Why Nostalgia Is the Most Powerful Asset in the Hobby: Media insider explains the power of a story

Summary

Podcast Summary: Collector Nation

Episode: Why Nostalgia Is the Most Powerful Asset in the Hobby: Media insider explains the power of a story
Host: Ryan Alford
Guest: Carmine Jimay, Sports Director, Fox Carolina
Date: January 13, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the emotional and cultural drivers behind collecting, particularly the enduring force of nostalgia. Host Ryan Alford sits down with Carmine Jimay, a seasoned media insider and passionate collector, to explore how stories, memories, and personal history intersect with the trading card and collectibles market. The discussion spans Carmine's media journey, the evolving landscape of sports news, the psychology of collecting, investing in cards, and memorable stories from both the broadcast and hobby scenes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Carmine’s Journey: Media & Collectibles

• Background in Sports Media: Carmine shares his trajectory from University of Scranton to ESPN and local news outlets, explaining how each step fueled his storytelling passion.
  • “Started as a kid and like a lot of people got back into it during COVID, but it really wasn’t because of COVID. It was because my mom got hip replacement surgery…I’m going through my collection and I’m looking through, wow.” (13:31)
• Parallel with Collecting: Both careers require “stacking the wins” through perseverance and incremental effort.
  • “Day by day process…then you look back five years later and you’re like, oh my gosh.” (05:14)
• Building Media Presence: Carmine’s creation of Carmine’s Cards (Instagram) and Crosstown Cardboard podcast reveals how digital platforms democratize content and community.

2. The Power of Storytelling in Collecting

• Media’s Evolving Role:
  • Local sports coverage offers human-interest stories inaccessible through national outlets—“the human side under the glitz and glam” (11:44).
  • The best stories, like multi-generational mascot families, are what set local coverage apart.
• Collecting as Storytelling:
  • Collectors build “wardrobes” of sports history, expressing personal connections to eras, teams, and players.
    • “It can be an expression of your sports style, in my opinion...It’s almost like a wardrobe...just in a sports card direction.” (18:01)
  • Nicknames and inscriptions (“Larry Legend”, “Weapon X”, etc.) turn cards into cultural artifacts loaded with personal and collective memory.

3. Nostalgia: The Hobby’s Most Potent Asset

• Why Nostalgia Resonates:
  • Collecting rekindles childhood joy and offers escapism—and not just for older collectors.
  • Memorable visuals (e.g., Bo Jackson’s iconic photos, Tecmo Bowl memories) function as emotional touchstones.
    • “That childlike joy that a lot of us…and a lot of your viewers and listeners get from collecting.” (20:14)
  • The act of seeking rare cards is akin to “honoring the teams, players, and people you care about, like a wardrobe of your collection” (18:01).

4. The Business Side: Hustle, Investment, and Risk

• Entrepreneurial Spirit:
  • Both Ryan and Carmine identify as “hustlers” in the best sense—buying, selling, trading, and flipping for fun and profit.
    • “I used to buy and sell shoes…my dad is a big hustler…all different types of businesses.” (15:49)
• Investment Value:
  • Discussion of “blue chip” vs. “penny stock” cards:
    • “I would much rather have a blue chip stock…slow growers rather than a penny stock or a Ja Morant.” (37:54)
    • Carmine prefers investing in retired legends (Bird, Nash) over volatile rising stars.
  • Strategy includes buying the “dip” on current players with turnaround potential (Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones).
  • Stories of lucrative flips (Mac Jones RPA: bought for $450, sold for $2,400 after five weeks) showcase timing and calculated risk (42:09).

5. Show-and-Tell: Iconic Cards and Inscriptions

• Inscription Cards as Super-Nostalgia:
  • Cards signed with iconic nicknames (e.g., “Larry Legend”—only 35 known) are discussed:
    • “There’s only 35 ever that I know of, at least inscription Larry Bird autographs...I traded 12 cards and another $2,500 or $3,000 of cash to a guy in New Zealand to get that.” (22:30)
    • Cards with rare inscriptions fetch premium prices and offer true scarcity.
• Other Notable Cards:
  • Bird & Magic, Bird & Russell, patches, 1/1’s, and the 1980 Topps rookie card triple signed by Bird, Magic, and Dr. J.
    • “This is in my top three of favorite cards—the 1980 Topps with Bird, Magic, Dr. J., all three autographs, PSA 5 with a 10 auto.” (45:13)
• The Value of Dual and Unique Cards:
  • Debate over grading 1/1s, the challenge of obtaining multi-signed classics, and the significance of game-worn memorabilia.
  • Emphasis on collection as both accomplishment and self-expression.

6. Community, Legacy, and New Frontiers

• Building Community:
  • Shared experiences—family pack rips, time with kids, local shows—are central to the collecting experience.
    • “It was more just time with kids and having four boys…that’s the dream.” (35:08)
• Women in Collecting:
  • Recognition of growing value and visibility for women’s cards: Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley (56:25).
• Future Events & Cross-Promotion:
  • Carmine and Ryan discuss collaboration for coverage of Collector Nation’s store opening, highlighting the ongoing intersection of media storytelling and hobby culture.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Collecting as Personal Style and Memory:
  • “Your showcase can be an expression of your sports style.” — Carmine (00:00)
  • “Honoring the teams, players, and people you care about—like a wardrobe of your collection.” — Carmine (18:01)
• On Nostalgia’s Power:
  • “I guess it is nostalgia. I just hate cliche words…but I guess it is. That’s what it is.” — Ryan (21:08)
• On The Hustler’s Mentality:
  • “There’s the word I was looking for. Like you're a little bit of a hustler, in the good sense, not the bad sense.” — Ryan (16:03)
• On Storytelling’s Role in Media and Collecting:
  • “Sports is a vehicle to tell a story of human connection, or the human condition and emotion side of it.” — Carmine (11:44)
• Classic Trading Story:
  • “I traded 12 cards and another $2,500 or $3,000 of cash to a guy in New Zealand…for that Larry Legend inscription.” — Carmine (22:30)
  • “I bought this Mac Jones…for $450...sold for $2,400.” — Carmine (42:32)

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Key Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 03:36 — Carmine’s media journey at ESPN, local stations.
• 11:44 — Telling human stories through local sports media.
• 14:43 — Carmine’s return to the hobby and launch of Carmine’s Cards.
• 18:01 — Collecting as a reflection of sports style and nostalgia.
• 21:08 — Discussing nostalgia, childhood joy, Tecmo Bowl, Bo Jackson.
• 22:30 — Deep dive into rare inscription cards; the “Larry Legend” deal.
• 37:54 — Card investing strategy: legends vs. prospects.
• 42:09 — Story: Flipping Mac Jones card for a major profit.
• 45:13 — 1980 Topps triple-signed rookie card discussion.
• 56:25 — Mention of women athletes in the hobby.
• 58:18 — Carmine’s social and professional plugs.

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Tone and Language

The episode is upbeat, chatty, and personal, blending hobby expertise with friendly banter. The hosts are candid about the joys, risks, and both emotional and financial upsides of collecting. Classic hobby debates, the value of storytelling, and the role of nostalgia are unpacked with both passion and humor.

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For Collectors & Listeners

Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist, a sneakerhead gone cardboard, or someone who cherishes the memories tied to each pack and player, this episode captures the heart of the collector’s journey: the stories, the hustle, the nostalgia, and the joy of sharing all of it with a like-minded community.

Keep up with Carmine:

• Instagram: @carminescards
• Local sports stories: FoxCarolina.com

Host:

• Instagram: @ryanalford
• CollectorNation.com

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Classic moment:
“Classic Carmine. We appreciate him for coming on. He will forever hold that name. At least here on this show.” — Ryan (58:23)

Transcript

[A]

I think as far as even what I put in my showcase and what I collect, it can be an expression of your sports style. But there's only 35 ever that I know of, at least inscription Larry Bird autographs. And this one right here, this Panini hall of fame 2010 set. So there's only 10 of these and 25 of the notable nicknames that's numbered out of 10. And I traded 12 cards and another 2,500 or 3,000 of cash to a guy in New Zealand to get that.

[B]

Welcome to the Collector Nation podcast on the Radcast Network. From chasing grails to calling bluffs, we're going inside the hobby. Are you ready to collect? Let's get at it. Here's your host, Ryan Alford. Hello, and welcome to Collector nation here in 2026. I say that out loud, it's. It feels like when I was a kid, I remember thinking 2025 and 2026 would have been like, space. And I don't even know. Like, I thought we'd be in flying cars, and we aren't there yet. But you know what we are in? We are in the collector universe that we are in. We've got Carmine Jimay. He is sports director at Fox Carolina. What's up, brother?

[A]

What's going on? Ryan, thanks for having me and honored because your star producer Bella, told me this is the first live broadcast within your new space. So it's really cool. Really coming together just like a man cave that you wanted. I know.

[B]

I appreciate that. I. I did want honest feedback of. It was starting to feel that way because that was the goal, you know? Yes.

[A]

It looks good. It feels. I feel comfortable.

[B]

I wanted to be homey.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But innovative, cool, A little retro with the cards and the cases, but I like to blend all worlds here.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I got bougie ball behind you. You know my gold basketball? I call that bougie ball.

[A]

Oh, okay. Yeah, the chain link. The gold chain link.

[B]

I have to move it. I put it there before I put my desk there, but I didn't know my desk was going to go there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so it's a bad spot right now because we might break the imac Pro.

[A]

If somebody hits a shot, you're going to know about it. Right on the head.

[B]

Well, that, too. And I can take the sponge on the head.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

It's more the $5,000 iMac.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. You don't want that.

[B]

Yeah. So, no, it's. It's fun, man. I'm excited to bring the store to life. I'm excited to have guests in studio like Are you interested in effortlessly growing your Bitcoin portfolio? I sure am. The Gemini credit card earns you Bitcoin back on every purchase. Use it like any credit card. Buy gas, lunch or your weekly groceries and you'll earn up to 4% back instantly in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other cryptos straight to your account. All that with no annual fee. And right now you can grab a $200 bitcoin welcome bonus. It's the easiest way to start building your Bitcoin stack. Go to gemini.com card to learn more terms Apply. See the link in the description for more information regarding rates and fees issued by web bank. To Qualify for the 200 crypto intro bonus, you must spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Some exclusions to instant rewards apply. This is not investment advice and trading Crypto involves risk. Check Gemini's website for more details on rates and fees yourself. You know, for our listeners, let's at least set the table. I mean sports Director, Fox I mean, you know, how did obviously we're going to talk cards and you're collecting. So you're obviously a sports guy.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. So I can get through the journey pretty quickly. I went to the University of Scranton, small Division 3 school in Northeast Pennsylvania. I grew up about two hours away, just north of New York City, Westchester County, New York in a town called Ossining, home of Sing Sing Prison, which is a pretty well known maximum security prison. I have heard of that. No run ins so far.

[B]

I never get there.

[A]

Yes, exactly.

[B]

Don't ever want to do a tour?

[A]

No, no, no. So that then I went to espn. I worked at ESPN for about two years behind the scenes cutting highlights. Became the golf guy. Cutting a lot of golf highlights. If you see the Masters Polo here. And then I cut the Masters highlight and then full circle journey. I was covering the Masters last year here at Fox Carolina in person. So that was kind of cool. But before that I moved out to Casper, Wyoming to start my on camera journey which was actually unbelievable. Casper, Wyoming, home of the college National Finals Rodeo. So if you win there, you're the national champion of college. It's the March Madness of rodeo. So then I went to Medford, Oregon, was an evening news anchor and the sports director there for high school football and basketball on Fridays. And then I came to Fox Carolina for two years as a sports reporter and then just got promoted to the sports director role about six months ago.

[B]

So hey, congrats on the promotion.

[A]

Yeah thanks, Ryan. So this last fall I was, you know, one on one with Dabo Sweeney, the Clemson football head coach, two time national champ, obviously, after every single game, breaking down the highlights and I have to, you know, pinch myself of what we're doing here. But as you know, you know, building your brand that you've had over a decade now with podcasting, it's just a day by day process and you knock off everything off the list and try to enjoy it as much as you can while you're on this pursuit of a dream. And then you look back five years later and you're like, oh my gosh. You know, six years ago I was in Casper, Wyoming, covering, you know, going out there and covering YMCA youth basketball practice to get a story that had a human element between a father coaching his daughter or, you know, things like that. Making stories happen.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And now we're covering a story of a multi generational Clemson Tigers mascot situation where you have a father and a son who have both worn the Tigers mascot suit. And just a quick example, but just to show you of, you know, that day by day process, as you well know, and same with collecting, and you look back on your collection, you're like, oh my gosh, look what I've done.

[B]

It's crazy, man. And I, you know, and again, don't want to make light of like, congratulations. I mean, that's a nice journey.

[A]

Thanks.

[B]

I mean, and, and I probably being in around media, even before podcasting, know how unsexy some of that journey was.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

You know, like, and, but stacking the wins and stacking the work and you know, building your brand, so to speak, in not only experience, expertise and knowledge, but, you know, working, I mean, laddering up, that's it. It's not easy. And a lot of people want the fruits before they put in the labor and. But you've been kind of stacking it.

[A]

Yeah, thank you. And a lot of other people and mentors in there that, you know, kind of like in a similar space with you, like Gary V. Or somebody who's, you know, been on the podcast and has taught you some of the tricks of the trade, or even local shop owners now that you're trying to open your shop are like, hey, you know, just because we have this ip, this intellectual property, so many people who are on a similar journey will be so willing to offer it because they know the grit and the grace combination that it takes to make it in a certain and definitely not a finished product yet. There's much more to come. Like Your guy, Marty Smith.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Marty was great. I've been blessed to have a lot of great guests on right about now, my business show. And he's a standout. Just, he's, you know, I love having real authentic conversations. And what's so funny about me, my wife almost, I think, jokes or thinks, you know, some of the strangeness like, of. Of the dichotomy of this thing is that I'm a bit. Add. Attention span. Go figure. Right? Those entrepreneurs are. But I'm a. When I get in this setting, when I can lock in with someone active listening, headphones in. I'm. I'm an extremely good active listener and love it because it's. Takes me away from the world. I. Because I.

[A]

Right.

[B]

For good, better and different. Then I lock in.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so having got to talk to so many, you know, big names, small names, whatever, Marty stands out because, man, it was like talking with a butt, you know, he's everything you kind of see on tv, endearing and warm and all that. And it's.

[A]

Right.

[B]

It's not salesy, but. But he's got his flair.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And so I love the medium, you know, and I love media. And media's changing.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Wouldn't mind getting up. This is a collectible show, but I get a little perspective from you and what you're seeing as, you know, sports director on that. On that regard.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

But it's a, It's a wonderful thing, the storytelling and the ability we have now with the democratization of content and being able to get these stories out there, whether it's 100 people or 100 million. Yeah, it's. It's a good time to be alive in media if you can kind of roll with the punches and adapt.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And I, I'm sure for you, I'm staring at some Larry Bird cards that are grabbing my attention, people. So if you're listening, just bear with, you know, bear with your host just for a minute while we go down a little bit of the media.

[A]

You're fighting the ADD because you want to lock in with the company. That's part of the conversation.

[B]

I see what I know, and I just love Larry Bird.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

But Larry Legend. But talk to me about what, you know, what does the director do in Fox Sports? Like, what's the day job? And what are you seeing in this media space that we're in now?

[A]

Well, the great thing with us is a lot of local news agencies, especially for sports, are shrinking the sports departments. How much can we get out of the, the fewest people.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's the case, you know, all the time with budgets and you know, and just the nature of trying to make a profitable business. But with us, we're expanding our sports department. And so when I started just two and a half years ago, it was just me and my boss.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And we had Bella, your producer. Her classmate Ella Grogan was an intern. She came on from Furman University. Now she's full time at our station and she proved herself so well during her internship and part time work. So now we, we went from two people two years ago. Now we have six people including me, four full time and two interns. So our station's investment in sports and we're partners with Clemson, partners with the Panthers, the Greenville triumph. So many different teams locally in the area. Clemson's our number one main one. But we're partners with Furman Wofford and I think as far as directly to your question, what's changing from with sports media I can really speak to the news side of it is you can get your highlights instantly on your phone from Clemson football. Let's say what you can't get and what we can give you that you can't get anywhere else. Not just this is a, this is a sports card collector. You know, I'll share that. Not this advertisement for Fox Carolina, but we'll do stories where because we're traveling with the team to film the coach cast like I mentioned with Dabo, after every show or after every game we film our show, we'll give you stories like Shane Hannifin and Ronan Hannifin. A Clemson football player is Ronan Hannifan. And Shane Hannifin's at Boston College but they're both from the Boston area. So when we go up and travel with Boston College, we'll bring you a story of the whole Hannifin200 family reunion with the dad, with the grandmother and everybody coming together and making custom hats, T shirts and celebrating both of their kids success at the same time even though they're rivals now when they were high school teammates.

[B]

That's cool.

[A]

So we'll show you stories that are sports adjacent. Sports is like the you know, flashy, big, flawless one of one card. But then we'll show you really a human story behind that that is under the glitz and glam of look at us, it's sports, it's sports but it's a vehicle to tell a story of human connection or the human condition and the emotion side of it.

[B]

Yeah, I love that. And it is True. I mean they can't. These national highlights and everything like that, that's just cut up from the game and everybody can have an opinion on it. But the, the local aspect to be able to get to the, those people, you know, efficiently. Because you're in the market.

[A]

Yeah. And you know what's going on.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you should be able to tell those behind the scenes stories that somebody might have heard an inkling of and, and you expose the whole thing. Of course we have to tell the big game stories too, but to me that's what sets us apart is the extra story that you might not really know about unless you're.

[B]

How long you been collecting?

[A]

Well, I started as a kid and like a lot of people got back into it during COVID but it really wasn't because of COVID It was because I went home, my mom got hip replacement surgery. She was like, I really need you to take care of me for like three weeks. You know, she's just sitting there. She's way better now. Lost like £30. New lease on life for that mobility. But while I was there for the three weeks, I'm just waiting for her to need cooking, cleaning, whatever else she needed. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm so bored, you know, and so I'm, I'm going through my collection and I'm looking through and I'm like, wow. I was, you know, I had a Kobe autograph, Steve Nash, Larry Bird, which I have right here, which we'll talk about, but some really, you know, pretty good stars. A LeBron autograph that I bought with my dad like 20 years ago that I bought for like 250 with him, sold for like three grand. And we split the profits which, which we made the handshake agreement at the time. So I'm glad he honored that, you.

[B]

Know, like 20 years later. Yeah.

[A]

But so I would.

[B]

And I was interested or anything.

[A]

No interest. I could have gotten him on depreciation. I should have said that. Really should be worth more, you know, but you know, I had to negotiate with my dad.

[B]

There you go.

[A]

No, it was great. So I was going through the old collection and so I've been back into it. And then I joined Facebook groups, made an Instagram page, Carmine's Cards, and built that up. And a podcast, crosstown Cardboard that I did with co host Craig New York City Sports cards on Instagram. And we both now have 4,000 followers. And he's got more than me, like 7 or 8,000 followers on Instagram, Instagram following 500 podcast or YouTube views per. Per episode, which is great. Once a week. Yeah. So I was like, you know, we weren't making money off of it. Not that that was our goal.

[B]

But you didn't call a good person.

[A]

No.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I should have called you. I should have joined. But. But no, it was great. It was kind of like what we talked about, those few steps little by little, you know, get back into the hobby, join the Facebook, Instagram, and then create a podcast and then set up at shows and collect and. And flip and stuff like that. So it's been cool.

[B]

Do you feel like it was. I mean, you're not that old.

[A]

31.

[B]

31?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, I'll say. 30. I was gonna guess 30. So nostalgia feels like the wrong word, even though I know even 31 year olds can have nostalgia.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like you got to be 40 plus to be okay in the nostalgia world.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm just.

[A]

No, no.

[B]

Myself.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But what is it about collecting? Is it. I always try to get under this a little bit with the right guess, you know, where I feel like we can have this kind of conversation.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, part. Part of me, I believe every. Like, as human beings, especially us, consumer human beings, you know, we're collectors at heart. But for you, it sounds to me like it's a mixture of the. Of the entrepreneurial. Yeah, it's cards.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Something tells me, not that you're not into the cards, but it can be almost anything. Cause I think you just. You have a little bit of that tick and that gene to kind of entrepreneurially grow something, flip things. That's just my hunch. Yeah. It might would be something else if it wasn't cards.

[A]

Yeah, it definitely could be. I used to. I see your Jordan threes back there. I used to buy and sell shoes, sneakers, whether it was S.B. dunks or Jordans in high school.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And my dad is a big hustler. All different types of businesses, houses, cars.

[B]

There's the word I was looking for. Like you're a little bit of a hustler in the good sense, not the bad sense. I know there's like a lot of ways to take that, but in the good sense. I don't know when hustler hustling and hustler became a bad thing. Don't get me started.

[A]

Maybe the magazine.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, you know what I mean? That's what it is.

[A]

That could have been.

[B]

Yeah. No, and I kind of meant the other side of it, like sleazy, like taking my money, you know?

[A]

Right, right.

[B]

I can't give that Scranton accent, you know, being a South Carolina kid, but you know what I'm saying, right?

[A]

Yeah. No, I think the hustling gene, in the good way, like you said, is always there for my dad. And also sports cards gives you something if you have a little downtime. Oh, now I can look and buy and sell and trade on Instagram or Facebook. You have something to occupy your time that's not doom scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. That's wasting time. So I like that aspect of it, that it's kind of a positive use of your time. You know, you don't want to blow your entire, you know, life savings on it, But. But also, I think for me, the money part is an important part. And the collecting side, like, even in my inventory that I'm setting up at the Haywood Mall show and the local shows around here, Boiling Springs, sports cards at the fairgrounds, and Georgia's popping up with a lot of shows with 5th quarter shows and stuff like that, I think.

[B]

Clearly not married with kids. Okay. No, yeah, right, right.

[A]

So my girlfriend and dog and cat give me enough time to go and go on the weekends. But I think as far as even what I put in my showcase and what I collect, it can be an expression of your sports style, in my opinion. Like, not just the people who you collect and the cards you collect, but the types of cards. Like, I would much prefer early 2000s, exquisite or also flawless and that kind of thing. Of course, you know, the high dollar type of cards or something that you have really close connection with. Like, I have my sports broadcaster type of cards, or you have Griffey, Bo Jackson.

[B]

Those are mine.

[A]

That can be some type of nostalgia also. And your sports style of. These are the people who I. Who I can get behind and the time period I like or. Or the moment that I like or, you know, things like that. So I think the sports style, it's a way to honor the teams, players, and people who you care about and want to support. And it's almost like a wardrobe, to me, of your collection, but just in your. In a sports card direction.

[B]

That is a great. I'm gonna. We're gonna, like, circle that when somebody goes, all right, what does collecting really mean? Like, we're gonna come back to Carmine's definition right there. Yeah, I might put that in the Websters of Collector Nation. There you go.

[A]

Yeah, the honor.

[B]

I like that. Yeah.

[A]

That's very thoughtful.

[B]

Thank you. But it's funny, like, what's more iconic than that?

[A]

I know.

[B]

I mean number one, what football. And we're pointing it. If you're watching. If you're listening, you should be watching. If you're watching, don't forget to listen. And just. We need the ratings, folks.

[A]

Right.

[B]

The. But look who has been an all star in two professional sports like football and baseball ever. Only one guy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That I'm aware of. All Star. They've been there. People that played both. Very few, but he was an all star baseball and an all star or NFL All Pro. Bo Jackson. And that iconic. I mean that's the coolest image. I love that.

[A]

And the iconic nature and the people who transcend sports too. Is such a big.

[B]

Even just doing that.

[A]

Yeah, Bo. You know, I mean, you know Bo. Some people don't know Bo.

[B]

Yeah, I know Bo. Yes. And watched him and got to grow up, you know, collecting his cards and. But back to like what you're talking about that, you know, whether it's nostalgia, interest, how we document our. What we care about.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And that fascinates us. Or I don't know, takes us. You know, I think again back to sort of the psychology of collecting. It's like, no, we all work. We all have the ups and downs of life and it's past time. You know, it's. It's hobby, I guess is what it is. But it's, you know, it takes you. We all have to deal with shit every day. So it's like, it's like.

[A]

It's a good escape.

[B]

It's an escape.

[A]

Be a kid again. Also that kid. That childlike joy. Like, look at Steph Curry when he plays basketball. He has that childlike joy that a lot of us and a lot of your viewers and listeners get from collecting. That a lot of times you don't get anywhere else. Where can you experience. Oh my gosh, Bo Jackson, he was so awesome. Techmo Bowl. Look at that photo and you remember and you get those feelings like when you were just hanging out.

[B]

I can play you a Tech mobile right now. You would not be able to beat me if I'm for the Raiders.

[A]

It was slightly before my time that.

[B]

Turn around the corner with Bo Jackson. You will not stop that play.

[A]

I'm sure my guy was Michael Vick in like the early Met Maddens. When you run all the way back to the end zone.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And somehow it is somehow score.

[B]

Yeah. There is a trick, Bo. Just you get to the outside a certain angle. See you later.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Walter Payton was close second, but sweetness, rest in peace. One of my favorite players Ever.

[A]

Right.

[B]

It's something. It's just. It brings the memories, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I guess it is nostalgia. I just hate cliche words that, you know, if they don't fit. But I guess it is. That's what it is.

[A]

It does. And Ryan, if you one, I can show a couple. Because you also brought up a few nicknames.

[B]

Ah, yeah.

[A]

And you brought up sweetness. You brought up Larry Legend. Yeah, that's one of my. In addition to Larry Bird, one of the avenues that I really like collecting because for. For the business reason, it cuts down on the supply when you have inscriptions, because you have, you know, millions, maybe, or definitely tens of thousands, if not hundred of thousands of Larry Bird autographs. But there's only 35 ever that I know of, at least inscription Larry Bird autographs. He doesn't sign Larry Legend at any signings. And there's only been two sets where he signed Larry Legend, one notable nickname set of national treasures, and this one right here, this Panini hall of fame 2010 set. So there's only 10 of these and 25 of the notable nicknames. Yeah. So there's only 35 total that I know of. Maybe your viewers and listeners can comment and fully inform me, but that's numbered out of 10. And I traded 12 cards valued around 2500 and another 2500 or 3000 of cash to a guy in New Zealand off of Instagram, off an Instagram connection to get that Larry Legend inscription.

[B]

So what. What. What's the total value you have?

[A]

It's around 5,000 or 5,500, but I'm probably into it for 45 because I was into the trade.

[B]

What do you think it's worth cards. There's.

[A]

There was one that sold with a non auto, with a non card grade, with a 10 auto grade, I think for about 2500 a few years ago. That's the only sale in the last five years. So with this being a PSA 9 with a 10 auto, when the other one was just an authentic card grade, and with it only selling once in the last five years, I think it. You could make the claim that it could be a $10,000 card on the rarity.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But you could also say, well, 5,000 is a lot because that's double what the last one sold for. Even though you're going at conversion.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. So, but. Yeah, so this is one of my.

[B]

I think to the right person, it's easily 10.

[A]

I was like, yeah, I was going back and forth. I'm like, this is very.

[B]

Is it for sale?

[A]

Oh, no, no, no. This is.

[B]

So someone pulled out. I'm not saying I'm going to, by.

[A]

The way, they said 10,000. I'd have to strongly consider it because I'm into it for five.

[B]

Okay. Yeah. So that tells me everything's for sale then.

[A]

Oh, for a certain price. I think the price if anybo. I mean, no offense to anybody listening, but if you get a certain price, you might be. Have to look yourself in the mirror and say, is this actually my full collection? If I get double, you might find another one. Yeah, I mean, they're rare, but this one. So that's the. That's the main factor that I think. And people probably know or you know, think about that with their. With their own collection. Can I possibly get this back? And with something like this where there's only two sets, 35 total cards with the Larry Legend inscription and one has sold in the last five years. If I'm really a Larry Bird collector and I don't need the money and I sell this, then I. I'm probably not going to get it back.

[B]

No, you're not.

[A]

Because of what I had to do to go through this, I got. There were so many luck elements and then the fact that it was able.

[B]

Good story, though.

[A]

Great story. So here's one for Clemson.

[B]

Yeah. Who got with our.

[A]

With our partners of the Clemson Tigers. This is Brian Dawkins, Weapon X inscription.

[B]

I know Brian Dawkins, one of the me was all pro safety.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Philadelphia Eagles.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Sarah Clemson. Ronnie Coleman, eight time Mr. O. These are all just the inscription part of the collection.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Willis reed, the captain, first year of notable nicknames 2010. So that contributes to it as well. George Gervin, the Iceman.

[B]

Oh, the Iceman, obviously.

[A]

So this gives you another. Also a different level of nostalgia too for your collection because, you know, mentioned just off the top of your head the nicknames and it brings you back to, you know, wow, what was really at the essence of who this player was because they were.

[B]

They should get back to this because I had post, I had Iceman poster and they literally. Yeah. And they. It had ice all around it. Like they, they lit posters. Like. Yeah, I had them all over. I had Moses Malone and he was in the robe.

[A]

Like. Yeah.

[B]

They leaned into these nicknames and they need to get back to that. Like they're seemingly brand. You know, basketball typically brands their players better. But like I love the nicknames. That's awesome. George German.

[A]

Yeah. I would get back to if people can make more nicknames. I think it starts with people like us, the sports broadcasters.

[B]

I think we do. And I make. I make nicknames for most of my guests. And I've already got yours. Oh, Classic Carmine.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

You're just kind of like a. Like, that's. That's where I went. It just came like. I almost called you, like, 30 seconds in. This is classic Carmine.

[A]

Thank you. Yeah, that's cool. And it's funny because I think it reflects on my parents, because really, they skipped a generation. My dad was 47. My mom was 44 when they had me, so we spent Christmas with my mom at my girlfriend's in Texas, and she was the same age as my girlfriend's grandparents.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I think the classic.

[B]

Maybe that comes from the oldest. It comes to you. I get this in. My oldest son. Clayton is the same way. He's 16 going on 67.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. He's an old soul.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But not. Not in a negative way. No, I don't mean that. It's more just classic, you know, like. Yeah, yeah, There's.

[A]

I appreciate that.

[B]

That's great. Classic Carmine.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And there's a great restaurant in Chicago, Carmines. Yeah.

[A]

I went there when I went to the national a couple years ago.

[B]

Yeah, we were. We were. We didn't go to Carmines, but we were at the national with all the boys this year. I'll be there with Collector Nation moving going forward there. You go there. And Fanatics Festival.

[A]

That's great.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I have not been to Fanatics Fest.

[B]

Little more different experience, more experiential, but fun.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, blast with kids.

[A]

Hope I can try that out one time soon. So here's a couple just to rattle Fox.

[B]

Carolina get to cover it. You know, I know we should.

[A]

We probably could make a claim. Dude. If Dawkins is there or somebody, you know, with a Clemson connection or Carolina Panthers.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Here's your own collector station.

[B]

Collector Nation, the ESPN of the hobby being built in Easy South. Carol. Sounds like a story to me. Wow. Hey.

[A]

Yeah, now that you mentioned. Yeah. And we have done stories.

[B]

Clintson Grad.

[A]

Okay, There you go. Wow. All right, we'll have to get back together because we can now return the favor both directions. Yeah, I definitely think that's something.

[B]

All right, what else we got? So, inscription.

[A]

So, so inscription. So we have Michael Buffer here. Let's get ready to roll.

[B]

Bruce Buffer, his brother Buffer.

[A]

It's time. That would be a great pairing with the UFC and boxing.

[B]

Bruce has been on the show. I have him.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And have. If we had a seg. I'll play it for you after the show. It's time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For the Radcast with Brian.

[A]

Oh, Ford. Wow. I have that juiced up, dude.

[B]

He does it. We've. We used it as the intro on the show for a while. Then we changed the name of our business show. I might have to change it back just to use that again.

[A]

Or recall him up and say, Bruce, we got.

[B]

I could message him on Insta and he. He'd do it. He's a. Wow. Awesome.

[A]

That's awesome.

[B]

Yeah, dude.

[A]

I love.

[B]

And Michael Buffer. Let's get ready to rumble. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Iconic.

[A]

Here's another one. Who do you think you are? I am if you're into bowling. But this is really Pete Weber's iconic line. Getting pumped up and now getting a second win because of social media and the meme culture and everything.

[B]

Meme culture. All these could be meme culture. Have you posted to all of these?

[A]

I've posted a lot of them on Carmine's cards on my Instagram. And then also the football quarterbacks. Broadway Joe Namath.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

And this is the first notable nickname set. He was in numbered only out of 10 in a BGS9 5. So that's cool.

[B]

Like of Jim.

[A]

Joe. Cool. Joe Montana. He has very few inscriptions.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So this is cool. And then the sheriff, Peyton Manning. He's in three notable nickname sets. So 75 of these total.

[B]

The sheriff.

[A]

But just in that Tennessee Heisman.

[B]

He's not painting. Did he sign it painting Manning?

[A]

He did not. But he might start doing.

[B]

I want that one.

[A]

The advertisements also with the insurance.

[B]

Great ad. Great campaign. Yeah. One of the few now. Right? Yeah.

[A]

Love the Manning cast, though.

[B]

Yeah. Watch it is him. And they do a good job. Like, I didn't know what to expect. But both those guys are good on camera and ad living.

[A]

And, you know, it's like a podcast too. It is.

[B]

It's kind of more a podcast. Yeah.

[A]

And then they teach you a lot too. They do break down.

[B]

Yeah. Hayden's surprisingly funny and.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, so those two that.

[A]

That speaks to also like guys who are still relevant after they are done playing.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

And are still in the media. Like guys like the Mannings. Marshawn lynch is everywhere.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

You know, I just got a one of one Nike logo of Marshawn lynch from the Charleston card shop.

[B]

So.

[A]

Yeah. So I got some other things, but I just thought those would speak to the nostalgia and sports.

[B]

I need to see a Megatron collection. Have you ever sound that Megatron.

[A]

That would be a great one too. Or you mentioned Moses Malone. What about a faux fo foe inscription?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

For the playoff run. That would be good.

[B]

That would be good. So, man, some of the opportunities I like the description is a. I know I hadn't thought of. That's gonna. I didn't need another angle. I spent enough money. Yeah, that's another one.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I got collection of Clemson guys. Like a box full of Clemson cards. You know, some of them worth a lot, some of them obscure guys. But collect all the Clemson guys and got probably I'm going to go out on a limb. Top five Trevor collection. Probably.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

I was really getting close.

[A]

I have some good Trevor's.

[B]

Yeah. I got a lot we've got. I mean the guy in 2020, 21. Right in the epicenter of when they started making all these parallels. The guy probably has 40,000 cards.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like bad or indifferent.

[A]

Right.

[B]

That's true. And so I collect just about any of them now that are the least bit obscure or you know. And if it's a PSA 10 or something, even if it's lower level or they m million of them, I will grab it just to have.

[A]

Great to see how well he's playing now with the Jags going up.

[B]

Dude, they're just too talented to not like turn like that. Talent didn't go away. That arm didn't go away. I mean he made some boneheaded decisions last couple years. I couldn't quite understand like even with the bad coaching, like some of the. But I think maybe it did just come down to structure of, you know, he got the right guy and now.

[A]

Yeah. And Jacoby Myers and look, he was.

[B]

Having a baby last year. Like right. There's a lot of life factors, coaching factors, different offenses. But his talent didn't go away. You know, some of these guys come in the league, they kind of fizzle out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

They never. When you really look at it, you go. They didn't really ever have the talent, you know, like to the like all pro level.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Trevor has got the Goods.

[A]

Undeniable.

[B]

Undeniable.

[A]

29 wins in a row, I think at Clemson.

[B]

Yeah. And got all the intent can make him. Josh Allen and freaking Mahomes can make throws that no one else on the planet can. Maybe I'd put burrow. I hope he gets the love for football's just good. I don't know if he makes throws that make you. Wow. Yeah. The way that very accurate and consistent. And a gamer.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, maybe. Maybe the Rams Quarterback.

[A]

Oh, Matthew.

[B]

Matthew Stafford.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Probably putting that. He can sling it. Yeah. I mean just. You kind of jaw drop.

[A]

But yeah.

[B]

Trevor will even do some things and look, I'm torn, man. Josh Allen and Trevor play this weekend. I don't know when we airing. I think after the fact. So it would have already happened. But yeah, it's a tough weekend because I'm a like die hard Josh Allen Buffalo fan. But I'm a Jaguars fan because all my kids love them and a lot of Clemson guys, ETN and Trevor.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So in some ways. Well, you can't lose. Yeah. But I can. You know, it's like.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Part of me will be really happy and part of me really sad.

[A]

Right.

[B]

I wish they could have played later in the playoffs.

[A]

Yeah. I guess we'll know by the time this comes out of. But you'll be happy in one respect at least.

[B]

I will be. I. I think the Jaguars are gonna win though.

[A]

Really?

[B]

It's 50. 50. It's a toss up but I think the home and I think they're just.

[A]

I think they're white hot too.

[B]

They're white hot. And I think the Buffalo Stevens is just shady enough that I. Yeah. I think. I don't know. Josh can put them on their. On his shoulders and anything could happen. Doesn't surprise me. But we'll see. But I do love collecting both those guys. Got some pretty ridiculous ones. The Joshua is. Is a little slower. I got the. The really good high end. Like the ones you'd want with Josh.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Not the. Maybe the. All the obscure ones.

[A]

Well that seems like if you got the higher end with Josh and the obscure with Trevor.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You could have two different.

[B]

Yeah. Well I got. I got the high end and a little on truck.

[A]

Oh, okay. Okay. Just run.

[B]

Run the whole thing. But Dodge is more just the high end. You know I can only do one at a time on that and that's because the kid I get to look at the kids care about those. So that stuff we pull out with the boys on. Yeah. Time with the kids where I can get their attention for 30 minutes. It's worth it. That's kind of why we got back into car. Just.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Just ripping with them and hey, I want to hang out with dad and look my kid. I coach the teams and I. I don't think I'm the dad that the kids don't want to hang out with anyway. But it got a lot easier when we're ripping packs, hanging out. I mean there's no telling how much money I Spent just ripping packs. And I'm not even the gambling type with that. So it wasn't for me. For me, it was just. Yeah, you get into that. But it was more just time with kids and having four boys, you know, like, that's. That's the dream. Like, if you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If you're blessed to have four boys as a man. And it just happened that way. I'd have been a good, you know, daddy's girl guy, you know, But I didn't have to go that route. I got four dudes and what you're into cards. Daddy was in the car. Okay, let's rip some packs. And boom. Next thing I know, got a podcast in the store.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What happened?

[A]

That's great. Yeah. There's so many different elements that. That are such great positives.

[B]

And I'll say this. You know what's been interesting? I love your take, Carmine, like, as an investment vehicle.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And like, I think some people hear that, they roll their eyes. And some people go, oh, it's a bubble. Damn, it's a bubble. It's been going a long time.

[A]

Yeah. And like you said, it burst when Covid came and there was that huge bubble, then it burst and. But now you're seeing a steady, healthy growth. I think that is more sustainable. You're seeing the unique stuff stick out.

[B]

But having stocks done that same thing. Like. Oh, yeah, you've had those moments with.

[A]

Stocks and real estate and everything else.

[B]

Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so those are natural peaks and valleys. But I think.

[A]

But the floor gets increased.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Now all those people who came in with during COVID what, a 50 of them left. I'm sure there's actual numbers that can prove something like that. But 50 stayed.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you gained so many more new people and new money and I know new interest.

[B]

But, you know, I've looked at some of the data. I mean, if you hold up, you know, the vintage cards from, say, 1900s to 1980 or something like the truly outstanding hall of Famers and high condition cards, they hold up to any stock it's ever existed. You know, that steady growth. And it only gets. They only get more rare in some ways. Get more people. More people in the hobby, so more demand. You're not printing any more, you know, Babe Ruth's and Mickey Mantles or.

[A]

Right.

[B]

Or even autographs. Yeah, or autographs or. I don't know. I mean, where do you fall on that pendulum?

[A]

Well, I. You know, kind of like one of the reasons I collect Larry Bird, also because I identified with him growing up. As one of the few outstanding white guys who was a star. Right. Even though he was before my time.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But everybody identifies with people who either look like them, play like them, have qualities like them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In whatever it is, you know, just the truth. Everybody knows that if they look at.

[B]

It, it actually was ridiculously good at basketball. Right.

[A]

And so I had him and Steve Nash as my two main guys. Larry Bird was the vintage, and Steve Nash was the current guy who was playing when I was growing up.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But another reason why I've chosen to get, you know, collecting with him in addition to the factor of he's one of my favorite players is he's done playing. He's not risky.

[B]

Yeah. He's injured.

[A]

He's as risky as the overall sports market.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

But like you said, he's not going to get injured. So to me, I would much rather have a blue chip stock if you're going to look at it like that. An apple or I guess now, like Nvidia or things like that, that are slow growers rather than a penny stock or a John Morant, somebody like that who's good for one or two years. Oh, my gosh, they're amazing. Either they get hurt running with the law or whatever can happen with a current player. And now you're here, and my investment's one tenth of what it was, you know, back then. So it's.

[B]

See, I like to go down the rabbit holes, so I'm gonna give away a little bit of my, Like, Okay. My approach right now, I'm a. I. What's made me successful in life is that I go further than most people.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I go down the rabbit hole.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For good, bad, or indifferent, it's. It's both my greatest strength and my greatest weakness is probably I go down the rabbit hole. Like, I. I read all the reviews on the trips before we take them. Like. Like. And so I kind of know with sports the same thing. And I think I'm pretty good at knowing when a rebound's coming for players like, okay, I knew Trevor was going to rebound. That's why I bought the crap out of his cards last year. I was like, this dude's too talented. Could he have gotten hurt? Could have. He lost it mentally? Of course.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I watched him play. I uniquely had a vision of that. And no. Knew that in my mind, in my doing my charts, there's an 80% chance this guy goes off again.

[A]

And the prices were so cheap.

[B]

They were.

[A]

Makes sense. With the rebound potential, every one of.

[B]

Those cards that I bought last year have at least doubled.

[A]

That's great.

[B]

And so same thing goes with other players that aren't Clemson guys necessarily. I think I'm pretty good at like kind of seeing what's kind of happening. And I again, I read the news and like I read the stories like that you guys write the, the, the human interest stories that might actually tell you something insightful about a turnaround they might be having or an insight that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If you're just watching the highlights, you don't know that Sam Bradford, you know, or whoever, you know, like insert name is going to, you know, turn the corner.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And who, what coach is he getting with? What.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like that's going to be the percentage chance of that Mac Jones showing out like he did for a little while.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Probably going to get a contract. I'd be buying Mac Jones cards. He looked real good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

With Party out, with, with Purdy out. That'll be interesting to watch. Purdy's playing pretty ridiculous, but I think Mac Jones bought himself another contract.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

With what he did.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And if he goes to the right team. So again, he's probably now come back down his cars because he's not starting.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Things like that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I kind of watched the little levers. So I like watching, you know, buying the dip, so to speak, on guys that I think. Yeah. It's not a guarantee.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But they've shown they've got the goods.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And if they get with the right, there's a higher percentage chance of that happening than just going, oh, the newest draft pick who was number one, he's.

[A]

Guaranteed like Anthony Richardson.

[B]

Anthony Richardson, exactly. Well, just because he's the number one draft pick. Well, his cards are going to be worth thousands in two years. Well, not necessarily, but I think those.

[A]

Calculated risks, like you said, like I'll tell you a quick Mac Jones story. When I was getting back in, and I'm sure you'll recall when Mac Jones took over at the Patriots, Brady had left, of course. And they went on that eight game winning streak either in his first or second year very early on. And it's like this guy's the next Tom Brady. Oh, my gosh. He's executing the system. Bill Belichick is still there. The Patriots defense, the Patriots way, the culture, they're going to be right back. So I noticed at the beginning, Mac Jones. Okay, he looks good. And they're winning. Which is the most important thing is the winning.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, and going toward championships because then that's the the hype where, wow, this person can be a Super bowl champ. And how many could they win? And oh, my gosh. So Mac Jones, when he was. When they had won, I think three or four in a row, I bought this Mac Jones. I think it was an absolute RPA. So, you know, lower brand. It's probably a $50 card right now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I bought it for 400 or 450 at the time when they had won four in a row.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Then I scheduled an ebay. This is one of the rare big swings that I take because I'm mostly safe, but like you said, the calculated risk can be good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I listed it to end on ebay. The day after their Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills at Buffalo, when it was snowing, he threw three passes, attempted three passes, but they won for their eighth win in a row. And that card was perfectly timed. And I got lucky and it sold for 2,400.

[B]

And you paid 450.

[A]

And I paid 450. So after fees, it was maybe it was 2250, but I remember taking back 1900 after eBay fees. So I made 1500 off of Mac Jones in about five weeks. But that was one of the rare. But because you brought up Mac Jones, that's my biggest swing.

[B]

I think he could have another swing again if he gets to the right team. Yeah.

[A]

But that.

[B]

I don't know if it's going to be 24.

[A]

No. Because he was also so young and it's like his rookie year, the rookie.

[B]

Year in that territory. Same thing happened with Jaden last year. Jaden's a goodbye right now.

[A]

I think the injury, I mean, he.

[B]

His cars haven't flattened out because he's so popular. Right, Right. He isn't like they've. The bottom has completely fallen out, but he's obviously probably the lowest he's ever going to be if he comes back. The other thing with him is just, you know, I predicted it's like he's going to be an all pro if he doesn't get hurt. So as we sort of kind of get to the final chapter of this episode, you're going to come back to this regularly, right?

[A]

I hope so.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Classic.

[B]

Carmine is going to. You know, I would love to.

[A]

Ryan. I really enjoyed this. And then. Plus, we got to return the favor and do a story on you because. No, because we've done stories on sports card trade nights and card shops opening and that would be great with your connection.

[B]

I'd love to do it with maybe like our grand Opening. Yeah, we're gonna do that. Probably mid to late February. Okay. So we have a soft opening, but. Yeah, that'd be sweet.

[A]

That sounds great.

[B]

You know, if it suits, you know, whatever. I know the story needs to sell, so, like, whatever you think would be a good story.

[A]

I think it's already. I think it'd be great.

[B]

The let's talk Larry legend as we kind of close out.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, why. I mean, obviously relatable. You've got some ridiculous cards. Did it just become the guy or were you a Celtics fan?

[A]

No, I wasn't a Celtics fan. I love the Celtics tradition and the winning. But being from just north of New York City, I'm a Knicks fan.

[B]

Yeah. That's a tough existence. Until lately.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Coming back, right? Pretty good, right? Yeah.

[A]

Except for the luckiest shot of all time. The Indiana Pacers in game one. The Halliburton to the ceiling and in.

[B]

Back of the bat.

[A]

So anyways, that was.

[B]

I've never seen that type of shot fall.

[A]

That was excruciating.

[B]

He was on a heater, I guess.

[A]

Yeah. But I think the combination.

[B]

Do you have a rookie card over there? Because I have one coming in that might actually.

[A]

I have one at home. It's in a seven. It's not.

[B]

Is it the three?

[A]

Oh, I'll show you. I'll show you. Yeah. Speaking of that, let me pull that out. So I got this with all three autographs. The. Which is so great. The 1980 tops. This is in my top three of favorite cards. The 1980 tops with Bird, Magic, Dr. J. All three autographs. PSA 5 with a 10 auto.

[B]

And I have this card coming in the mail today.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

As a seven or an eight, I know there's a big difference. But seven or eight, not autoed. Yeah, but seven or eight still really cool. And I just. I was like, that's got to be on the shelf, you know, like, I'm not. I'm probably going throw it on the shelf to sell it. But it's just such a classic card. And, you know, I know.

[A]

So it matches my new nickname.

[B]

I love this.

[A]

But. Yeah, so that's probably like a 3500 or so dollar card. But also Ryan, too. You know, as far as the ease to. As far as the supply of those, it's so difficult to get all three autographs in person because of course you have to transport it wherever or send it off to each person. And the cost that they charge now for that card specifically to be autographed is like $1,800 for all three guys because you know, they surcharge it knowing that's a rookie card and it's high in demand. So, you know, let alone.

[B]

When did this get done? Do you know?

[A]

I'm not sure when the autographs were actually. Were actually done. I guess like going off the serial number, you could tell. But I traded a father and son at the national in Rosemont that we were talking about in the Chicago area for that. So that's one of my. One of my.

[B]

I love this card. And I mean, three of the greatest players all time. Yeah, right.

[A]

And the first card that Magic and Bird were on as pros was together with the scoring leader, Dr. J.

[B]

Exactly. 1980, tops.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Yes. I'm just the signatures and I. Funny story actually from this week. The. Does Bird ever sign Bird where it looks like Bird? Because you know how it doesn't really look like Bird when he writes it. I know what you're saying because here's why I'm asking.

[A]

This is the R and the D, I guess.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So he's got the big B.

[B]

But I. There's a guy that had a basketball, a vintage basketball for sale with an autograph. And it wasn't authenticated. So I knew it was kind of a scary. No. No. But he and I. I was like. I asked him. You have authentication. And it's his Larry looks exactly like Larry signs.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And again, I know none of this guarantees, but I might could buy and then send it for certification. But birds is spelled where the B, the I and the R and the D look like cursive B, I, R and D. And I couldn't. I have yet to see a Larry Bird signature where the bird D really look like the B.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And so I'm like, is this real?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is. Did he ever sign where it actually looks like it?

[A]

I think you're right. I don't think so.

[B]

I don't. They all kind of look funky on the ird.

[A]

Yeah. So I hope you didn't pull a trigger.

[B]

I did not. I could have gotten really cheap. Like 25 bucks.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Which is nothing. And I would put it.

[A]

You might have had a Larry, Brad.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

This might have what it turned into.

[B]

But here's the funny thing. My dad and uncle did this growing up. And I told the guy, he had a conversation. He was honest about it. He's like, I don't have it. You know, I think it's real, but I don't know. And he's like, my dad used to sign jokingly My basketballs as famous people as a joke that I would be shooting with. And he signed. He had albums on the wall. Like, he had Michael Jackson, all the old like true LP album out. And my uncle and him have very dry humor. And like, they would pull tricks on each other. And like, literally my uncle wrote on this classic album. It was the Eagles. And I forget the lead singer, the Eagles. He went on to. I feel bad even I should know this. My. My uncle signed it, he said. And he. They were in a band together. And he wrote, steve, best of luck with the band. I'll always remember how great you guys sounded. And he has very good handwriting. I have no idea what that. But it reminded me looking at that basketball. I'm like, somebody's dad signed that basketball. And it says Larry Bird.

[A]

You had the experience to know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So here's another one. Bird and Magic. So then I. Not only the Bird stuff, but also Bird. I mean, you can't really have Bird without Magic. So I had to start going off into other guys who, you know, were also influential in his career.

[B]

Is this numbered?

[A]

That's out of 25. Yeah, that's ultimate 13.

[B]

Okay. 13.

[A]

Is it 0506?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The hardcore.

[B]

Yeah. What's the value on that?

[A]

I think that's probably. It's between 2 and 3,000.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's harder to tell with the.

[B]

I was. I was smelling a couple grand. Like.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

My. My meter. Like typically now I can look at stuff even if it's stuff I don't even know. And I kind of know when we're in the thousands. It felt in the thousands.

[A]

And I have one in a PSA 9 with a 10 auto that I actually like more. I really duplicate of the same. Yeah.

[B]

You look at you.

[A]

So here's. Here's. I'll. I know we're kind of coming to the end, so I'll pull out some of the bigger ones. Is a nice flawless with the dual vertical patches.

[B]

Oh, good.

[A]

BGS 95.

[B]

Okay. Value value roughly, I guess maybe around.

[A]

Again in the two and three range.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Here's a one of one.

[B]

Really, really nice patch.

[A]

Immaculate patch. Yeah. This I have. I recently had it in a showcase and I took it back out. I said, I like this too much.

[B]

101.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What year?

[A]

I'm not sure. Here's. Here's if you want.

[B]

Oh, it is game worn too, huh? Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. All the. All those are going to be game worn, which is great. Here's a. Here's maybe my most valuable is that.

[B]

What. It's legend.

[A]

That's my asking price. But that. I think that was a little low. And I took it out of my. Of my showcase.

[B]

Okay. I'm about to say I might would let you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Look out of here.

[A]

Well, we'll keep it going. We'll see. We'll see. But if you're talking one of one.

[B]

Yeah, here's.

[A]

Here's another one you're going to want to see. Flawless. One of one patch auto.

[B]

Ooh, that is nice.

[A]

So that's a cool one.

[B]

I like that.

[A]

And then we got some more dual autographs. We got.

[B]

What's your feeling on grading 101s?

[A]

Well, it depends on. Especially if it has a patch window. I think it really doesn't make that much sense because a lot of times with the. As you know, with the inner edges, they're gonna. They're gonna get you on some of that grading. But. But like mine, mine are both raw. So.

[B]

Yeah. That bird for value, that bird never looks like bird.

[A]

Right. But if you get a 10, I mean. Yeah, but I just think it's a really difficult.

[B]

But if it's one on one, it almost doesn't matter. Yeah. Because that's why I'm like. It's not like someone's gonna get one graded higher than you. So it doesn't really matter if it's 7, 8, 9, or 10, but to know what it is. Yeah, I think that's sort of the. I don't. I don't know where I fall on that, but that's the argument.

[A]

I think it depends on. Yeah, it depends on the card. And if it has a patch window, that's going to make it tough.

[B]

You know, it's going to. It's going to be a 7 or 8 or probably because those corners on the freaking thick cards is so hard to keep.

[A]

Right. And then here's a Bird and Kareem. That's a chronology. So that's a cool, cool set. This one I really liked because it honors the 1979 national championship for Birds, Indiana State Sycamores and Magic's Michigan State Spartans. And I don't think there have been any sales on this one. Magic and bird from the 79 championship where it all started. So I figured I needed something college to honor the beginning of their rivalry.

[B]

That's a unique card. I've never seen that card.

[A]

Yeah, so that's pretty cool.

[B]

Like, I've seen almost all of these, but I've never seen this one.

[A]

Here's a unique one with Bird on The front and Magic on the back. Speaking of classic, my new nickname. This is classics the set. But it's got Bird on the. On the one side with the patch auto. Yeah. Magic on the back.

[B]

What year was that?

[A]

I think it was 10, 11.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So that's a. That's a unique one because I don't have any.

[B]

I just feel about, like, Leaf Classic.

[A]

Like, I really like Leaf.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Not for, like, long term value, though. Okay. But for, like, they do a lot of cool cards. Like cards.

[B]

I know the long term value lower. Yeah.

[A]

Long term value. As far, like, in my collection, I wouldn't have any birds because there's so many other really cool birds out there that'll be more valuable, stand the test of time, and more investable. But as far as the inscriptions with like, Buffer and Pete Weber, a lot of other card companies don't make as unique stuff as leaf. So if you're going for the oddball stuff, it's awesome. And then just a couple more here. Ryan. I got an exquisite Bird and Magic both dual on card auto. This is just magic chronology, but it's got his junior junior skyhook over the Celtics in the finals.

[B]

We have to get some stuff. You have to consign some stuff. I almost put this stuff on the shelf, you know, like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Get some deals going.

[A]

So that's game four of the 87 finals. The junior junior sky hook.

[B]

That is cool.

[A]

In the game winning situation.

[B]

I watched that game live as a kid. As a kid.

[A]

I was seven years before I was born, unfortunately. But I love basketball history.

[B]

Yep. I watched. I get to watch all these great 80s, early 90s games. Like, it's amazing. The sky hook.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I could do a little skyhook myself back in the day.

[A]

A Kareem or a Magic version.

[B]

Probably more magic.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Little half skyhook kind of. I don't know. I couldn't Corny with the whole.

[A]

Oh, yeah, he had the wind up in the wine. He had to wind up in the pitch.

[B]

He did.

[A]

But this is the last one. And maybe fittingly, because it's bird and Bill Russell, immaculate dual on card auto. Numbered out of 25. You got the two main pillars of the Celtics.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Dynasty there.

[B]

So that's them. I mean, I would keep. I would probably have the chief in there, but you know, Robin Parish, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.

[A]

Yeah, they have a nice dual auto, I think, from that set also.

[B]

Yeah. And in Bill Russell's more right. But Meyer.

[A]

But the next tier down. Yeah, they're right up there.

[B]

Yeah, Doc Rivers was playing at that time. He had Doc Rivers. You had Angie Ainge.

[A]

Oh, Danny.

[B]

Danny Ainge. Sorry.

[A]

Danny Angel. Dennis Johnson.

[B]

Dennis Johnson.

[A]

Yeah. I would put Bob Koozie as far as pillars of the Celtics and then Paul Pierce for, you know, if you want to go with the. This big three with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, but John Havlicek. Yeah. So much history there. Even though you're a Knicks. I'm a Knicks fan. It's like you gotta pay respect to the history.

[B]

I like that. Dude. Those are some beautiful cards. Just cool.

[A]

Thank you. Just cool over like five years.

[B]

Yeah, man.

[A]

And then you look back and you're. It's a personal accomplishment, too, along with your expression.

[B]

How many of those go in the case with the shows?

[A]

None. These are just my collection, but I have a lot of other inventory. Enough to fill up three or four showcases.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But that stuff is also a lot of unique things that if I collected that player or that team, if that was a Larry Bird version of that card, then I would be game to put into my collection. So I try to get in the mind of somebody who would want a collection piece.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Of their, you know, guy that pertains to them. Or woman also. I got women cards, too. Katie Ledecky, Simone Biles, you know, people who transcend their.

[B]

Yeah, that's a whole top.

[A]

Staley.

[B]

WNBA is finally having their moment a little bit.

[A]

Cameron Brink, Caitlin Clark, I got. Yeah.

[B]

So yeah, a lot of big car's got some huge cards.

[A]

I mean, it's ridiculous.

[B]

Like million dollar one on ones.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Some of that stuff's crazy. We'll do it again. Are you interested in effortlessly growing your Bitcoin portfolio? I sure am. The Gemini credit card earns you Bitcoin back on every purchase. Use it like any credit card. Buy gas, lunch, or your weekly groceries and you'll earn up to 4% back instantly in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other cryptos straight to your account. All that with no annual fee. And right now, you can grab a $200 bitcoin welcome bonus. It's the easiest way to start building your Bitcoin stack. Go to gemini.com card to learn more. Terms apply. See the link in the description for more information regarding rates and fees issued by web bank. To Qualify for the $200 crypto intro bonus, you must spend $3,000 in your first 90 days. Some exclusions to instant rewards apply. This is not investment advice and trading crypto involves risk. Check Gemini's website for More details on rates. Where can everybody learn and keep up with what you're doing? You've mentioned a couple times, let's drop it. One more.

[A]

Yeah, you can find me on Instagram carminescards, C A R M I N E S cards. And then if you want to Follow along on FoxCarolina.com sports that's the the personal side for the Instagram and the professional for some of the great sports stories in the area of South Carolina here.

[B]

I really appreciate you coming on.

[A]

Yeah, thanks. That was fun.

[B]

We're gonna do it again.

[A]

Sounds great.

[B]

Classic Carmine. We appreciate him for coming on. He will forever hold that name. At least here on this show it's fun talking and doing these things. Blessed to do it. We appreciate you for listening. You know where to find us Collectibles show it is moving over to the CollectorNation.com shortly. We'll have the links forwarding so either destination. We're building a new site just for you. All the content will be on the Collector Nation app here in the next 30 days. Telling you, I have to, I have to say that because then it makes me get it done by then. Accountability that it is. We appreciate Classic Carmine. We appreciate you for listening. We'll see you next time on the Electronation. Thanks for tuning in to the show. Don't forget to follow us on your favorite podcast platform and don't miss the full video version on YouTube. You can find [e-mail] or follow Ryan on Instagram at Ryan Alford. Now get out there and collect yours.