 Greg Lindberg and Company Ownership 03:20 Selling Out and Rich Klein's Insights 06:33 Brand Recognition and Hall of Fame 10:54 Card Show Evolution and Business Scaling 12:11 Collectivus Holdings and Experiments    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the unique aspects of the sports card industry, profit centers, and the challenges of balancing overhead and sales-oriented divisions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding direct and indirect costs, the intricacies of making internal departments profitable, and the broader industry trends. They also touch upon Beckett's past business decisions, the impact of a changing market, and potential future growth strategies. Additionally, the episode covers the successes and strategies of industry players like Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, Heritage Auctions, and COMC.    00:37 Scaling Business: Challenges and Strategies 01:21 Profit Centers and Cost Allocation 03:39 Variable Costs and Economies of Scale 06:08 Public vs. Private: Funding and Expansion 07:53 Leadership and Company Culture      

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss the burgeoning sports card show scene in Dallas, highlighting the competitive landscape with various small and large events. They explore how fanatics could potentially influence the market, the significance of smaller shows, and how Kyle's Dallas Card Show has adapted and thrived. They also touch on the logistics of running shows, the importance of adapting to changes, and the role of autograph guests in drawing crowds.   01:19 Small Shows and Their Importance 03:07 Challenges and Strategies for Show Promoters 05:25 Fanatics' Influence and Future of Shows 09:54 Collector Dealers and Pop-Up Shows 11:40 Autographs and Dealer Dynamics    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein share their different 'unique' approaches and success stories, comparing outcomes from different shows. They delve into assessing card values, the enjoyment of collecting, and the economics of buying boxes versus individual cards. Rich also touches on finding hidden gems, including autographed cards, and the nuances of authenticating them.   00:13 Rich's Approach to Dollar Boxes 00:52 Evaluating Card Purchases 03:37 Buying and Selling Strategies 07:07 Hypothetical Scenarios and Real-Life Examples 13:35 Autographs and Authentication    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein pay tribute to recently deceased baseball legend Rocky Colavito. They discuss his career highlights, impact on the Cleveland Indians, and his card collecting legacy. They delve into the 'curse of Cleveland,' his popularity, and speculate on how his career might have differed in other teams or eras. The chat covers his regional popularity and comparison with other baseball greats.   00:13 Rocky Colavito: Early Career and Trade 00:50 Card Collecting and Popularity 04:28 Hypothetical Career Scenarios 06:03 Trade Analysis and Impact 11:24 Hall of Fame Discussion    

Dr. Beckett discusses various roles within the sports card hobby alongside Rich Klein. They delve into Dr. Beckett's experiences and preferences, including his dislike for the CEO role despite being proficient at it, and his passion for pricing cards. They explore the nuances between different roles like price guide editor and analyst, the challenges of managing comprehensive publications like the almanac, and the importance of being a collector in understanding the market.   00:45 Challenges of Being a CEO 02:37 Enjoyment in Pricing and Collecting Cards 03:48 Experiences in Card Shops 07:33 Promoting and Organizing Card Shows 08:20 Differences Between Magazine and Book Price Guides 09:35 The Intensive Work Behind Price Guides    

Dr. Beckett, with Rich Klein, delves into several intriguing conundrums facing sports card enthusiasts. They discuss an exciting redemption pack offering all-expense paid trips, debating the value of visiting sports hall of fames, attending international card shows, or a unique visit to see the Otani ball in Taiwan. The conversation extends to the complexities of card values influenced by border treatments and serial numbers, comparing it to fine art framings, and the challenge of manufactured rarity. Accessibility in the hobby for the disabled and anecdotes about historic reprints and market dynamics also feature prominently.   00:23 Conundrum: The Ultimate Hobby Experience 03:22 Debate: The Value of Card Borders 08:01 Discussion: Card Restoration and Reprints 10:19 Accessibility in the Hobby  

Dr. Beckett chats with Rich Klein about Rich's recent sports card transaction buying on Friday and selling on Saturday. Rich reminisces about his interactions with dealers and collectors. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, gain unique insights into sports card trading and the dynamics of the market.   03:22 The Emotional Aspect of Selling Cards 06:19 The Importance of Relationships in the Hobby    

In this episode, JD and Rich Klein dig into all things Trail Hero 2024, sharing the high points, the heat, and the numbers. He's also got BIG news about changes for next year's event. Rich reveals all the details he's been working on for off-road and overlanding fans with Trail Hero X. Don't miss this recap of all the 2024 action and get all the details on what's going to make 2025, even bigger! www.trailhero.com www.trailherox.com www.trailherojapan.com

An exploration of Al 'Mr. Mint' Rosen's impact on the sports card collecting community, including strategies and alliances that propelled him, featuring anecdotes about key figures like Mike Gordon, John Broggi, Dick DeCourcy, Joey Esposito, Brian Morris, and Lou Lipset. This episode unveils the dynamics of trust, market pricing, and the evolution of business models within the hobby.   00:21 Remembering Mr. Mint 01:19 Dick DeCourcy's Early Days and Business Acumen 02:52 The Art of Deals and Distribution 05:04 Questions and Reflections on the Hobby 07:32 Mr. Mint's Business Strategy 08:30 Collaborations and Friendships 11:01 The Financial Dynamics of the Hobby 11:41 Debates on Market Influence 13:47 Hobby Feuds and Final Thoughts  

Discover what makes certain cards difficult to find, distinguish between short prints and genuinely rare items, and learn how the evolution of the market has impacted card availability and pricing. Through historical examples like the 1967 Topps Sandy Alomar and1971 Topps Al Weiss cards, they provide insights into both standard issue and oddball cards. Additionally, delve into the complexities of pricing scarce cards, regional premiums from the pre-internet era, and the importance of hands-on experience in setting accurate prices.   00:56 Historical Tough Cards 01:42 Modern Tough Cards and Market Dynamics 02:51 Oddball Tough Cards 04:37 Manufactured Scarcity 07:38 Challenges in Pricing Rare Cards 08:14 Dealer Insights and Pricing Strategies 10:01 The Importance of Verification 13:45 The Role of Accurate Information  

We discuss individual strategies, preferences, and the subtle nuances that give each of them an advantage while sifting through thousands of cards. With insights into rookie cards, SP's, serial numbers, subtle variations, and historical values, they reveal how they navigate and enjoy this aspect of the hobby.   00:43 Strategies and Preferences 01:50 Recognizing Value 02:32 The Joy of Discovery 05:41 Budgeting and Spending 07:06 Navigating Multi-Sport Boxes 11:35 Dealer Interactions and Etiquette 12:48 Challenges and Considerations 14:51 Conclusion: Finding Your Lane  

Join Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the nuanced world of cataloging sports cards. Rich shares his experience cataloging for COMC, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an up-to-date catalog, especially for newer items. They cover the difficulties and frustrations faced by collectors due to the lack of current comprehensive, standard references like almanacs and standard catalogs. The conversation explores the history and evolution of cataloging practices, the role of grading companies, and the significance of descriptive labeling on slabs. Validating card authenticity and the challenges of keeping up with ever-evolving checklists are central to their discussion.   00:41 Current State of Digital Catalogs 01:30 Unique and Rare Cards 02:49 Grading and Labeling Issues 04:12 Cataloging Standards and References 08:21 Personal Stories and Experiences 11:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Valuable sports card insights, touching upon various card companies including Upper Deck, Panini, Topps, Pacific, and more. The discussion delves into the history and status of these companies, with a particular focus on Pacific's journey to becoming a major player in the industry despite various challenges. Also anecdotes about other influential figures and companies in the sports card hobby, evaluating their contributions and legacies. Additionally, the episode touches on fan engagement initiatives by companies like Fanatics and the evolving dynamics of card shows.   00:16 The Rise of Pacific Card Company 01:12 Pacific's Unique Approach and Challenges 03:52 Fanatics and Modern Hobby Growth 06:33 Historical Perspectives on Card Companies 09:43 The Evolution of Card Shows 11:23 Fanatics' Future in Card Shows    

Dr. Beckett discusses the complexities of autograph authentication with guest Rich Klein. Rich recounts an experience where one of his personally signed cards was rejected by PSA due to a lack of signature exemplars. Despite his extensive involvement in the sports card industry and the legitimacy of the card, PSA's protocol led to the rejection, sparking a viral response on Twitter. The discussion highlights the importance of research and exemplars in the authentication process and the potential inconsistencies across different grading companies.   01:42 Challenges with Signature Exemplars 02:21 Rich's Personal Collection Insights 05:18 The Importance of Research in Authentication 08:37 Ken Golden's Generosity 10:25 Security and Privacy at Shows  

In this episode, JD Pope & Randi sat down with Rich Klein to get into the heart of Trail Hero, a premier off-roading event in Southern Utah that blends adventure, community, and a powerful advocacy mission for public land access. Learn how this five-day extravaganza, featuring guided trail rides for all skill levels, competitions, and community outreach programs, generated a $17.8 million impact on the local economy last year. Hear from the Trail Hero team about the critical need for unity within the off-road community to combat the continuous threat to motorized access on public lands and why showing up for land use meetings is more vital than ever. With over 350 volunteers and a small team of full-time staff, Trail Hero is proving that grassroots efforts can lead to massive impacts, both locally and globally. Don't miss out on the details of this year's event at Sand Hollow, where ever-changing terrains promise an exhilarating ride for all.

Dr. Beckett reflects and discusses the importance of having a good wingman in the sports card hobby. He shares stories of his own wingmen, like Rich Klein, Brad Askew, Gabe Haro, Mark Harwell, and Joe Galindo, and offers ten suggestions for being an effective and supportive wingman. Covering everything from staying focused on the main goal to encouraging honesty and avoiding envy, this episode provides valuable insights into building strong, supportive relationships within the hobby.    00:33 The Role of a Wingman 01:30 Personal Wingman Stories 02:14 Staying Focused and Honest 06:24 Generational Respect and Handling Wrongs 08:19 Honesty and Integrity 11:09 Avoiding Envy and Jealousy  

We take a trip down memory lane, discussing the fascinating era of Hostess Baseball Cards from 1975 to 1979. Discover how these cards, found on the backs of Hostess snacks like Twinkies and Ding Dongs, became an entry point for many collectors. The conversation delves into the quirks of these cards, including rookie cards, errors, and variations, as well as the challenges of collecting, preserving, and grading them. Gain insights into how food-related collectible cards helped grow the sports card hobby and the potential future of such promotional items.   00:36 Hostess Cards: A Gateway to the Hobby 01:19 Unique Features and Rookie Cards 02:08 Collecting Hostess Panels vs. Singles 03:10 Grading and Valuing Hostess Cards 04:21 Hostess Cards in the Hobby Market 10:15 The Decline of Hostess Cards 14:14 Food-Related Collectibles and Future Prospects    

Discussion centers around the evolving security protocols at card shows, driven by recent troubling events. We examine increased security measures, such as heightened police presence and potential use of ID verification and metal detectors, aimed at safeguarding attendees, dealers, and promoters from potential threats. They also explore the implications of these changes on privacy, convenience, and the overall hobby experience. With references to past incidents and hypothetical scenarios, the conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between security and attendee satisfaction.   01:05 Impact of Recent Events on Show Security 01:59 Security Measures and Dealer Adjustments 02:46 Collector Concerns and Safety 03:22 Potential Security Enhancements 04:08 Challenges with Implementing Security 09:55 Insurance and Risk Management    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into the upcoming National, sharing their experiences and strategies for maximizing the event whether attending in person or remotely. They also discuss the importance of having a 'wingman,' navigating deals, and the value of connectors in the sports card community. Security measures and logistical challenges, particularly the differences between venues in Cleveland and Chicago, are also covered.   00:45 Remote Enjoyment of the National 01:21 The Role of a Wingman at the Show 08:01 Security and Logistics at the National 11:07 Improving Security Measures    

Various rambling topics including the challenges of customer service in large companies like Beckett Media and COMC.com, the impact of card companies expanding into non-sports products on pricing, and the complexities of dealing with high-value unopened cases in auctions. They also dive into the concept of 'junk wax' and debate whether cards from certain overproduced eras can ever be considered vintage.   00:44 Customer Service Challenges 01:50 Pricing Dynamics in Sports Cards 02:46 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Case Dilemma 05:11 Debate on Junk Wax and Vintage Cards 06:42 Griffey vs. Bonds: Popularity and Legacy 08:38 Grading and Value of Junk Wax Cards    

Our first rambling is on the tennis card market, specifically highlighting Ivan Lendl's career and rookie cards. We discuss the history and significance of Lendl's sportscaster and NetPro cards, while providing insights into the broader debate over what constitutes a 'rookie card.' The conversation also touches upon other sports cards, including Chris Evert's cards, and the integration of non-traditional rookies into the market. The episode concludes with a discussion on card organization and the challenges of subjective awards within the hobby industry.   00:26 Tennis Legends: Yvonne Lendl's Career 02:25 The Debate on Rookie Cards 08:05 Wrestlers and Two-Sport Athletes 10:07 Organizing Card Collections 11:47 Subjectivity in Card Awards    

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein delve into a significant theft that occurred at last weekend's Dallas Plano Allen Waters Creek bi-monthly card show. They discuss whether the heist was a premeditated crime or a crime of opportunity, the methods used by the criminals, and the potential repercussions for the hobby. They also explore past incidents, potential security improvements, and the complexities of insurance and restitution for stolen goods.   01:25 Security Measures and Past Incidents 04:22 Theft Analysis and Criminal Tactics 09:07 Impact on the Hobby and Final Thoughts  

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss their experiences and strategies in the sports card market, the motivations behind setting up at shows, the dynamics of the Dallas card scene, and the differences between high-end and low-end markets. They also touch on the economics of retail products in hobby shops and share thoughts on maintaining discipline in card buying.   00:36 Motivations for Setting Up at Shows 01:35 Experiences at Different Shows 02:28 The Dynamics of Dealer-to-Dealer Transactions 03:13 Confidence in the Low-End Market 07:32 The Concept of a Price Freeze 09:07 Navigating Value Boxes 12:26 Living Hobby: Player Performance and Card Value  

Join Dr. James Beckett and Rich Klein as they discuss the controversial topic of table sharing at major sports card shows, particularly under new rules potentially being enforced by the National's new promoters. They explore the complexities and potential enforcement challenges of subleasing tables, sharing personal experiences and examples, and debating possible solutions to provide fairness for all.    00:19 New Promoters and Rule Enforcement 00:49 Personal Experiences and Opinions 02:31 Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas 04:26 Potential Solutions and Scenarios    

Rich Klein is the Managing Partner of McLarty Media. He was part of the 1992 Clinton/Gore presidential campaign, helping to craft policy and messaging on emerging global issues. Rich was subsequently appointed by President Clinton to head the speechwriting staff and be part of the policy planning office at the Department of Commerce, reporting directly to Secretaries Ron Brown, Mickey Kantor and Bill Daley successfully. From the Commerce Department, Rich was appointed by President Clinton to serve as Special Assistant for International Affairs at the Department of State, the bureau charged with monitoring and enforcing international economic sanctions. During our chat, we talked about Rich's purview of geopolitics as a former member of the State Department, the hot wars in Russia and Israel/Palestine, past administrations foreign policy - both good and bad - why NATO matters more than ever - and the continuing dysfunction of our current Congress.It was my honor to have Rich join me on the program and I truly enjoyed every minute of his storied history, tenure, and storytelling of all things Washington D.C. Watch Episode: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truethirty.substack.com/subscribe

At Rich's request, Dr. James Beckett, delves into his personal leadership journey, particularly focusing on the initiative he took around his 50th birthday in 1999 to meet one-on-one with each of his approximately 150 employees. He discusses the logistics and the impact of these meetings, set against the backdrop of his recovery from a heart attack in 1996 and a temporary step back from the company. Through these conversations, he sought not only to understand the professional challenges faced by his team but also to connect with them on a personal and familial level, acknowledging the interplay between personal issues and professional performance. 00:26 Reflecting on Leadership and Employee Engagement 02:17 The Missed Miniature Golf Outing: A Light-hearted Anecdote 03:23 Insights into Business Operations and Employee Relations 04:55 Dynamics of Card Shows and Business Strategies 07:16 Remote Work and the Importance of Personal Connections 08:42 Personal Growth and the Value of One-on-One Meetings

The discussion kicks off with Rich's recent purchase of a Heritage high number box for less than its original cost, leading into a broader conversation about market fluctuations, notably concerning Fanatics' large production volumes. We examine Fanatics' aggressive approach to testing the market, contrasting it with a more conservative strategy of printing to demand or slightly less. We share insights on the necessity of innovative distribution and marketing strategies to captivate new collectors, citing past successful promotions linked with food products and the unique appeal of regional and team-specific sets. The episode concludes on a reflective note emphasizing the intrinsic joy of collecting, untethered from its potential financial gains, advocating for a hobby that encourages fun and community building over mere profitability. 01:03 Fanatics' Market Strategy and Experimentation 02:27 Reflecting on Beckett's Growth and Strategy 06:13 The Evolution of Collecting and Market Expansion 06:45 Fanatics' Innovative Distribution and Product Strategies 13:26 The Joy of Collecting: Beyond Monetary Value  

We delve into the enticing prospect of attending the Philadelphia sports card show to graze through the dollar boxes in search of nuggets. We offer advice and insights to our friend Kyle, who is contemplating his own attendance at the show. We touch on the potential challenges of bringing back a substantial haul of cards from the show. Recognizing the limitations of luggage space and weight restrictions, we strategize various methods of packing and shipping cards to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. We stress the importance of being selective in our purchases, carefully considering the value and practicality of each card before adding it to our collection. Additionally, we explore the unique characteristics of the Philadelphia show, highlighting its vintage-oriented nature and discussing potential differences in pricing and selection compared to other shows. We encourage Kyle to approach the dollar boxes with a discerning eye, aiming for quality deals rather than sheer quantity to avoid overwhelming himself with unwieldy amounts of cards. We share personal anecdotes, reflecting on our own experiences attending card shows and the joys and challenges that accompany them. Our main objective is to equip Kyle with the knowledge and wisdom gained from our own journeys, hoping to spare him from potential mistakes and inspire him to make the most of his own card show adventure.

We ponder the question: What truly defines a sports card? We analyze a range of factors like material composition, size variations, and unique shapes that challenge the traditional notion of what constitutes a card. We question whether items like newspaper inserts, thick box cards, or even three-dimensional cubes can be considered cards. Furthermore, we explore the influence of intentionality, discussing whether an item's intended purpose as a collectible or its inclusion in a sports card set contributes to its classification. We acknowledge the complexities and blurred boundaries within the realm of sports cards.

Dr. Beckett engages during Hobby Hotline with Danny Black and Rich Klein about the concept of 10X-ing the hobby, specifically in relation to sports cards. They explore the recent news of Panini losing the UFC license to Fanatics and Tops, discussing the implications of this change. The conversation also delves into potential growth areas in the hobby, with a focus on women's basketball and college cards. They highlight the increasing popularity of women's basketball and the potential market expansion in the college card segment. Additionally, the acquisition of Press Pass by Leaf, showcasing the vibrancy and evolution of the hobby. 

A detailed discussion about the Baseball Hall of Fame and its unique significance compared to other sports hall of fames. The history of the Baseball Hall of Fame, noting its early establishment and the time advantage it had over other sports. The notion of relatability, as the individuals highlight how baseball players are often more relatable to fans compared to players in other sports. In the card collecting world, induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame seems to have a greater impact on values. We discuss the varying collectibility of players in different sports hall of fames, highlighting examples of football and basketball players who may not have as much value in the collecting market. We touch on the subjective nature of hall of fame voting and the challenges of evaluating players' qualifications. The positional aspects of baseball don't translate as well to football or basketball, which influences the perception of hall of fame worthiness. There's a special aura surrounding baseball and the unique experience of visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, evoking a sense of nostalgia and stepping back in time. We address the public nature of hall of fame voting in baseball, highlighting the transparency that comes with each ballot being made public. The speakers discuss the potential impact of online writers and their more intuitive approach to evaluating players, as well as the evolving qualifications to become a voter. Controversial figures such as Pete Rose and players linked to steroid allegations like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are also touched upon. We explore the baseball hall of fame's strict stance on gambling, leading to the exclusion of certain players. We raise the question of whether the Baseball Hall of Fame's conservative approach adds to its mystique and garners more respect compared to other sports hall of fames.

A detailed discussion about the relationship between celebrities, sports cards, and the collecting hobby. It begins with a mention of Taylor Swift and how her presence has elevated the demand for certain sports cards, specifically Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes. The positive publicity celebrities can bring to the hobby and the potential value of including combo cards that feature both athletes and popular culture figures. Referencing famous figures from the past, such as Spike Lee's presence at Knicks games and his inclusion in card sets alongside Michael Jordan. Exploring the idea of creating a dual relic card featuring Kelce and Taylor Swift. The importance of wider audience engagement and the potential impact of card companies like Fanatics in expanding into music-related cards. There's a variety of opinions within the hobby community, with some individuals expressing concerns about the inclusion of celebrities and the fear of diluting the purity of the hobby. However general agreement that broadening the audience and embracing the superstar orientation can be beneficial, as long as it is done with a level of care and consideration. Also touches on the impact of TCGs like Pokemon on the sports card community, speculating whether the rise of music cards and other entertainment-related cards might draw away collectors from sports cards. Despite these potential challenges, we trust the enduring nature of collecting and the possibility of coexistence between different types of cards. We conclude with a fanciful scenario where the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, and Travis Kelsey proposes to Taylor Swift during the celebration, suggesting the creation of a commemorative card for that moment. We emphasize the importance of storytelling and the connection between the hobby and collectors.

This Hobby Hotline quarterbacked by Adam Palmer and also featuring Rich Klein and myself was fast moving covering many topics quickly as is the nature of that show - you should subscribe!

Lots of hobby celebrations toward the end of the year - Rich is a big fan of Secret Santa promotions as win-win.

Rich and I sometimes are shoulder-to-shoulder deep in the dollar boxes at shows.  Here are our takes on proper etiquette especially when it gets crowded. 

Rich and I contrast today with the old days of gathering sports card price info almost exclusively from private sales.

Big Rich Klein not only telling the stories of the Off-roaders hall of fame on his podcast but he is also making history pushing the limits of the W.E.Rocks Competition rock crawling. Tyler and Jimmy knew of Big Rich, knew he was sorta a local boy, and knew some of the things that he has done. But, they had no idea all the things he does. Big Rich is living the dream by living the rock crawler lifestyle. Get in contact with Big Rich, Website, W.E.Rocks, Conversations with Big Rich Podcast, 4Low Magazine Want to win some Tires? Our friends over at Yokohama are donating a set of tires for the winner at 750 Apple Podcast reviews. Also, just like before we will be giving away swag packs at every 50 until we get to the main giveaway. All reviews need to be left on Apple Podcast to be entered. Congratulations to TannerIsCooler for winning the 550 reviews swag pack. CALL US AND LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL!!!! We want to hear from you even more!!! You can call and say whatever you like! Ask a question, leave feedback, correct some information about welding, say how much you hate your Jeep, and wish you had a Toyota! We will air them all, live, on the podcast! +01-916-345-4744. If you have any negative feedback, you can call our negative feedback hotline, 408-800-5169. 4Wheel Underground has all the suspension parts you need to take your off-road rig from leaf springs to a performance suspension system. We just ordered our kits for Kermit and Samantha and are looking forward to getting them. The ordering process was quite simple and after answering the questionnaire to ensure we got the correct and best-fitting kits for our vehicles. If you want to level up your suspension game, check out 4Wheel Underground. Episode 448 is brought to you by all of our peeps over at patreon.com and irate4x4! Make sure to stop by and see all of the great perks you get for supporting SnailTrail4x4! Discount Codes, Monthly Give-Aways, Gift Boxes, the SnailTrail4x4 Community, and the ST4x4 Treasure Hunt! Thank you to all of those who support us! We couldn't do it without you guys (and gals!)! The gift box tier is now open! This also means we are giving away two gift boxes this month as the giveaway items. Huge thanks for all the support and sponsors for this gift box and were excited to share it with everyone. More to be revealed about the gift box in October, so get ready and sign up today. If you want to attempt to win this giveaway you need to be signed up on irate4x4 SnailSquad. Novembers Jim's Month Giveaway is with MORRFlate. They have donated one of their 10.6 PSI Pro Air compressors. These compressors are fantastic. They have a gage built into the compressor so it can read what pressure the tires are at and turn off at your desired set pressure. Its pretty much set and forget. If your interested in winning a 10.6 PS Pro then you need to be signed up for the Giveaway tier on Irate4x4.com Listener Discount Codes: MORRFlate - snailtrail to get 10% off MORRFlate Multi Tire Inflation Deflation™ KitsIronman 4x4 - snailtrail20 to get 20% off all Ironman 4x4 branded equipment!Sidetracked Offroad - snailtrail4x4 (lowercase) to get 15% off lights and recovery gearSpartan Rope - snailtrail4x4 to get 10% off sitewideShock Surplus - SNAILTRAIL4x4 to get $25 off any order!Mob Armor - SNAILTRAIL4X4 for 15% offSummerShine Supply - ST4x4 for 10% off4WheelUnderground - snailtrail for 5% Midroll Music by ComaStudio