CARLSBAD, CA (11/20/03) – Fifteen years ago, The Upper Deck Company made history by launching an entirely new type of baseball card product. By introducing cards printed on high-quality paper stock with hologram stamping and full-color photos on the front and back, Upper Deck revolutionized the trading card industry. The Upper Deck brand remains a favorite set of many baseball card collectors because the same excellence embodied in the debut issue are still in effect today. The company’s 2004 Upper Deck Baseball product – releasing today – continues the tradition of high-quality baseball cards.
“We have always been a company dedicated to creating the best products, and that special commitment began with Upper Deck Baseball in 1989,” said Mike Barry, Upper Deck Baseball Brand Manager. “We anticipate the 2004 Upper Deck Baseball product, which is loaded from top to bottom, will be the latest success story for this great brand.”
Ceremonially getting things underway for 2004 Upper Deck Baseball are the “First Pitch” Cards. One of baseball’s greatest traditions is the first pitch, often thrown by U.S. presidents and celebrities to mark the start of a new season. This insert set follows this great tradition by featuring cards from such luminaries as LeBron James, Mr. HockeyÒ, General Tommy Franks (who led the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq), former President George G.W. Bush and current President of the United States, George W. Bush!
Relive some magical moments in New York Yankees history with this special tribute to the team’s 100th anniversary. Bronx Bombers in this set include Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Catfish Hunter, Roger Clemens and Derek Jeter.
Inserted exclusively into each hobby box of 2004 Upper Deck Baseball is one special Mini Box Update Set. Cards contained in these mini boxes provide an update, including late rookie callups, to the 2003 Upper Deck Baseball regular set (cards numbered 541-600). In addition, special gold versions are inserted one per case and autographed cards are available at a rate of (1:288) packs and an additional signed card is included at a rate of one in every 24 mini boxes!
Rounding out 2004 Upper Deck Baseball is a 270-card regular set that includes 230 Regular Player cards, 10 Season Highlight Checklist cards and 30 Star Rookies cards. Adding further value are two box break insert sets: National Pride (highlighting the 2003 USA Baseball National Team) and Twenty-Five Salute (paying tribute to the great players, such as Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, who sport jersey No. 25).
Upper Deck’s 2004 Upper Deck Baseball hits stores this month with a suggested retail price of $2.99 per pack. Additional descriptions for this product follow below:
