Collectibles On SI
Cole Benz

Cole Benz

Joined: Jan 13, 2025

After graduating from the University of North Dakota in 2008, Cole worked as an advertising copywriter until shifting to print journalism a few years later. Managing three weekly newspapers in the Dakotas, Cole won numerous awards from the North Dakota Newspaper Association including Best of the Dakotas and, their top award, General Excellence. He returned to collecting in 2021 and has since combined his passion for writing with his love of cards. Cole also writes for the Sports Cards Nonsense newsletter and has made guest appearances on multiple sports card collecting podcasts including Sports Cards Nonsense, and the Eephus Baseball Cards Podcast. IG: coleryan411 X: @colebenz

3D sculptures of Nintendo characters Luigi and Mario made from LEGO bricks on display at the Stockton Brick Convention at the San Joaquin County fairgrounds in Stockton on Feb. 2, 2024. The event, which runs Sat, Feb 3 and Sunday, Feb .4, features artwork and creations made created from LEGO bricks, hands-on LEGO making activities and vendors offering the latest sets and mini-figures.
Inside the Hobby

Mariners To Wear Nintendo Ad Patches On Their Sleeve

Mariners To Wear Nintendo Ad Patches On Their Sleeve

Cole Benz
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Mar 18, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, JPN; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting a single in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Inside the Hobby

Ohtani Close to Griffey as Most PSA Graded Baseball Player Ever

Shohei Ohtani Closing the Gap With Griffey as Most PSA Graded Baseball Player

Cole Benz
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Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) cuts the net after winning the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Prospect Watch

2025 March Madness Prospects and Their Cards

Three top 2025 NBA Draft Prospects Playing in March Madness and Their Cards

Cole Benz
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Instant Rips, a digital way to physical repacks.
Hobby 101

Instant Rips Explained in Nick Bell Interview

The Fanatics Collects CEO joined the Sports Cards Nonsense podcast to talk about the new 'Instant Rips' product from Fanatics.

Cole Benz
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Topps released their 2025 Bowman design featuring Jac Caglianone
Inside the Hobby

2025 Bowman's First Images from Topps

Topps Drops First Images of 2025 Bowman Design

Cole Benz
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Instant Rips Launches Today March 13 on Fanatics Live
Inside the Hobby

Topps Joins Repack Game with 'Instant Rips'

While you buy the card and it's revealed digitally, buyers can request the physical card.

Cole Benz
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Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) watches the action during the first quarter of a game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
News

Justin Fields to The Jets and His Cards Did This

Justin Fields and His Cards A Day After Jets Signing

Cole Benz
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Card collectors strike deals to make their ideal decks at the Mosinee Card Show in Mosinee, Wis. on Saturday, Mar 1, 2025. Hosted by card enthusiasts Joe Toffery and Jeremy Schecklman, the show held every other month has grown in size from only 20 tables when they began just over a year ago to now over 85 tables filled with collectors.
News

Panini, Fanatics Lawsuits to Continue Per Judge

Following the acquisition of NFL and NBA licenses, Panini filed suit in 2023, only to be countersued by Fanatics, setting up a lengthy legal battle.

Cole Benz
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Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) rushes past Kentucky defenders during the first quarter of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
Prospect Watch

Top Five 2025 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects and Their Cards

Top Five 2025 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects and Their Cards

Cole Benz
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Mar 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
News

Shohei Ohtani Liquid Gold 1/1 Pulled

Shohei Ohtani Liquid Gold 1/1 Pulled

Cole Benz
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Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Prospect Watch

Top Five 2025 NFL Wide Receiver Prospects and Their Cards

Top Five 2025 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Prospects and Their Cards

Cole Benz
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Topps releases 'Collectors Binder' and pages for sale on their website.
Inside the Hobby

Topps Series 1 Releases 'Collectors Binder'

Topps gets creative to drive people to start building sets again.

Cole Benz
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