After getting the night to digest the information reported by the New York Times, my initial reaction hasn’t changed much.I don’t like the idea of a monopoly. Upper Deck’s products had gotten a little stale over time (what were all those Xs about), but there were still products I definitely enjoyed. One of my favorite all-time Upper Deck products is 2007 Sweet Spot.
In reality, there is nothing the collectors can do about Upper Deck not getting its MLB license, however, it still has the MLBPA license.
Last night, during my outcry about the news, one of my Upper Deck Twitter buds (@ScoobyCub) said they could still use the players on the cards, just not any team logos. So, apparently there will be Derek Jeter cards just nothing that says New York Yankees or have the NY logo on it.
I am thinking portrait shots. Perhaps topless shots?! Guys in just uni bottoms and no tops?
Maybe this isn’t a bad thing for the female collectors out there.
All kidding aside, in a year’s time we will be able to gauge how this has affected the industry.
Topps will come out with invigorating products and drive the market because collectors want to get everything that is out there.
Or it will shut out the people keeping this business alive because they don’t like the idea of the companies pretending we don’t exist. This could have potentially big ramifications in the industry.
I am interested to hear MLB’s explanation for going with just one company.
