Baseball cards are a beloved part of American culture and collecting them is a fascinating hobby enjoyed by people young and old. For those who collect vintage baseball cards – those printed before the 1980s – podcasts have become an entertaining way to learn more about this nostalgic pastime. Here are some of the top vintage baseball card podcasts that dive into the history and allure of these classic cardboard collectibles.
The Old Cardboard is one of the longest-running and most established vintage baseball card podcasts. Hosted by veteran collector and dealer Mike Gutierrez, each episode explores a different year, set, player, or aspect of vintage cards through Mike’s knowledgeable lens. With over 300 episodes dating back to 2011, The Old Cardboard covers the entire history of the hobby. Mike shares stories from his own collection and interviews experts in the field. For anyone wanting to learn about the evolution of designs, production methods, and rising/falling values over the decades, this is an invaluable resource.
Another excellent educational podcast about vintage baseball memorabilia is Brought to You in Living Color, hosted by author and card historian Tom Shieber. Each episode focuses on a specific card from Tom’s vast personal collection, providing incredible detail on the player, set, photographer, and cultural context. You’ll come away with a true appreciation for the artistry and historical significance of even the most common vintage cards. Tom’s calm, articulate delivery and obvious passion make this one a pleasure to listen to, whether you’re a new or experienced collector.
For a fresh perspective on the hobby, check out Vintage Cardboard Revival with Matt from Cardboard Connection. As a younger collector himself, Matt brings enthusiasm and a modern sensibility to his interviews and episodes. He covers everything from the early T206 set to the rise in value of 1970s stars, as well as player collecting focuses, condition grading standards, and workshops for identifying counterfeits. Matt does a great job of appealing to both longtime collectors reminiscing and newcomers just starting out.
Two other podcasts delivering excellent vintage content are Cardboard Gods and The Wax Pack. Cardboard Gods, based on the book by Luke Epplin, uses baseball cards as a launching point to explore American social history through nostalgic and often hilarious personal anecdotes. The Wax Pack, hosted by Peter and David Jussi, is a consistently entertaining listen as the brothers reminisce about cards from their childhood, interview experts, and debate the hobby’s most compelling trivia. Both have amassed huge back catalogs perfect for bingeing.
For a more curated collection experience, check out Memory Lane Radio from Mark Armour and Dan Robinson. Each episode focuses on a narrowly defined collecting theme like 1970 Topps, Willie Mays rookie cards, basketball cards of the 1960s, or the oldest surviving set—1939 Play Ball. Alongside incredible artifacts from their own collections, Mark and Dan share compelling stories that bring these classic niche sets to life through rich historical detail. Memory Lane Radio sets the gold standard for themed nostalgia.
Two podcasts providing analysis and updates on the current market are Vintage Breaks Radio and The Vintage Football Card Podcast. Vintage Breaks Radio, hosted by Adam Hughes, interviews today’s most influential vintage card experts, traders, and authenticators while also sharing product reviews, market trends and his own experiences at conventions. The VFC Podcast, hosted by Mark Jacobsen, does the same focused exclusively on the world of vintage football cards, including sets like the iconic rookie year issues of Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, and Bart Starr. Both are excellent listens for staying current in the dynamic vintage trading card marketplace.
Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just starting to explore the world of vintage baseball cards, these highly entertaining and educational podcasts are a treasure trove of history, trivia, insights and enjoyment for any fan of American sports nostalgia. Many talented hosts are carrying on the hobby’s rich storytelling tradition – the perfect way to fuel the collecting passion any time or place. So grab a box of your favorites cards, cue up an episode, and start your memory lane journey today!
