The NBA playoff push is here, Spring Training is underway, the F1 season starts Sunday and as always, cards are in session. What’s the latest across the hobby and in the alternative asset space overall? Here’s a look in an all-new edition of Alt Hits.

‍

‍

‍

🎯 RETAILS FROM THE DARKSIDE

Sporting News Baseball writer and Junk Wax aficionado Ryan Fagan did a deep dive into the odds of finding hits and parallels in 2023 retail Topps Baseball, and the results weren’t great. This is the first year Topps has made cards alongside Fanatics and it’s become increasingly harder to land rare cards on trips to Target, Walmart and anywhere else cards were once (and hopefully will soon be) readily available. Check out the article for all the details, but if there’s any silver lining to the lack of hits in retail packs, it’s that there will likely be more packs available to kids and newcomers who are just looking to collect, and not necessarily looking to land the biggest hits in the set.

‍

‍

‍

‍

🏈 REVERSING THE MADDEN CURSE

One of the first stories on Topps Ripped, the company’s new blog, is about how the Series One cover stars have had great seasons over the years, avoiding the so-called Madden Curse that afflicts the football game’s cover boys.

‍

‍

‍

🔒 TOP SHOT BLOCKED

A Federal Judge concluded that NBA Top Shot NFTs are securities, and thus subject to securities laws.

‍

‍

‍

💲 GOTTA TACKLE ‘EM ALL

Former NFL linebacker Blake Martinez claims he’s made over $5 million selling Pokemon cards since retiring from the league.

‍

‍

⚡ PREMIUM PIKACHU

In other Pokemon news, a the company is releasing TCG Classic, a premium trading card package inspired by the original base set.

‍

‍

🏎️ F14U

Wondering who to collect heading into the F1 season? Here’s a look at team rankings after 2023 preseason testing.

‍

‍

👟 MILLION DOLLAR MIKES

Southeby’s is selling The Dynasty Collection, six individual Michael Jordan sneakers that were worn during MJ’s Championship games in the 90s. Hot take: these shoes are going to be very expensive.

‍

‍

🐻 BEAR MARKET

High on Cocaine Bear collectibles? Here’s a look at some you should line up to get.

‍

‍

⚾ PLAYERS COLLECTING PLAYERS

A few MLB pitchers are in the news for their card collecting skills including Matt Strahm of the Phillies and Taylor Clarke of the Royals.

‍

‍

🎶 MUSIC MAKES THE GRADE

Two new services have appeared offering the service of grading your physical music. Audio Media Grading, started by DJ Steve Aoki, and Tuned In Grading, a Texas-based company specializing in vinyl.

‍

‍

👀 AHEAD OF THE GAME

Looking for some baseball players to collect before the season starts? Here’s a look at 10 guys who won’t break your bank.

‍

‍

👜 METABAGS

Familiar with MetaBirkin NFTs? They were all the rage until they created all the problems. Here’s an interesting story if you’re curious.

‍

‍

🎟️ BECKETT GETS TICKETS

Beckett has joined other grading companies to offer authentication of your event tickets, if you happened to keep those around.

‍

‍

🫰🏽 SABRINA THE $11k PICK

Sabrina Ionescu’s Black Gold Prizm rookie card just became the most expensive WNBA card of all-time.

‍

‍

‍💎 NICE JONS

From the WNBA to MMA, as Jon Jones gets ready to re-enter the octagon, here’s a look at his most expensive cards ever sold.

‍