MBA Opinions - Mike Baker Authentic

[robw1959]

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.

[Leon]

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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[oldjudge]

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.

[Peter_Spaeth]

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.

[Lorewalker]

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.

[gunboat82]

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.

[Beercan collector]

Originally Posted by gunboat82

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

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by gunboat82

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 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.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Snowman

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...

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

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

[Zach Wheat]

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

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Snowman

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.

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.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Brian

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.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

I can think of one...

The more things change....

[tjisonline]

Originally Posted by Brian

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.

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