In this special episode, Joe Davis takes you behind the scenes of the massive prep underway for The National — the biggest event of the year in the sports card hobby. From booth setup to inventory madness, Joe shares what it really takes to prepare for the show (spoiler: the real hustle happens before the doors open).

Get a sneak peek at what Got Baseball Cards is bringing to Chicago — from bargain boxes and vintage gems to freshly graded slabs and even graded comics. Joe also gives valuable tips for navigating the show like a pro, including how to plan your buying strategy and why the right shoes might save your entire trip.

Plus, hear about:

• Exclusive services being offered at the Got Baseball Cards booth

• Rare cards they’ll have on display — including some legendary rookies...

• The mission behind their presence at the National

And don't miss the major announcement dropping on Thursday, July 31st, first on this podcast.

In this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe, Joe returns from the massive 960-table Nashville Card Show with fresh insights and excitement about the state of the hobby. Joe shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show floor — from booming vintage sales and abundant grading submissions to a shocking twist involving a “signed” Shohei Ohtani baseball.

Get Joe’s firsthand take on:

• Why Pokémon is dominating grading submissions like never before

• The rise of vintage set builders and how old-school cardboard is still holding strong

• An honest look at a missed $12K opportunity with a '93 Finest Refractor set

• The story behind “the notebook” filled with Wacky Packages, Marvel stickers & Happy Days nostalgia

• Why Friday and Sunday beat out Saturday for best sales days

• A sneak peek at a brand-new product launch dropping really soon

Plus, hear how grading demand surged, how Joe’s team managed the rush, and what this all means for the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. If you’re heading to the National, don’t miss the preview coming in the next episode.

Joe Davis is cracking open the vault of nostalgia in this episode of Sports Cards & A Cup of Joe—and this time, it's personal. With decades of firsthand experience and a deep love for the hobby, Joe walks you through the iconic rookie cards that defined the 1980s, year by year. From the electric debut of Rickey Henderson to the hobby-shifting arrival of Ken Griffey Jr., this episode covers the key cards, memorable players, and the untold stories behind the cardboard.

You’ll also hear about:

• The rookie card that once sent Joe and his team to Disney World 🌟

• What made 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly the card to chase

• Which rookies got left out of key sets—and how that shaped the market

• Joe’s personal missteps, grading lessons, and why centering matters and not just corners

And of course, don’t miss Joe’s definitive Top 10 list of 1980s rookie cards.