The Hobby Handbook

Is It Time to Buy, Sell, or Hold Wemby Cards?

In this episode, Doug takes a look at the greatness of Victor Wembanyama and his market. Plus, we dive into a debate about in-person autographs and look at the latest grading data from Gem Rate. 0:00 - Show intro and what is coming up on the show 04:30 - Buy/Sell/Hold Victor Wembanyama 13:00 - Wayne Gretzky's Rookie Card is going to set numerous records 17:30 - Do in-person autographs do anything for you? Do you collect them at all? 32:45 - Hockey Collecting 101 44:17 - Doug rips some packs to close out the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What is REALLY Moving at Card Shows Right Now?

In the Hobby Handbook this week, Doug Plagens breaks down the names moving the most at card shows over the last month. Plus, how he consumes Bowman in the most boring way possible, but it is a money-maker. Doug dives into: * The athletes moving the most at card shows right now * The one athlete he was surprised to get asked about the most * Doug's boring, but effective, way of consuming Bowman Baseball products * Plus, some tips for setting up and attending card shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Hype Around 2026 Bowman Baseball Is REAL

2026 Bowman Baseball is almost here and this episode of the Hobby Handbook breaks down EVERYTHING you need to know before release day. Trent dives deep into: • eBay’s new repack policy and what it means for sellers • Travis Bazzana’s new Topps NOW rookie card • Full 2026 Bowman Baseball product breakdown If you’re ripping Bowman, prospecting, or buying into breaks this year, this episode is packed with insight before launch week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Why Sports Card Prices Are Out of Control

Are sports cards becoming too expensive for the average collector? In this episode of The Hobby Handbook, we’re joined by Gary LeMaster and Jason Otero from The Ball Card Show to break down what’s really happening in the hobby right now. From skyrocketing wax prices and overloaded release calendars to the growing gap between breakers, hobby shops, and everyday collectors, we dive deep into why so many people feel priced out and whether that feeling is actually justified. Tune in to Clever Cuban Cards' upcoming ⁠⁠eBay Lives on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm ET⁠⁠ [https://www.ebay.com/ebaylive/sellers/VVM03DJwR7a]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Fernando Mendoza: Bust or Breakout? + Trey Yesavage Sparks Hobby Controversy

The NFL Draft is Here! Clever Cuban Cards and Trent dive into the upcoming NFL Draft and take a closer look at Fernando Mendoza. Does he have true franchise potential, or are expectations getting too high? We also break down the current state of Topps Chrome Football, from skyrocketing box prices to what the singles market is telling us, and whether ripping wax still makes sense right now. Next, we respond to recent concerning comments from Trey Yesavage, about signing cards for fans, and discuss what that means for collectors in the hobby. Finally, with less than 100 days until the National, we talk about what you need to do NOW to prepare! 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – NFL Draft preview + Topps activation 01:30 – Should you buy Topps Now cards? 02:45 – Topps Now strategy + BGS 10 chase 04:30 – Topps Now “conspiracy” talk 04:55 – Breaking down the 2026 NFL Draft class 06:00 – Football needs a “Paul Skenes” moment 06:50 – QB comps (Mendoza + others) 09:45 – Sleeper QB to watch (Taylen Green) 11:00 – Topps Chrome Football first impressions 12:30 – “Can this card pay for the box?” game 14:50 – Jackson Dart price crash explained 16:30 – Why singles beat ripping boxes 17:20 – Burrow card comparison (NT vs Topps Chrome) 20:00 – Rookie cards not covering box prices 22:00 – Fanatics pricing + hobby frustration 26:00 – Fixing the hobby (Geoff Wilson idea) 31:10 – Trey Yesavage controversy 36:30 – National prep: what you NEED to do now 47:00 – PSA grading conspiracy + final thoughts Tune in to Clever Cuban Cards' upcoming ⁠eBay Lives on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm ET⁠ [https://www.ebay.com/ebaylive/sellers/VVM03DJwR7a]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]