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When the Punchline Gets It Wrong: Todd Zeile and the Crime of Being “Exactly Good”
For years, Todd Zeile was treated as a punchline—a symbol of junk wax hype that never paid off. But strip away the rookie-card mythology and a different picture emerges: a long, productive career undone not by failure, but by expectations that were never his to carry.
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Confessions of an Imperfect Collector: When Excitement Overrides Principles
I had a point to make about scarcity and value. But in the adrenaline of the scroll, I didn’t write a nuanced essay. I posted four words: “Chase this. Not that.” Then it hit me: I just did exactly what I tell other collectors never to do.
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They Had To Play Somebody: The Tony Phillips Standard
Baseball greatness doesn’t exist in isolation. For every Hall of Famer, there are dozens of players who made that greatness possible. This piece explores the hidden architecture of the game—and why Tony Phillips represents the standard by which real, durable value should be measured.
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Think, Plan, Do vs. The OODA Loop: A Collector’s Journey
Collecting isn’t a factory line—it’s a dogfight. While sellers thrive on Think, Plan, Do, collectors survive by reacting to a market that never waits. This piece explores why the OODA Loop—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act—is often the difference between missing a grail and landing it.
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Look at the Damn Card
Grading companies assess condition, but they’re not infallible. Cards degrade in slabs over time. Lower grades can look better than higher ones. The number on the label doesn’t always match what your eyes see. This article argues that collectors need to examine cards themselves, not just trust the plastic. Grades…
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Two out of Five Ain’t bad — Talking About the PED Era Without Emotion
Before PEDs entered the conversation, did Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire already measure up to Hall of Fame standards? Using peak performance comparisons against established Hall of Famers at their positions, only two of the era’s defining names stand comfortably on their own credentials.
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When Junk Wax Rookie Cards Become the Value Play
The junk-wax era, often dismissed as worthless, actually offers valuable player cards that tell significant stories. Key criteria for value include capturing pivotal moments, cultural relevance, and realistic pricing. Examples like Darryl Strawberry and Greg Maddux illustrate how certain rookie cards outperform expectations when these conditions align, while others like…
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Stop Letting the Market Sort Your Collection
The market measures scarcity and demand. I measure meaning. Some base cards get top-loaded because they resonate, not because they’re expensive. That isn’t collecting wrong—it’s collecting honestly. My collection exists for me, not the market, and I’m done pretending otherwise.
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Why I Don’t Bother with Phoenix Baseball
Phoenix seems like baseball paradise—Spring Training, beautiful weather, a World Series team. But it’s pointless to support the Diamondbacks. This is Cubs and Dodgers country. Chase Field becomes “Dodger Stadium East.” The Cubs outdraw the hometown team at Spring Training. Most residents already have a team. There’s no draw, no…
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Preemptive Mourning in Detroit
Detroit fans endure the emotional toll of “preemptive mourning.” We develop highly touted prospects—like Max Clark, Max Anderson, and Kevin McGonigle—only to lose them to high-spending clubs. This cycle, fueled by ownership unwilling to commit to long-term extensions, strips the team of continuity, leaving fans exhausted and yearning for the…
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El Cardquistador 