Introduction: MLB Dropping Topps?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, and has been around since 1876. As the sport has grown, so has the variety of merchandise available, including cards and other collectibles. One of the most popular brands of collectibles has been Topps, which has been producing cards and collectibles since 1951. Recently, however, there have been rumors that MLB may be dropping Topps as its official card maker. This article will explore the implications of this potential shift, and discuss the pros and cons of MLB dropping Topps.
History of Topps
Topps is an American company that has been producing collectibles since 1951. Initially, Topps began producing trading cards for baseball and other sports. Over the years, Topps has expanded to producing various other types of collectibles, such as stickers, coins, and more. Topps also produces cards for other sports, such as basketball, football, and hockey.
MLB and Topps Partnership
MLB and Topps have had a long-standing partnership, with Topps producing MLB cards since 1952. In addition to producing cards, Topps has also produced MLB-licensed products such as apparel, souvenirs, and more. The partnership between MLB and Topps has been mutually beneficial, with Topps getting access to MLB teams and players, and MLB getting to benefit from Topps’ expertise in producing collectibles.
Rumors of MLB Dropping Topps
Recently, there have been rumors that MLB may be dropping Topps as its official card maker. This has led to speculation about why MLB would drop Topps, and what the implications of such a move would be.
Reasons for MLB to Drop Topps
There are several potential reasons why MLB may be considering dropping Topps. One potential reason is that MLB may be looking to update its image and appeal to a younger demographic. Topps cards have a long history and tradition, but they may not be as appealing to the younger generation as newer card companies such as Upper Deck or Panini. Another potential reason is that MLB may be looking to increase its revenue, as newer card companies may offer better deals and higher royalties.
Potential Implications
If MLB were to drop Topps as its official card maker, there could be a number of potential implications. One potential implication is that there may be a decrease in the availability of MLB cards, as newer card companies may not have the same distribution channels as Topps. Another potential implication is that the quality of MLB cards may decrease, as newer card companies may not have the same expertise in producing cards as Topps.
Pros and Cons of MLB Dropping Topps
As with any potential decision, there are both pros and cons to MLB dropping Topps as its official card maker.
Pros
- Reaching a Younger Audience: MLB may be able to reach a younger audience by partnering with newer card companies.
- Increased Revenue: MLB may be able to increase its revenue by partnering with newer card companies that offer better deals and higher royalties.
- More Variety: MLB may be able to offer a greater variety of products by partnering with newer card companies.
Cons
- Decrease in Quality: The quality of MLB cards may decrease if MLB were to drop Topps as its official card maker.
- Decrease in Availability: There may be a decrease in the availability of MLB cards if MLB were to drop Topps.
- Loss of History and Tradition: MLB may lose some of its history and tradition by dropping Topps.
Conclusion
Whether or not MLB decides to drop Topps as its official card maker is still to be seen. However, if they do decide to drop Topps, there will be both pros and cons to the move. On one hand, MLB may be able to reach a younger audience and increase their revenue. On the other hand, there may be a decrease in the quality and availability of MLB cards, as well as a loss of history and tradition. Ultimately, it will be up to MLB to decide whether or not to drop Topps, and only time will tell what the implications of such a move will be.
References
- Major League Baseball – MLB.com. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2021, from mlb.com/
- Topps. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2021, from topps.com/
- MLB Considering Dropping Topps as Its Official Card Maker. (2021, May 10). Retrieved June 4, 2021, from sportscollectorsdaily.com/mlb-considering-dropping-topps-as-its-official-card-maker/