Topps Gets Exclusive Rights for Minor League Baseball

Another license awarded, another exclusive. This time Topps has got the exclusive right for Minor League Baseball. Because I'm pretty busy right now and don't have a lot of time (some may call it lazy), here's Topps' press release in all of its glory:

Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) and the Topps Company, the leading creator and marketer of sports cards, today announced an exclusive multi-year licensing deal to make Topps the Official Baseball Card of Minor League Baseball.
 
The agreement makes Topps the only trading card manufacturer licensed by MLBP to produce nationally-distributed trading cards of top draft picks and prospects within Minor League Baseball, and will give Topps the rights to names & logos of the 160 affiliated Minor League clubs and current Minor League players in uniform on baseball cards and stickers beginning on January 1, 2010.  In addition, Topps will now have the exclusive use of the Pro Debut logo.  Its first product will be its 2010 Topps Pro Debut Series 1 to be unveiled in early March 2010.
 
“Topps is excited to become the official baseball card of Minor League Baseball as many of the young players today will be stars in the Major Leagues tomorrow,” said Warren Friss, Topps. “Now we’re the only trading card licensed by both Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball and we look forward to a lasting relationship with both Leagues.”

“Topps continues to differentiate itself as the leader within the industry creating superior products for our fans,” said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball.  “Many fans begin to follow their favorite players as they become standout stars in the Minor Leagues, and a major avenue to build this connection is through collecting their Minor League cards.”
Minor League Baseball and Topps annually recognize the top prospects in baseball with the Topps Player of Month Awards and year-end classification all-star teams.   “We are pleased to extend our long-standing relationship with The Topps Company into licensed trading cards,” said Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner. “This provides us with a unique opportunity to continue recognizing the best and brightest minor league talent while providing our fans and collectors high-quality trading card products.”

Earlier this year, Topps became the first exclusive baseball card company of Major League Baseball in nearly 30 years.  The company looks to expand its ongoing efforts to invigorate the category, continue launching ground-breaking products, improve the retail and collecting experience and make cards more relevant to children.

Some initial thoughts:

• Another exclusive. Why am I not surprised?
• Wait a sec, the combination of Major and Minor licenses could be interesting.
• Pro-debut logo? Puh-lease. Just give me the dang rookie card so my easily confused mind is less confused.
• Re-brand Bowman as a minor league set.
  

Only about a year behind, maybe two.

I've finally put the Trader Crack's Facebook page up. Feel free to be a fan. Or not. I envision working with product previews there to enhance discussions and combine with images better. We'll see how it goes. The platform is so massive that it's hard to ignore (unless you're ignoring it on purpose).

Anyone know PHP/database/CMS stuff?

I'm ready to overhaul my main site again and this time I want to do it right. I've long envisioned being able to add content quickly and in a dynamic way (I think PHP is the way but I'm not totally sure). I've also wanted to add a database that includes all my trade materials (bonus points if I can set something up like a shopping cart for easy trade proposals) sortable by name, team and other criteria (like GU, autographs, rookies, even position). There's also lots of interactive tools such as commenting and RSS feeds that I'd love to add.

More or less, I want to be able to add news stories pretty easily, like blog entries are, and have all the design elements in place. I also want to keep my wantlists and tradelists constantly up-to-date with only having to enter things once. I'd also love to create simpler image galleries where the images are arranged automatically, thumbnails created, etc. with only having to drop the image in and labelling it (PHP again, perhaps?)

If there's any programmers/web-sperts out there who can offer some advice, please email me at ryan@tradercracks.com. I'm hoping to have someone get me going on a dynamic site I can maintain myself with relative ease. I have been using Dreamweaver for a long time and have the basics of HTML where I can play with code a little. Setting up databases and dynamic stuff - no clue. I do have some MS Acess databases created of a lot of my trade material but I don't know what to do with it. I expect to have to either convert it to MYSQL or start over.

I don't have a budget yet as I'm just starting to think things through but I figure it'll cost something. Even a ballpark of what to expect would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Happy Thanksgiving to Those Who Live South of the Great White North

Enjoy your turkey, football, Best Buy campouts and a few Thanksgiving/turkey-themed cards.

The Brady Bunch (Topps, 1969)
 

ALF (Topps, 1987)

The Three Stooges (DuoCards, 1997)

 

 Mr. Bean (Dart Flipcards, 1998)

(Yes, that Mr. Bean card is lenticular!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sometimes I Have a Hard Time Accepting Change

I love tradition. It's safe, it's predictable, it usually stems from a good idea. Ever since I started collecting, Topps' rookie cup logo for its All-Star Rookie Team has been one of my hobby teddy bears. Traditional and easy to cuddle up with, I've always had fun seeing who pans out and who's a flash in the cliched pan.

Well, it looks like a tradition is changing, or at least evolving. If the Gordon Beckham sample Topps released today is any indication, they have changed their iconic trophy.

The faux goldish-yellow has given way for a silver cup on a wood base. There's something about it that's off-putting. Although it has more color, it looks a little too tacky for my liking. I'd rather make salad with the new one instead of putting it on display.

This isn't the first time the cup has changed. Before the last cup, it was pictured as an actual trophy that looked an awful lot like a batter standing on top of the Monopoly top hat.

In case you were curious, here's the 2009 edition of the Topps All-Star Rookie Team:

1B Travis Ishikawa, San Francisco (120 games, 9 HR, 39 RBI, .261)
2B Chris Getz, Chicago (A.L.) (107, 2, 31, .261)
3B Gordon Beckham, Chicago (A.L.) (103, 14, 63, .270)

SS Elvis Andrus, Texas (145, 6, 40, .267)
OF Chris Coghlan, Florida (128, 9, 47, .321)
OF Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh (108, 12, 54, .286)
OF Nolan Reimold, Baltimore (104, 15, 45, .279)
C Omir Santos, New York (N.L.) (96, 7, 40, .260)
RHP Tommy Hanson, Atlanta (127.2 IP, 11-4, 2.89, 116 K, 46 BB)
LHP J.A. Happ, Philadelphia (166 IP, 12-4, 2.93, 119 K, 56 BB)

Interesting to note that American League Rookie of the Year Andrew Bailey was not named to the squad.

2009 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball Variations Confirmed

Today Topps confirmed a total of six variations were included in the recently released 2009 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball. Although insertion rates were not released, the statement did reveal that they were "extremely rare." What the statement did not reveal was that they're also "extremely unnecessary."

But for those completists out there, here be the variants:

15. Dustin Pedroia, Yankees logo

83. Derek Jeter, Red Sox logo

250. Albret Pujols, All-Rookie Design

545. Neftali Feliz, Black and White Image

563. Pedro Martinez, Black and White Head Shot

569. Alex Rios, Black and White Head Shot

Occasionally, I like variants. In some retro sets, one can use the excuse of an homage that winks at an old error or variation. Even the stupid squirrel in 2007 Topps Baseball was kind of funny (at least to the Yankees fans who know of the squirrel). But seriously, who wants a Derek Jeter card with a Red Sox logo? Jeter fans don't like the Red Sox and Red Sox fans see Jeter as a sworn enemy. It's the same idea with Pedroia. The black and white images - whatever. And why do we need a random rookie trophy of a rookie from 2001?

Scott Richmond Finally Gets a Little Cardboard Respect

More than a year after his debut, Canadian pitcher Scott Richmond has finally gotten his Major League rookie card. Sure, he hasn't set the league on fire, but in 2009 Richmond was a solid starter for the Blue Jays - at least good enough to warrant a card here and there. Especially considering we're in a hobby that worships the rookie card.

2009 Topps Updates and Highlights gets the honor of being the trailblazer. Not only does Richmond have a base card, but there's plenty of parallels to boot:

Gold (/2009)
Black (/58)
Platinum (/1)
Silk Collection (/50)
Printing Plates

The photo isn't the most flattering, but at this point, I'm good with it. I'm happy that I can finally collect some cards of Richmond's. I've got the Silk in-hand and have a Black parallel on the way. If anyone has an extra base card (mine's in with my base set), Gold, Platinum or printing plates, please let me know.

Until now, Richmond's only other baseball card was a team issue card from the 2005 Edmonton Cracker Cats. Needless to say, it's a tough find.

Box Break: 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights Baseball

In the hobby, the end of the baseball season means one thing to me: Topps Traded - or Topps Updates and Highlights as they prefer to call it now. Whether it's a box set or a stand-alone product, the set brings the season full-circle, covering all the late-season roster moves and rookie call-ups. 2009 is no different. In fact, it's been in the same pattern for a while now. While I still love seeing players in new uniforms and getting a look at the future, Topps Updates and Highlights has become a set of bloated card counts and endless subsets that cover the most menial details of the season with far more detail than it needs. 2009 Topps Updates and Highlights takes no chances, but in the name of continuity - something that I don't think there's enough of in the hobby - the set plays it safe with a familiar mix of inserts.

The base set carries the exact same design as the flagship Topps set. The difference on the card back is the numbering. Rather than picking up at 661 and going to 990, the numbering is reset and given a prefix UH-. The checklist has the rookies and traded players collectors have come to expect from the final series, but it's also watered down with seemingly every All-Star participant and way too many "highlights." I would have much rather seen the base set capped at 200 to 250 cards and maybe make the All-Stars a common insert. Better yet combine them with the Topps Town inserts. I see the logic of including as many Alex Rodriguez and other superstar cards as they can muster because they drive pack sales for casual collectors. 

Collation wise, I was very pleased with my box. I am 49 cards short of the 330-card base set but I also have no doubles. It can't get any better than that.

Returning again are the serial-numbered Gold and Black parallels. Golds are inserted in every third pack and are numbered /2009. I got the expected 12 pulling a few popular names like Brian McCann and Francisco Rodriguez but nothing spectacular. I see the Gold cards as basic trade bait for team collectors and little else. The Black cards are limited to 58 copies and fall 1:44 packs. I managed to beat the odds and get one: Gregorio Petit.

One of the most popular parts of the 2009 Topps Baseball set were the relatively hard but not too hard to find variations. They return big-time here with 25 cards falling 1:32 packs. I pulled a Willie McCovey featuring him as a member of the Padres. Although I haven't actively been pursuing the variations, I can definitely see myself going after them down the road once I've finished the basic sets. The final parallel of sorts are the Chrome Refractor rookies that are inserted as a box topper. They do look very nice, although I wish Topps went back to the dual Topps Traded/Topps Chrome Traded sets like they had in 2001 through 2004, I think it was. Particularly since there was only one Topps Chrome series this year, it would have been a way to shrink the checklist yet still maintain pack and box sales as there'd be few base cards in each pack on a per set basis.

Topps continued many of the basic insert sets from 2009 Topps Series One and Two. Turkey Red, Ring of Honor and Legends of the Game all return, although Legends of the Game have been given an Updates monicker. The Turkey Reds are one of my favorite inserts of the year. The fall 1:4 packs and I got the expect nine in my box. Only 41 more to go to finish the set. Both Ring of Honor and Legends of the Game Updates are 1:6 packs. I received six of each. I like the idea of continuity in insert sets but it also goes to show that no matter what Topps want to dub these, it's really 2009 Topps Series Three. 

The Topps Town redemptions also return, offering a little bonus interactivity. While I don't use the Topps Town site regularly, it is fun in a mindless kind of way. Plus I think the online cards look all right. I was able to make a full set of the basic Topps Town cards with a handful of extras. I also got four of the First Classic Ticket to Topps Town cards that offer bonus online cards and points.

The new addition to the set are the gorgeous Propaganda Posters, which salute each team with art from Chris Speakman. Harkening back to the times of World War II where poster art was used as a way to rally the troops and those at home, the Porpaganda Posters bring a new look to an otherwise largely stale lot of insert designs. My only beef with them is that there almost seems to be a template that they follow. Sure, it might have cost more to produce 30 different design templates, but it would have taken a great insert set and made it an all-time classic. Over time I plan to build this set so I was happy to get seven Propaganda Posters instead of the expected six (1:6 insertion rate).

I can't say that I've ever bought base Topps products with anything other than the base set in mind but there is the token promise of either a relic or autograph card in each hobby box. With so many levels of each available, individually the odds make them look pretty tough. I was very pleased to pull an autograph and a pretty good one at that: Braves up-and-comer Tommy Hanson. The use of stickers still sucks but other than that I do like the somewhat minimal design elements.

Overall, this was a fun break for a base product. The set isn't perfect but it's also not the most expensive on the block either. Topps Traded, Rookies, Highlights and Updates, the name is somewhat irrelevant. I wanted closure to the baseball season and the collecting season and this is exactly what I was hoping for.

For box stats, more images and a full breakdown of inserts, visit my full review.

Is Brock Lesnar's UFC Career Over?

The news wires are reporting that UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar has been hospitalized with a yet unreported illness. The mystery surrounding his health calls into question not just when he will return to defend his title but if. Previously sidelined with a case of mono, things have gotten worse. Lesnar is reportedly in the hospital following a collapse.

No matter the form of combat he's entered on the public stage, Brock Lesnar has found success. It began in amateur wrestling where he was the 2000 NCAA Heavyweight Champion. He soon moved onto the professional wrestling stage where he received a push few ever receive. In his relatively short tenure with Vince and company, he was a three-time WWE Champion. Before he had a chance to really establish himself as an all-time great, Brock Lesnar simply walked away from the WWE. He wanted the respect wrasslin' would never be able to provide.

This started in the NFL where he was something of a circus act trying to make the cut as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He didn't make it and it looked for sure like he was headed back to the WWE ring. At least there was enough of a vibe that the WWE was reporting the possibility themselves, something that they don't normally do unless there's an offer on the table and a chance that it might be accepted. But it wasn't meant to be. Lesnar wanted to be seen as a legitimate fighter, not just an entertainer.

Since entering the world of mixed martial arts, specifically UFC, Lesnar has been able to do both. Using his nature size and ability, and adding the charisma and character skills he honed in professional wrestling, Lesnar was the headline act at arguably UFC's biggest event ever, UFC 100.  He's looked like a monster in the ring and made himself loathed by lots of fans with his cocky attitude (partially an act, I'm sure to add to the Lesnar brand).

Lesnar's next fight with Shane Carwin has already been pushed back a couple of times due to Lesnar's battle with mono. But now UFC's Dana White is saying that thigns are more serious and that his champion has been diagnosed with something else (but not cancer or AIDs as he is quoted as saying).

Lesnar recently had his first certified autograph released in Topps UFC Round 2. Copies of the regular version have been selling on eBay in the $200 range. The red version, numbered to 25 copies has been offered for $400-500 but none have officially closed. He has also appeared on tons of wrestling cards, several of which included memorabilia. Lesnar even got his own football card in 2004 Leaf Rookies and Stars based on his ultimately unsuccessful tryout.

One of my favorite Lesnar cards is the one pictured below. It was released in 2003 in Fleer's WWE Aggression set. Entitled Matitude, the card features Lesnar's image printed onto an event-used piece of ring mat. Cards in the set are limited to 50 copies.

Upper Deck Gives Back to the Troops

Making the announcement on Veterans Day of all days, Upper Deck is doing their part to send goodies to US troops stationed around the world. Participating in conjunction with "Operation Gratitude," Upper Deck has launched the "Million Pack March for the Troops," where they hope to see one million packs of cards donated in the next year.

Although the company is starting things off by tossing in 100,000 packs, they'll also be looking for donations from collectors and industry types. Part of the plan includes donation drives at major hobby events like the National as well as establishing drop off points at hobby shops. The program will include Upper Deck products in all sports as well as non-sport.

If you have sealed packs of Upper Deck cards you'd like to donate to the cause, they can be sent to the following address:

Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard
Attn. Upper Deck’s Million Pack Drive to Support the Troops
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406

This isn't the first time a card manufacturer has sent cards to troops. In 1991 Topps caused a huge stir when they not only sent 1991 Topps Baseball cards to US troops fighting in Operation Desert Shield, they were customized with a special foil logo. As cards began to trickle back, they became an instant hit and still command a decent price today. This PSA 10 Frank Thomas finished for $560 a couple days ago.

iCardz Remembers Canada's War Contributions With Gorgeous Promo Cards

Today is a day where we remember those who fought for our countries and continue to make sacrifices for freedom and the good of humanity even today. Last year iCardz released their first set, Lest We Forget: D-Day, which celebrated the Canadian contributions on the beaches of Normandy. They're also putting the finishing touches on America at War: WWII, which I previewed in September. The manufacturer is also busy getting a follow-up Canadian set ready for the new year: Canada at War: WWI and WWII. To launch the set, iCardz produced a series of promo cards that were distributed in packs attached to a recent issue of Legion Magazine, a Canadian publication that celebrates the country's military and its veterans.

The promo set has a total of 20 cards plus two headers, one for each of the wars. iCardz was kind enough to pass along two of the promo packs to share. They each contained eight cards, seven from the numbered set and one header. Doing some quick math, it'd take three copies of the magazine and a little luck to complete the set. The cards are also skip numbered, so figuring out what you need could be a little difficult. Thankfully, some fine folks over at Non-Sport Update's Card Talk did their homework. The complete set of Canada at War: WWI and WWII promos has the following cards:

LM26
LM27
LM29
LM36
LM40
LM46
LM48
LM55
LM60
LM61
LM63
LM67
LM68
LM70
LM71
LM72
LM96
LM114
LM118
LM125
WWI Header
WWII Header

Design-wise, these cards are gorgeous. The photographs are intense and help tell the story of the wars. The images are sharp and appear to be digitally colored. The name plates and choice of fonts are both very classy. Red plates and backs are for WWI and WWII is accented with blue. Card backs are text driven and contain lots of information.

iCardz project manager Alastair Grant did let me know that these promos do not totally reflect the quality of the final cards. He mentioned the promos were printed in-house, which explains some of the chipping on the edges. The final release of the set will see improved cardstock printed on recycled paper.

Here is a look at some more of the Legion Magazine promos:

 

iCardz has an excellent site for their products that not only has info on the sets but links and content that compliments the cards.