Panini Unveils Multi-Sport Redemption Program and VIP Set for the National
By Stephen Laroche | Beckett Basketball Editor
Panini America has given collectors a small glimpse into their plans for the upcoming 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, Ohio and they will be focusing on the hottest rookies around in addition to today’s brightest stars.
It all begins with a special treat for VIP attendees as they will open up their bags to find a coupon they can take to the company’s booth and exchange it for a special six-card set. This loaded collection features recent NFL draftees Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles, NBA picks Andrew Wiggins and Dante Exum, along with MLB freshmen Jose Abreu and Masahiro Tanaka.
Last week, Panini also announced a special wrapper redemption program which features a solid mix of star players such as Mike Trout, Russell Wilson and Blake Griffin. The 60-card base set is also enhanced by the presence of rookie cards numbered to 499 along with 10 additional Memorabilia Rookie cards limited to 99 copies each.
The company also plans to make further announcements about additional booth activities and the Panini VIP Party in the weeks leading up to the National.
Stephen Laroche is the editor of Beckett Basketball and Beckett Hockey magazines. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an e-mail to him at basketballeditor@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Stephen_Laroche.
The MLBPA feels there’s value to be had — and dollars to be made — by allowing companies without a deal with MLB to make cards showing its players. And Panini agrees, bringing more baseball cards to the masses.
That in a nutshell is why they exist.
And if Panini could pay more to get the license I am sure it would. MLB opted to have one company handle its cards — it’s MLB’s choice to do it that way.
Panini has a nice selection of veterans, and the cards are well done (if you want bad airbrushing of logos, go look at Topps football from the late 1970’s).
I would love to see Upper Deck get its baseball license back. I would trade Panini’s garbage any day for the outstanding photography that Upper Deck is known for!