Sunday, November 13, 2005

Mickey Mantle Back at Topps


From a Topps press release sent a couple of days ago:

The Topps Company, historic baseball card maker, is pleased to announce it is bringing legendary Yankee Mickey Mantle back home to Topps Baseball Cards.

During his playing days and well after his retirement, Mickey Mantle transcended the game of baseball and captured the hearts of the American public. Nowhere has that been more apparent than in the candy shops of yesterday and the hobby shops of today. Mantle's 1952 Topps Rookie Card, was and still is, the cornerstone of a sports collectibles industry that he helped shape. With the changing face of the hobby, Topps and the Mantle family felt that now was the perfect time to bring "The Mick" back to where it all started.

"Dad loved his fans, and was always proud of the popularity and collectibilty of his Topps trading cards," said Mickey's sons, Danny and David Mantle. "It's only fitting that he is back where it all began."

The exclusive agreement, which goes into effect January 1, 2006, grants Topps exclusive rights within the MLB trading card category for all trading cards, including insert cards, memorabilia cards, cut signature cards and the use of Mantle's image on packaging and advertising. Mantle will make his first appearance in 2006 Topps Baseball (releasing February 7th).

With access to the Mantle Family's vast photo collection and unique memorabilia pieces, including one of Mickey Mantle's only remaining first baseman's gloves, Topps, with the help of Danny and David Mantle, plans to chronicle the life and times of "The Mick" through trading cards like never before.

"No athlete has been more important to our baseball card line over the past 50 years than Mickey Mantle," said Warren Friss, Topps VP. "We plan to leverage Topps connection with 'The Mick' by sparking the nostalgia of the veteran collector and introducing a true sports hero to a new generation."

Mantle, known as one of greatest baseball players to ever play the game, won the distinguished Triple Crown in 1956 and was the centerpiece of 12 Yankee pennants and seven World Series titles. He hit 536 home runs during his storied career and won the MVP award in 1956, 1957 and 1962. Mantle holds numerous records including 18 World Series home runs. For more information on the life and times of "The Mick", visit the all-new MickeyMantle.com launching January 1st and join the 50th anniversary celebration of Mick's historic Triple Crown season.

My only question now is, will they reinstate the #7 that had been "retired" from Topps' base set? Please do because it's very confusing when you're making the set. At least include something like a memorial card to fill in the spot.

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