He hasn’t pitched in a big league game yet, but Stephen Strasburg is about to become one of the focal points of Topps’ 2010 baseball card efforts.
Topps has signed last year’s top baseball draft pick, Stephen Strasburg to an exclusive agreement that will put the pitching phenom’s autographs and game-used memorabilia inside the company’s products beginning next year.
In what Topps describes as a "multi-year deal", the company will also have the right to use Strasburg’s image use on packaging and advertising. Topps will also offer a limited edition line of autographed memorabilia items.
“I can’t wait to see myself in uniform on my first Topps card,” said Strasburg. “That’s when I know I will have truly made it as a baseball player.”
Strasburg, 21, one of the most heralded amateur players in the game’s history, was the first overall pick of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. The San Diego State product went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 2009 and won the Golden Spikes Award tabbing him the best amateur baseball player in the country.
He was drafted by the Washington Nationals and signed with the club late in the season.
“Stephen is a very special talent,” said Warren Friss, GM, Topps Sports & Entertainment. “When a phenom like him comes along, you do whatever you can to make them part of your team.”
Topps will unveil card designs and products featuring Strasburg in the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, Topps became the first exclusive baseball card company of Major League Baseball in nearly 30 years. Topps has promised to "reinvigorate" the current card market with new product launches, an improvement in both the retail and collecting experience and an increased marketing effort toward youngsters.
