MLB, MLS Trading Cards By Topps And Bloomberg Sports Feature Baseball, Soccer Analytics
Topps has once again pushed the development of trading cards to another technological level, this time partnered with Bloomberg Sports to showcase advanced analytics. Topps released statistical analytics on the backs of Major League Soccer cards earlier this season, and also launched trading cards with the NFL with a fantasy football emphasis last month. The Sports Techie community blog readers and followers can look forward to fresh statistical content, graphics and charts on the flip-side of the 2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball cards being released by the end of September.
Topps And BSports Trading Cards
BSports, the world’s leaders in sports analytic technology and the newest member of the STATS global network, and Topps formally became business partners in order to manufacture custom-designed advanced analytics on selected trading cards in 2014. The unique statistical analysis will revolutionize the Industry for kids and adults by replacing traditional stats on the back of MLS and Bowman Chrome Baseball Cards this season.
“This is a great way to marry the traditional collector with a new audience looking for something different in trading cards, be it baseball or other sports,” said Bill Squadron, STATS EVP and head of Bloomberg Sports. “Our analytic work in a wide range of sports can provide a whole set of unique and compelling data for fans to discuss and enhance their enjoyment of the game, and there is no more elite platform to deliver that data on than a hallmark brand like Topps.”
Bowman Chrome MLB card sets were recently released featuring six varieties of analytical templates compiled by Bloomberg Sports, with spray charts that help to visualize veteran power hitters’ home run locations and strikeout pitchers’ pitch selections. For MLB® prospects, statistics will include organizational rankings and comparisons to minor league averages.
“Every year we strive to find new ways to engage both the casual fan and the ardent collector, and we feel that the partnership with Bloomberg Sports accomplishes that. These revolutionized card backs has given us another unique point of engagement that is both eye-catching and educational and fun for all,” said Zvee Geffen, Topps MLS and Bowman Brand Manager. “Analytics are an essential part of today’s conversations in every sport and this new content will document that emerging trend, and the new data we are providing will help enhance the experience for all.”
Superstars included in 2014 Bowman Chrome packs are MLB® rookies Jose Abreu, George Springer and Masahiro Tanaka, veterans Mike Trout, Yu Darvish and Bryce Harper, and prospects Byron Buxton and Kris Bryant. The card set also features autographed cards and an assortment of colorful parallel cards that are also collector items.
The new 2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball set can be found in hobby stores this week. Topps® MLS Soccer, which also included unique analytics from Bloomberg Sports, are currently available at retail outlets.
About The Topps Company, Inc.
Founded in 1938, Topps is the leading creator and marketer of sports and related cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery. Topps entertainment products include the NFL, MLB, UFC, MLS, WWE and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company’s confectionery brands include Bazooka® bubble gum, Ring Pop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop® and Juicy Drop ® Pop lollipops. For additional information, visit Sports Cards and Entertainment Cards at Topps.com and follow us on facebook at facebook.com/Topps, on twitter @Toppscards, and now on Instagram @ToppsSports.
About STATS LLC
STATS is the world’s leading sports technology, data and content company. The company passionately abides by a mission to revolutionize the way sports contests are viewed, understood, played and enjoyed. STATS’ calling card consists of real-time scores, historical sports information, Associated Press editorial content, a turnkey fantasy sports operation and SportVU technology. STATS’ worldwide client network of media companies and professional sports leagues and teams utilize a broad spectrum of dynamic in-game broadcast presentations and virtual images, multimedia enhancements and game analysis, and tactical coaching tools. STATS is owned by Vista Equity Partners. For a complete tour of STATS’ sports content portfolio and solutions, visit STATS | The Global Leader in Sports Information, Technology, and Content
About Bloomberg Sports
Launched in 2010, Bloomberg Sports takes the technology developed by Bloomberg, the leading global provider in data and analytics, and applies it to the vast data analysis opportunities in sports. Bloomberg Sports’ professional products for teams, broadcasters and athletes include a comprehensive baseball scouting, data and video system now used by almost all Major League Baseball clubs. The company also has introduced a consumer soccer product for European football, “Match Analysis,” a powerful predictive and analytic tool forecasting game results, as well as “Stats Insights,” a comprehensive blog that contains original content and analysis for the five major European football leagues as well as the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA. Bloomberg Sports has been named by SportPro Magazine as one of “Fifty Brands Shaping Global Sport in 2014,” by Mashable as one of its “Five Most Innovative Sports Brands for 2012,” by The Sports Business Journal as a Finalist for “Best In Sports Technology” in 2012 and by Fast Company Magazine as one of the “Most Innovative Companies in Sports” in 2011. For more information, please go to BSports.com.
Sports Techie, The baseball and soccer trading card collectors in North America and around the world just upgraded their collections via the inclusion of sports tech-centric analytics created by Topps and BSports. Sports Technology such as those produced by BSports and STATS, have been a major component of the sportsbiz driving force behind professional sports leagues attempt to connect with fans in ways they want. Topps has been a proactive force with trading cards for generations so they naturally understand the need to integrate advanced analytics derived from sports tech solutions, systems and products, into their offerings.
MLB playoffs are next month so the pennant and wildcard races are on full force, so there is not better way to get into the chase than with a set of Bowman Chrome Baseball cards to enhance your child’s, family member or adult friends, love of the sport, teams and players. No doubt the new trading card for Seattle Mariners star pitcher, Felix Hernández, is going to be super popular as the potential American League Cy Young award winner helps his organization’s push for a postseason and World Series birth as they sit two games back in the current playoff race.
The MLS power rankings, week 28 has the L.A. Galaxy and Seattle Sounders battling for the league’s top spot. Be sure to grab a set of MLS trading cards packed with key stats and advanced analytics from Topps and BSports as the season winds down to satisfy your collecting needs.
It is an exiting era for trading card development. Our 15-month old son will be an Ultra Sports Techie by the time he is a teenager after he collects and analyzes the metrics and numbers of the next International Babe Ruth and Pele superstars on the back of his Topps and BSports, insightful trading cards.
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