Dr. James Beckett: Sports Card Insights Dr. James Beckett

Featuring guests Ken Goldin and his son Paul Goldin delving into the rich history and legacy of sports card collecting, sharing stories from Ken's father and the early days of establishing a business in the hobby. Ken navigated the ever-evolving world of sports cards, from mail order at age 13 to ground-breaking business ventures like Score Board. This episode also pays tribute to Paul Goldin, Ken's father, his significant impact on the industry, and the lessons passed down through the generations.
 
01:30 Ken Golden's Early Days in Collecting
02:36 The Birth of Score Board
04:49 Paul Golden's Collecting Journey
07:36 Generational Insights and Reflections
10:59 Ken Golden on Retirement and Legacy
 


 

We pay tribute to the late Jerry West, who passed away yesterday at 86. We reflect on his illustrious career from a stellar college player to a gold medal-winning Olympian, and his impactful role in developing NBA franchises such as the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings. Known as 'Mr. Clutch', Jerry West was a remarkable player with a career average of over 27 points per game and a member of the All-NBA team 12 times. We also explore his legacy in sports cards, discussing his 61-62 Fleer card, Kahn's Wieners card(s), and other noteworthy memorabilia. Join us in celebrating the life and accomplishments of an NBA icon who will forever be remembered as the symbol of the league—the NBA logo man.
 
00:57 Jerry West's Early Life and Career
01:49 Achievements and Legacy in the NBA
03:40 Iconic Status and the NBA Logo
04:48 Collectible Cards and Memorabilia
 


 

Dr. Beckett has an in-depth discussion with Shane Zaiger, son of the late Bob Zaiger. They reminisce about their fathers, the legacy they left behind, and their shared experiences within the sports card hobby. Shane recounts his early days at card shows, the joys and lessons learned, and the shifts in the hobby over the years. They also touch on business dynamics, the importance of ethical practices, and the significance of self-starter attitudes. This episode is a tribute to family, legacy, and the passion that binds generations in the world of sports cards.
 
01:14 Early Memories and Show Circuit
04:36 Transition to Retail and Online Business
08:25 Reflections on Business and Family
 


 

In this special Father's Day week episode Dr. Beckett interviews Steve Ivy and his son, Chris Ivy. Steve, co-founder of Heritage Auctions, joins his son Chris, who has carved out a significant niche within the sports memorabilia division at Heritage. The conversation explores their family dynamics, the influence of family in business, and the evolution of Heritage Auctions under their leadership. This heartfelt discussion also touches on the legacy of Dr. Beckett's own father and the traditions of collecting that bond fathers and sons.
 
04:15 Chris's Journey in the Sports Collectibles Industry
07:21 Building a Successful Team at Heritage
10:32 Challenges and Insights in the Collectibles Market
 


 

Dr. Beckett and fellow podcaster Cage Lawyer reflect on their journeys as 'millennial podcasters', who have each published well over a thousand episodes. They discuss the unique challenges and perspectives that come with producing such a volume of content, including the importance of passion for the hobby, the impact of sponsorship, and the value of engaging with their audience. The episode also touches on the future of podcasting in the sports card hobby and the potential for new voices to join the ranks of 'millennial' content creators. 
01:39 Unique Fraternity of Thousand-Episode Podcasters02:33 Passion and Persistence Behind Podcasting04:25 Navigating Burnout and Sustaining Interest06:04 The Impact of Sponsorship and Audience Engagement07:49 The Future of Podcasting and Personal Reflections

They delve into why Chris (also) enjoys rummaging through monster boxes, including dollar boxes at shows, the challenge and pleasure of sorting cards, and strategies for buying and selling. They discuss the importance of staying sharp in identifying valuable cards, the joys of interacting with others in the hobby, and the necessity of balancing this passion with practical considerations concerning investment and diversification. Chris's approach demonstrates a blend of enthusiasm for the hobby with savvy investment practices, offering listeners valuable insights into how his diligent work pays off.
00:43 Collecting and Dealing Strategies04:14 The Art of Sorting and Selling Cards04:32 Exploring Wholesale and Finder's Fees in Card Trading07:28 Diversification in Card Collecting10:24 Forecasting the Future