Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

Episode 49: CartoonCardz.com

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe Davis pulls back the curtain on his bold new venture: CartoonCardz.com—a fresh twist on the trading card hobby that’s about to shake things up.
Whether you're a vintage sports card veteran or just curious about collecting, Joe walks you through the "why" behind this brand and how it could open up a whole new world of nostalgic, character-driven collecting. From Mickey Mouse’s “rookie card” to overlooked gems from Disney, Marvel, Looney Tunes, Peanuts, and beyond, this episode draws surprising parallels between sports cards and non-sports cards... and might just spark your next collecting obsession.
You’ll hear why some of the most iconic characters on the planet still fly under the radar in the trading card world and how you can be part of changing that. Education, passion, and a little bit of Tooniverse magic—all in one episode.

Episode 48: A Tale of Two Collections

In this episode, host Joe Davis shares the wild contrast between two recent grading appointments, one with a small stash of cards, the other a stash not so small: eleven notebooks, multiple shoeboxes, and some of the most iconic vintage baseball cards you can imagine.
You’ll hear about four 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookies, a Mickey Mantle rookie, Koufax, Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, and dozens more heavy hitters, along with Joe’s expert insights into how he evaluates, sorts, and prepares a massive collection for grading and resale.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a vintage card enthusiast, or just love a good hobby story, this episode is packed with inspiration, education, and plenty of cardboard nostalgia.

Episode 47: The State of Grading (PSA & SGC Discussion)

Joe’s back from the National, voice almost intact, and ready to break down what everyone’s buzzing about: the shifting state of the graded card market. From surprising numbers at the show to insider insights on PSA, SGC, and the rise (and risks) of Pokémon submissions, this episode is packed with real talk, market observations, and actionable advice.
What’s really going on with PSA grading standards?
Why is PSA moving in with SGC—and what does it mean for both brands?
Are we headed for a Pokémon "junk slab" era?
Plus: why turnaround times are sliding, and what smart collectors should do next.
Joe also drops one of his golden business principles—and you won’t want to miss it. Whether you're a collector, dealer, or just grading-curious, this episode cuts through the noise. Tune in, share with a hobby friend, and find out where the graded card market might be headed next.

Episode 46: Final National Recap from Joe

Joe’s back, voice still recovering, but passion fully intact. After a record-setting week at The 2025 National, he’s sharing the big-picture takeaways that are worth the listen. From the sales tidal wave that hit their booth, to the surprising trends in vintage and modern, and the moment dealers started borrowing cash, this episode is packed with insight, hustle, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s really happening in the hobby. And it's good news. 
Plus, Joe opens up about the launch of Cartoon Cardz, exciting collection pickups back at home, and what these moments say about the future of the sports card world. Whether you were at The National or not, this episode will make you feel like you were in the middle of it.
We are happy to report that the hobby is alive, thriving, and evolving fast!

Episode 45: Inside the Biggest National Yet — 2025 Recap from Chicago with Taylor & Perri

Fresh off the show floor and still hoarse from the action, Taylor and Perri sit down to give you the inside story from the 2025 National Sports Collectors Convention — the biggest and boldest National in history. From the breaking booths to corporate showcases, from vintage gems to the Cartoon Cardz launch, this episode is your all-access recap from the GotBaseballCards team.
What’s inside?Hear firsthand how the hobby has doubled in scale, how corporate creativity is reshaping collector experiences, and how the booth traffic, grading volume, and vintage sales shattered all previous records. Plus, what was Whatnot’s wildest experience yet? Why did Walmart show up this year? And what’s the deal with Snoopy cards selling for four figures?
If you’ve never been to the National, this episode will show you why it’s a can’t-miss experience at least once in your collecting life. And if you were there? You’ll be nodding along with every jaw-dropping moment.

Episode 44: Chicago National Report #1

The crowds are wild. The sales are wilder. And the hobby? Potentially thriving like never before.
In this special on-the-ground episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe Davis brings you a raw, energized report straight from the floor of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago—and it’s unlike anything he’s seen in his decades in the hobby. With attendance records already shattered, massive dealer-to-dealer deals going down, and collectors flying in from across the globe (literally), Joe takes you behind the curtain of what could be the biggest National yet.
From five-figure vintage card sales to a surprising slab-buying spree from halfway across the world, to the explosive debut of Joe's new Cartoon Cards brand, this episode is packed with moments that define where the sports card industry is—and where it's going.
- A PSA 6 Hank Aaron rookie? Sold.- Thousands of dollars in rare Disney and Peanuts cards? Gone.- A room so full, the fire marshal might need to step in? You’ll have to hear it to believe it.
Plus, Joe shares touching moments with young collectors, industry insights, and a vision for the future that just might surprise you. Whether you're at The National or dreaming of next year, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Episode 43: Joe’s BIG Announcement

In this landmark episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe drops a major announcement that’s been months in the making—one that’s about to change the landscape of the hobby for collectors everywhere.
What happens when decades of passion for trading cards, a deep love of childhood nostalgia, and the spirit of entrepreneurship collide? Joe’s got the answer—and he’s revealing it here first, before the news hits social media.
From Scooby-Doo and Spider-Man to Mickey Mouse and the Muppets, this brand-new venture dives headfirst into a world many of us grew up loving—but few have collected in this way. Whether you're a die-hard sports card investor or someone who just wants to "collect your childhood," this episode gives you an inside look at the vision, the brand, and the heart behind a groundbreaking new platform that celebrates iconic characters and their collectible cards like never before.
Get a glimpse of the brand new site, the collector's magazine, and the unexpected path Joe took to make it all a reality. Hint: If you’ve ever wondered what Kermit the Frog’s "rookie card" is… you’re in the right place. Listen now to be among the first to hear what’s coming to the hobby world.

Episode 42: 2025 National Preview

In this special episode, Joe Davis takes you behind the scenes of the massive prep underway for The National — the biggest event of the year in the sports card hobby. From booth setup to inventory madness, Joe shares what it really takes to prepare for the show (spoiler: the real hustle happens before the doors open).
Get a sneak peek at what Got Baseball Cards is bringing to Chicago — from bargain boxes and vintage gems to freshly graded slabs and even graded comics. Joe also gives valuable tips for navigating the show like a pro, including how to plan your buying strategy and why the right shoes might save your entire trip.
Plus, hear about:
Exclusive services being offered at the Got Baseball Cards booth
Rare cards they’ll have on display — including some legendary rookies...
The mission behind their presence at the National
And don't miss the major announcement dropping on Thursday, July 31st, first on this podcast.

Episode 41: Nashville Show Report

In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe returns from the massive 960-table Nashville Card Show with fresh insights and excitement about the state of the hobby. Joe shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show floor — from booming vintage sales and abundant grading submissions to a shocking twist involving a “signed” Shohei Ohtani baseball.
Get Joe’s firsthand take on:
Why Pokémon is dominating grading submissions like never before
The rise of vintage set builders and how old-school cardboard is still holding strong
An honest look at a missed $12K opportunity with a '93 Finest Refractor set
The story behind “the notebook” filled with Wacky Packages, Marvel stickers & Happy Days nostalgia
Why Friday and Sunday beat out Saturday for best sales days
A sneak peek at a brand-new product launch dropping really soon
Plus, hear how grading demand surged, how Joe’s team managed the rush, and what this all means for the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. If you’re heading to the National, don’t miss the preview coming in the next episode.

Episode 40: 1980 Top 10 Rookie List

Joe Davis is cracking open the vault of nostalgia in this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe—and this time, it's personal. With decades of firsthand experience and a deep love for the hobby, Joe walks you through the iconic rookie cards that defined the 1980s, year by year. From the electric debut of Rickey Henderson to the hobby-shifting arrival of Ken Griffey Jr., this episode covers the key cards, memorable players, and the untold stories behind the cardboard.
You’ll also hear about:
The rookie card that once sent Joe and his team to Disney World 🌟
What made 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly the card to chase
Which rookies got left out of key sets—and how that shaped the market
Joe’s personal missteps, grading lessons, and why centering matters and not just corners
And of course, don’t miss Joe’s definitive Top 10 list of 1980s rookie cards.