Sports Card Supplier

Exclusive news: Topps lowers the 2008 Bowman Draft Picks & Propsects Checklist!

In an exclusive podcast on www.superfractor.com, Clay Luraschi from Topps has said that they have lowered the BDP checklist from 40 subjects to 20-25 subjects. This is big news as their were a lot of question marks with the lower tier / some having 2nd year autographs in the product.

The original checklist was:

1. Wilmer Flores
2. Mike Stanton
3. Jesus Montero
4. Buster Posey
5. Logan Morrison
6. Gordan Beckham
7. Greg Halman
8. Michel Inoa
9. Chris Tillman

10. Josh Reddick
11. Rafael Rodriguez (assuming it's the Giants int'l signee)
12. Zach Collier
13. Mat Gamel

14. Lonnie Chisenhall
15. Ike Davis
16. Anthony Hewitt
17. Charlie Blackmon
18. Mike Montgomery
19. Hector Rondon
20. Javier Rodriguez
21. Adam Moore

22. Gorkys Hernandez
23. Lance Lynn
24. Brad Hand
25. Kala Kaaihue
26. Jason Knapp
27. Carlos Gutierrez
28. Daniel Schlereth
29. Evan Frederickson
30. Steve Garrison
31. David Hernandez

32. Jason Donald
33. Cody Satterwhite
34. Josh Lindblom
35. Cody Adams
36. Alan Horne
37. Dennis Dixon
38. Luke Montz

Those are ranked in tiers prettymuch, so it would be nice to see if the bottom 2 could be removed to make for a strong product. However, with it moving to 12 boxes / case instead of 10, and now lowering the amount of autos, does this mean an increased print run? Hopefully not.

Collecting Ultimate� Memorabilia 8th Edition is as easy as 1, 2, THREE!

#3 Authentic Autograph Cards
So far we have discussed why UM-8 is "base"ically the best yet: Our
Base Cards. The second reason why collecting UM-8 is easy: Our
authentic Game-Used Memorabilia cards. Now, here's the third reason
why collecting UM-8 is so easy: Our Authentic Autographs.
This year's Ultimate Autograph cards are unique and include autographs
from not only the game's greatest players but also its future stars. A
partial checklist includes, what some suggest are, the best autographs
in hockey; Roberto Luongo, Alexander Ovechkin, Mats Sundin, Mario
Lemieux, Peter Forsberg, Jaromir Jagr, John Tavares and Victor Hedman
. Some of the autograph insert sets in UM-8 include; Double Auto,
Future Stars Auto, Jersey & Auto, Auto Trifecta, Stick & Auto, Triple
Auto and Double Autograph & Memorabilia.
These insert sets are just the tip of the iceberg for the autograph
cards in UM-8; lest we forget the PaperCuts and LumberGraphs. More
details in the coming weeks!!!
Additional UM-8 Info
Our website has been updated, check it out!
New Ultimate 8th Edition Game-Used Memorabilia Cards have been added
Base Card checklist has been added
UM-8 will be released on November 12, 2008. The product being limited
to just 10,000 packs.
For more information on ordering, dealers should contact David
Wasserman at david@itgtradingcards.com. We will be releasing
additional information in the coming weeks visit to
www.itgtradingcards.com for more information.
There is only one Ultimate and it's from In The Game. It was the first
and still the best!
Product Lineup
Between the Pipes
Heroes & Prospects Update Set
Superlative Hockey
Ultimate Memorabilia 8th Edition
08-09 Heroes & Prospects
More ITG Products
Events
More event information coming soon. More Events
Shop Direct
2007-2008 Heroes & Prospects Update Set Incredible... and limited!
In The Game Website: For all the latest information on what is
happening at In The Game, Inc., and for extensive details on all our
products, please visit our website at www.itgtradingcards.com.
Looking For Our Products?
If you are a collector looking for our products: Click here to e-mail
David Wasserman, our Vice-President of Sales. Simply provide your home
city or zip code and he can help you find retailers in your area that
carry In the Game products. You may also phone our hot line at (856)
439-1214.
If you are a dealer and you wish to purchase our cards through a
direct account: Click here to become an authorized In The Game hockey
card vendor.

Topps / Gorgeous Baseball Sketch Cards Make Debut

One of One Baseball Sketch Cards Debut in Updates & Highlights
Topps has been making waves with its Sketch Cards program for several
years in its entertainment products.  The one of one original art
cards from Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and other
products have been hot collectibles with a huge following.
Topps is pleased to announce that the Baseball Sketch Cards program
will make its debut in the upcoming 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights
Baseball , which ships next week
The Hobby Exclusive program will feature gorgeous works of original
art with all cards being a 1 of 1.  And they can be found 2 per HOBBY
CASE! (also randomly inserted in HTA Jumbos).
The Baseball Sketch Cards program will then make its second appearance
in 2008 Topps Stadium Club Baseball with each 4-box case guaranteeing
a 1 of 1 Original Sketch Card.

Donruss Threads completely SOLD OUT!

Officials at Donruss announced Friday that 2008 Donruss Threads Baseball has completely sold out, and sales representatives began notifying dealers and distributors that demand for the product has been overwhelming and has far exceeded supply.

"We are excited to be producing our first baseball-only product since 2005," Donruss Vice President Mike Anderson said. "However, because of the high demand, the product has oversold and we've been forced to cut orders, ensuring success of this new baseball brand."

Boasting an unprecedented lineup of retired greats and top-shelf prospects, Donruss Threads makes its baseball debut in October. Loaded with autographs and memorabilia cards, some of the same components that made Donruss Threads Football so successful, including signed on-card Rookie Class nameplates, will be introduced to baseball collectors.

Recently announced deals with Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson join a list of retired legends including Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken Jr., Nolan Ryan and Ted Williams among many others. Also included in Threads Baseball are the first autograph and memorabilia cards of top prospect Rick Porcello, as well top prospects Ike Davis, Josh Vitters, Xavier Avery, Mat Gamel, Christian Marrero, Elvis Andrus, Jesus Montero, Brandon Waring and more than 110 others.

Five-card packs of Threads will carry a $4 SRP.

Release Date: Oct 22, 2008
Pack SRP: $4.00
Master Configuration: 5 cards, 24 packs, 20 boxes
Direct Configuration: 5 cards, 24 packs, 10 boxes
Printable Version

PER BOX ITEMS
4 Autographs or Memorabilia Cards with at least two autographs
1 Green Century Proof
1 Century Stars
1 Century Legends
1 Diamond King

And 6 Others of the following:
Parallels
Generations
Century Stars
Century Legends
Dynasty
College Greats
Diamond Kings

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Look for Autographs, Memorabilia and Autographed Memorabilia
Cards of Pete Rose

Look for Memorabilia cards featuring Shoeless Joe Jackson
Hall of Fame Signatures featuring:
Hank Aaron, Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, Duke Snider, Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Tom Seaver, Bob Feller, Al Kaline, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Tony Gwynn, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, Rod Carew, Nolan Ryan

Hall of Fame Materials featuring:
Hank Aaron, Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray, Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk, Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, Tom Seaver, Bob Feller, Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Tony Gwynn, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Stan Musial, Rod Carew, Nolan Ryan

Autographs of Top Rookie Prospects & Draft Picks:
Gerardo Parra, Chris Carter, Jay Austin, Tyler Flowers, Lars Anderson, Christian Friedrich, Ryan Kalish, Tyler Chatwood, Josh Reddick, Juan Francisco, James Darnell, Josh Roenicke, Aaron Shafer, Chris Valaika, Neftali Soto, Ike Davis, Brandon Waring, Jhoulys Chacin, Rick Porcello, Josh Lindblom, Mike Stanton, Shane Peterson, Carlos Gutierrez, Logan Morrison, Collin DeLome, Zach Collier, Chris Johnson, Daniel Cortes, Trevor Reckling, Mat Gamel, Brad Holt, Caleb Gindl, Tyler Ladendorf, Wilson Ramos, Jaff Decker, Greg Veloz, Wilmer Flores, Dominic Brown, Logan Forsythe, Carlos Peguero, Greg Halman, Neftalo Feliz, Engel Beltre, Xavier Avery

Baseball Americana featuring:
Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Kurt Russell, Burt Lancaster, Tab Hunter, Gary Cooper, Tony Curtis, John Cusack, Albert Brooks, Marilyn Monroe, George Bush, don Mattingly, Eddie Murray, Ryne Sandberg, Pete Rose, Cal Ripken Jr, Ernie Banks, Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench, Tony Gwynn, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Nolan Ryan, Bob Gibson, Satchel Paige, Eddie Mathews

Look for Rookie Class and Diamond Kings

CARD SETS

Commons (100)
An impressive collection of baseball’s legendary players from yesteryear combined with rising stars is included in Threads’ base set which is accented with silver foil.

Autographed Rookies Hobby (50)
Some of baseball’s future stars are highlighted with an authentic autograph and serial #'d to 1,999 or less.

Green Century Proof (150)
Threads’ splendid base-set parallels are spotlighted with holographic bronze, gold or platinum foil. Serial #'d to 250.

Silver Century Proof (150)
Serial #'d to 100.

Gold Century Proof (150)
Serial #'d to 50.

Platinum Century Proof (150)
Serial #'d to 25.

Signatures Gold (150)
This majestic parallel is spotlighted with holographic gold or platinum foil and includes an Authentic Autograph. Serial #'d to 999 or less.

Signatures Platinum (150)
Serial #'d to 25 or less.

Bats (150)
Serial #'d to 500 or less.

Jerseys (150)
Serial #'d to 500 or less.

Prime Jerseys (150)
One prime swatch of game-worn material is displayed with holographic gold foil in this base-set insert and is serial #'d to 25 or less.

Rookie Class (35)
Serial #'d to 250 or less.

Century Collection Materials (40)
Serial #'d to 250 or less.

Century Collection Materials Prime (40)
Baseball stars of past and present are highlighted with holographic gold foil and contain a prime swatch of game-worn material. This insert is serial #'d to 10 or less.

Generations (5)
This spectacular insert features two players from different eras.

Generations Century Proof (5)
Serial #'d to 100.

Generations Materials (5)
Serial #'d to 100 or less.

Generations Materials Prime (5)
Serial #'d to 10 or less.

Century Stars (15)
The finest baseball performers of the last 100 years are spotlighted in this insert.

Century Stars Century Proof (15)
Serial #'d to 100.

Century Stars Materials (15)
Serial #'d to 100 or less.

Century Stars Materials Prime (15)
Serial #'d to 10 or less.

Century Legends (15)
The legends of baseball history are spotlighted with holographic foil.

Century Legends Century Proof (15)
Serial #'d to 100.

Century Legends Materials (15)
Serial #'d to 100 or less.

Century Legends Materials Prime (15)
Serial #'d to 10 or less.

Dynasty (3)
Three teammates from some of the great dynasties in baseball lore are showcased in this insert.

Dynasty Century Proof (3)
Serial #'d to 100.

Dynasty Materials (3)
Serial #'d to 100 or less.

Dynasty Materials Prime (3)
Serial #'d to 10 or less.

College Greats (12)
Past superstars from the world of college baseball are featured via two players per card.

College Greats Signatures (12)
Parallel featuring autographs.

College Greats Signature Combos (5)
Serial #'d to 5.

Diamond Kings (58)
The industry’s premiere art cards display the greatest players of baseball’s past, present and future on canvas stock.

Diamond Kings Silver (58)
Serial #'d to 250.

Diamond Kings Gold (58)
Serial #'d to 100.

Diamond Kings Platinum (58)
Serial #'d to 25.

Diamond Kings Framed Red (58)
Serial #'d to 100.

Diamond Kings Framed Blue (58)
Serial #'d to 50.

Diamond Kings Framed Green (58)
Serial #'d to 25.

Diamond Kings Framed Black (58)
Serial #'d to 10.

Diamond Kings Materials (58)
Serial #'d to 500 or less.

Diamond Kings Materials Prime (58)
Serial #'d to 25 or less.

Diamond Kings Signatures (58)
Parallel featuring autographs and numbered to 500 or less.

Diamond Kings Signatures Materials (58)
Serial #'d to 25 or less.

Diamond Kings Signatures Prime Materials (58)
Serial #'d to 10 or less.

Baseball Americana (50)
This first of its kind insert combined America’s pastime with one of the most revered releases the industry has ever witnessed, that being Donruss Americana. This insert features some of our country’s most famous names in the entertainment field that have crossed over into baseball, say Abbott and Costello (Who’s On First), Gary Cooper (Pride of the Yankees), Burt Lancaster (Field of Dreams) and is serial #'d to 500 or less.

Baseball Americana Materials (50)
Serial #'d to 500 or less.

Baseball Americana Materials Position (50)
Serial #'d to 250 or less.

Baseball Americana Signatures (50)
Serial #'d to 100 or less.

Baseball Americana Signature Materials (50)
Serial #'d to 100 or less.

Upper Deck Gets Political Again with Parody Cards of V.P. Candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin

North Las Vegas, NV (September 30, 2008) – Just as quickly as the announcements were made surrounding the vice-presidential selections in this year’s race to the White House, Upper Deck was fast at work producing short-printed trading cards of both V.P. candidates. The Democrats struck first when Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama announced on August 22 that longtime Delaware Senator Joe Biden would be his choice. The Republicans countered a week later with the surprise announcement that first-term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin would be John McCain’s running mate.

“Our goal is always to be timely and topical,” said Kerri Stockholm, Upper Deck’s director of Sports Marketing. “And with so much at stake in this year’s election, we thought it was only fitting that we produce a pair of cards chronicling the vice-presidential candidates to go along with our earlier cards of the presidential candidates.”

The new pair of illustrated cards – numbered PP-15 (Palin) and PP-16 (Biden) – brings to a close Upper Deck’s extremely popular 2008 “Presidential Predictors” series of insert cards. The rare cards will be sprinkled into random packs (SRP: $4.99) of Upper Deck’s SP Authentic Baseball release next week.

Biden is depicted as longtime Washington Senator’s pitcher Walter Johnson, a seasoned veteran who’s looking for the biggest win of his career. Palin, meanwhile, is shown rounding the bases near the White House in a most unusual manner – atop a dogsled and sporting a tiara – a fitting portrayal for a candidate who’s determined to blaze new trails.

“The caricatures are great,” added Stockholm. “We’ve taken some liberties with both of the VP candidates, but we believe collectors will see the cards as entertaining as well as informative.”

In February, Upper Deck produced a unique, eight-card “Presidential Predictors” insert set within its Series 1 Baseball release. The illustrated parodies showed several of the top candidates in rare form by tying each to a pivotal moment or personality from baseball’s glorious history.

In June, once the Republicans decided on McCain and the Democrats were down to selecting either Obama or Hillary Clinton, Upper Deck depicted the remaining candidates in its Series Two Baseball launch as participants in some of Major League Baseball’s most notable flare-ups. One of those quarrels showed Yankees right-fielder Lou Piniella (Obama) trading punches with Boston catcher Carlton Fisk (McCain) from 1976 under the headline: The Economy.

Collectors who pull any of the Presidential Predictor cards from packs of Upper Deck’s 2008 Series 1 and Series 2 Baseball releases and SP Authentic Baseball will have the opportunity to win a trip for two to throw out the “presidential” first pitch at an official Major League Baseball game during the 2009 season. Collectors can enter the static code(s) found on the backs of the cards at www.presidentialpredictor.com to gain entry into an Upper Deck Baseball sweepstakes. The top prize will be open to all collectors who register a Presidential Predictor trading card featuring either of the winning party’s candidates (President or Vice President).

Upper Deck Inks Exclusive Memorabilia Deal with Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo

North Las Vegas, NV (September 24, 2008) – The Upper Deck Company, the authentication pioneer in the sports trading cards and memorabilia market, has recently signed NFL superstar Tony Romo to its already impressive stable of exclusive athletes. While terms of the arrangement are confidential, it provides football autograph collectors everywhere with a secure means to land authentic signatures from one of the league’s top-rated quarterbacks.

“Tony Romo is one of the most popular players in the NFL, so for Upper Deck to land a player of Tony’s caliber and celebrity status is certainly a big win for us,” said Tim Muret, vice president of Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA), the company’s memorabilia division. “We are very excited about starting an exclusive relationship with Tony. The fact that he plays for ‘America’s Team’ doesn’t hurt, either.”

Since taking over the reins as Dallas’s starting quarterback during the 2006 season, Romo has led the Cowboys back to prominence in the NFL. Owner of the best passer rating in the NFC in 2007, he makes wise choices in the pocket and consistently delivers stirring performances every time he takes the field. Last year, he set single-season club records for touchdown throws (36) and passing yards (4,211), which is even more impressive when you consider the Cowboys’ long list of outstanding signal-callers including Don Meredith, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman.

UDA already has longstanding exclusive relationships with such sought-after players as Michael Jordan, Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Pujols, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Romo’s arrival only adds more prestige and clout to an already awe-inspiring lineup. As always, UDA’s patented five-step authentication process will be utilized at every autograph signing session to ensure that collectors are getting the real deal.

Romo will be signing a wide assortment of football items for Upper Deck including authentic Dallas Cowboys jerseys (home white, away blue and alternate white/blue) for $749.99 each; NFL Wilson "The Duke" footballs ($549.99); authentic Cowboys helmets ($669.99); mini-helmets ($424.99); and 16” x 20” ($399.99) and 8” x 10” ($369.99) photos. These products are now available at www.upperdeckstore.com. Additional Romo-autographed items including limited, specially-inscribed keepsakes will be available shortly.

AFLAC Autographs Debut in 08 Bowman Draft Picks

In addition to this morning’s announcement regarding 2008 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball, Topps has added another key enhancement to the product.

Topps is reaching into its vaults and for the first time is issuing a selected list of its treasured AFLAC High School All-American Autographed Cards from 2006 and 2007. The cards, which will include 3M Authentication stickers, will appear as additional autographed content and can be found one per every other Hobby Case.

The subject list is as follows:

Adrian Nieto

Anthony Ferrara

Blake Beavan

Danny Rams

Drake Britton

Freddie Freeman

Isaac Galloway

Jason Heyward (image attached)

John Tolisano

Jon Gilmore

Josh Smoker

Josh Vitters

Madison Bumgarner

Michael Main

Nick Noonan

Paul Demny

Quinton Miller

Rick Porcello

Tim Alderson

Xavier Avery

Each pack of Draft Picks & Prospects includes 7 cards (4 Bowman, 2 Bowman Chrome, and 1 Parallel card). And each box guarantees 1 Autographed Chrome Prospect Card.

TOPPS SIGNS CATCHING PHENOM BUSTER POSEY

Topps announces it has signed minor league catching phenom Buster Posey to an autograph deal. Posey, the 5^th overall pick by the San Francisco Giants, is considered by many to be the most talented player selected in the 2008 Amateur Draft. (image attached)

Posey will make his debut as an Autographed Base Card in the much-anticipated 2008 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball.

Each $3.00 pack of Draft Picks & Prospects includes 7 cards (4 Bowman, 2 Bowman Chrome, and 1 Parallel card). And each box guarantees 1 Autographed Chrome Prospect Card.

Topps Announces Red Hot Rookies #17

TOPPS ANNOUNCES RED HOT ROOKIE REDEMPTION # 17: AUTOGRAPHED EVAN LONGORIA ROOKIE CARD

Topps announces the player redeemable for the 2008 Topps Baseball Series 2 RED HOT ROOKIE Redemption # 17 is Evan Longoria, Third Baseman, Tampa Bay Rays. (image attached). Longoria’s card will be autographed on-card!

Throughout the remainder of the 2008 Major League Baseball season, Topps will announce the subjects for the 20-card RED HOT ROOKIE program. Each Topps Series 2 Hobby Box includes (1) RED HOT ROOKIE Redemption, which can be redeemed online at www.topps.com/redemption.

The cards will be printed on Topps Chrome Refractor technology and shipped to collectors first week of November.

Stay tuned for RED HOT ROOKIE # 18!

# 1 Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds / Autographed

# 2 Justin Masterson, Boston Red Sox

# 3 John Bowker, San Francisco Giants

# 4 Kosuke Fukudome, Chicago Cubs

# 5 Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals

# 6 Chris Davis, Texas Rangers

# 7 Chris Volsatd, Florida Marlins

# 8 Jeff Samardzija, Chicago Cubs

# 9 Brad Ziegler, Oakland A’s

# 10 Gio Gonzalez, Oakland A’s

# 11 Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

# 12 Daniel Murphy, New York Mets

# 13 Chris Dickerson, Cincinnati Reds

# 14 Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

# 15 Nick Evans, New York Mets

# 16 Clayton Richard, Chicago White Sox

# 17 Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Topps Forgets to Number Some Cards

Topps announces that because of a production error in 2008 Topps Finest Football, the Base Autographed Rookie Cards are not sequentially numbered as originally solicited. In an effort to correct this error, consumers can send these particular cards to Topps to have them sequentially numbered. Each card will be numbered and have a 3M Authentication Sticker placed on the card’s back. Sequential numbering for each subject will start at the number 1 and continue numerically as cards are received.

In addition to getting your card numbered, Topps will also include a free pack of hobby football cards. All cards will be accepted until March 31^st 2009. Cards should be sent to:

The Topps Company

ATTN: Consumer Relations

401 York Ave.

Duryea, PA 18642