Wax Ecstatic
190 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 95 ratingsHave you rediscovered your childhood baseball cards, or do you have that "90s nostalgia" itch you've been looking to scratch? Come take a trip down memory lane as we take a second look at some famous (and not so famous) baseball cards from the 1990s all the way back through the 1950s. Wax Ecstatic is hosted by long-time collector Matt Sammon, who always has a fun look back at some of that classic cardboard in your collection!
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Episodes
139: Baseball Card "Strays", Without the Annoying Sarah Mclachlan Music
August 30, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBWon't somebody please take these poor lonely baseball cards home with them? Host Matt Sammon reminds you that some big names from big sets can be had for small prices if you're not snobbish about card condition. In a day and age of lock-tite holders and PSA grading, there's nothing wrong with getting some great cards for pennies on the dollar. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains And see the whole collection of "strays" at https://youtu.be/P9dU8R7UFfQ
138: Oh '88 Topps... I Was So Wrong to Ignore You
August 16, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at '88 Topps through another "bargain bin beauty", and confesses he should have given a lot more attention to the set 30 years ago. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains Watch the video break at https://youtu.be/NdZy3v1KhDM
137: B-Sides: Bringing Backs to the Front
August 02, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 79.6 MBHost Matt Sammon is joined by Andy of Sport Card Backs and the Baseball Beyond Batting Average podcast to discuss the often overlooked part of baseball cards-- the back. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains And watch us "break our backs" at https://youtu.be/170QPPJROJ8
136: FORCED FUN! The Donruss Super Value Pack That Isn't Super
July 19, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 68.5 MBHost Matt Sammon dives in to what should be a classic grab bag of fun with old Donruss packs. But the repackaged wax doesn't offer up much, unless you're a fan of Ed Lynch. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/JWFjXl5jwSQ
135: Not Gumming Up the Works: How Topps Almost Had The "Super" Solution to Card Condition
July 05, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 74.8 MBHost Matt Sammon looks in to a 1981 Topps Super Pack, a revolutionary concept that kept the sticky bubblegum away from the cards. How did Topps come up with the idea, and why did they soon abandon it? Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains. See the pack break at https://youtu.be/i6NTwwCz_qQ
134: Green With Envy: How '92 Fleer was the Last Hurrah
June 21, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 74.1 MBHost Matt Sammon looks through a much-needed redemption set for Fleer, but arguably the last great base set the company released. Plus, we talk more about the "junk wax" treasures listeners are finding. See the box break at https://youtu.be/OIVzg9lWvzo Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
133: To: Dad, Love: Matt
June 07, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MBHost Matt Sammon remembers his late father, Kevin, as we approach Father's Day. While we focus on 5 particular cards that bring back great memories and stories, we also touch on that special bond fathers have with their kids through baseball and baseball cards. Follow us on Twitter, at @WaxAndGumStains
132: A Fat Box of Fat Packs: The Bargain Bin Brings Us Back to '91 Topps!
May 24, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the last "classic" baseball card set, 1991 Topps. Plus, are "junk wax" cards from the 80s and 90s making a comeback? It's all in our latest podcast. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
131: Rated MA: Mike Aronstein Joins Us to Discuss the '77 Renata Galasso set
May 10, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBHost Matt Sammon looks at the underappreciated, and readily available, Renata Galasso TCMA sets of the late 70s and early 80s. Mike Aronstein, the "MA" of TCMA, chimes in with his background on the creation of the sets. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
130: The Red-Headed Stepchild of Premium: The Better-Than-Advertised '91 Fleer Ultra
April 26, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at some bargain bin beauties-- a box of 1991 Fleer Ultra. Why did that set fail, and why was 1991 the "husky jeans" era of baseball cards? Watch the video break at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpXLP-T17G8 And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
129: (Air) Brush with Greatness-- We Touch Up 1977 Topps and the Expansion Draft
April 12, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the winter of 1976, a very busy one for the Topps art department as free agency and expansion make the air brushers go overboard to crank out the 1977 set. Check out our pack break at https://t.co/9DIfDrE6z5 And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
128: From the "Why Not" Files, A Box of 1992 Upper Deck
March 29, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBHost Matt Sammon finds another bargain bin dandy, as we search through a few packs of the last "classic" Upper Deck set, the sharp 1992s. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
127: Criticize '70 Topps All You Want, We'll Just Let it Be
March 08, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBHost Matt Sammon sees how 1970 Topps stacks ups to the new 2019 Topps Heritage set. Plus we talk all things collecting with Nick Diunte! Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
126: Classic Wax-- The Cards and Stories We Find in a Pack of '78 Topps
February 22, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBHost Matt Sammon doesn't land a big star or rookie card, but finds some incredible stories on the players inside a random '78 Topps wax pack. Watch the break at https://youtu.be/jwvul3SEsg0 And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
125: Honey, I Shrunk the Baseball Cards-- A Look at '75 Topps Mini
February 08, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the curious '75 Topps Mini set, including why the set was created and how it was tested. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
124: The "Thrill" of Bargain Bin Cellos... Starring the Progressive '87 Fleer Set
January 25, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBHost Matt Sammon looks though some $1 1987 Fleer cellos, and despite having lots of duplicates, lands a big card. Plus we talk about first collecting memories, some '54 Bowman bargains, and Ted Williams dominating the Marlins? Watch the video break here --> https://youtu.be/7aTnOcZQViQ Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
123: Taking a Break From the Breaks, with Your Questions!
January 11, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBHost Matt Sammon emerges from the holidays with some answers to your questions this episode. On the table: the strongest set from the "junk wax" era, why vintage cards aren't worth what they used to be, and first memories as a collector. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
122: We Do a Triple Lindy With 1986 Wax!
December 28, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBHost Matt Sammon opens up a pack from 1986 for each Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. We discuss these cards and baseball in 1986, the "dreaded manager" card again, and the SSPC set of 1975-76. Watch the video break here --> youtu.be/53h_q3cmgVM Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
121: The Baines of our Existence... a Plethora of Dreaded Manager Cards in an '85 Topps Cello!
December 14, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBHost Matt Sammon hoped for some better cards in the '85 Topps cello he broke, but instead got 5 manager cards. So we focus mostly on the unnecessary outrage over the Harold Baines HOF vote. Watch the video break here --> https://youtu.be/RK-8ylCJeg0 And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
120: The Guilty Pleasure of "Junk Wax", Featuring a '92 Topps Box
November 30, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBHost Matt Sammon discovers the treasures of a $7 purchase at a card show-- an unopened box of '92 Topps. Plus, we share your "guilty pleasure" sets to open, while looking back at how 1992 was the point of no return for the hobby. Watch the pack break at youtu.be/JbB4JMIyc-U And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
119: We Got The Holy Trinity of... Dreaded Manager Cards... Still It's Always Fun to Open '83 Topps
November 16, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the classic '83 Topps set and some of the stories of the players inside our cello pack break. Plus... would you rather get the tickets to the '83 World Series, '84 World Series, or Donkey Kong Colecovision prize? Watch the pack break at https://youtu.be/7Oe9OFQx59U Follow us on Twitter, at @WaxAndGumStains
118: Growing Pains: '83 Donruss Struggles While the Hobby Takes Off
November 02, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBHost Matt Sammon looks through our recently opened '83 Donruss packs to discuss the struggles Donruss and Fleer had in the early 80s. Plus, mystery solved with the '56 Topps Hank Aaron card, and why the '59 Fleer Ted Williams set wasn't popular... back then. Watch the pack breaks at youtu.be/bse-fO9SClA Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
117: Topps Buries Bowman, and Still Creates a Masterpiece in '56
October 19, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at arguably one of the greatest sets in Topps history-- 1956. With detailed stories on players from his personal collection, a history of "red legs", and perhaps an answer to a question of one of the most famous uncorrected errors in baseball card history. Follow us on Twitter, @WaxAndGumStains
116: The AMC Gremelin of Baseball Cards-- A Look at an '82 Topps Cello
October 05, 2018 15:50 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBHost Matt Sammon talks about '82 Topps per our listener pack selection. We cover how Cal Ripken saved the '82 sets, how Topps goofed upi the Ripken rookie debut, and some interesting stories on some of the characters in the pack. Watch the video break here --> youtu.be/g-vDAqLAjns And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
115: Fire Up the Flux Capacitor, We're Going Back to 1955!
September 28, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the legendary 1955 Topps set, and while some of his cards are "common", the players' stories certainly aren't. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
114: Back in Black: The Prestige and Peril of '85 Donruss
September 21, 2018 16:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBHost Matt Sammon discusses the frustrating beauty of the '85 Donruss set, and some of the interesting stories of the players he pulled from a rack pack (youtu.be/FbQle5FuBmA). Follow us on Twitter, @WaxAndGumStains
113: A Priority with Kidority Kards
September 14, 2018 16:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBMatt Sammon looks at some of the interesting cards from the 1990 Fleer and 1991 Leaf packs often left in the bottom of the bargain bin, and what you can do with those cards you're looking to donate. He's joined by Kidority Kards co-founder Chris Plowman. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
112: The Clash of the Cellos! Looking at Classic Cardboard from 1981 and 1984 Topps
September 07, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBHost Matt Sammon opens up your choice cello packs from 1981 and 1984 Topps, discovering some Hall of Fame players, and one player who enjoys... breeding Persian cats? Watch the video break at youtu.be/4O-BUKj_OzI And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
111: The Terrific Topps Sets of 1952-54
August 31, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 70 MBHost Matt Sammon explores some cards from the 1952-54 Topps sets, and the unique stories behind the players. See the cards at https://youtu.be/98KX9TFD0H4 Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
110: Flippin' Fleer! Looking Through Some '86 and '89 Cello
August 24, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBHost Matt Sammon opens up some Fleer cellos from 1986 and 1989, and shares the stories of some Hall of Famers, close calls for the HOF, and some guys miles from getting that honor. Watch the break at https://youtu.be/-lqeqLSd_vU Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
109: Bowman Bonanza! Looking Back at Classic 1950s Bowman Cards
August 17, 2018 15:57 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBHost Matt Sammon looks through some 1950s Bowman cards, while bringing you the very interesting stories of founder J. William Bowman and the players on these specific cards. Look at the cards on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ObrYbS4EopQ And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
108: Growing Up In Baseball Card World, and the Classic '87 Topps!
August 10, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBHost Matt Sammon is joined by Mike Chapman, whose dad worked for Topps and Score in the 1980s and 1990s. Quite the connection to a hobby Mike started collecting in during the exact same time. Plus, we open a cello of the legendary '87 Topps... and make a nice hit. Watch the break at https://youtu.be/_o2wd2klKJY Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
107: Junkapalooza! You Say You Don't Like the '88 Cards, But We Know Better
August 03, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBHost Matt Sammon rips in to your selected cards from 1988, and we discuss the unwritten laws of eating the gum in vintage wax. Watch the break here --> https://youtu.be/WoPzE8ov6j4 And follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
106: The Kids Are Alright! Plus, '84 Fleer and '86 Topps Cello Breaks
July 27, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBHost Matt Sammon shares some of your suggestions as to how to get more kids collecting baseball cards again, and by your vote we open the '84 Fleer and '86 Topps cello packs! Watch the break at https://youtu.be/buWqa3t0J00 and follow us on Twitter at @WaxAndGumStains.
105: Stars and BARS! '90 Score and '91 Stadium Club Pack Breaks
July 20, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBHost Matt Sammon opens packs of '90 Score and '91 Topps Stadium Club, as selected by our listeners, and gets in to a discussion on why kids aren't buying cards as much as they used to. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumstains
104: A Few Gems From '86 Fleer and '89 Topps, Including a FurrBall!
July 13, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBHost Matt Sammon opens the listener-selected '86 Fleer and '89 Topps cellos, and wonders if anyone actually bought something from the Topps Company store. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
103: Our Kuntz is a Little Rusty After the Break
July 06, 2018 21:00 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBHost Matt Sammon comes back from a 9 month "extended rain delay", and rips through a grocery pack of 1981 Topps baseball as part of the occasion. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 102, One Final Pitch! It's "Pucker Pitch" Extraordinaire Dave Stieb and 1980 Topps!
November 07, 2017 14:58 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the career of Dave Stieb, his interaction with him when he was 13, and the 1980 Topps set. Plus, we tell you why the podcast is throwing its final pitch. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 101, We Rip in to '78 Topps, and the Two Sides of Jack Clark
October 31, 2017 13:55 - 47 minutes - 44.7 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the '78 Topps set, and the multi-layered story of Jack Clark. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 100(!), Minnie Stands Tall on the '64 Topps Set
October 24, 2017 13:54 - 1 hour - 58 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the under-appreciated '64 Topps set, and the way underappreciated career of Minnie Minoso. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 99, The Picture-Perfect '74 Topps and Toothpick Swingin' Dusty Baker
October 17, 2017 13:57 - 51 minutes - 48.1 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the set he overlooked too much-- '74 Topps, which endures despite the infamous "Washington Nat'l League" goofs. Plus, the career of the new "Captain Hook", Dusty Baker! Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 98, We "Go, Go" Back to '69 Topps, and the Enigma That Was the Seattle Pilots
October 10, 2017 15:04 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBHost Matt Sammon returns to the box of cards from the 1960s and 70s, and finds Jack Aker who had a pretty good career and great life despite playing for a not-so-great "one hit wonder" baseball team. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 97, From Cardboard to Threads, We Look at Jersey Collections
October 03, 2017 14:36 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBHost Matt Sammon digs deeper in the closet for some baseball jerseys, new and classics, while looking back at the relatively new phenomena of fans wearing sports jerseys to games. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 96, Italian Beef & the Not-So-Meaty '81 Fleer Set
September 26, 2017 13:50 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the premiere edition of Fleer (the legal premiere, that is) and the unique way that Lee Mazzilli finally did fulfill the delivery of a championship at Shea. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 95-- Is That a Snake On Your Shoulders Or Are You Happy to See Me?
September 19, 2017 13:45 - 56 minutes - 53.2 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the career of Glenn Hubbard, the "face" of Braves fans in the 80s. Plus, a look back at the good but not great '86 Topps set. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 94, You Can't Spell "Dempsey" Without Some "D"
September 05, 2017 13:45 - 50 minutes - 47.1 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the popular '84 Donruss set, and the equally popular Rick Dempsey as we dive back in to the "big old monster box" on the show. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 93, In 1980, Topps Wraps Its Medium Sash Around Large Len
August 29, 2017 13:48 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the uninspiring 1980 Topps set, with great detail on how Topps came to monopolize the hobby for 25 years. Plus, a look back at one shining moment and season for "Large Len" Barker! Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumstains
Episode 92, "AO" for "KC" in the Heavily Branded '79 Topps
August 22, 2017 13:45 - 54 minutes - 51.1 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the '79 Topps set, which was clearly getting ready for a battle with Fleer in a couple of years. Plus, how Amos Otis starred for the Royals while helping wreck the Mets. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
BUBBLE GUM BONUS! Our August 2017 Survey Show
August 18, 2017 15:30 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the listener survey, and lets you know where the show goes from here! Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains
Episode 91, "The Bird" is the Word With '78 Topps!
August 15, 2017 13:45 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBHost Matt Sammon looks back at the collector favorite set from Topps in 1978, and discusses how Mark Fidrych gave the people of Detroit a little hope on and off the field in the summer of '76. Follow us on Twitter @WaxAndGumStains