Archive for September, 2011
A High School Student Encourages You to Give ‘Cards to Kids’
Posted by: | CommentsHave you ever seen the look on a kid’s face when they open their first pack of cards? It is just awesome to see their reaction and excitement around which players they get from a pack. Unfortunately not ever kid has the ability to open a pack of cards and there are some who could really use the joy that a pack of cards can provide.
Recently we became aware of a young man who was working through one of our Certified Diamond Dealers (Bleachers Sports Cards in Winnetka, Illinois) to encourage patrons to donate cards so he could in turn give them to kids in Children’s hospitals in the area. As we spent time learning more and more about what he was doing, we were blown away by his passion and realized we wanted to be a part of the program. Upper Deck will be donating several thousands of collegiate trading cards to the charity hoping that kids are inspired by these college stars. We are hoping to see our fans get involved with this very worthwhile program and we encourage everyone to donate at least some of their “Cards to Kids!”
“My name is John Makowiec and I am a sophomore at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. This year I started the non-profit charity called ‘Cards to Kids.’ We are collecting new and used sports cards from collectors, packing them up and proving them to kids at Children’s Memorial Hospital, the Inner City Youth Baseball League and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Illinois. In order to collect cards, we have set up a collection box at Bleacher’s Sports in Winnetka, Illinois. To date we have collected more than 200,000 cards!
Do you have cards around your house you're no longer actively enjoying? Donate them to "Cards to Kids" today!
“I started ‘Cards to Kids’ because I was in a service group at my school that was rewarding, but I wanted to do something different where I could draw upon my personal passion. Since collecting sports cards is one of my favorite things to do and I know how much other kids enjoy the hobby, I realized it would be really awesome to get cards into the hands of kids who couldn’t normally afford them or who could really use them as a distraction. And with that, ‘Cards to Kids” was born.
“While we have been really happy with the support we have received thus far, I’m on a mission to grow this program and continue to raise awareness for what we are doing. Recently we held a donation drive at Wrigley Field before a Chicago Cubs game. We worked with Cubs Care (the charitable branch of the Chicago Cubs MLB Club) and discussed some ideas with them. We ultimately decided to have the donation drive in conjunction with the Major League Baseball equipment drive.
“In the days leading up to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, we spread the news of the drive through emails and flyers. We also reached out to a variety of news outlets in Chicago and NBC and WGN picked up on our story. It was a real thrill to be interviewed on the NBC nightly news. For WGN, I was interviewed for a live segment on their nightly sports radio show. In addition to this, the day before the game, a press release was sent out about the card drive and the equipment drive by MLB.
“The day of the event, we set up a table outside of the gates of Wrigley. We had signs and t-shirts to promote the giveaway and we had an acrylic box that we used to hold the cards that were donated. In addition to this we passed out hundreds of flyers with more information on the program. It was an awesome day with my whole family and two of my friends from school helping to create awareness for the program.
The 'Cards to Kids' team was busy at the first Donation Drive at Wrigley Field accepting cards and creating awareness.
“When it was all said and done, we collected close to 10,000 sports cards and more importantly spread the word which will lead to more donations. People really seem to love the concept of this program and it is really rewarding to hear all the positive feedback from those who are donating their cards to kids. As a result of this event, we have not only received thousands of cards from as far away as Massachusetts, but we have spread the word out. Now more Chicago hobby shops are looking to set up collection boxes at their stores. Moreover, the Cleveland Cavaliers have also expressed interest in having a card drive at their stadium after seeing the success of this one. Now we just need the NBA lockout to be resolved…
John and two of his friends from school had a great time collecting cards they will be donating to kids around the Chicago area.
“So help me spread the word about the program and pass this story along. And while you’re at it, go through the attic or garage this weekend and package up those old shoeboxes of trading cards. We will repackage them and get them to some kids who will really appreciate them. Here’s the address to send them to:
Cards to Kids
Attention Debbie
141 West Jackson Street #500
Chicago, IL 60604
“If you are in the Chicago area and have some free time, reach out to us as we could definitely use some help in sorting and packaging up these cards. And if you’re one of Upper Deck’s Certified Diamond Dealers, contact us if you’d like to get a donation box set up in your store by calling Debbie at (312)362-2452. Help us share the hobby and fun of collecting with deserving kids by donating today! For more information, visit www.cardstokids.org.”
Popularity: 2% [?]
Whoever Says Baseball is Boring Didn’t Watch Tampa Bay Last Night!
Posted by: | CommentsIf you didn’t get a chance to catch any baseball last night you definitely missed out. On September 28, 2011 the most unlikely turn of events happened for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays were trying to make the most of a tailspin the Red Sox found themselves in the midst of. Standing in their way however was the New York Yankees.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, it looked as if Tampa Bay’s season was about to come to an end. And how could it look worse being down 7-0 to the New York Yankees with fans leaving the stadiums and the parking lot emptying. What happened next was like watching Team USA in the 1980 Winter Olympics. I can’t imagine how sick people who left the stadium feel today having missed out on this amazing moment.
It all started out innocently enough when Johnny Damon hit a single to left center. Next thing I know its 7-3 with two outs, two men on base and Evan Longoria coming up to the plate. The first pitch came through at a blazing 91mph; Longoria sent it screaming 410 feet away into left field for a three-run blast. And all of a sudden the fans remaining were on their feet and the Tampa Bay Rays had a chance to make the postseason.
Last night Evan Longoria showed why he makes the big bucks.
The Rays made quick work of the Yankees in the top of the ninth inning with three up and three down. With the season on the line for Tampa Bay in the ninth inning, Casey Kotchman came up first for the Rays and grounded out to third. Next on the lineup was Ben Zobrist who flied out to center. With just one out left, Joe Maddon proved his managerial process by calling Dan Johnson off the bench to pitch hit. In a moment that will now be a memorable part of the Tampa Bay franchise’s history, Johnson sent the ball soaring into right field near the foul pole, it stayed fair, and Johnson’s 343-foot home run tied the game.
What is so crazy was that Boston was in the midst of a rain delay in Baltimore and when they came back out to play, they had to see the Rays had come roaring back to life. All they had to do was cling to their lead with their ace closer Jonathan Papelbon set to finish off the Orioles.
The tenth and eleventh innings came without much happening. Meanwhile in Baltimore the Papelbon had blown the save and the Orioles defeated Boston 4-3. Then the bottom of the twelvth rolled around back in Tampa. With the game still tied up 7-7, Evan Longoria came up to bat after B.J. Upton struck out swinging. With the count at 2-2 and one out Longoria saw a fastball come from Scott Proctor and he ripped it to left causing pandemonium in the stadium as it became clear, the Tampa Bay Rays were going to the playoffs.
While they Tampa Bay Rays have never had a huge fan base, moments like last night certainly made some new ones for the team. And with that, collectors are likely reinvigorated about collecting cards from players like Evan Longoria. I’m sure more than a few collectors spent last night or this morning going through old boxes just looking for cards of Dan Johnson. So did you? And if so, did you find any???
Do you have any cards of the unlikely hero of last night's game?
Popularity: 1% [?]
Calling All Texas Longhorns Football Fans; Finally a Trading Card Set Just For You!
Posted by: | CommentsIs burnt orange the most prevalent color in your wardrobe? Have you ever named one of your pets Bevo? Do you use “Hook ‘em Horns” as a way of saying hello or goodbye? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will be thrilled with the new college football trading card product coming out this November. Through Upper Deck’s exclusive agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company, the trading card company will be producing a standalone trading card product commemorating the rich history of the Texas Longhorns Football program.
The University of Texas has won four national titles; while appearing in 49 bowl games; second most in NCAA history. Each pack will be loaded with prominent Longhorn football alumni like Colt McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Steve McMichael, Darrell Royal, Ricky Williams, Priest Holmes, Major Applewhite, Vince Young, Earl Campbell and more.
The 100-card base set will also include 20 “Monumental Moments” cards that capture those special moments that gave Texas fans goose bumps through the years. From the first bowl game victory in 1943 against Georgia Tech to the “Game of the Century” in 1969 against Arkansas on to the 2006 Rose Bowl victory over USC; Upper Deck chronicled all those memories for UT fans.
This is the most comprehensive University of Texas Football set ever assembled. Each hobby box will contain one autograph card from a Longhorn great, and two special light F/X Texas Icons inserts! Every box is loaded with cards of 192 Longhorns legends (24 packs with 8 cards per pack)!
And speaking of the signed cards cards, there are some amazing collectible cards to capture for the autograph lovers. Not only are there single signed cards over 80 former Texas stars, there are also dual autograph cards (numbered to 20 or less) and triple autograph cards (numbered to just 3). Some of these are sure to become the centerpiece of a Texas fan’s collection.
Upper Deck has a special treat for those who purchase the University of Texas Football retail blaster boxes! Fans can find one replica championship pennant per blaster box, showcasing the years Texas has won it all: 1963, 1969, 1970 and 2005.
But how do you get your hands on your Upper Deck University of Texas Football boxes? Well first you need to be a little patient. The product is currently scheduled to hit store shelves on November 15, 2011. If you are in Texas, check out these Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealers who will be loading up on the product:
Sports Cards Plus – San Antonio, TX (210)524-2337
SMP Sports Cards – Grapevine, TX (817)251-1752
Nick’s Sportscards – Dallas, TX (972)248-2271
Card Traders of Austin – Austin, TX (512)250-0958
Kenny’s Collectibles of Austin – Austin, TX (512)748-9718
Or you can purchase through the Upper Deck online store or through our network of Authorized Internet Retailers. Enjoy and “Hook ‘em Horns!”
Popularity: 2% [?]
Calling All Oklahoma Sooners Football Fans; Finally a Trading Card Set Just For You!
Posted by: | CommentsIs Boomer Sooner the ringtone on your phone? Do you wish Ben & Jerry’s would make a Crimson & Cream flavored ice cream? Do you affectionately call your car the Sooner Schooner? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are going to love the new college football trading card product coming out this November. Through Upper Deck’s exclusive agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company, the trading card company will be producing a standalone trading card product commemorating the storied history of the Oklahoma Sooners Football program.
The University of Oklahoma has won seven national titles; while appearing in 44 bowl games. Each pack will be loaded with prominent Sooner football alumni like Sam Bradford, Barry Switzer, Lee Roy Selmon, Billy Sims, Brian Bosworth, Josh Heupel, Adrian Peterson, Bob Stoops and more.
The 100-card base set will also includes 20 “Monumental Moments” cards that capture those special moments that gave Sooner fans goose bumps through the years. From the 47-game win streak in the 1950’s to the 1974 National Championship victory over Oklahoma State on to unforgettable Red River Rivalry games; Upper Deck compiled all those memories for Sooners fans.
This is the most comprehensive University of Oklahoma Football set ever assembled. Each hobby box will contain one autograph card from an Oklahoma great, and two special light F/X Oklahoma Icons inserts! Every box is loaded with cards of 192 Oklahoma legends (24 packs with 8 cards per pack)!
And speaking of the signed cards cards, there are some amazing collectible cards to capture for the autograph lovers. Not only are there single signed cards over 75 former Oklahoma stars, there are also dual autograph cards (numbered to 20 or less) and triple autograph cards (numbered to just 3). Some of these are sure to become the centerpiece of an Oklahoma fan’s collection.
Upper Deck has a special treat for those who purchase the University of Oklahoma Football retail blaster boxes! Fans can find one replica championship pennant per blaster box, showcasing the years the University of Oklahoma has won it all: 1950, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1975, 1985 and 2000.
But how do you get your hands on your Upper Deck University of Oklahoma Football boxes? Well first you need to be a little patient. The product is currently scheduled to hit store shelves on November 8, 2011. If you are an Oklahoma fan, call these Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealers who will be loading up on the product:
AAA Collectibles – (704)847-5901
The Baseball Card King – (815)609-7777
SMP Sports Cards – (817)251-1752
AJTK Sportscards – (808)487-6620
Nick’s Sportscards – (972)248-2271
On Deck Sportscards – (580)242-3325
The Old Ball Park – (405)949-2255
Legends of the Game – (405)601-2909
Or you can purchase through the Upper Deck online store or through our network of Authorized Internet Retailers. Enjoy and go Sooners!
Popularity: 2% [?]
Top Ten Reasons to Bust 2011-12 NHL Artifacts This Weekend
Posted by: | CommentsThe next few weeks in the NHL is going to be fun to watch with the Jets skating again in Winnipeg, a new crop of talented rookies taking the ice and the NHL Premiere Games just a couple weeks away to start the season in Europe. Oh, and there is one other great event happening to start off this NHL season; the release of 2011-12 NHL Artifacts which hits stores today.
Without a doubt this has been a release that collectors have been really excited about. Some comments from fans on our Facebook page as we unveiled the product affirm that fact:
“Wow!”
“Think I must order this box right now!”
“The best of the 11-12 season so far!”
“I honestly cannot wait for this product to hit the shelves!!”
All sorts of hockey artifacts can be found in these boxes! Which ones are you most excited to find?
We are please to see our fans are excited about the release, but for those on the fence, we wanted to provide a little more reasoning as to why 2011-12 NHL Artifacts is a product you want to spend the weekend cracking. Here are the top ten reasons to bust 2011-12 NHL Artifacts this weekend:
#10 – You can find serial numbered rookie cards of top prospects like Cody Hodgson and Joe Colborne, including Black Autograph parallels numbered to just five copies of both players!
With less than 1,000 total copies, set collectors will scramble to get this card for their collections!
#9 – A deeper checklist with new stars to chase like Bill Ranford and Paul Coffey!
#8 – More patch cards and high-end memorabilia than ever before. Look for a patch, strap, stick or tag card in every other hobby box or better!
Artifacts will be a paradise of patches for collectors looking to score some great cards!
#7 – Parallels have substance! Every memorabilia variation has a meaningful upgrade to the material used (i.e. jersey to patch to fight strap to laundry tag) There is no more superfluous deco-foil color shifts from jersey card to jersey card.
Instead of collor shifts for variations, the memorabilia will switch out with more limited cards getting more rare memorabilia.
#6 – Collect all new stick/patch combo cards with top players like Crosby, Ovechkin, Lemieux, Sakic, Price and Taylor Hall!
#5 – Look for insane dual and triple player fight strap cards!
#4 – Tag, you’re it! Look for more tag cards than ever before including a crazy dual and triple player 1-of-1 cards.
If you pull this card your neighbors will ask why you keep shouting, "Boomsauce!"
#3 – NO UNPLANNED AUTOGRAPH REDEMPTIONS! Our Athlete Relations Team acquired every autograph we needed for this set so that every standard autograph card can be found LIVE in packs.
Now doesn't this look nicer to pull than a redemption card?
#2 – All new autograph memorabilia variation to the base set. You can find some huge stars in this set like Gretzky, Roy, Sakic, Lemieux, Crosby and Ovechkin.
Variations will now be much more collectible with meaningful upgrades to these rare cards.
#1 – For the first time ever you can find planned rookie autograph redemption cards! The top 16 rookies will have redemption cards available that will be limited to just 99 copies!
Roman numerals on these cards will correspond to the positioning of the player. "I" would be the top player and "XVI" would be the 16th best rookie. A checklist should be set on these by December 2011.
Grab your box of 2011-12 NHL Artifacts today and let us know if you scored any of these great hits!
Popularity: 2% [?]
