Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

Episode 85: Random Ramblings PSA News and More

Joe Davis is back just in time for a Christmas-edition episode packed with gratitude, breaking hobby headlines, and unfiltered insight into where the sports card world is headed. From a heartfelt holiday recap and a powerful charitable moment to major industry developments involving grading giants, this episode covers a lot of ground without losing its personal touch.
Joe breaks down the biggest stories shaking the hobby right now, including consolidation at the top of card grading, a surprising congressional request for federal scrutiny, and a headline-making PSA decision involving a legendary Wilt Chamberlain rookie. He also shares behind-the-scenes conversations with some of the hobby’s most influential retailers, updates on grading drop-off changes, and his honest take on how corporatization could reshape local card shops in the years ahead.
Add in thoughts on college football, the current sports landscape, and a reminder of why, despite the noise, this is still the greatest hobby on earth, and you’ve got an episode that feels like sitting down with a trusted voice in the hobby over a cup of coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just trying to keep up with what’s changing, this one will give you plenty to think about—and plenty of reasons to come back for the next episode.

Episode 84 BGS Sold to PSAs Parent Company

Breaking News Shakes the Hobby.
This special, must-listen episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe dives headfirst into one of the most seismic moves the sports card industry has seen in decades: Collectors Holdings, the parent company of PSA and SGC, has officially acquired Beckett.
Joe drops everything to break down what this means in real time. Is this a turning point for BGS? A massive win for collectors holding Beckett slabs? Or the latest step toward industry consolidation that has everyone buzzing? Drawing on nearly three decades of firsthand experience, deep industry relationships, and historical context, Joe unpacks the deal, the motivations behind it, and the ripple effects it could have across grading, authentication, and the hobby as a whole.
From cautious optimism to tough questions about competition, branding, and the future of grading, this episode offers insight you won’t get from headlines alone, without spoiling where things may ultimately land.
If you care about PSA, BGS, SGC, or the future of the hobby itself, this is one episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in and be part of the conversation.

Episode 83 Chasing GOATS NBA Edition

NBA GOATs, Hidden Gems & the Next Wave of Legends
The GOAT debate never gets old and in this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, we dive headfirst into it. From Jordan vs. LeBron to the legends who shaped the league, Joe shares his personal Top 12 NBA Greats of All Time, blending history, impact, championships, and legacy into one must-hear conversation.
But this isn’t just a rankings episode. Once the list is set, the real value kicks in. Joe breaks down what truly matters for collectors and investors and why stats alone don’t tell the whole story. Hear how championships and perception shape long-term value, and which all-time legends still have surprisingly affordable rookie cards hiding in plain sight.
You’ll also hear a forward-looking take on the league’s future:Which current stars are already building Hall of Fame résumés?Who has a real shot at cracking GOAT territory?And which young players could redefine the game if everything breaks right?
From overlooked legends to modern icons and rising superstars, this episode connects the dots between greatness on the court and opportunity in the hobby—without giving away all the answers.
If you love NBA history, the thrill of collecting, and smart conversations about where the game (and the market) is headed, this one’s for you.

Episode 82 Jackie

What does one man’s courage have to do with the history of baseball and that cards collectors cherish most? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe reflects on the legacy of Jackie Robinson, inspired by revisiting Ken Burns’ legendary Baseball documentary.
From the brutal reality of breaking the color barrier to the ripple effect that changed the game forever, Joe explores why Jackie Robinson’s impact reaches far beyond stats and box scores. Along the way, he weaves in unforgettable stories, overlooked pioneers who followed Jackie into the majors, and why Robinson remains one of the most important, and desirable, figures in the vintage sports card hobby.
This episode blends history, hobby insight, and personal reflection, making a compelling case for why Jackie Robinson matters as much today as he did in 1947. Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a baseball history buff, or simply someone who appreciates stories of resilience and leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Pour a cup of coffee, settle in, and join Joe for a conversation about courage, legacy, and the card that every serious collector should own.

Episode 81: College Football Predictions & Cards

The College Football Playoff bracket is finally here and Joe Davis has thoughts. Lots of them.
On this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe breaks down the new 12-team playoff, fires off his round-by-round predictions, and doesn’t shy away from controversy (yes, there’s bias… and yes, Georgia fans will love it). From potential upsets to heavyweight matchups, Joe gives you the fan’s-eye view of what’s coming and why this playoff might be the most wide-open we’ve seen yet.
Then it’s time to rip into the hobby side of college football. Joe dives deep into two of the hottest releases on the market, Bowman Best University Football and Bowman University Chrome Football, highlighting breakout players, jaw-dropping autograph sales, and even some surprisingly valuable mascot cards. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just playoff-curious, there’s plenty here to get you fired up about college football cards.
Finish it off with hobby insight, behind-the-scenes updates from GotBaseballCards, and Joe’s trademark passion for the game, the cards, and the community.
Predictions. Products. Playoff vibes.Tune in—you might just hear your future championship pick (or next big card chase) before anyone else.

Episode 80: 1980s Flashback

The ’80s are back and hotter than ever.In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis dives into a surprising shift in the hobby: iconic cards from the so-called junk-wax era are suddenly soaring. From Jordan’s legendary Fleer rookie to Griffey Jr.’s Upper Deck debut, the once-overlooked Mattingly and Henderson classics, prices are climbing, demand is exploding, and collectors are rediscovering the cards that defined their childhoods.
Joe breaks down why this surge is happening, what it means for today’s buyers, and how weekend warriors, show-goers, and bargain hunters can capitalize on the trend. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, searching for undervalued gems, or just love the thrill of the hunt, this episode will change the way you look at ’80s collections—and might even reshape your buying strategy.
Tune in for market insights, real numbers, a few great stories, and a reminder of why this hobby keeps bringing us back. Grab your coffee, grab your cards, and let’s dig in.

Episode 79: December New Releases

December is stacked — are you ready?
On this week’s episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis kicks off a brand-new month with a collector’s roadmap to one of the biggest release slates of the year. From vintage-inspired favorites to high-end chases and one long-awaited return to the hobby, December is absolutely loaded.
Joe breaks down the key products hitting the shelves—including Topps Allen & Ginter, Chrome Update, Archives, Cosmic Chrome, multiple National Treasures releases, Merlin Chrome Soccer, and one insanely anticipated return to the hobby. Whether you’re planning your budget, your breaks, or your next big PC hit, this episode gives you the inside track on what’s coming and when.
Plus, hear which products Joe is personally itching to rip, why some boxes may never make it online, and how you can get your questions featured in future episodes.
If you’re a collector, investor, or just hobby-curious, this is your must-listen guide to navigating a jam-packed December release calendar.
Grab your coffee, pull up your checklist, and tune in. There’s a lot to look forward to.
 

Episode 78: Holiday Gifts for the Collector

Holiday shopping for a sports card collector just got a whole lot easier.
On this Black Friday episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe breaks down the ultimate gift guide for the collector in your life. Whether you're hunting for the perfect box for someone to rip on Christmas morning, searching for unique singles of their favorite players, or trying to figure out the best supplies to gift, Joe can help. He shares insider tips from decades in the hobby, including can’t miss products, budget-friendly ideas, creative options for player superfans, and the underrated essentials every collector secretly hopes to unwrap.
He also dives into this season’s hottest holiday releases, smart strategies for choosing the right gifts, and a few special deals happening at GotBaseballCards that might save you time and money during the busiest shopping month of the year.
If you’re buying for a collector (or you are the collector trying to drop hints) this episode is packed with practical inspiration, heartfelt holiday encouragement, and the signature Joe Davis hobby wisdom listeners love.
Tune in and get ready to make this the most exciting card-collecting Christmas yet.

Episode 77: Thanks

In this special Thanksgiving-week episode, Joe takes a heartfelt pause from hobby news and market trends to reflect on gratitude, both in life and in the world of sports cards. From the people who shaped his 35-year journey in the industry to the unexpected competitors, innovators, and partners who’ve made the hobby stronger. Joe shares stories that will surprise, encourage, and maybe even inspire you to look at your own collection, and the sports card community, a little differently.
Whether you’re a longtime listener or brand new to the show, this episode is a warm reminder of why the hobby matters and why the people behind it matter even more. Pour your coffee, enjoy the holiday season, and tune in for a Thanksgiving message rooted in appreciation, passion, and the love of collecting.

Episode 76: Grading Gone Wild

Grading chaos. Vintage monsters. Slabs everywhere.
In this week’s episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis dives into one of the wildest stretches the grading world has seen in years and the ripple effects are hitting collectors, dealers, and the entire hobby.
Joe breaks down surprising new data from GemRate, why certain iconic cards from the ’80s and ’90s are flooding grading rooms again, and how even Beckett is tapping the brakes to catch up. With PSA pushing nearly 2 million cards in 30 days, the hobby is drowning in slabs… and that means unexpected buying opportunities most collectors are overlooking.
You’ll hear:• The shockers from last month’s most-graded cards (including a few that make zero sense)• Why vintage Hall of Famers are suddenly spiking the charts• What this grading surge means for long-term card values• A simple eBay strategy Joe swears can help you score steals while everyone else sleeps on them• And why now might be the perfect moment to rethink how — and what — you buy
Whether you're a collector, investor, or just love the hobby, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Pour your coffee, grab your slabs, and tune in “Grading Gone Wild” is one of Joe’s most eye-opening episodes yet.