Tag Archives: podcast

BASEBALL CARDS PODCAST

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over 150 years. Ever since the rise of the modern baseball card in the late 19th century, fans young and old have enjoyed amassing collections, tracking stats, and reminiscing about their favorite players. In recent decades, as podcasts have exploded in popularity, many aficionados have started podcasts dedicated to discussing all things baseball cards. Whether focusing on new releases, values, histories of certain players or sets, or even just sharing the joy of the hobby, these podcasts have provided an engaging new medium for baseball card communities.

One of the longest running and most popular baseball card podcasts is “The Topps Archives Podcast.” Hosted by Brian Walton since 2015, each episode delves into the history and stories behind different baseball card sets from Topps, the dominant brand in the industry. Walton, a knowledgeable collector and researcher, discusses everything from design choices to production details to any notable cards or players featured. For hardcore collectors, it’s a fascinating listen that brings greater context and appreciation to the sets in their collections. With over 300 episodes uploaded so far, “The Topps Archives Podcast” has become an invaluable oral history resource for learning about the evolution of Topps cards over decades.

Another highly informative podcast for collectors is “The Cardboard Connection.” Run by veteran hobbyists Mark Armour and Dan Levitt, each episode covers a variety of topics related to baseball cards, from interviews with industry insiders to discussions of new releases, value trends, and care/preservation tips. Their extensive experience and connections allow them to provide in-depth analyses that hobbyists find very useful. A regular segment reviews recent auction highlights as well, giving listeners a sense of what rare vintage cards are moving in today’s hot collecting market. With over 10 years of weekly episodes archived, “The Cardboard Connection” podcast is an unparalleled knowledge base for both casual and serious collectors.

While the above podcasts focus more on the collecting and business aspects of the hobby, others aim to recapture the simple joy and nostalgia many felt as kids exploring baseball cards. A prime example is “The Wax Pack Gods,” hosted by brothers Joel and Tommy Thompson. Each episode finds the duo swapping stories from their childhood days opening packs and putting together teams, along with reminiscing about the players, designs and pop culture moments that made certain card sets so memorable. Even for collectors who came of age decades after the sets discussed, the warm recollections transport listeners back to a time of youthful baseball card bliss. With a fun, conversational style, “The Wax Pack Gods” celebrates the emotional connection many still feel to their earliest cardboard collections.

For a more casual exploration of the hobby’s history and oddities, the “Baseball Card Breakdown” podcast delivers short, snackable episodes on a wide range of topics. Hosted by Rob Fitts since 2016, recent episodes have highlighted unsolved mysteries on infamous cards, explored the origins of oddball promotions and insert sets, and profiled some of the most acclaimed vintage photographers whose work graced cardboard. While light on analysis, Fitts’ infectious enthusiasm makes “Baseball Card Breakdown” a joy for learning quirky new facts and stories within the hobby. With under 15 minutes per episode, it’s also easily digestible for busy collectors.

Of course, no discussion of baseball card podcasts would be complete without mentioning “The Steiner Sports Baseball Card Podcast.” As the official podcast of industry leader Steiner Sports Memorabilia, each episode features insightful interviews with some of the biggest names in the hobby—from Hall of Fame players to industry executives to prominent authenticators. Hearing career retrospectives and behind-the-scenes stories from legends like Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly, and Dave Winfield is a treat for any collector. The show covers major Steiner auctions, new partnerships and product releases, as well as memorabilia collecting tips. With high production values and major guests, “The Steiner Sports Baseball Card Podcast” sets the gold standard that others aspire to.

Whether one’s interests lie in collecting modern rookies, vintage stars, oddball sets, or simply enjoying the nostalgia of the cardboard, there is surely a baseball card podcast that will delight. The format allows hobbyists to stay engaged even in off-seasons, and virtual water cooler talk helps build online communities. With new shows launching regularly and back catalogs to explore, podcasts have given this beloved pastime an exciting new platform to reach both hardcore collectors and casual fans alike. The golden age of baseball on wax seems as strong as ever.

VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS PODCAST

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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!