MBA Opinions - Mike Baker Authentic
 

So far, from what little I've seen on eBay, MBA seems to be trying to make a name for themselves as a legit third party grader. Has anyone here had experiences yet trying to cross any of those MBA grades? If so, I'm interested. Thanks.

FWIW, I think Mike is one of the better graders in the hobby. His stuff should cross but with TPGs you absolutely never know.
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If you are just going to cross the cards why are you wasting a step—just submit to who you want the ultimate grade from.

I have not, but found the following.

According to a 2025 filing with the Oregon Secretary of State, Brent Huigens is a Manager of MBA.

https://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSO...dhtml/10870947

Further, the address of MBA is listed as 7632 SW Durham Road in Tigard, OR. PWCC's address was 7560 SW Durham Road. From a map, they look to be adjacent.

As I like to say, presented without comment.

The material I have seen sell looks accurately graded. The thing that did not sit well with me was that there seems to be only two outlets for the material and there is a consistency to the type of cards being graded. Almost feels like a pilot program from the inside. The prices seem pretty solid too for the couple of dozen prices that I checked. The not so feel good is now learning that PWCC is associated with it.

I have a slab from MBA. The grading seems fair, given the edge wear. I've seen PSA 3s that look similar, but I've also seen PSA 5s that look worse.

That’s accurate grading - You cannot even guess what SGC or PSA will grade anything nowadays

That's an accurate grade. PSA will call that a 2 most of the time today though. They've completely forgotten how to grade vintage cards. SGC will usually call that a 3 now, though they're getting less consistent now as well.

The card has been cleaned though, FYI. I've seen a lot of cleaned cards in MBA slabs recently for some reason.

I can think of one...

I would guess that 99% of cards that get crossed are not crossed by the original submitter

The 1952 Topps I have seen in MBA slabs sold for a higher price than anticipated. I was a little surprised

Travis, please explain the part about the card being cleaned. I have bid on MBA cards (without winning them) and would like to have a full story if possible. I am sure others may be interested, too.

Most vintage cards have been cleaned. Seriously if you are buying a card in a slab there is very little chance it hasn't been cleaned in some way.

The more things change....

all you need to do is watch a few of Kurt's videos (cleaning vintage cards) to see what to look for. one obvious tell is bright white vintage cards w/ rounded corners. all vintage paper stock ages and tones over time