BECKETT SPORTS CARD HOT / COLD – OCTOBER 16, 2021

[Beckett]

Welcome to another autumn edition of Beckett Sports Card Hot/Cold where we have fun and take a quick look at what’s hot and what’s not in the worlds of sports cards and sports.

If you look out the window, there’s a good chance that the leaves are changing color, rain might be falling and the air has a little more bite than it did a couple of months ago. Fall is here. It’s a magical time where postseason baseball, the heart of the NFL season, and hockey and basketball are kicking off. Factor in the WNBA Finals, college football and everything else going on, and there’s a lot of sports to digest.

Baseball is down to its final four teams. Like most years, there’s a mix of superstars and breakouts bringing dramatic moments. You’ll also find some emerging stars taking strides to establishing themselves in a more permanent way. Rafael Devers certainly falls in this camp. Already one of the top hitters in the American League during the regular season, he potent bat has carried over into the playoffs. Yet, the 24-year-old remains largely overlooked. A deep Red Sox run could change that. Houston’s Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez are in similar situations with the Astros.

Justin Herbert and Kyler Murray continue to find themselves among the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Lamar Jackson had himself a game against the Colts, going 37-43 and passing for four touchdowns in Baltimore’s overtime win.

There’s a lot to watch in hockey this year. Outside of the annual rookie class, a player to watch is Alex Ovechkin. He’s still a way’s off, but the all-time goals record is within reach. The buildup is going to lead to increased momentum for his cards, which has already started. Even if Gretzky holds onto the record, the next couple of years will have people reflecting on Ovechkin and his place among the NHL’s greats.

This week’s Hot/Cold is brought to you by Dynasty Breaks.

BY RYAN CRACKNELL