Topps and Sports Illustrated magazine both launched in the sports boom that accompanied the end of World War II. They partnered for pull out sheets of reprinted cards inside some of SI’s first issues back in 1954 and ’55. Now, the two iconic American companies have teamed up again.
As part of its ongoing 70th anniversary, Topps has created a 70-card set of trading cards showcasing Sports Illustrated covers throughout the years. Available in on-demand format on Topps’ website, the the cards will be available two at a time for 35 weeks and printed to order. Print runs for each card will be listed in an online archive after each weekly ordering period ends.
The first two subjects offered Tuesday are Duke Snider, who appeared on an SI cover in 1955 as the Dodgers barreled toward their only World Series title in Brooklyn, and Mike Trout’s “The Supernatural” cover from 2012.
Upcoming cards will feature Larry Walker (June 11, 2001), Kirby Puckett (April 6, 1992), Vladimir Guerrero Sr. (May 1, 2000) Boston Red Sox (November 10, 2004), Greg Maddux (August 14, 1995), Mookie Betts (October 28, 2020), Derek Jeter (June 21, 1999), and Stan Musial/Ted Williams (July 8, 1957).
“Millions of baseball fans know and love both Topps and Sports Illustrated, and we’re proud to be able to bring these two iconic names together in this highly collectible product,” stated Jeff Heckman, Global Director of E-commerce, Topps. “The amazing photography from nearly seven decades of Sports Illustrated covers has provided works of art that can also be cherished as collectible cards to help relive great memories.”
“We’re thrilled to continue building the brand’s legacy in the booming collectibles space and help commemorate Topps’ 70th anniversary with so many of Sports Illustrated’s historic covers,” remarked Michael Sherman, VP Media Brands, Authentic Brands Group, owner of Sports Illustrated.
Parallel versions will be randomly inserted into print runs including White with red stripes (# to 70); Canary Yellow (# to 25); Orange (# to 10); Red (# to 5) and 1/1 Silver.
The cards are priced at $9.99 each or both for $17.49 via this page on Topps’ website.
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