[Eric72]

Much of the non-Mastro conversation in this thread sounds familiar.

Discussions about card doctors and the alterations they perform (and, by extension, the altered cards) seem similar to late '90s conversations regarding PEDs.

Fans were excited, nearly everyone was making money, and some players were able to have (or continue) careers they otherwise wouldn't. To those who cared to look a bit more deeply, though, it was clear something was wrong.

At the time, baseballs were soaring over the outfield walls with alarming regularity. It was normal, even acceptable, to a large portion of baseball fans. However, there was ample evidence some of the players were cheating to gain an edge. Among other things, their bodies exhibited traits (such as an increased head size) that simply wouldn't occur naturally.

The long-term impact to the sport still isn't fully known. Steroid use continues to be a relevant (and divisive, at times) issue.

That sure sounds familiar. Let me try something.

Collectors were excited, nearly everyone was making money, and some dealers were able to have (or continue) careers they otherwise wouldn't. To those who cared to look a bit more deeply, though, it was clear something was wrong.

At the time, vintage cards were getting high grades from the TPGs with alarming regularity. It was normal, even acceptable, to a large portion of baseball card collectors. However, there was ample evidence some of the submitters were cheating to gain an edge. Among other things, their cards exhibited traits (such as a decrease in size) that simply wouldn't occur naturally.

The long-term impact to the hobby still isn't fully known. Card doctoring continues to be a relevant (and divisive, at times) issue.

Uncanny, isn't it?