Monday, April 21, 2008

UD Inks Sizemore, Kemp and Bynum

You win some, you lose some. Days after losing a number of baseball legends, Upper Deck demonstrated its leadership in the field of modern stars by signing exclusive deals with MLB standouts Grady Sizemore and Matt Kemp and NBA up-and-comer Andrew Bynum. Terms of each deal are different, but they all provide autograph collectors with ample opportunity to secure authentic signatures in upcoming products.



"These three athletes represent another coup by Upper Deck in terms of seeking out and securing some of the most collectible athletes in their respective sports," said Tim Muret, Upper Deck's vice president of Sports Cards and Memorabilia.

Sizemore, Cleveland's starting center fielder, is a terrific talent who collected 174 hits including 24 home runs last season as he helped the Tribe get to within one win of the 2007 World Series. He also earned his first Rawlings Gold Glove award in 2007 after posting a .995 fielding average. UDA's contract calls for Sizemore to sign a wide assortment of baseball items including authentic game model Indians jerseys (home white, away gray and alternate blue) for $429.99 each, framed jerseys for $629.99, framed 16" x 20" photos for $349.99, bats at $274.99, batting helmets for $249.99, and mini-helmets, baseballs and 16" x 20" photos, $199.99. Products should be available in June.

Kemp, the Dodgers up-and-coming outfielder, collected 100 hits in just 98 games last season as he hit a robust .342 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI. His exclusive contract with UDA calls for him to sign the following lineup of baseball keepsakes: authentic Majestic Dodgers white home jerseys, $279.99; framed jerseys, $479.99; Rawlings Big Stick bats, $179.99; regulation-sized Dodger batting helmets, $159.99; inscribed baseballs, $129; regular baseballs, $99.99; and Dodger Stadium "At-Bat" 11" x 16.5" photos, $89.99. Kemp's products have been signed and will be available shortly.

Bynum, the Lakers' third-year center, averaged 13.1 points and 10.2 rebounds in 35 games this season. His efforts helped his team claim the Western Conference's Pacific Division crown with a 57-25 mark. He will sign Lakers jerseys for $399.99, Spalding basketballs for $299.99, and framed and unframed 8" x 10" and 16" x 20" photos for prices ranging from $169.99 to $299.99. His unframed products will be available in early May.

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