The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when sports card collecting meets hip-hop, Hollywood, and some of the biggest names in entertainment? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt Powers sits down with fellow collector and Powers Sports Memorabilia customer Erik Richards to explore his incredible collection of unique autographed cards. We're talking about cards you don't see every day, including: Dr. Dre / N.W.A. – A 1991 Premier Rap Pack card featuring a PSA 10 autograph. Snoop Dogg – A 1995 Panini Smash Hits card with a PSA 10 autograph. Will Smith – A 1991 NBA Hoops card featuring the Fresh Prince with a PSA 9 autograph. Sylvester Stallone – A 1979 Rocky II card signed by the man behind Rocky Balboa. But this conversation is about more than just the cards. Matt and Erik explore what makes unusual autographed cards so interesting, why collectors are drawn to music and entertainment memorabilia, and how collecting can go far beyond traditional sports cards. Whether you're a longtime sports card collector, a hip-hop fan, or someone who loves finding unusual pieces of memorabilia, this episode offers a look at a different side of the hobby. Visit: https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com Follow us on Instagram: @PowersAutographs Subscribe to The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show for more collector interviews, autograph signing stories, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the sports memorabilia industry.

Send us Fan Mail What really happens behind the scenes at a major autograph signing show featuring nearly 60 athletes? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt Powers and Caleb Harper recap their recent trip to Nashville, sharing some incredible stories, unexpected moments, and the challenges of getting hundreds of customer items signed. We discuss Doug Flutie's reaction to seeing his own game-used jerseys, a hilarious inscription mix-up with Pedro Martinez, Reggie Jackson examining game-used bats, and how we found an Eric Dickerson Downtown card at the show and got it signed that same day. We also share our experience using PROVA authentication at a major show for the first time, some entertaining interactions with Erik Estrada, and unique memorabilia from The Sandlot cast. Plus, we pull back the curtain on the logistics of organizing, shipping, authenticating, and safely returning customer memorabilia from an event this size. If you've ever wondered what it's really like working directly with professional athletes at autograph signings, this episode gives you an inside look at the stories and experiences collectors rarely get to see. Read the full behind-the-scenes recap: https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-at-a-60-athlete-autograph-show-in-nashville Upcoming Autograph Signings: https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/pages/upcoming-autograph-signings

Send us Fan Mail Shaquille O’Neal cards are suddenly getting a lot more attention in the hobby. In this episode of the Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, we break down what’s driving the recent rise in Shaq card prices, which cards collectors are chasing, and whether this renewed interest could continue. We also look at Shaq’s place in basketball history and why his cards may be getting a fresh look from collectors.

Send us Fan Mail What really happens behind the scenes at a private autograph signing with an NBA legend? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt and Caleb break down Caleb’s trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles to take part in a private autograph signing with Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. Caleb shares what it was like meeting Pippen for the first time, how hundreds of customer items are organized and prepared before a signing, and some of the coolest memorabilia that came through—including Dream Team pieces, rare cards, Michael Jordan-related items, and one piece so large they had to figure out how to position it just to get it signed. We also talk about Pippen’s autograph and inscriptions, what he was like during the signing, the items that caught his attention, and why having someone at the signing in person is so important when customers trust us with their memorabilia. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you send an item in for an autograph signing, this episode gives you a look at the process collectors normally never get to see. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/pages/upcoming-autograph-signings

Send us Fan Mail Arch Manning is one of the biggest names in college football—and his sports card market has already reached some incredible prices. But how much of that demand is based on Arch Manning the player, and how much comes from the Manning name? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , Matt and Caleb break down the Arch Manning sports card market. We talk about his college cards, autographs, rare cards, color matches, his move from Panini to Topps, and why collectors are already paying big money for some of his cards. We also tackle a confusing question: Are Arch Manning's current cards rookie cards, prospect cards, or something else? Plus, we discuss how much his future NFL career could affect demand for his college cards and why Peyton, Eli, Archie, and the entire Manning family make Arch such a unique player to collect. Whether you're thinking about buying an Arch Manning card or just want to understand the hype, this episode gives you plenty to think about. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail Sports cards can get confusing fast. Hobby boxes, blasters, hangers, jumbo boxes, value boxes, and First Off the Line—what's the difference, and which one should you actually buy? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , Matt and Caleb break down the different types of sports card boxes in simple terms. We talk about which boxes may guarantee autographs, where you can find exclusive parallels, whether you can actually pull a big card from a cheap blaster or hanger, and what FOTL really means. We also answer an important question for collectors: If there's one specific rookie card or autograph you want, should you spend your money ripping boxes or just buy the card? Whether you're brand new to sports cards or you've been collecting for years, this episode will help you better understand what you're actually buying before you rip your next box.

Send us Fan Mail Think you can just catch the next autograph signing? Sometimes you can—but sometimes the rules change, certain items are no longer allowed, or the opportunity disappears completely. In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , Matt talks about this after recently taking part in another Patrick Mahomes autograph signing. We discuss why collectors shouldn't assume an athlete will always keep signing, how restrictions on cards, jerseys, helmets and inscriptions can change from one signing to the next, and why exclusive autograph deals can suddenly limit access. We also look at athletes like Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and others to show how quickly signing opportunities can change. This doesn't mean you should spend outside your budget. But if there's an athlete you really want, the item you want is currently allowed, and the price makes sense for you, sometimes you need to take advantage of the opportunity while it's there. Because there isn't always a next autograph signing. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail What is the best pen for getting a jersey signed? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , Matt breaks down exactly which pens we use for autographed jerseys during professional signings. The biggest factor is knowing whether your jersey has a sewn-on number or a screen-printed number . We explain when to use a black Sharpie, when a silver Sharpie actually works great, and when a silver paint pen is the better choice. Matt also explains why you should never use a white paint pen on a fabric jersey number , plus what can happen when cheap jersey material causes an autograph to bleed. If you're sending a jersey to an autograph signing, this episode will help you choose the right pen without overcomplicating it. Keep it simple, match the pen to the material, and always test your pen before the athlete signs.

Send us Fan Mail Silver Sharpies seem like they should be perfect for autographs, but they are one of the most frustrating pens in the memorabilia world. In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt explains why silver Sharpies usually aren't the best choice and what you should use instead. We go through sports cards, footballs, helmets, photos, bats, boxing gloves, hockey pucks, Funko Pops, and more. Some items can handle a silver Sharpie just fine, while others are much better suited for a silver paint pen. But there is one surprising item where a silver Sharpie may actually be the best pen you can use. Matt also explains why testing your pen before an autograph signing is so important and shares lessons learned from years of professional signings. If you're sending an item to an autograph signing, this episode could help you avoid choosing the wrong pen. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever seen us post photos from an autograph signing and wondered how you completely missed it? There may be a good reason—you were never able to see it in the first place. In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , Matt explains why certain autograph signings have to stay private, why some athletes don't want their signing prices made public, and why autograph agents sometimes limit a signing to only a handful of trusted vendors. We also discuss VIP autograph signings, the importance of relationships in the autograph business, and why we occasionally can't post a signing on our website, social media, or even email. Plus, learn a few ways you can increase your chances of hearing about these harder-to-find autograph opportunities. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail One of the biggest concerns collectors have when getting a card signed is whether an authentication sticker on the back could hurt the card’s grade. In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , we break down what we’ve actually experienced when submitting autographed cards to PSA, including cards that have received PSA 10 card grades and 10 autograph grades with authentication stickers attached . We also discuss why you might want witnessed, first-person authentication on certain autographs, when you might skip the sticker for aesthetic reasons, and why you should never attempt to remove an authentication sticker once it has been applied . If you collect signed sports cards or plan on submitting autographed cards to PSA, this is an important topic to understand before your next signing. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail After years of working behind the scenes at private autograph signings, there are certain athletes and experiences you simply never forget. In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , I’m counting down my 10 favorite athletes I’ve ever worked with at autograph signings . Some made the list because of their personality, others because of unforgettable conversations, and a few because of moments that happened behind the scenes that collectors rarely get to see. And some of the names that made my Top 10 might surprise you. What really makes an athlete great to work with at a signing? Listen to the episode to hear the stories and find out who made the list. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail What pen should you use when getting a Funko Pop autographed? In this episode of The Powers Sports Memorabilia Show , Matt breaks down the best pens for signing Funko Pop windows, including DecoColor, POSCA, and Molotow paint pens , along with which colors and tip sizes work best. We’ll also explain why we generally avoid standard Sharpies on Funko Pops , how to protect the box when sending it to a signing, where authentication stickers should be placed, and why you should always test your pen before the autograph. If you're sending a Funko Pop to an autograph signing or adding one to your collection, these simple tips can help you get a bold, clean autograph that really pops. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail What is the best pen for getting a basketball autographed? In this episode of the Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt breaks down the pens we use for NBA authentic basketballs, replica basketballs, NCAA basketballs, and white panel basketballs. We cover when to use a silver DecoColor paint pen , why the Pentel N50 is one of our favorite choices for black autographs, which pens we tend to avoid, and how the material of the basketball can affect your autograph over time. Plus, learn a few simple tips for protecting and shipping your signed basketball without damaging the autograph. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail What pen should you use when getting a football autographed? In this episode of the Powers Sports Memorabilia Show, Matt breaks down the best pens for authentic leather footballs and white-panel footballs, including why silver paint pens are the go-to choice for authentic footballs and why the Pentel N50 works so well on white panels. We also cover one pen you definitely want to avoid, the differences between broad and fine tips, and an important shipping tip that can help prevent an autograph from smudging or sticking to plastic. Whether you're getting one football signed or building a multi-signed piece, these simple tips can help your autographs look their best for years to come. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail Choosing the right pen can make a huge difference in how an autographed helmet turns out. In this episode, we break down our favorite pens for mini and full-size helmets , including Sharpie, Pentel N50, DecoColor, POSCA, and Molotow. We’ll discuss which pens work best for black, silver, gold, white, and specialty colors, plus how the size of the autograph, inscriptions, helmet design, and future autographs should affect your choice. If you’re getting a helmet signed, this episode will help you pick the right pen before the athlete ever puts ink to it. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail Barry Bonds is one of the greatest and most controversial players in baseball history, but his memorabilia market has been surprisingly quiet for years. That may finally be changing. With Bonds signing new Topps cards in 2025 and 2026—and some of those autographs selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars—collectors seem to be paying attention again. We discuss why the Barry Bonds market may have been undervalued, how his lack of autograph signings created scarcity, the impact of his complicated legacy, and what could happen if he eventually enters the Hall of Fame or begins signing memorabilia again. Love him or hate him, Barry Bonds is still the home run king—and collectors are talking about him again. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail What is the best pen for getting a sports card autographed? It is one of the most common questions we get at Powers Sports Memorabilia, and the answer depends on the card, the autograph, and what you ultimately want to do with it. In this episode, Matt Powers breaks down the pens we actually use during athlete signings, including Sharpie, Posca, DecoColor, Molotow, and fine-tip Staedtler pens . We discuss why blue Sharpie is usually our first choice , especially when autograph quality and potential PSA autograph grading are important. We also explain when a paint pen might be the better choice if you want an autograph to really pop. You'll learn how we choose between blue, black, silver, gold, pink, white, green, and other colors, plus why the size of the pen tip becomes especially important when adding multiple inscriptions or working with cards that have very little signing space. We also cover one of the most important steps collectors sometimes overlook: prepping glossy cards like Panini Prizm and Topps Chrome before getting them signed. If you're sending cards to an upcoming signing or getting cards autographed in person, this episode will help you choose the right pen for the card and your collecting goals. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail Why do autograph signings sometimes get delayed or canceled after collectors have already sent in their items? Matt Powers breaks down what really happens behind the scenes, from canceled flights and injuries to career changes, scheduling problems, money disputes, and athletes simply changing their minds. Plus, learn why a postponed signing sometimes reaches the point where returning customers items is the best option. https://powerssportsmemorabilia.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we're joined by Alex Studio to discuss his fascinating custom sports card business, and the creative process behind his viral content. Hear the incredible story of how he handed out 28 John Pork cards at a Royals game, and watched as fans jokingly credited the card for sparking the team's winning streak.