Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe

Episode 29: Random Ramblings with Joe

In this refreshingly unfiltered episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe breaks from the usual format to share a rapid-fire rundown of hot-button topics shaking up the hobby right now.
From looming changes in card grading turnaround times to the surprising retail spaces selling sports cards (Ace Hardware, anyone?), Joe dishes out timely insights collectors and dealers won’t want to miss.
With the National Sports Collectors Convention on the horizon, now's the time to stay sharp, strategic, and ahead of the curve. If you're buying, grading, or just love geeking out on cardboard, this episode is your playbook for what's really going on in the hobby.

Episode 28: Buying Collections with Guest Dale Moody

In this must-listen episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis welcomes back seasoned collector, leader in the dealing-industry, and long-time friend Dale Moody for an unforgettable deep-dive into the world of collection buying—from best practices to bizarre road stories that will feel like hobby magic and make you laugh.
You'll hear:
Insider tips on where and how to find hidden gem collections (even in today’s digital age)
What to never do when you're making a deal—and the hard lessons they learned so you don't have to
A jaw-dropping road trip story involving bolt cutters, a Florida storage unit, and thousands of dollars in Mickey Mantle and Sandy Koufax autographs
Why sometimes it's better to walk away—and how to know when it's not
A frank, old-school take on today’s ultra-modern, high-stakes card market (think PSA 10s, 1-of-1s, and $50K rookie gambles)
How faith and fairness still guide ethical decisions in the hustle of collectibles
Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just a collector at heart, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, valuable wisdom, and real-life collecting gold. Tune in now to learn how to buy smart, stay honest, and maybe avoid breaking into storage units (even accidentally).If you missed our first episode with Dale Moody (episode 25), go back and give it a listen... you'll be glad you did!

Episode 27: Collecting T206 Cards with Cleve Bosher

This week, Joe Davis is joined again by hobby veteran, vintage expertise, and close friend Cleve Bosher for a deep dive into the iconic T206 White Border set—aka “The Monster.” With nearly four decades of hands-on experience, Cleve unpacks what makes this set so legendary, from stunning lithography and rare back variations to Hall of Fame cards and infamous errors.
You’ll hear stories of big-time finds, fakes, near-completions, and the quirks that keep collectors hooked over a century later.
What’s inside:✅ Why Honus Wagner’s card fetched $7.25 million✅ The mystery behind Eddie Plank and the “Magie” error✅ What makes a Lenox or Drum back so valuable✅ Budget-friendly tips for new T206 collectors
Whether you're deep into vintage cards or just T206-curious, this episode is full of insights, stories, and inspiration for collectors of all levels.
🎧 Tune in now—and if you missed Joe and Cleve's first episode together (looking at you episode 23), it's a must listen!

Episode 26: Joe's Top 10 List (40s & 50s Baseball)

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis takes you on a nostalgic ride through hobby history with a bold top 10 list decades in the making. Joe breaks down what he believes are the most historically significant rookie cards from the 1950s — and, as a bonus, shares his top 8 from the limited but legendary 1940s!
From a short-printed Satchel Paige to the mythic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, Joe digs into the stories behind the cardboard — the cultural impact, the legends they represent, and why some cards just matter more. Expect some surprises, a few controversial picks (check out #10?), and deep collector wisdom honed from decades in the hobby.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love the game, this episode offers rich insight, heartfelt reflection, and a reminder of why these little pieces of cardboard still matter so much.
🎧 Ready to hear which iconic rookie cards made the cut — and which just missed it? Tune in now.

Episode 25: Dealer Spotlight with Dale Moody

This week on Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis sits down with longtime friend and  absolute legendary collector Dale Moody for an unforgettable conversation that dives deep into the heart of the hobby.
From flipping comics out of fraternity houses in the ‘70s to uncovering a trunk full of vintage Marvel gold (yes, including Amazing Fantasy #15), Dale shares incredible stories from his decades in the industry — comic books, sports cards, Olympic pins, and even Coca-Cola memorabilia.
You’ll hear:
How a $2,500 comic deal in 1979 kickstarted a lifelong business
The deal that included a real Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig-signed baseball
The rise of eBay and PSA – and how it reshaped the entire collectibles world
Lessons from the boom-and-bust of sports card trends (and how to avoid hobby burnout)
Why collecting what you love is the key to enjoying the journey
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a nostalgic hobbyist, or just curious how a passion can turn into a profession, this episode is full of wisdom, laughs, and a few “why-did-I-sell-that?!” moments. You can't miss this episode of hanging out with Dale!

Episode 24: 1990s Baseball Cards

Think the ‘90s were just a sea of overproduced “junk wax” cards?
Think again.
In this info-packed episode, veteran collector and dealer Joe Davis dives deep into the most underrated and valuable treasures hiding in your attic or garage.
Joe kicks off with 1990 Leaf’s iconic Frank Thomas rookie, revisits the elusive Frank Thomas “No Name” error card worth up to $50K, and explores the short-printed Desert Shield Chipper Jones and ultra-rare 1993 SP Derek Jeter, a card that can fetch six figures in a PSA 10.
From holograms to refractors, Bowman Chrome rookies to select certified mirror golds, Joe covers it all—sharing insider tips, personal stories (including the one about pulling a Ken Griffey Jr. card the night his son was born!), and what still sells in today’s market.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, investor, or nostalgic collector, this episode is your must-listen guide to what really matters from the 1990s. 
Key Highlights:
Hidden high-value rookie cards from Rivera, Piazza, A-Rod, Jeter & more
Rare inserts and parallels that are skyrocketing in value
Joe’s personal grading experience with ultra-rare cards
Pro collector tips: what to keep, what to sell, and what to slab
Listen now and rediscover why the ‘90s weren’t so “junk” after all.

Episode 23: Collector Spotlight with Cleve Bosher

In this nostalgic and knowledge-packed episode of Sports Cards and a Cup of Joe, host Joe Davis sits down with longtime friend, Metro Atlanta dealer, and vintage brilliant aficionado Cleve Bosher for a conversation every collector needs to hear.
From childhood card trades in 1970s classrooms to building out the legendary T206 set, Cleve opens up about what keeps him chasing cardboard decades later. Whether you’re a pure collector, a side hustle seller, or an investor, you’ll find gems in Cleve’s insights on building collections with heart, embracing grading, and navigating card shows like a pro.
Highlights:
The Christmas Ty Cobb card that sparked a lifetime of collecting
Why grading matters more now than ever 
The collector vs. dealer mentality — and why Cleve walks both paths
Scarcity over comps: How to spot undervalued cards with staying power
Real talk for new collectors and first-time show dealers
The thrill of owning Pop 1s and rare non-sports oddities 
Plus, a look ahead to Cleve’s expert breakdown of the T206 set in an upcoming episode!
Whether you're new to the hobby or 40 years deep, this episode is a celebration of passion, perspective, and the pursuit of the perfect card.
Tune in now — your collection (and your card show strategy) will thank you.

Episode 22: Collector vs. Investor

Step into the ring with Joe Davis as he referees the ultimate hobby showdown: Collector vs. Investor. Are you in it for the thrill of the chase or the return on investment? Or… both?
In this episode of Sports Cards and a Cup of Joe, Joe brings decades of wisdom, behind-the-counter insights, and yes, a little Michael Buffer flair, to explore how the industry has shifted—and what that means for YOU. Whether you're cracking packs for the joy of it or flipping slabs like a day trader, this one’s got gold for every kind of hobbyist.
You’ll learn:
Why the collector vs. investor debate has heated up in recent years.
The biggest investing mistake new hobbyists are making (and how to avoid it).
Joe’s real-talk tips on narrowing your focus, sticking to your budget, and building a collection that brings you joy—not regret.
Why “buying the hype” could burn your wallet faster than a hot rookie's PSA 10.
The dirty truth about fake slabs (yes, even from legit-looking companies).
Joe doesn’t just drop hobby knowledge—he’s here to protect your passion and your pocketbook.
Whether you’re ripping wax, chasing vintage, or strategizing your next slab buy, this episode will leave you smarter, sharper, and re-inspired to engage with the hobby you love.

Episode 21: Dealer Spotlight, Dennis Worden (Part 2)

We’re back for Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Dennis from Triple Play Sports Cards in Sioux Falls — and this time, we’re digging even deeper.
If you enjoyed last episode’s dive into Dennis’s personal collecting habits, get ready for a broader, richer look at the business and heart behind his shop. In this follow-up, Dennis shares practical strategies for organizing singles, both in-store and at home — from glass cases to player boxes to bargain bins that invite collectors of every budget level to enjoy the hunt.
But the real gold here is in the big-picture insights. We explore:
How collector behavior has evolved over the last 5 years
The rising influence (and tension) of breaking culture
What shifting licenses and industry changes may mean for shops, sellers, and collectors
Why comp culture isn’t everything, and how value can (and should) go beyond the last sale
And in one of the most meaningful segments of the season, Dennis opens up about how his faith impacts his business — from praying with customers to offering his shop as a safe space for real conversations and real healing. This episode is a reminder that for some, a hobby shop is more than just a store — it’s a place of connection, trust, and community.
🎧 Whether you're a collector, seller, or just someone looking for a deeper take on the hobby — this episode will move you.

Episode 20: Dealer Spotlight, Dennis Worden (Part 1)

EPIC First Guest Alert! In this special two-part guest series, host Joe Davis sits down with hobby legend Dennis Worden of Triple Play Sports Cards (Sioux Falls, SD) — one of the sharpest minds and most passionate collectors in the sports card world! 💥
From collecting Wade Boggs in college to building an all-PSA 7 1967 Topps set, Dennis shares nostalgic stories, powerful collector wisdom, and the secrets behind growing a one-man shop into a 14-person powerhouse. Whether you're a longtime hobbyist or just getting started, this episode is packed with gold — including:
✅ The card that reignited Dennis' passion in 1989✅ His favorite vintage sets (and why 1967 is the one)✅ Tips for young collectors to find joy (and not go broke)✅ The true value of collecting — beyond the price tag
If you love the hobby, you cannot miss this one. Hit play, get inspired, and enjoy this conversation full of collector secrets & moments you'll want to share in. 🎧🔥