The Weekly Rip 10.13.24 [Jerseys]

Brett talks about jerseys on cards and the importance of connection.

A big thank you to the Card Ladder team for being the official data sponsor of Stacking Slabs. Card Ladder makes me a better creator and collector. If you’re looking to make more data-driven collecting decisions make sure you give the app a spin. 

We’re going to kick off this week’s edition of The Weekly Rip with some programming notes. This week you’re going to get 5 brand new episodes from Stacking Slabs on the main feed. Tomorrow, episode #2 of SSP Spotlight with Nic (@thewharfsportscards) will hit the main feed. There’s 5 incredible cards that we cover during this episode. On Tuesday, we launched the first episode of Card Ladder Confidential where I talk with Chris and Josh about the emotional side of collecting. The rest of the week will be business as usual. I appreciate your support. On with the newsletter…

The connection between sports fans and jerseys is a bond that transcends mere apparel. For many, jerseys have been a source of pride, a way to express their fandom and allegiance to their favorite teams and players.  When I grew up, I always had jerseys. I wore jerseys everywhere. I used jerseys to express my connection and fandom with my favorite players and teams. This nostalgia is more than just a fleeting memory; it's a fundamental aspect of what makes card collecting so captivating. The jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a symbol of the emotional investment collectors have in their teams and the players who represent them.

As teams evolve and players move between franchises, collectors are faced with a unique challenge: acquiring cards that accurately depict their favorite players donning the jersey of their beloved team. Over the last several years, my teams have picked up players that have come from other teams. Players like Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, and Tyrese Halliburton immediately come to my mind. I’ve always wanted to buy cards out of the gates of those players to represent them playing with my hometown team, but over the course of the last several cycles I’m finally beginning to realize how important the jersey on the card means to me. 

Cards depicting players in their former team's jerseys often fail to resonate on a deeper level. These cards, while initially appealing, tend to have a shorter lifespan within the collection, as they lack the authentic representation of true allegiance to my teams and city. There is no greater way to indicate the Northstar in my collection than reflecting on this experience. 

This revelation underscores the significance of team loyalty and jersey representation in the world of card collecting. It's not merely about amassing cards; it's about cultivating a collection that genuinely reflects the collector's identity, their connection to their hometown heroes, and the shared experiences that bind fans together.

I can’t help but think about my own experience in light of the recent influx of unlicensed products that have been flooding my feed and market.  We're seeing new products coming out with no team's jerseys, unlicensed products that look like cash grabs by manufacturers that are trickling out through breakers. This observation strikes at the heart of the issue – the disconnect between these unlicensed offerings and the true essence of card collecting. The hobby's foundations are rooted in passion and connection, and the absence of team jerseys on these cards undermines the very essence of what makes this pursuit so meaningful.

The hobby wasn't built on unlicensed product pushed to the uneducated and unknown. I think it was built on passion and connection. And a lot of that passion and connection comes with buying cards because the guys and girls on the cards are wearing jerseys of the teams that we cheer for.

This sentiment highlights the importance of preserving the authenticity and integrity of the hobby. Card collecting is not merely about accumulating valuable pieces of cardboard; it's about fostering a connection with the players, teams, and cities that have captured the hearts and souls of fans worldwide.

We have the power to shape the future of this beloved pastime, ensuring that it remains a celebration of passion, connection, and the enduring bond between fans and their beloved teams.

By embracing authenticity over quick profits, we can preserve the very spirit that has made card collecting a cherished pursuit for generations. Together, we can honor the rich tapestry of memories, emotions, and shared experiences that have woven this hobby into the fabric of our lives.

SSP Exclusive Offers For You

I’m working with the PSA team to extend more offers to my audience. We’re kicking off the promotion by giving any first time PSA submitters a $25 discount on your first order. Take advantage of the promotion by using promo code SSP25 on your first submission today.

SSP on The YouTube Machine 

I hosted an awesome conversation with @prestonscards last week on the main feed of SSP about team collecting. Preston is a big Rams collector and talked about his passion for collecting his team. This week we dropped the episode on the YouTube Machine to check out. 

If you want to check out more conversations with amazing visuals of cards subscribe to SSP YouTube today. 

A Weekly Content Roundup 

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a ton of nostalgia for the Prizm brand in its final lap. I discuss my thinking in this week’s flagship episode. 

The first 40 minutes of Auction Talk with Nic (@thewharfsportscards) was some of my favorite dialog in the show’s run. 

John (@packnicholson) returned to the pod to discuss the variables that go into collecting active vs. retired players. We explore the good, bad, and ugly with each collecting lane. 

Joining the Stacking Slabs Patreon is The Best Way to Show Your Support 

Collectors are joining Stacking Slabs Patreon to consume exclusive content, connect with other collectors, and promote their cards. I’m putting out new collector focused content in the group on a daily basis and it’s the hub for all of SSP’s video content. If you’re enjoying what I’m putting out on the main feeds check out what the group has to offer. I appreciate your attention and commitment to helping grow the damn brand. Join Today

In a recent conversation with Collector’s CEO Nat Turner, he shared that the 2003 UD Exquisite Collection Michael Jordan /225 base set PSA 10 was the card that amazed him the most from his Top 100 cards from The National. In the Patreon group I decided to explore the base set to learn more. Each week I’m creating exclusive episodes around sets and products for members. 

A Collector To Follow 

This week on Auction Talk we spotlighted the recent sale of the 2016 Select Patrick Mahomes XRC Gold Prizm /10 PSA 10 during the show. I always love getting connected to the owners of the cards that we’re talking about on the podcast. I was fortunate to get connected with @icollector23 and start a dialog about the card. His collection is amazing and a collector worth following! 

I appreciate your support for Stacking Slabs. 

Take care,

Brett