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How Many Mike's Is Too Many Mike's?

Sports Cards Nonsense1h 19m

The show features discussions about baseball card collecting trends, the repack market through Trove's digital platform, athlete appearances, and personal collecting strategies. Key guests include Mike Sterk (Cubs fan facing playoff disappointment), MK from Trove (discussing the repack model and collector-focused innovations), and various segments on 1990s baseball players and card valuations.

Summary

The episode opens with sponsor announcements for eBay Live and AT&T before diving into baseball playoffs and collecting. Mike Sterk, a Cubs fan, discusses the team's disappointing playoff performance and prospects like Roman Anthony and Peyton Tolley. The hosts explore how viral moments affect player card values, using examples like Vinnie Pasquantino and Peyton Tolley's emotional storytelling about his deceased mother. They discuss Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented market dominance in the hobby, attributing it to his international Japanese appeal combined with his on-field excellence, noting his one-of-ones sell for millions while other stars' equivalent cards fetch far less. MK Katz, CEO of Trove (a digital repack platform), joins the show and shares his origin story of returning to collecting through his son's interest in Pokemon cards. He explains how Trove differentiates itself through 2% annual dividends for collectors, pack battles for competitive ripping, and a commitment to collector-focused innovation rather than pure profit-seeking. The conversation addresses criticism of crypto-adjacent repack companies and emphasizes the importance of genuine collector passion. The hosts discuss 1990s baseball popularity, with Barry Bonds, Derek Jeter, and Frank Thomas ranking high in a poll, debating which players appeal most to returning collectors. They discuss Bowman Football's recent return as a college/pro hybrid product, which the host found better than expected despite initial skepticism. The episode includes discussions about PSA card grading, specific card pulls (Roger Clemens Blue Jays cards, Cade Horton gold refractors), and the value of PSA 8s versus raw cards. Plans for future content include weekly shows with NFL player Leonard Fournette, a voicemail-heavy episode, and a live trivia show. The host also mentions personal collecting strategies, including only ripping packs at special occasions and being selective about break purchases.

About this episode

In this episode, we find out how many Mike's are too many without Jesse, who is out sick. Mike Gio and Mike Sterk look at the hobby values of the players who won so far in the MLB Playoffs. Plus, Mike and Mike share their misery about the Red Sox and Cubs being out. Looking at the Mantle and Ohtani markets. Then we are joined by Michael Katz from Trove, making it four Mikes on the show. We get his hobby backstory and his Mt. Rushmore of Boston Sports. We wrap up with the news that Larry is confirmed to be coming to town, which begs the question: should Sterk and Brendan come as well? 0:00-Intro + MLB Playoffs 8:00 - Looking at the hobby value of playoff winners 13:30 - Mantle vs. Ohtani in the market 24:00 - Michael Katz interview, CEO/Founder of Trove 33:05 - What was his education process getting back in the hobby? 45:00 - Boston Sports Mt. Rushmore 48:55 - Mike hits Gio about his eBay Live 1:07:30 - Gio has no interest in Nate Bargatze coming on the show 1:12:15 - Sterk wants to buy PSA 8s vs. Raw Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Key Insights

  • Mike Sterk argues that the Cubs' playoff loss was devastating because the team had no collectible or investable players on the roster, making it difficult for collectors to find value in Cubs prospects.
  • The hosts claim that viral moments and media personality significantly impact player card values, with examples like Peyton Tolley's emotional press conference creating market bumps independent of on-field performance.
  • MK contends that Shohei Ohtani's market dominance (estimated as 5+ times larger than Aaron Judge or Bobby Witt) stems from a perfect storm of international Japanese collecting culture combined with his unprecedented on-field excellence, creating no close second in any sport.
  • MK argues that most repack companies in the space are crypto-adjacent 'land grabs' run by people who don't understand that cards aren't like coins and lack genuine collector passion.
  • The hosts discuss that PSA 8 graded cards can often be purchased cheaper than raw versions of the same card, creating a value opportunity for collectors willing to accept minor imperfections.
  • MK explains that Trove's 2% annual dividend paid monthly to collectors holding cards in the app is funded through running a profitable business, not through unsustainable crypto mechanisms or requiring asset freezes.
  • The host reveals that returning collectors after 20+ years find the modern hobby completely different with multiple card variations, jersey pieces, autographs, and complex parallels that didn't exist during the junk wax era.
  • MK claims that celebrating transaction volume (breakers, whatnot frakers) has overshadowed celebrating the collector, whose long-term collection building should be the real focus of the hobby.
  • The hosts argue that Bowman Football's college/pro hybrid format works better than initially expected because it provides access to rookie quarterbacks with strong collector demand, offsetting concerns about weak NFL draft class.
  • MK states that the pack battle feature in Trove was designed to recreate childhood multiplayer card games, transforming collecting from a solo activity into a competitive, social experience.
  • The host explains he limits his personal card ripping to special occasions or with friends to avoid 'getting on tilt' when opening multiple cases, comparing it to limiting alcohol consumption to special events.
  • The discussion reveals that Roger Clemens' Blue Jays uniform despite playing for multiple teams represents a specific historical period, with Clemens being known for extreme preparation methods like jogging 15+ miles on non-pitching days.

Topics

Baseball card collecting and 1990s nostalgiaRepack market and digital platforms (Trove)Shohei Ohtani's market dominancePlayer card valuations and viral momentsAthlete appearances and content creationPSA grading and card authenticationBowman Football product reviewCollector psychology and spending habitsPodcast production and technical challengeseBay Live streaming strategy

Transcript

Before we start, a quick word from our sponsor, eBay Live. If you've never checked it out, eBay Live is eBay's live shopping experience built for collectors. It's where you find rare, exclusive, and hard-to-find items. Through live auctions and special drops, you can only get there. What makes it different is the energy in the community. Real sellers, engaging hosts like SportsCardsNonsense, and streamers that make it fun and interactive. It's all backed by eBay's protection and authenticity guarantees, so you can shop with confidence. Just download the eBay app and hit the eBay live button under the search bar and jump in. Now back to your show. Picture yourself watching football with someone you're close to. Isn't it…

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