Bloomberg Sports, and Topps Company Inc. have announced a partnership that will provide custom designed advanced analytics on select trading card offerings for 2014.
The new statistical analytics have been featured on Topp’s Major League Soccer cards and will also be displayed on the upcoming 2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball cards. This Chrome set will be in shops at the end of September, also featuring autographed cards and an assortment of colorful parallel cards.
Six different analytical templates will be showcased on the cards including spray charts that document veteran power hitters’ home run locations and strikeout pitchers’ pitch selection.
As for MLB prospects, the cards will feature statistics that 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, in a press release. “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.”
This new analytics driven partnership between Topps and Bloomberg Sports is a sign of the times for the MLB and its fans. Advanced statistics and analytics have become such an integral part of the game that they have now penetrated the Baseball card market. As Bloomberg tries to further establish itself as one of the leaders in the growing sports analytics industry, unique partnerships like this will go a long way to appeal to the “Moneyball” fans of today’s era.
