Archive for July, 2010
American Legends
Posted by: | CommentsEach month Upper Deck spotlights one of its hobby retailing partners and shares some of the reasons why you should visit their shop. I can’t put my finger on the first time I met Mark and Donna Rubin. It is not whether or not they are worthy of remembrance (they are), but rather the fact that I’ve been working with them for so long, I’m just very used to them always being there. And thank goodness they have been. You will be hard pressed to find two individuals more committed to helping their customers, running fun events in their store and serving as an inspiration to many other shops. I’m excited they can share a little bit about what makes their shop so special.
American Legends
1107 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-725-2225
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm, Sunday: 12 – 5
“American Legends opened its doors in November of 1992 as a trading card and comic book store. Originally named One if by Cards, Two if by Comics, the 2,000-square-foot store expanded into more than just trading cards and comic books, so owners Mark and Donna Rubin changed the name to American Legends more than seven years ago.
“Our store offers everything for the collector including single cards from the early 1900s to the present as well as sealed card boxes of the latest releases as well as older issues, complete sets and packs; a huge selection of sports signed items from past and present icons; team fan collectibles, comics and comic and card supplies. We are actively purchasing vintage sports cards pre-1970 and before.
“Mark has been in the card business for more than 30 years and boasts expert knowledge of all things trading cards. His most recent purchases include two rare 1941 Play Ball 24-card uncut sheets comprising two thirds of the complete set including Joe DiMaggio, Bill Dickey and the rookie card of Pee Wee Reese and amazing run of complete pre-war hockey sets including the 1912 C57, 1933 OPC Series A, V252 Canadian Gum and V357 Ice Kings Sets.
Mark showing off an exciting purchase.
“Over the years we have hosted numerous athletes for public signings including baseball Hall-of-Famers Tom Seaver, Johnny Bench, Jim Palmer, Duke Snider and Pete Rose; basketball’s Walt Frazier, Joakim Noah and Rudy Gay; hockey’s Adam Graves, Alexei Kovalev and Eddie Giacomin; New York Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis and rookie running back Shonn Greene, New York Giants Super Bowl Champion Aaron Ross and many, many more. Some of our signings have been to raise money for various charities and people in need because we feel it is important to give back to the community that has given us so much.
You never know who is going to be stopping by American Legends!
“We also hold case rips every month featuring cards from all of the major sports. These events see many of the same loyal customers and many of them have gotten to know each other, which makes for a real fun-filled atmosphere. We have also hosted appearances by Jim Spence Authentication (JSA), conduct children’s birthday parties featuring the pack attack game and are always looking for new promotions to excite our customers.
An excited young man shows off his Upper Deck Goudey box at the shop. Hopefully he didn't hurt his arms opening packs...
There is always something happening at American Legends. Be a part of it and stop by today!
So, if you’re in the NY area and haven’t yet found us, we invite you to visit us any time. If you plan to make a trip to NY in the future, definitely look us up. You’ll be glad you did!”
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Can FIFA Make the Right Call for the Next World Cup?
Posted by: | CommentsCongratulations to South Africa for putting together a beautiful World Cup. The country is a gem, and it is easy to see why they call it the birthplace of life. Congratulations are also in order for Spain taking home their first World Cup title. They played a gritty final game, and in the end were victorious over the Netherlands.
Now that the World Cup is over it is time for FIFA to take a step back and evaluate some serious issues that came up during this tournament. They are the governing body of the largest sport in the world, yet they seem to be behind in some critical areas that could make the game so much better.
The final game of the World Cup was watched by more Americans than any other. When the United States were still in the tournament viewership was also at an all-time high. The question raised now is how much of the ‘popularity momentum’ soccer gained in America was lost between the U.S. exit from the tournament and the final game. Again, FIFA has to put together some answers over the next four years, or soccer in America will continue to fly under the radar.
The sports world in America started to understand early on what technology could do for them. Now that some sort of replay is used in the NBA, NFL, MLB and even making way in some college sports, the games seem more fair. Coaches can contest a call they think the referee might not have seen. NBA referees are held accountable for the last second shot or a questionable three-pointer, and they rely on replays to make sure they get things right. Fans feel like they are getting more of a fair shake, and it is harder to argue biases among officials. Granted there are still flaws, but at least there is some headway being made.
This year at the World Cup the United States were not the only ones on the wrong end of a bad call. Too many goals were disallowed that should have been called fair. Outcomes of games could have been so much different if a replay could show the foul that was missed. There was just too much that was overlooked, and because of it the argument was made that some referees allowed biases onto the field. Shame on them.
In the end the sport of soccer loses a lot of ground it gained when this cup started. This is the richest country in the world, and we love our sports. Athletes are paid ridiculous amounts of money and billions of dollars are spent on apparel, endorsements, cable specials and more. Soccer is missing the boat by not addressing the problems which were screaming loudly from the field in South Africa.
So how can FIFA get those ‘on the fence’ fans who were hooked when the United States continued to come back? Those are the fans they need to address. Those are the fans who turned off their televisions once they saw the same thing happen to far too many teams. The spark that was ignited within them was not fanned into burning loyalty. Instead it sputtered out and left the building. They are now waiting for the sports they deem to be more fair to start.
How can the problem be solved? For starters how about some sort of goal-line technology that lights up when the ball crosses the line. An extra referee behind each net would be nice. Even a fifth official watching instant replays could call down to the head ref and call a play back. It wouldn’t even interrupt the real flow of the game. We saw it work in the NHL Playoffs just this year. Yes it created a pause in the action, but at least they got the calls right.
Soccer purists argue that adding these ideas to the game would take away from the beauty of the world’s biggest sport. Well, soccer purists need to understand their piece of the pie could be so much larger by getting a nation like the United States on board. Until that day America will continue to be the place where the world’s sport sends it superstars to retire.
Did they lose you? What do you want to see changed?
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Sometimes Nice Guys Finish First
Posted by: | CommentsThe annual ESPY Awards have almost become the Academy Awards for sports. Like most sports fanatics, I tuned in last night to watch the greatness that transpired over the last calendar year. It was a very entertaining show with moments of comedy, amazement, sadness and inspiration which is basically everything we look to sports for. One of the things that made me happiest while watching the presentation was seeing a man receive the attention and appreciation he deserves for always trying to do things the right way. The athlete I’m referring to is Drew Brees.
I remember watching Drew Brees playing for Purdue at a USC game when he was younger. He was awesome back then, which is why he was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. At the time, I never realized he would become the player he is today or that several years later our paths would cross and Drew would bail me out of a serious jam.
The 2010 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Signature Drew Brees cards will be in packs in late August.
It was 2007 and I was hosting an event for Upper Deck where we brought in around 70-80 of the top collectors in the world to say thank you to them for their support. We had a tour planned of the corporate headquarters, presentations set up to go through new products, a trip to Petco Park to take in a Padre game and the big event was a meet and greet with a famous athlete. I found out only a few hours before this special meet and greet that everyone was looking forward to, the athlete we had booked was not going to make it.
That’s a pretty stressful situation as I knew I had a lot of great customers counting on us to provide them with a very special experience. Our Legal team immediately went to work to find a replacement and luckily in planning for this event we had the perfect person already in mind. Drew Brees was playing for the Saints then, but he was still living in San Diego during the summer. He agreed to do the event, but I was still worried because in my experience, most athletes can be a little stuffy or quiet at events like this where they are around so many passionate fans. Within five minutes of Drew’s arrival, all of my fears had been quelled as I immediately became aware that not only was Drew Brees a special athlete, but he was a special man as well. He sat and shared with everyone in attendance as if they were lifelong friends that he invited over to dinner moving from table to table and posing with each member for a picture he later signed. Drew was able to provide those customers with a truly memorable experience, so much so that many began collecting his cards and memorabilia immediately after that night.
Drew Brees sat with Upper Deck collectors, answered their questions and shared with them his dream of winning the Super Bowl.
Later in the evening Drew took time to pose for pictures with each of the customers and then later lent his signature them.
What makes this even cooler is that Drew had plans to have dinner with his family that night. So what did he do? He brought them. They ate right outside the ball room while he met with the group. He met up with them right after. He knew we were in a bind and came through for us.
When I had my experience in meeting Drew, he had already accomplished so much as a quarterback having won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and twice having been named to the Pro-Bowl. It’s inspiring to see how much more he’s been able to accomplish since then.
Drew and his team had a memorable season this year that helped to heal a lot of wounds for the city of New Orleans and the “Who Dat Nation.” They certainly racked up plenty of awards last night at the ESPY’s. When the award for the Best Male Athlete of the Year came up, I smiled that Drew was included in the category, but surely he couldn’t beat the likes of Kobe Bryant, Albert Pujols and LeBron James. And then I thought, “Why can’t he? Just because someone is a ‘nice guy’ that doesn’t mean they can’t win an award like this.” That little voice inside me was right.
All class, Drew Brees accepts the ESPY Award for Best Male Athlete of the Year.
Drew accepted the award with an honest and humble speech giving thanks to everyone but himself. I couldn’t help but smile. If you ever get the chance to meet Drew, you will be a luckier person for it. He’s one of the good ones and he’ll give you hope that nice guys don’t always finish last.
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Brag Photo: The Hockey Hall-of-Fame Secret Sticks
Posted by: | CommentsSome of the team at Upper Deck made a trek up to Toronto this week as we prepare for the 2010-11 NHL season by meeting with some hobby shops, distributors and members of the NHL Players’ Association. We even had a little time to drop in on the NHL Hall-of-Fame which is always a lot of fun to visit in downtown Toronto. There’s plenty to see in this “Hockey Heaven” and it was awesome to check out displays on top Upper Deck exclusive signature card spokesmen like Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr among others.
The seal at the entrance to the Hockey Hall-of-Fame sends a signal to puck lovers that they are home.
Mr. Hockey signs trading cards exclusively for Upper Deck!
Looking for signature cards of the Great One? UD is the only company that can deliver.
If you want an autograph of the man who scored "The Goal," look no further than Upper Deck!
Upper Deck even sponsors a couple of sections at the Hockey Hall-of-Fame that are worth dropping in on if you get the chance. It’s quite an honor to have even a small place in the Hockey Hall-of-Fame.
Upper Deck sponsors some of the interactive games at the Hockey Hall-of-Fame.
Upper Deck also sponsors a Collector's Corner section showing off a long lineage of unique hockey collectibles.
On display at the Hockey Hall-of-Fame is a book showing many of Upper Deck's rare Wayne Gretzky cards.
What is really interesting to note is that not every piece of memorabilia is kept in the Hall-of-Fame. As we found when members of our team ended up at the “Hall-of-Fame Resource Center” in Etobicoke yesterday, there is an eye-popping collection of some very impressive items including meticulously organized program guides, photos, paintings, film reels, trophies, jerseys and more. It was hard to even absorb. What was really impressive was the collection of game-used sticks. What makes this collection so special is that each and every stick was used in a championship game or to score some type of commemorative goal. A few would be cool, but check out how many they have in this secret Hall-of-Fame stash.
What makes this crazy is that this is only half the racks. We couldn’t get a shot of the other half unfortunately. How do they acquire them? Believe it or not, the vast majority are donated by generous individuals. It was really something quite impressive to go from the Hall-of-Fame to then see all these game-used sticks within the NHL’s private reserve.
Are you going to be in Toronto any time soon? Do you want to check out the Hockey Hall-of-Fame compliments of your friends at Upper Deck? The first four people to e-mail us at UpperDeckMarketing@upperdeck.com with the subject headline “Upper Deck Hall-of-Fame Tickets” will receive a free pair of passes to check out the Hockey Hall-of-Fame in Toronto for absolutely free! Now that’s something to brag about.
Popularity: 2% [?]
LeBron James to Stay with the Team
Posted by: | CommentsOh, you thought I meant Cleveland. No, I was referring to the fact that LeBron James remains an exclusive spokesman for Upper Deck trading cards and Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) memorabilia. We have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with King James since 2003 and that will continue with Upper Deck being the one place where collectors can get authentic, signed trading cards and memorabilia of the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player.
Tomorrow night (6 p.m., PT) LeBron will take center stage in an hour-long special on ESPN called “The Decision” where he will announce which team he will be playing for going forward. Additionally, King James has a new website he will be launching at the same time and is embracing social media by starting his own Twitter account. In just three days and four tweets, LeBron has more than 300,000 followers which is a testament to just how galvanizing this superstar is.
Are we, as a company, going to share our thoughts about where LeBron will be playing next season? Mums the word there. Are we going to share what specific plans we have in store for future items surrounding King James will be? Not quite, but they will be big! What I do want to share however is what I’ve personally seen of LeBron in my time with Upper Deck.
Working with Upper Deck has its benefits. I can remember the first time I met LeBron James at a meet-and-greet session we set up in Las Vegas in 2006 for our top-tier group of collectors known as Upper Deck’s Diamond Club. When LeBron showed up, those in attendance wore ear-to-ear smiles but not everyone noticed that he actually showed up with his good friend Chris Paul.
LeBron James answers questions from members of the Upper Deck Diamond Club
One of the Diamond Club members traveled all the way from Japan for the chance to meet LeBron. His question simple: “LeBron, do you like Japan?”
King James talked for a bit about a visit he had to Japan and how much he enjoyed it. Then after getting a photo with LeBron (that LBJ signed later), I remember this customer was literally on Cloud 9. Not only did he get to meet one of his heroes, but he got affirmation that LeBron really liked Japan. The expense and hassles that fan went through to be there that night were immediately justified after feeling like he was a member of the King’s Court.
LeBron took time to meet each of Upper Deck's Diamond Club members, take pictures with them and then sign those pictures.
It was not until two years later in 2008 that I saw LeBron again. He came out in September to teach a kids clinic at our Carlsbad, California headquarters. I remember one of my jobs was helping LeBron get his portable microphones on and I just kept thinking, “Man, has he grown over the last two years.”
As imposing a force as LeBron may seem, he has a really down-to-earth personality and was absolutely fantastic with the kids. It was great to see him interacting with his younger fans at this event as he spent time teaching them some fundamentals. They played an abbreviated version of H-O-R-S-E called L-B-J and although the kids couldn’t quite do everything like LeBron, they had the time of their lives.
LeBron made sure all the kids had a great time at the clinic Upper Deck hosted in 2008.
There was one young man we had in attendance through our partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His name was Shermarcus Meriweather from Memphis, Tennessee and he was just the cutest kid in the world. Only eight years old, he was much smaller than many of the other kids who participated. LeBron took to him right away and one of the best moments of the day without a doubt was when LeBron helped him “slam dunk” in front of the crowd which erupted into applause on seeing the memorable basket. It was a day that was likely the greatest day of that young man’s life as he got to see what it was like to fly just like LeBron James.
Shermarcus Meriweather, a Make-A-Wish kid, shows off his moves at the Upper Deck LeBron James clinic.
LeBron James makes a wish come true as he elevates a young boy up for his first "slam dunk!"
Those were my two interactions with LeBron and on both occasions I saw him literally make people feel like they were flying. He did it with both young and old. He delivered memories that will last a lifetime. And for whatever team that is lucky enough to land him, I’m sure he will do the same for their fans. In the meantime, I’m just excited for the next time I get to see LeBron make someone feel like they have wings. And know that Upper Deck will be there to bring fans closer to the game and closer to their heroes no matter what uniform they wear.
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