Topps Signs Deal with Babe Ruth Estate

The Topps Company and CMG Worldwide (CMG), have signed an agreement giving Topps exclusive rights to produce current-day Babe Ruth baseball cards. The deal includes exclusivity on trading cards - including game-used memorabilia cards and all other insert cards.

"We are extremely excited to add baseball's greatest legend to the Topps brand," said Warren Friss Topps' GM of Sports & Entertainment. "As the 'House that Ruth Built' celebrates its final season, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the legacy of Yankee Stadium than by giving our fans access to most legendary player in its storied franchise."

The exclusive Babe Ruth cards were unveiled last week in packs of 2008 Topps Allen & Ginter and will be found in the remainder of Topps' 2008 and 2009 baseball products. The products will feature an array of insert cards, autographed cards and game-used memorabilia cards.

One Topps Sterling card issued later this year will include a sliver of a Ruth game-used bat and two jersey swatches along with an autograph in the center. The card will be 1/1.

In April, Topps announced a deal with CMG that includes exclusivity on trading cards for 16 former baseball legends including Jackie Robinson, Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, Thurman Munson, Roy Campanella, Rogers Hornsby, Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, Mel Ott, Johnny Mize, Jimmie Foxx, Honus Wagner, Pee Wee Reese, George Sisler and Christy Mathewson. Topps also holds the exclusive trading card rights with the Mickey Mantle estate.