Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

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.

Episode 75: COMC- Tips & Tricks

Business is booming in the hobby and host Joe Davis is right in the middle of the action. From vintage gems like Namath and Gretzky rookies to stacks of modern inserts piling up in collectors’ closets, there’s never been a better, or busier, time for sports cards.
In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe kicks off a brand-new series: Tools You Can Use. First up is a platform many collectors have heard of, but few truly understand-COMC. Joe breaks down how this under-the-radar marketplace can become a game-changer for buyers, sellers, flippers, and anyone drowning in $3–$10 cards they never quite get around to listing.
Discover how COMC can:• Turn your leftover inserts into low-effort profit• Let you “day trade” cards without ever touching a scanner• Save you a fortune in shipping while expanding your buying power• Help you read real-time market trends on widely traded cards
Whether you’re sitting on a gold mine of vintage cardboard or just want a smarter way to flip and collect, this deep dive will open your eyes to a powerful tool hiding in plain sight.
Tune in, learn something new, and level up your hobby hustle—one cup of Joe at a time!

Episode 74: Wax On Wax Off

Wax On, Wax Off: The Hidden Power of Vintage WaxIn this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes a nostalgic detour from the dojo to the card shop starting with a true (and slightly embarrassing) karate story before kicking things into high gear with an inside look at today’s booming vintage wax market.
From certified unopened boxes to factory sets straight out of sealed cases, Joe breaks down real recent sales, why collectors are paying record prices, and what makes unopened wax one of the most fascinating (and fastest-shrinking) sectors in the hobby. Whether you’re sitting on old boxes, hunting garage sale treasures, or just love hearing how an ’80 Topps box now commands over $100 per pack, this episode packs both education and entertainment.
Tune in and discover why “wax on, wax off” means something very different in the sports-card world today. 

Episode 73: Vets & Sets

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes us on a nostalgic journey through the heart of the hobby... the lost art of set collecting. From the joy of building complete sets by hand to the lessons it teaches about patience, focus, and even math, Joe reminds us why the base cards still matter.
But before diving into cardboard, Joe kicks off with a powerful Veterans Day tribute, honoring athletes who served, from Ted Williams to Pat Tillman, and reflecting on the freedom their sacrifices protect.
Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just opening your first pack, this episode will rekindle your love for the hobby, inspire you to dust off those base cards, and maybe even start that set you’ve been putting off.
Tune in, get inspired, and remember - collecting is about more than the hits.

Episode 72: Beyond Sports Cards

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe takes you on a journey beyond the usual packs and PSA slabs and into the wide world of collectibles that stretch far past the sports card aisles. From unopened vintage boxes and rare ticket stubs to graded magazines, comics, coins, and even cereal boxes (yes, really), Joe breaks down where hidden gems and untapped opportunities might still be waiting for collectors and resellers alike.
Hear stories from decades in the hobby, lessons on supply and demand (sorry, Pokémon fans), and a few hilarious memories from the early days of collecting. Whether you’re deep into grading or just love the thrill of the hunt, this episode will remind you why there’s always something new to discover, even beyond sports cards.

Episode 71: Stunning Auctions & New Releases

What a week in sports and in the hobby! Joe breaks down an unforgettable Game 7 in the World Series, from Yamamoto’s heroic performance to Freddie Freeman’s quest for another ring. Then, Joe shifts gears into the world of sports cards, recapping a record-breaking night of vintage sales, including some jaw-dropping numbers for 1952 Topps classics.
Plus, get the inside scoop on all the hottest new card releases coming this November, from Panini Certified Football to Topps Update Baseball, Pro Debut, National Treasures, and more. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or just love the stories behind the cards, this episode is packed with insights, passion, and plenty of hobby news you don’t want to miss.
Tune in, grab your cup of Joe, and get ready for your weekly dose of baseball, breaks, and collector buzz.