1525 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1501-5124

Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1501–1524, thanking sponsors and highlighting key topics: tributes to Pirates Roy Face and Bill Mazeroski; ramblings on hockey, golf, and Non-Sport Update; Hobby Hotline outtakes on the Pokémon Illustrator record sale, Topps’ 75th anniversary “top 75 cards” process, and Panini’s uncertain future; a three-part Zoom conversation with Josh Luber touching on Pascal’s Wager and blind boxes vs. choosing singles; reflections on the Beckett Online Price Guide; why 1984 Donruss matters beyond Mattingly; Dallas-area show reports; concerns about Whatnot arbitration and gambling dynamics; PSA “MK” issues with inauthentic autographs; auction and sales manipulation; frustration with coordinated autograph requests; thoughts on Eisner vs. Rubin and Fanatics as the “apex” company; COMC price increases; childhood high-number set memories; and Toronto Expo prep tips from Ken Capell, including currency, border experiences, and dollar boxes.   00:31 Pirates Double Tribute 01:57 Record Prices and Top 75 03:46 Josh Luber Deep Dive 05:08 Blind Box Philosophy 06:21 Beckett OPG Reflections 06:53 Why 84 Donruss Matters 07:53 Whatnot Arbitration and Gambling 09:05 PSA MK Autograph Marks 09:47 Defensive/Offensive Manipulation 10:28 Panini Inflection Point 11:30 Autograph Request Frustrations 12:30 Eisner vs Rubin and Fanatics 13:48 COMC Price Increases 14:23 High Numbers Nostalgia