Is Eye Appeal Taking Over? + Who Grades the Graders? + Mack Cheli’s Incredible Collection

Is eye appeal taking over the sports card hobby? Mack Cheli of Big Mack’s Card Box joins me to talk about his collecting journey, why he learned to prioritize the card over the grade, and how the growing eye appeal movement is changing the way collectors buy vintage cards. We also dig into the expanding world of fourth-party grading and eye appeal designations, including the changing meaning of MBA’s gold sticker, what these different designations actually tell collectors, and whether they’re creating clarity or more confusion. Plus, Mack takes us through some incredible cards from his personal collection, including vintage legends, signed Hall of Fame rookies, an exceptionally well-centered 1984 Star Michael Jordan and more. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube and follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. Check out The Hobby Spectrum at thehobbyspectrum.com. Discover cards across the hobby with AuctionWire at auctionwire.ai. Use promo code SCL for 60 days free. Research card values and market history with Card Ladder. Use promo code SCL. And check out my book, Pops and Comps: Truths, Insights, and Psychology Behind the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market, available on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices