The Temptation of Vintage Packs: To Open or Preserve?
In this episode of Sports Cards Live, we sit down with Leighton Sheldon and special guest Grant Phalen to explore one of the hobby’s most debated topics: unopened vintage packs. The conversation dives into the excitement, nostalgia, and controversy surrounding whether to break the seal or preserve the mystery. From tales of rare finds like the O-Pee-Chee Hockey cases to Grant’s stories of iconic unopened packs, the episode uncovers the collector's mindset and the passion behind preserving history.
We also discuss the cultural significance of keeping packs sealed versus the thrill of discovering the cards within, comparing it to fine wine – some collect, while others indulge. Plus, Johnny from Mintink joins later to share insights on the recent VeeFriends Topps Chrome release, shedding light on the hobby’s evolving landscape and the reception of non-sport card products.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of vintage packs, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the age-old question: To open or not to open?
Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation in the live chat every Saturday night on Sports Cards Live.
Guests:
Grant Phalen
Leighton Sheldon @JustCollect
John Amendola @mintink10 @johnnyacards
Chris McGill @chris_hoj @CardLadder
Each week we tackle hot hobby headlines with a rotating panel of hobbyists, taking your questions and comments! We are likely to go into overtime so join us live grab your favorite beverage and snacks and bring your questions and comments as they will be in play.
Saturday May 10 @ 7:00pm PST / 8:00pm MST / 9:00pm CST / 10:00pm EST
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41:13
Collecting Sealed Packs and Boxes + Crazy Discovery Happens Live During the show!
We dive into the fascinating world of vintage wax packs with special guest Grant Phelan. Grant, a long-time collector and expert on unopened packs and display boxes, shares insights into what makes these relics of the hobby so collectible.
Jeremy also reveals his latest card show find: a rare 1957 Topps hockey pack, part of OPC President Gary Koreen's collection. The episode covers the challenges of verifying unopened packs, the importance of authenticating by trusted experts like Steve Hart, and the niche community of wax pack collectors. Plus, a heartfelt tribute to Karvin Cheung's father Ko Cheung and the latest NHL and NBA playoff action.
Whether you're a fan of vintage cards, unopened wax, or collecting stories from the hobby's past, this episode is a must-listen!
Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation in the live chat every Saturday night on Sports Cards Live.
Guests:
Grant Phalen
Leighton Sheldon @JustCollect
John Amendola @mintink10 @johnnyacards
Chris McGill @chris_hoj @CardLadder
Each week we tackle hot hobby headlines with a rotating panel of hobbyists, taking your questions and comments! We are likely to go into overtime so join us live grab your favorite beverage and snacks and bring your questions and comments as they will be in play.
Saturday May 11 @ 7:00pm PST / 8:00pm MST / 9:00pm CST / 10:00pm EST
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47:43
Junk Relics + Legal Drama + SGC's Missing President + Topps Conference Reveals
This week on SCL 2.0 (Ep. 266):
We kick things off with Leighton Sheldon of Just Collect, delivering his weekly take on the vintage market—we will hone in on the recent sale of a Honus Wagner T206 restored copy that sold for $1.98M and what that means.
Hobby legal analyst Paul Lesko returns with a fresh round of lawsuits and legal developments impacting the sports card world right now.
Then T-Pott joins us fresh off the Topps Industry Conference with key insights and behind-the-scenes takeaways. We’ll also talk about the ongoing issue of non-game-used memorabilia in high-end modern cards—especially RPAs. If the patches were never worn in a game, why do collectors keep paying like they were?
Finally, Chris McGill of Card Ladder closes out the show with his weekly deep hobby insights.
And yes—we’ll address the big question: Where is Peter Steinberg? The SGC president has gone quiet on social, and hobbyists are noticing.
It’s a loaded episode—don’t miss Sports Cards Live #266.
Guests:
Leighton Sheldon @JustCollect
Tyler Nethercott T-Pott @marketmovers
Paul Lesko @paul_lesko
Chris McGill @chris_hoj @CardLadder
Each week we tackle hot hobby headlines with a rotating panel of hobbyists, taking your questions and comments! Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz rides shotgun! We are likely to go into overtime so join us live grab your favorite beverage and snacks and bring your questions and comments as they will be in play.
Saturday May 3 @ 7:00pm PST / 8:00pm MST / 9:00pm CST / 10:00pm EST
#SportsCardsLive #ToppsConference #NonGameUsed #SGC #SportsCardMarket
Proud to share that Sports Cards Live has recently been ranked #5 among Feedspot's top 90 Sports Card podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/sports_card_podcasts/
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3:40:53
How to Grow the Hobby in a Healthy Way + Expo & The State of Card Shows + HOJ
SCL 2.0 EPISODE #265
Guests:
Dave Schwartz @Iowa_Dave_Sportscards
Leighton Sheldon @JustCollect
Mikey Singer @SportCardExpo1
Josh Madigan @hockeycardsgongshow
Ben Hossler @rollinginsights
Chris McGill @chris_hoj @CardLadder
We're tackle hot hobby headlines with a rotating panel of hobbyists, taking your questions and comments! Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz rides shotgun! We are likely to go into overtime so join us live grab your favorite beverage and snacks and bring your questions and comments as they will be in play.
Saturday April 19 @ 7:00pm PST / 8:00pm MST / 9:00pm CST / 10:00pm EST
Proud to share that Sports Cards Live has recently been ranked #5 among Feedspot's top 90 Sports Card podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/sports_card_podcasts/
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3:31:15
Adapting in the Sports Card Hobby! + Trade/Social Nights Unite the Hobby + Can Cards be Investments?
SCL 2.0 EPISODE #264
Guests:
Rich Klein @sabrgeek
Leighton Sheldon @justcollect
Dan Lynch @DansVintageBaseballPC
Mikey Singer @SportCardExpo1
Grant Paterson @gpsportscards
Chris McGill @chris_hoj @cardladder
We're tackle hot hobby headlines with a rotating panel of hobbyists, taking your questions and comments! Joe Poirot from Santa Cruz rides shotgun! We are likely to go into overtime so join us live grab your favorite beverage and snacks and bring your questions and comments as they will be in play.
Saturday April5 @ 7:00pm PST / 8:00pm MST / 9:00pm CST / 10:00pm EST
Proud to share that Sports Cards Live has recently been ranked #5 among Feedspot's top 90 Sports Card podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/sports_card_podcasts/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
These are the audio tracks from Sports Cards Live (on YouTube). Host and lifelong collector Jeremy Lee is joined by passionate collectors, industry insiders, hobbypreneurs, content creators to educate, inform, entertain, and inspire hobbyists of all genres and experience. Sports Cards Live is an interactive livestream video podcast where you are part of the show as your comments and questions are in play.
México