Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

Episode 54: By Design

It’s been a wild week at the shop! Joe’s been holding hobby history in his hands. We’re talking 1951 Bowman Willie Mays, Mantle rookies, Clementes, and more. But, that’s just the warm-up.
This episode takes you on a deep dive into baseball card design across the decades, starting with the 1950s, rolling through the '60s, and hitting the sweet spot of the '70s. Joe ranks his all-time favorite Topps designs from each era, calling out the iconic, the underrated, and the just plain ugly (sorry, 1974).
Whether you're a vintage collector, a design nerd, or just someone who loves talking cardboard, this one’s for you. Plus, find out which sets tug on Joe’s childhood heartstrings and which ones he’d rather forget.
Which year had the most beautiful cards? The worst? And where does your favorite stack up?

Episode 53: What's In Your PC?

What makes a card collection personal? In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode, Joe dives deep into his own PC (personal collection), sharing iconic stories, collector tips, and a few surprises from his decades in the hobby.
From Hank Aaron to Mickey Mouse, vintage Peanuts cards to NBA legends like Jordan and Maravich, Joe’s collecting journey is anything but typical, and that’s exactly the point. Whether you're a die-hard Braves fan, a set-building purist, or just love the thrill of the chase, this episode will rekindle your passion for the hobby.
Why you’ll want to listen:
Learn how to build (or refine) your own personal collection
Hear stories behind some legendary cards and rare non-sport gems
Get inspired by Joe’s old-school love for the hobby and maybe even rethink what you want in your PC
So… what’s in your PC? Hit play and find out why that question might just change the way you collect.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your hobby fix.

Episode 52: And The Buyer Is...

Let's talk about Kevin O'Leary’s $12.9M sports card shockwave!
This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe dives into what may be the biggest moment in hobby history: the $12.93 million sale of the iconic Kobe Bryant/Michael Jordan dual Logoman card, and the surprising syndicate behind the purchase. Spoiler: Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary just put the hobby on the map in a massive way.
What does this mean for collectors? Will Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, and Curry cards soar? Is this finally the moment sports cards get recognized as a legit asset class? Joe shares industry insights, personal reflections, and what this headline-grabbing deal could mean for your PC, your wallet, and the future of the hobby.
A must-listen for collectors, investors, and anyone who's ever felt a little “crazy” for loving sports cards.

Episode 51: 12.9 Million

Hold onto your card sleeves, hobby fam. A new world record has just been set, and it's sending shockwaves through the trading card world. Nearly $13 million for a single card... and no, it's not what you'd expect.
In this jaw-dropping episode, Joe breaks down the historic sale that’s rewriting the record books and what it means for collectors everywhere. But before the big reveal, Joe takes you on a wild ride through the Top 10 highest-selling sports cards of all time, from iconic vintage legends to modern-day marvels.
Whether you’re deep into the hobby or just trading stories over coffee, this one is packed with eye-popping numbers, unforgettable cards, and insights into where the market’s headed next. Joe shares behind-the-scenes stories, industry trends, and what this mega-sale signals for YOUR collection.

Episode 50: Are Modern Cards in a Bubble?

Is the hobby stronger than ever?
In this week’s episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe dives into the red-hot world of modern sports cards, breaking down the real trends behind the headlines. From the explosive rise of repack products to his concerns, Joe shares hard-earned insights to help you buy smarter, collect better, and avoid the hype traps.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting into the hobby, you won't want to miss this timely reality check, plus a few golden rules for building a collection that holds value.

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.