Nonsense Newsletter No. 120: The Bedard Dilemma, A pitcher worth persuing, a $3 million case of hockey cards and more!
In this week’s edition of the Nonsense Newsletter, John Dudley chases down a pitcher in today’s hobby actually worth chasing down. Meanwhile, I talk about the one thing everyone is talking about (original, I know) and that would be Connor Bedard. And then, to cap the entire experience off, someone out there paid $3.72 million for a case of hockey cards (this little nugget is in the amazing Quick Hits section). So, now that the anticipation has been raised… let’s get to it! Enjoy, people, the splendor that is the Nonsense Newsletter!
By John Dudley
Growing up, pitchers got much more respect in the hobby. Heck, Nolan Ryan cards were often the most valuable non-rookie cards in many sets. The way that pitchers are used in the game has changed and the way the hobby treats pitchers has changed so much it is worth asking if there are any pitchers at all worth buying at current prices.
For baseball, hobby value runs through the Hall of Fame. Greinke, Kershaw, Scherzer, and Verlander have their bags packed for Cooperstown. They’ve got value in the hobby and will for the foreseeable future. It is the under-35 crowd where the pickings are slim. After these four, there aren’t any pitchers who are on a clear path to the Hall which makes it hard for any to retain value.
By John McTaggart
Here’s the problem — Connor Bedard.
Here’s the solution — Connor Bedard.
For anyone who knows me, or anyone who has been a fairly steady reader of this newsletter, then you know I have a deep affection for hockey, particularly the hockey hobby.
Since way back in the day, and I mean way back, I’ve always thought of the hockey hobby and both underserved and under appreciated.
In many ways, I still feel that way.
It’s undoubtedly a niche segment of the overall industry, yet one heaping with loyalty, commitment and really savvy collectors.
That said, the hockey hobby has seem a bit of a transformation as of late, as more and more folks discover the joys (and potential) of hockey.
As a result, new faces, new ideas and new money have been streaming into the hobby.
To those of us that have been around a while, we’re geeked to see this — honestly.
But, we also have to deal with the growing pains of our beloved hockey hobby.
Quick Hits
Hobby News- The big news is that SGC has been acquired by PSA’s parent company, Collectors Holdings. Information is still very sparse and details will roll out over the ext few weeks. It’s a move that gives the grading world’s juggernaut even more options. My quick reaction is SGC sold at the exact right time as the dwindling premiums for graded cards highlighted here recently means that a downturn in grading volume might be in the cards. Timing is everything in the hobby and SGC’s is impeccable as always IMO.
Hobby News- Topps made another uh oh. It’s becoming the norm for Topps to have a mistake with their biggest cards in new releases. This time it is the new and highly publicized “Player’s First Card” issues. Topps made a lot about the new logo highlighting the milestone cards, but they forgot to include it on the cards themselves! The cards do have a 1/1 stamp on the back, so check your cards. Topps will replace it with a corrected card as well as something for your troubles.
Vintage- Well, I’m having a moment here. My beloved hockey has turned the hobby upside down thanks to the sale of a sealed case of 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey! The Gretzky PSA 10 potential case sold for a whopping $3.72 Million last week at Heritage Auctions. See folks, tell me again why people sleep on hockey!
Pop Culture- Star Wars Unlimited: Spark of Rebellion is the newest TCG tied to hot IP. Early reviews from my local game store are fairly strong and while the heat is nowhere near Lorcana levels, this one could end up being a hit. It’s out March, 8 but many stores will have it available this weekend at pre-release events.
Hobby News- This week’s first-to-market premium report comes courtesy of Elly De La Cruz’s 2024 Topps Home Field Advantage card. The stunning card came out strong fetching over $165 in its first few sales. The premium has come and gone though and the card has recently traded a few times closer to $75. The first-to-market premium is strong for wide release products like Topps Series 1 and it is worth considering that when buying or selling.
The Sports Card Nonsense newsletters reflect the opinions of only the authors and contributors. They are for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation for purchases or of an investment strategy or to buy or sell any assets.