Best Baseball Ramble Podcasts (2025)

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1476 - Out-Takes on Beckett Sale from Hobby Hotline 122025 26:09

Play Pause

5m ago26:09

26:09

Dr. Beckett delves into the recent acquisition of Beckett by Collectors in response to questions during the weekly live Hobby Hotline program also featuring John Newman, Victor Roman, Chris Harris, and Rich Klein. Dr. Beckett shares his thoughts on the transition, his meeting with CEO Nat Turner, and the future prospects for Beckett under new owner…

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1475 - Recap: Podcast Episodes 1451-1474 13:54

1d ago13:54

13:54

Dr. Beckett recaps episodes 1451 to 1474 covering interviews and discussions. Dr. Beckett reflects on the past, present, and future of the hobby, all while addressing tough topics constructively. 00:25 Innovations in the 90s with Darin Ostrom01:32 Shill Bidding Controversy03:32 Defending PSA and Policing Manipulation10:56 Listener Questions and Hob…

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Trade Talk & 2025 Recap 1:03:29

2d ago1:03:29

1:03:29

On the final Pipeline Podcast of the year, Jim Callis & Jason Ratliff break down the sudden flurry of pre-Christmas trades, highlighted by the Rays acquiring six prospects and a supplemental first-round Draft pick in exchange for four big leaguers in a deal with the Orioles and a three-way swap with the Astros and Pirates. Then they look back on 20…

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1474 - 1990's Innovations, inspired by Darin Ostrom 17:56

3d ago17:56

17:56

Dr. Beckett reviews Darin Ostrom's draft manuscript on 'Sports Card Innovations in the Nineties'. Dr. Beckett discusses various aspects of the book, such as the history and evolution of sports cards, including notable companies like Upper Deck and Topps, as well as key events that shaped the industry, plus the chaotic nature of the late 80s and 90s…

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1473 - Eleven Listener Questions 7.0 12:48

6d ago12:48

12:48

Dr. Beckett tackles a diverse range of listener questions. Topics include the ups and downs of market cycles, the pros and cons of having more or fewer employees, the significance of favorite card covers, and what defines a serious player collector. He also delves into card grading, dealing with MVP players, discounts on last year's cards, the impo…

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Checking Our Draft List Twice 1:00:48

8d ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Following the launch of the 2026 Draft Top 100, Jim Callis and Jason Ratliff take a close look at the players top of the list, highlighting the best hitters and pitchers in the class, starting with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowski. They then break down the intriguing challenge trade between the Red Sox and Nationals, in which Boston sent 22-year-old r…

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1472 - Beckett/BGS Acquired by Collectors/PSA 15:15

8d ago15:15

15:15

Dr. Beckett dives into the unexpected but monumental news of PSA acquiring BGS and other Beckett entities. In this episode, Dr. Beckett discusses the immediate impact on the sports card hobby, shares personal anecdotes from his recent interactions with Nat Turner, and reflects on the legacy and future prospects of Beckett. 00:31 PSA Acquires Becket…

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1471 - Team Card Collecting, with Rich Klein 15:29

10d ago15:29

15:29

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss collecting strategies, particularly focusing on budgeting for sports card collectors. They explore different approaches, such as acquiring a large number of inexpensive cards versus investing in a few high-value cards. They also reference tales from the field, like Mike Moynihan's focused hunt for a specific card …

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1470 - Ramblings with Rich Klein, 12.0 17:45

13d ago17:45

17:45

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein discuss various aspects of the sports card hobby, including the complexity of bringing in partners for established card stores, managing inventory and cash flow, and the dynamics of selling singles versus wax sales. They also touch on the historical and current trends in card collecting, grading, and the strategies employ…

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Winter Meetings Wonderland (Guest: Mike Shirley) 1:17:18

15d ago1:17:18

1:17:18

The Winter Meetings in Orlando are a hub of baseball activity, and Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff break it all down on the latest edition of the Pipeline Podcast. They begin by discussing the ramifications of the Draft Lottery and Jonathan talks to White Sox scouting director Mike Shirley about his team claiming the No. 1 overall pick.…

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1469 - Hobby History, with Rich Klein, Part 2 16:07

15d ago16:07

16:07

Rich Klein joins Dr. Beckett to further delve into the history of sports card collecting, focusing on the transformative 1980s. They discuss the significant contributions of various publications and the strategies Beckett employed to stand out in the market. The conversation covers the evolution from newsprint to collectible covers, the role of pri…

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1468 - Hobby History, with Rich Klein 16:33

17d ago16:33

16:33

Dr. Beckett and Rich Klein dive into the significance of hobby history books for the sports card community. They discuss various existing and upcoming publications, the importance of documenting hobby history accurately, and the potential for compiling podcast content into a cohesive book. The conversation also touches on the historical impact of d…

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426 Hagakure vs Psalms 53:42

20d ago53:42

53:42

Hooray for humanity! We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish. Connect! Be part of the Rhodesies team and get goodies: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp More Tom https://www.instagram.com/_TomRhodes More Ashna https://www.instagram.com/ashnarodjan About Smart Camp podcast Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, …

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1467 - 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists 15:21

20d ago15:21

15:21

Dr. Beckett dives into the recently announced finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. This episode not only covers the potential inductees, including players, coaches, and contributors, but also examines their impact on sports card values. Special attention is given to big-name players like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Bill …

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1466 - Security, Part 2 (Hobby Dinner Convo) 18:41

22d ago18:41

18:41

Join Dr. Beckett and a roundtable of industry experts over dinner discuss the evolution of sports card manufacturing, historical trends, consumer preferences, and the integration of digital innovations like blockchain. Dive deep into a rich conversation that covers everything from the importance of game-used materials to the need for experiential m…

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Trade & Draft(s) Fever 1:20:46

24d ago1:20:46

1:20:46

With the impending release of MLB Pipeline's Draft Top 100 just before the Winter Meetings set to start this weekend, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff have plenty to unpack on the latest Pipeline Podcast. They begin by previewing the Meetings, taking a look at the Draft Lottery and the Rule 5 Draft before discussing which teams have the …

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1465 - Security (Hobby Dinner Convo) 18:42

26d ago18:42

18:42

Dr. Beckett and esteemed guests delve into the evolution, challenges, and security of sports cards. Topics include the importance of security measures like holograms and blockchain technology, the role of grading companies, and the future of card innovations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for protecting collectors' investments and enhancing the …

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1464 - Non-Physical Cards (Hobby Dinner Convo) 26:06

29d ago26:06

26:06

Dr. Beckett and guests delve into the evolving landscape of sports card collecting. They discuss the potential growth of non-physical sports collectibles, the financial and enjoyment aspects of digital cards, and the implications of blockchain technology for the hobby. The conversation also touches on the trends in physical card collecting, the rol…

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Episode 135 - Jury Duty, Weddings, And Weight Loss 1:04:35

30d ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Send us a text Missed weeks, messy schedules, and a jury duty spiral set the stage for a catch-up that feels like real life: imperfect, funny, and unexpectedly honest. We own the delays, laugh at the chaos, and then pivot into the good stuff—two family weddings that brought everyone together, a couple of surprise listeners we didn’t know we had, an…

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1463 - New Products 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

Dr. Beckett unboxes and reviews several new Panini products, including Panini Certified Football, Phoenix Football, and Absolute Football, as well as the new Panini Combat Anthology. Lastly, he shares his experiences as a Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder and his quest for sports cards at the Mavericks online store. 00:23 Clarifying Tennis Card…

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Gratitude abounds 1:15:25

1M ago1:15:25

1:15:25

There's so much to be grateful for in the prospect world and in this Thanksgiving week episode of the MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo dig into those things like it's a pumpkin pie. The duo list things they're grateful for in Pipeline-land, from the Arizona Fall League to the College World Series to the tireless efforts of (in no …

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1462 - BB HOF Contemporary Ballot, Part 2 (Hobby Dinner Convo) 17:27

1M ago17:27

17:27

Dr. Beckett and an esteemed group of sports card collectors over dinner discuss their opinions about the upcoming BB HOF contemporary ballot. 01:46 Discussion on Hall of Fame Voting03:51 Steroids and Baseball11:48 Pete Rose and Gambling in Baseball13:12 Modern Media and Baseball15:23 NBA and Fan Conduct…

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1461 - BB HOF Contemporary Ballot (Hobby Dinner Convo) 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

Dr. Beckett and a group of distinguished hobbyists discuss over dinner the recently announced contemporary BB Hall of Fame ballot including both controversial and sympathetic figures. The conversation delves into the complexities of performance-enhancing drugs, player statistics, gambling, and the essence of baseball's spirit. 01:46 Hall of Fame De…

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1460 - Conversation with Rob Veres, Burbank Sports Cards, Part 2 19:58

1M ago19:58

19:58

Dr. James Beckett chats with longtime friend and industry expert Rob Veres about the evolution of sports card collecting. They touch on pivotal changes, like PSA's integration into retail spaces, the significance of AI in streamlining operations, and the layers of management required for business growth. Rob highlights the importance of creating an…

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AFL Wrapup & Roster Ramblings (Guest: Max Anderson) 1:24:53

1M ago1:24:53

1:24:53

In the latest Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo & Jason Ratliff put a bow on the just-concluded Arizona Fall League season. They recap the playoffs and the award winners before Jim interviews AFL batting champion Max Anderson (Tigers). Then they shift their focus to difficult roster decisions teams faced as they finalized their 40-man ros…

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1459 - Conversation with Rob Veres, Burbank Sports Cards 20:40

1M ago20:40

20:40

Join Dr. Beckett for an insightful conversation with industry icon Rob Veres, discussing everything from the current costs in the hobby to the strategies for ensuring collectors find their treasured cards. They delve into the differences between high-end and everyday collecting, the challenges of modern card processing, and the evolving business mo…

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1458 - Out-Takes from Jason, Professor Sportscards, Part 2 14:33

1M ago14:33

14:33

Dr. Beckett answers more questions from Jason aka Professor Sportscards on navigating the hobby, including the importance of a well-rounded education, recognizing market manipulation, and understanding the ebb and flow of card values. He shares personal anecdotes about his journey from being a hobbyist to running a large company, reflecting on the …

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1457 - More Shill Enforcement 15:56

1M ago15:56

15:56

Dr. Beckett delves into the controversial topic of shill bidding in the sports card hobby. He explains the illegal practice, differentiates between defensive and offensive shill bidding, and shares personal insights and anecdotes. The discussion highlights the impact of shill bidding on auction integrity and explores the challenges in detecting and…

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AFL homestretch and Rookies of the Year (Guest: Tommy White) 1:17:46

2M ago1:17:46

1:17:46

It's the final week of the Arizona Fall League and that was the focus for much of this week's MLB Pipeline Podcast. Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff broke down all the action from last weekend's Fall Stars Game and discussed contenders for the league's awards, from MVP to breakout player. Then Jonathan sat down with A's infield prospect …

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1456 - Out-Takes from Jason, Professor Sportscards 16:49

2M ago16:49

16:49

Dr. Beckett joins Jason on his Professor Sportscards YouTube channel to explore Jason's various pressing issues in the sports card industry. Dr. Beckett shares his experience, tracing back to his early days in the 1970s, and discusses his current role as a hobbyist. Key topics include the evolution of conflicts of interest within the industry, the …

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425 Game 7 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

Hooray for humanity! We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish. Connect! Be part of the Rhodesies team and get goodies: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp More Tom https://www.instagram.com/_TomRhodes More Ashna https://www.instagram.com/ashnarodjan About Smart Camp podcast Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, …

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1455 - Defending PSA 15:50

2M ago15:50

15:50

Dr. Beckett explores the controversial topic of PSA's upcharges for card grading. Offering a unique perspective as a former competitor with foundational experience in grading, he breaks down why these additional fees might actually strengthen PSA's brand by contributing to higher secondary market values. By comparing PSA with BGS and sharing insigh…

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1454 - Shill Shocked, with Patrick Ryan, Part 2 17:15

2M ago17:15

17:15

Dr. Beckett delves into the definition(s!) and complexities of shill bidding with guest Patrick Ryan. They explore the nuances of what shill bidding entails, its impact on the sports card hobby, and discuss personal experiences and misconceptions. They also touch on issues within the grading industry, the importance of true scarcity versus graded r…

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More Fall (Classic and League) talk (Guest: Dante Nori) 1:28:58

2M ago1:28:58

1:28:58

On the latest edition of the Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff put a bow on the recently completed World Series by recapping the drama and the many heroes on both sides. Next up are discussions of the Rookie of the Year finalists, the always perilous long-term rookie rankings (Roman Anthony vs. Nick Kurtz!) and the Gold …

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1453 - Shill Shocked, with Patrick Ryan 18:23

2M ago18:23

18:23

Dr. Beckett talks with Patrick Ryan, who shares his experience of mistakenly bidding on his own item and they discuss the ethics, legality, and nuances of shill bidding. They explore the differences between defensive and offensive bidding, the importance of auction rules, and what constitutes fair practice in the auction world. They also address th…

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1452 - Football for Kids, with Darin Ostrom, Sports Card Professor, Part 2 17:07

2M ago17:07

17:07

Dr. Beckett and Darin Ostrom continue their deep dive into the art of designing sports card sets, especially those aimed at kids. They discuss the importance of storytelling through card subsets and the balance between rarity and collectibility. The conversation touches on historical sets like Fleer Teams In Action and Topps Total, as well as the e…

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424 Galway Girl 53:00

2M ago53:00

53:00

Hooray for humanity! We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish. Connect! Be part of the Rhodesies team and get goodies: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp More Tom https://www.instagram.com/_TomRhodes More Ashna https://www.instagram.com/ashnarodjan About Smart Camp podcast Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, …

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Episode 134 - Late Nights, Lost Apps, And Oktoberfest 1:07:15

2M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Send us a text Ever waited 20 minutes curbside for a prepaid $5 meal while watching ten cars breeze through the drive-thru? That’s where we start—where “convenience” breaks—and then we chase the thread through a month of life: an AI that couldn’t load a simple floor plan, a hike that cleared our heads, and an Oktoberfest run that reminded us what r…

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1451 - Football for Kids, with Darin Ostrom, Sports Card Professor 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Dr. Beckett is joined by Darin Ostrom, aka Sports Card Professor, to delve into the 1990s efforts by companies like Pro Set and Fleer to engage young collectors through educational and community-focused initiatives. They discuss the FACT (Football and Academics) program initiated by the Cincinnati School Board and how Pro Set and Fleer tried to rea…