Is Topps Juicing Card Sales By Adding RC Logo To Superstars? | PSA Grader Notes Coming! | & More!

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In today's Clearing The Bases, I cover a strange rookie card logo appearing on Gunnar Henderson's 2024 (second year) baseball card, PSA changing their terms to cover graders notes, and more sports card, memorabilia, and collectibles news!
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[@JunkWaxHero]

Share your thoughts on Topps RC logo, Joe Jackson bat, or anything else from the video!

[@JTyler-je3fb]

It shouldn't have the rookie card logo just the rookie cup on his second year card

[@Johndeplume.]

Another great GTB, Mike. Thanks for sharing the stories, and your thoughts. Seeing you asked to share our thoughts... The changing of the T&Cs by PSA/DNA (Collectors Universe) particularly annoyed me, so, here are my thoughts, for what they're worth: For companies that want to grow the hobby (Fanatics, for example, want to '10x the hobby'), why are they trying to ostracise and criminalise those who wish to engage in the it? COMPETITION is essential for a thriving hobby, and for all those who partake in it:
 Fanatics' recent business practices have sought to exclude competition, by buying up competitors engaged with it, signing various non-competitive deals with various sporting bodies, and launching legal action in response to those who dare condemn. This will hinder creativity and drive up prices. Bad for the hobby, and bad for all those within it. CRITICISM is essential in keeping companies, and those engaged in a hobby, 'honest':
 Collectors Universe's business practices (changes to T&Cs highlighted by you, Mike) appear to seek to punish fair criticism of their practices and their brand. As it stands, grading practices are subjective between grader and between grading companies. Any functioning democracy, and any society that upholds the banner of free speech, cannot allow companies to dictate the boundaries of it. Criticism makes a company more accountable, as well as allows them to learn the evolving needs and wants of their customer-base. Companies that rely on social media to promote their products and practices, must understand that it can be used to condemn their products and practices too. 
 CUSTOMERS are essential to any business. Mistreat them, and don't expect to run a profitable and sustainable business:
 The contempt shown towards individuals in the hobby by companies such as Fanatics and Collectors Universe (but not limited to them, of course) will turn people away from their products and their services. It just doesn't make any sense to enrage customers with restrictive practices (preventing criticism of products and services), inconsistent practices (the subjectivity of grading, for example), dodgy practices (up-charging customers based on the cost of the item graded, or holding customers' money for extended periods... as has been the case of redemptions), and taking their hard-earned money for granted (the ever-increasing prices of their products, and the thirst for more). Let's hope that instead of punishing dissenting voices, companies in the hobby/industry can use them to make better products and better services... for the good of the hobby!

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@Johndeplume. another great comment, John. You should have a hobby blog! You’re a great writer.

[@Johndeplume.]

@@JunkWaxHero: Wow, thank you! Just calling it how I see it.

[@cryptonite8495]

Topps has been inconsistently putting Rookie logos on 2nd-year cards for 60 years.

[@JunkWaxHero]

It’s crazy

[@michaelhuene561]

Rookie logos are fairly new. Are you thinking of the Rookie Cups? Those have nothing to do with it being their actual Rookie Card.

[@beansballcardblog]

@@michaelhuene561 His comment was the epitome of "tell me you're a covid collector without telling me you're a covid collector." Ignorance in this hobby has never been higher.

[@freeforall825]

There are a bunch of players that have RC on their cards and its not their rookie year. Topps is trying to add so much crap that they slack off on the quality control.

[@jimbrand8310]

I just opened a blaster box of 2023 Topps chrome platinum and the JRod has the RC emblem on it.

[@collegehoopsguy]

Topps messes up the Clemente number but have plenty of time to carefully put Kevin Hart on some Phillies cards as random ridiculous parallels, smh

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

Topps probably does that on purpose, but even so their quality control is absolutely abysmal

[@brifodes]

EVERYBODY should show the grader notes when they are selling a card. What is PSA going to do - sue EVERYBODY? Impossible! Are they going to de-certify EVERYBODY's card? Doubt it. I'd gamble and test that out.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yes!

[@mangobango6970]

I'm just waiting for the first counterfeiter of psa slabs to include a graders notes notepad. Create your own notes, 😂

[@TheCardDeal]

I believe the 1st to have that was 2017 Alex Bregman base rookie with dual RC logo and RC Cup. The Ohtani was said to be an uncorrected error on that 84 insert. 2020 Alvarez also has the dual cup and RC logo. The Gunnar you showed as an SP in warm up shirt, that is just a complete set card, different from the pack pulled image, but not at all rare or an SP. Topps collectors or "purists" know that this stuff has been happening for a very long time. Since 1951 and Topps 1st set, till today. Only way this becomes a thing of value would be if they made a corrected version, which Topps will not do based on production dates and once they are printed, they are not making more just to insert a corrected version. We see this with mistakes on Heritage where a missing card from 2023 would be inserted into 2024. Good video Mike, catch you on the next one. ✌🏽⚾️🇺🇸

[@JunkWaxHero]

Good comment

[@doylee30]

Just when you thought PSA's customer service couldnt get any better they add threatening there customers to the list. Collectors have created this monster, its only gonna get worse. Gnat Turners tweet about high value cards is an insult to the normal everyday collector. That bat knob card was awful. Thanks for the video and have a great Sunday!

[@TheCardDeal]

Side note....so we are supposed to believe someone is chopping up a bat for a Leaf product? 😂

[@Zhenshanre]

Have to imagine the RC logo is more apathy about design consistency than anything else. It seems unlikely that the RC logo is going to drive demand for the overall product. Maybe it elevates the sales price in the secondary market more than it would for a second year card otherwise down the road, but doubt that is a driving force in Topps’ decision-making.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yeah apathy seems like a legit answer

[@MrWrestling2]

And notice every ebay listing has Rookie in the title.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yes!

[@snerdterguson]

My thinking with legendary relics is, as long as it isn't something really significant, it is fine. With Gibson, that's one of two that exist, so cutting it up is a crime against baseball history. But lets say they use a player who has a large number of existing bats/jerseys. As long as it isn't the bat that x player used to break x record... I have no problem, and as someone who isn't wealthy, I'm happy they exist so I have a chance to own them.

[@JunkWaxHero]

I’m good with this compromise

[@mikesbaseballcards]

With Gunnar. I think its marketing for the RC for the 2nd year card. Major rip off for 3 cards, $600!! Really!! Why cut up a Joe Jackson bat??? Senseless.

[@Ecohoneybear]

Just look at the 2024 topps chrome checklist coming out next month. They have 6 players with a RC badge that have rookies in previous years. RC was starting to become meaningless prior to this with all the sp, ssp’s, inserts, and rookie debuts. This is the nail in the coffin for me.

[@XZOL445]

Thought you might have had a blurb on your boy Chris Sewall's auction site. Well, not his, but his buddies. Looks promising!

[@JunkWaxHero]

I did a whole video on it!

[@tubenachos]

Yeah 2019 Topps Update Ohtani got RC logos, incredibly confusing 😅😅😅. Also let's admit Brown is better than Tatum.

[@JunkWaxHero]

He’s definitely more fun to watch, more reliable, and has more of the killer instinct. Tatum is more skilled.

[@NuthinFancyCollectibles]

Another good “Clearing The Bases” episode. How absurd to suggest that Topps would “juice” card sales! 😉

[@JunkWaxHero]

I know! I’m sorry I doubted Topps

[@KipArmadillo]

As soon as the C's won, I pulled out my modest pile of Jaylen and Jayson cards and considered selling, as I'm blindly assuming the market will be at an all time high. But being a lifelong fan (Reggie Lewis was my childhood idol), and not holding anything more than raw base RC's, the sentimental (and perhaps long term) value exceeds the negligible financial gain.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Same here 🤜🏼

[@J8r2t]

I'm not a fan of cutting the bat's up, kind of like when they cut the Babe Ruth pin stripe jersey. I'm pretty sure there was only three in existence and leaf cut that one up, granted I have a card of it and would take a card of his bat barrel, but I don't think they should ruin it like that! 🤷

[@JunkWaxHero]

Great comparison

[@randyworden5232]

It's up to us to recognize the actual rookie cards and clarify it when we're buying and selling. I think it's shill marketing rather than errors because it seems to be exclusively name players . And agree 100% with your stance on cutting up limited relics. Too much greed. I swear if someone had a pair of Babe Ruth's underwear they would try to cut them up and sell them.

[@JunkWaxHero]

lol gross

[@bryanhogamier3039]

I was putting away cards and found a 1993 Jerry Rice fleer tall boy. It said 14/20 on it. Naturally I got excited and thought I had something. It was just 20 cards in the set tho, it was a bummer. I thought I had something good.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Aww bummer

[@thirtyoneless]

Very much with you on the bat cards, though I love the idea of multiple people being able to own a piece, I still am very much so, that belongs in a museum. That way it can be reserved as a true relic and be shared by all who want to come and see it.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yes

[@scottvaughn9]

Do the “2nd year RCs” of Shohei & Gunnar sell for rookie card prices? I honestly don’t know, but am curious. Whether it’s oversight or juicing, the worst part is that collectors new to the hobby may be excited to pick up a rookie, when in fact, it’s not. Just leads to all sorts of headaches.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Exactly. And could lead to more box sales for Topps and increased prices

[@snerdterguson]

Topps is weird. They try to juice sales in some ways, yet they continue to force Stars of the MLB on retail bundlers despite nobody wanting them. They could juice retail sales by simply adding a better retail exclusive, and not have them be in every damn pack. Make an exclusive that's 1 in 20 hangers, 1 in 100 packs, 1 in 10 blasters, etc. That way there's potential for there to be value and thus create more desirability for retail.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yes

[@stevegallo8483]

Like you, I am against cutting up game used bats and putting them in cards, unless they are game used bats of current players. What's next, buying iconic cards like the 52 Mantle or the T206 Wagnar and cutting them up to insert in cards? After getting railroaded by Judge Landis for the Black Sox scandal despite being acquitted in a court of law, I'm certain Joe Jackson did a lot of barnstorming.

[@jpacrylicstudio145]

PSA heard their customers, decided to release the important and critical information that backs their grade on a card and then threatens you if you show others that information. "THE EMPORER HAS NO CLOTHES!"

[@JunkWaxHero]

lol yeah

[@skymall9681]

Some day we will look back at this era of cutting up signatures and bats, etc. and cringe in disgust. They're literally out here cutting up pieces of history to poorly frame in a piece of cardboard.

[@JunkWaxHero]

I’m already cringing at it

[@dominatorbooze8381]

Totally agree. Horrible execution.

[@snerdterguson]

Cut autos have existed for a long time, and I see no issue, provided they aren't cutting them from significant documents. Cancelled checks, letters, etc are fine. Just don't cut it from something like Babe Ruth's contract or something. On relics, I agree to a point, but they also provide a way for the non ultra wealthy to get a piece of history. I could never afford to buy a Lou Gehrig uniform, but for a $50 buy in, I got the Yankees in a Diamond Kings FOTL break in 2021 and got a quad relic of Gehrig. Similar to autos, provided they aren't tied to significant moments, I see little issue. If they cut up the bat Maris hit 61 with, then that's a problem.

[@skymall9681]

@@snerdterguson i hear you, and there is something for everyone. And obviously there's more people with your opinion than mine, currently at least. I will say though, buying a players autograph on a canceled check is typically cheaper than buying a PSA graded card that used the same canceled check for it's cut auto. I just think this is one of those trends that we will look back on and think how stupid that was.

[@jimc.goodfellas226]

Big agree

[@jordanmouw878]

The left side was the bat knob and the right side was the end of the bat where balls are hit off of and it chips away the wood. Also, when bats are put away after an at bat the end often gets pushed in first so that creates wear and tear.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thank you!

[@fidoe23]

The RC logo error is not new. I happened to have sitting next to me when i watched this a 2013 Topps Platinum Drew Brees die cut numbered #ABMDC-DB that has the RC logo when of course his rookie was 2001. My guess is what occurred with these cards is the design person had the design element up for the insert and forgot to remove the RC logo when going from a card that was a rookie to someone that isn't.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Solid theory

[@Mrshortstop4]

Topp$ is all about the Benjamin$!!!!!

[@weekendupnate]

That Jaylen Brown Gold 1/10 card has been shilled 8 different times on eBay, and 4 times on Card Hobby. To report on those sales being legit is hilarious, and a major part of an overall problem

[@JunkWaxHero]

Talk to SCD, who did the reporting

[@weekendupnate]

@@JunkWaxHero Yes that's who I was talking about lol

[@joeschmoe2011]

At 10:43 of your video the photo shows at the end "In consideration" and then the next sentence is not shown. What is the language on the next sentence? "In consideration" is saying what PSA is giving up and what you are giving up for this 'grader notes' agreement. In contract law there are some general definitions of what is needed for a contract to be valid. There has to be offer, acceptance and consideration. Consideration is essentially what each side is giving up for this contract to be enforced. We need to see what it says. The cleaning issue is about money IMO. No cleaning product will get the blessing of PSA without paying PSA to do so. I suspect that is the sticking point between the cleaning companies/products/ parties and PSA. I could see where PSA comes out with their own cleaning product for sale or agree to clean cards once received for a payment. Or maybe an endorsement deal for the highest bidder. PSA would have no problem with cleaned cards if PSA is able to monetize the issue. With Grader Notes, PSA is screaming censorship. This agreement can stop a lot of complaining on the internet if people are not allowed to discuss the notes. On the other hand Grader Notes can be used to determine if a card has been removed from a slab and replaced with another card. This is an issue in the news recently. Unpublicized grader notes may say something about a cut or mark, blemish, etc in a certain spot on the card. That can help authenticate the card later should there be a question about the card's authenticity. In this regard Grader Notes not being published is a security issue and understandable given recent cards being replaced in slabs. Every bad thing has something good, I suppose. I would suspect the Grader Note issue is actually a censorship move which will later be described by PSA as security move. An oddity of PSA is they are a company that helps get communication published - photos on baseball cards, historical language on the front and back. Yet their new policy is about censorship. And money. And control. Same old PSA.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Good comment

[@MrFLUIZZLE]

Yes. They are grabbing for money.

[@jimfalkler9361]

Hi Mike. I would like to know what Topps and Fanatics are up to with putting a rookie logo on Henderson's 2024 Topps card. Just another way to try and make money. Thanks for the video, always enjoy these.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Jim. I agree that it feels like a money-grab.

[@Kramer7969]

How would it increase sales? Just having the RC logo isn't going to make it worth more unless collectors pay more for them, that's on collectors not Topps.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Right, same way any Topps gimmick increases sales

[@dominatorbooze8381]

Who do people recommend in lieu of PSA. Isnt the next biggest company also owned by PSA?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yep, SGC

[@dominatorbooze8381]

@@JunkWaxHero who would you recommend for grading?

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@dominatorbooze8381 depends on your goal

[@ACollectorsDream]

Great stuff, don’t like the cutting historical stuff

[@JunkWaxHero]

Me neither

[@user-qb6vi4cv2c]

What I want to know which I don’t think grading companies will ever provide is what are the standards used for grading cards and who are the graders. The grader certificate of excellence. How long have been grading? Everything with grading and authentication is faith based. What is the process ? What are the standards?

[@freeforall825]

TAG uses computers to do all of their grading and they give you a detailed report on what exactly is wrong with the card. That's one thing I hate the most about PSA is not knowing what caused it to get the grade it did. I like the way their cases look as well compared to others. Sometimes I feel like you can tell when one of the graders is having a bad day at work.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Why do you care to know who grades it? You want the person’s name? Why? Their standards are all public.

[@user-qb6vi4cv2c]

@@JunkWaxHero If standards are public were do you find them? Do all grading companies follow those standards? Do the companies as a whole agree to these standards? Would you like to know if the grader has x years experience or is it ok to give it to the new guy? Oh please give my card a 10. Let’s wrap everything up in plastic. Stop defending companies that are screwing up the hobby.

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@user-qb6vi4cv2c lol I’m not defending PSA, my man. I criticize them as much as I do Topps. But their grading standards are published on their website, and multiple people review each card. These aren’t criticisms that resonate with me. Inconsistency is a huge problem with PSA, as are many other things.

[@user-qb6vi4cv2c]

You pointed out the guide that PSA uses but what about the other companies. What are the standards? There are many KZbinrs that refer to this hobby as an industry. If this is an industry, companies distinguish themselves as being unique by the individuals they have employed by them. Wouldn’t a company advertise abilities of their graders. Just because gives out 10’s doesn’t mean anything. Get cards graded by PSA for best chance of getting a 10. You can respond if you want but no need to.

[@mangobango6970]

Jaylen Brown is the real star of the Celtics. Not surprising Tatum who has the personality of a brick wall isn't moving as much as Jaylen. I've always preferred Jaylen over Tatum.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Meeee toooo! Tatum is the most aggravating superstar in Celtics history.

[@Jackson09]

No 10,000 is stupid..$500 is for us normal people... I'm not generally known for following the crowd...but we definitely agree that a $500 is considered one of our "nice" or "expensive" cards...$10,000 and that card will paying off bills...

[@JunkWaxHero]

Exactly

[@DansVintageBaseballPC]

Pretty sure it’s a million dollar fine for revealing grader notes. Start saving up now man.

[@JunkWaxHero]

With all the profit I make from selling my PSA cards, that’ll be chump change!

[@DansVintageBaseballPC]

That’s only half your profit on the Vermont Collection. We’re going to need more Vermont Collection content to know for sure.

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@DansVintageBaseballPC newsletter tomorrow! 😂

[@tractorguy207]

Are you going to the Civic Center show in Augusta today? Canseco is signing today. 9-2

[@JunkWaxHero]

No, sorry

[@tractorguy207]

@@JunkWaxHero I was able to get a couple signatures. He's a big dude still

[@MrWrestling2]

This is more horrible news; it just never stops. This is what happens when companies with long histories and success get taken over by new "geniuses" that think they know more about everything than the previous management group.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yeah I think some of the things they’re doing are fun (though not for me, which is okay) but they’re also making big mistakes / doing stupid things.

[@muricancars797]

Any word on getting that ‘18 Ohtani Independence Day de-certified? :)

[@JunkWaxHero]

lol it’s on a very long list unfortunately

[@muricancars797]

@@JunkWaxHero Fair enough LOL

[@dominatorbooze8381]

Yr audio needs some improvements mate

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds perfect to me, and no one else has said anything.

[@Dufex_of_Life]

Ugly design of shoeless joe bat card overall - compare to 1999 UD set, dont mind relic cards like this but there are too many, making this action overdone and destroying too much.

[@Jackson09]

Morning

[@JunkWaxHero]

Morning!

[@vanbeekbr]

Fanatics is so bad... we are in for a long stretch here when they get exclusivity on the other sports. It's crazy we will miss the Panini-days, as Panini has had a fairly bad run as well. Instead of 10x the hobby, there's a good chance Fanatics will decrease it by 90% at the current pace. I don't care about high print runs, it's the ineptitude they have shown in their ability to manage anything. Every day I think there's no way they can embarrass themselves more, yet they continue to do so.

[@LastOfTheRockStars]

Again, why are they chopping up bats? Shoeless Joe should be in the HOF. I don't care when he used it. Just imagine a guy taking a chisel and pounding around his name to pry it out, and then have to sand the back of the piece so it could fit in a card. It would have been classic, like some of the autographs, if they cut a part of his name off.

[@Jackson09]

Not being able to show grader notes...PEOPLE STOP USING PSA...PERIOD...make one of the other companies your new "psa"...F_ck em.

[@johnbaumgardner8325]

Go Celtics

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yesss

[@muricancars797]

When are people going to realize PSA is a bunch of grifters?

[@muricancars797]

I’ve looked at 100’s of sales of PSA cards and with their upcharge fees people could have used SGC etc and actually made more money. So tired of the myth of “PSA cards being more $” no dummy you’re giving PSA the extra $ you make. (Not you JWH the people who can’t think critically).