Thierry Henry fans who are also fans of trading cards can fret no more; Upper Deck has produced the first MLS card of the player.

Better still? Card collectors have a chance to receive the card for free by purchasing two blaster boxes of 2010 Upper Deck Soccer on the company’s online store.

As Jason Masherah, Upper Deck’s VP of Marketing, puts it, its hard to find a soccer athlete as big as Henry,

“There are few names associated with soccer right now that are bigger than Henry’s.  Since we were unable to include him in our original Upper Deck Soccer product this year, for the simply fact that he was not yet a member of the [MLS], this is a big coup for us. We’re extremely excited to get this card out into the marketplace.”

Henry, who is probably better known to non-soccer fans by the illegal handball which allowed France’s national team to participate in the World Cup, signed with the MLS’ New York Red Bulls in July.

Henry card is an image from his first MLS game.

Image & Info via Beckett

Collectors everywhere were already excited for the National Sports Collectors Convention, which takes place in Baltimore, August 4-8.  But now they have even one more reason to be excited.

Lebron James.

That’s right exclusive NBA card licensor, Panini America, has created the first Lebron James/Miami Heat card, and the National Sports Collectors Convention is the first place collectors will have a chance to get it.

Collectors who open five packs of current Panini NBA or NFL cards at the company’s booth during the show will receive a pack of cards specially made for the event that runs Aug. 4-8 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

James is one of 50 athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL and college baseball ranks who will appear in the company’s National set. There will be rarer Green and Blue parallels (rarer versions numbered to 50 and 25 respectively) of the card to be found as well. (via Beckett Blog)

Well, well.  The first Lebron James card.  Collectors everywhere are probably clamoring with anticipation.  The only question left to be unanswered is how the market will price the card.  You have an already in demand athlete who’s now on a new team, and is featured on a card which I assume will be fairly scarce.

While we won’t see Strasburg-type fever, and Lebron’s card won’t single-handedly revitalize the card industry, it will be very interesting to see what develops.

(image via beckett blog)

In news that would otherwise fly under the radar, your favorite NFL cheerleader and her uniform have a new sponsor.  GTM, a company that specializes in sports apparel has signed a sponsorship deal with 11 of the 32 NFL squads (remember not every squad, like the Steelers for example, even have cheerleaders to begin with).  Details from Sports Pro Media,

Sponsored teams for the 2010/11 NFL seasons include the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.

Details of the 11 new sponsorships differ by team, however, ostensibly the new agreement sees GTM Sportswear providing the cheer leading teams with team kits in return for various promotional elements, including the GTM Sportswear logo featuring on the team’s websites, jumbotron advertisements during games and events, program ads, photo cards, season tickets, radio spots, and personal appearances. (via Sports Pro Media)

As said, details vary for each team, but, nevertheless, NFL fans can probably expect to see a lot of the GTM sportswear logo this year.

Both on the field, and in various other NFL related media pieces.

Forgive my ignorance if this doesn’t come as news to everyone else, but Tom Brokaw (yes, that Tom Brokaw) stars on a fishing show.  More surprising?  Michael Keaton stars on the show with him.  Its all a part of the new programming on America’s home for “outdoorsy” television, the Outdoor Network.

America’s leader in Outdoor TV, today announced two new fishing shows. “Buccaneers and Bones” and “Fishing University” will come to Outdoor Channel in 2011.  The two established shows, which include celebrated entertainers and lauded hosts, will provide every angler — aficionado and newcomer alike — a chance to dive into the exciting world of fishing.

Outdoor Channel’s new slate of fishing shows will complement its already robust roster of top industry talent and stars.  ”Buccaneers and Bones” will feature world-renowned television anchor Tom Brokaw, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Michael Keaton and Friday Night Lights’ Zach Gilford as they explore the wonders of bone fishing and tarpon fishing around the world. “Fishing University,” with host Charlie Ingram, will complement the other action-packed fishing programs by providing highly-informative episodes on the skills needed to fish like a pro.

Apparently, both shows already existed, “Buccaneers and Bones” on ESPN2 and “Fishing University” on Versus, but the Outdoor Network has swooped in an acquired both (the Outdoor Network seems like a fitting home for both, no?).

Tom Brokaw…fishing.  It is all just a reminder to keep your options open when you’re looking for a potential endorsers for your product.  Who would have believed that Keaton and Brokaw, already well known for other activities would not only be huge fans of bone fishing, but would be large enough enthusiasts that you could build at least a relatively successful TV show around them?

Always keep your options open…and, think outside the box.

image via Meridianclub.com

Okay sports memorabilia fans…it looks like you’ve only got one more shot to get the autograph of Lebron James…

…at least, while he’s still wearing the number #23.

Hyped Up Sports is living up to its name with a private signing with LeBron James that company officials are touting as the last opportunity to have the 2010 MVP sign items linked with his No. 23.

Hyped Up Sports, an Upper Deck Authenticated dealer, and the rare private signing is slated for late July at the Upper Deck headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif.

“Going forward he will only be signing No. 6 items (his new jersey number), so collectors are urged to make sure they don’t miss out on this last opportunity,” said Cody James, owner of Hyped Up Sports. (via Sports Collectors Digest)

For those looking to take advantage of Lebron’s last signing with the number 23, Hyped Up Sports is reporting that pricing starts at $399 for Hyped Up Sports items; photos and flats, and ranges up to $499 for basketballs, jerseys and the like.

As mentioned, the signing will take place in late July.  If interested, you should check out hypedupsports.com for more information.

Hmm…with free agency starting on July 1st, it could also be the last time Lebron autographs anything while still in the employ of the Cleveland Cavaliers as well…so, it should be interesting all the way around.

Strasburg-mania has now reached fever pitch levels.

Beckett Blog is reporting that Strasburg’s SuperFractor card from the 2010 Bowman set has sold via eBay auction for $25,000.  Seriously.

The card sold for $25,000 after 75 bids on eBay Monday evening as Robert J. Power, opted to sell the card in the wake of the publicity that the since-removed 1/1 Red autograph generated on the auction block. (The Red autograph, the only card that can presently top the SuperFractor in significance, neared $1 million in bad bids before it the auction was ended this past weekend.)

Power’s auction ended Monday, topping the previous mark of $16,304 he paid for the card before Strasburg made his MLB debut earlier this month. The new sale sets a record for a SuperFractor. (via Beckett Blog)

What can you say but “wow”.  It really just goes to show how much you can manipulate the market, if you have the right timing and an almost other-worldly demand for an item.  Are you pulling down $25K for autographed special insert cards of proven pitching veterans like Roy Halladay or Johan Santana?  Or even for the younger rising stars like Ubaldo Jimenez? No.

But for the phenom that is Steven Strasburg?  Most certainly.  The card market is a crazy place, especially when you look at the fact that its based in large part on player performance, which can vary from game-to-game or year-to-year.  I personally think Power  made the right decision in selling the card for 25K now…but who knows.  If Strasburg continues to dominate…who knows what the future holds?

image via Beckett Blog

Earlier today, Landon Donovan made himself a soccer legend by scoring the deciding goal that took the United States soccer team into the single elimination round of the world cup.

Needless to say, the increase in price in Landon Donovan memorabilia was almost felt instantly,

Donovan, the face of American soccer, first appeared on a certified autograph trading card in 2004, pictured as a Los Angeles Dodgers fan as part of an insert set in the Playoff Absolute Baseball set.

That card, prior to Wednesday, was valued at a mere $40 but had been selling for as much as $75 during the first 10 days of the World Cup. In the moments after the U.S. national team’s victory over Algeria, one of the cards on eBay had eclipsed the $100 barrier with three hours still remaining while four new copies of the card had been listed within minutes of the outcome, with two sporting Buy It Now prices of $499.99 and the other two featuring $200 price tags. (via Beckett Blog)

The sound you hear is Landon Donovan fans breaking their piggy banks all across America.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER JERKY.

Youk’s Ultimate Fan Contest!

PLB Sports is sponsoring a contest to find the ultimate Kevin Youkilis Fan!

This limited time contest will run from June 18th, 2010 until July 9th, 2010

Participants will be entered to win the grand prize, a Youkilis Ultimate Fan Combo Pack!  The combo pack consists of:

-(1) one Kevin Youkilis autographed baseball bat
-(1) one Kevin Youkilis autographed baseball
-(2) two packages of Kevin Youkilis Beef Jerky

Four first place winners will receive:

-(1) one Kevin Youkilis autographed baseball
-(2) two packages of Kevin Youkilis Beef Jerky

HOW TO ENTER:

All customers that purchase Youk’s Beef Jerky anywhere in between June 18, 2010 and July 9, 2010 are automatically entered to win!

For those people who already have their bag of Youk’s, don’t fret, you can still enter as well!
You can either:

- Submit a short essay to plbsports@yahoo.com (250 words or less) stating why you love Youk and the Red Sox

OR

- Retweet or Tweet the following message on Twitter: “I love Youks Beef Jerky! #plbsports”

All submissions (essay and purchases) will be grouped together and a winner will randomly be chosen.  Complete terms and conditions can be found here.

Apparently, Dwight Howard has lived up to the “Superman” moniker so much, that even Superman recognizes him as the man of steel.

(via Press Release) Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Comics announced today that it is collaborating with adidas, the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, to produce a Superman-inspired line of merchandise featuring the iconic DC Super Hero, Superman and NBA All-Star, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

The upcoming adidas line will consist of footwear and apparel, co-branded with the legendary DC Comics Hero, Superman, along with Howard, whose on-the-court persona has often been compared to the Man of Steel.  Items will include t-shirts, fleeces, jerseys and track jackets, as well as athletic footwear.  The products will be distributed globally at sporting goods stores, stadium shops, athletic apparel and footwear stores, specialty and department stores and will be available to consumers by Holiday 2010.

“Superman is the universal symbol of strength and speed, not to mention he has one heck of a vertical leap,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.  “Dwight’s super heroic feats on the court make this partnership with adidas an ideal collaboration for basketball and comic book fans alike.”

“I’ve always been a big fan of Superman and to be able to team up on this new line is a dream come true.  I can’t wait to check out all of this great gear and share it with my fans,” added Howard.

NBA superstar, Dwight Howard, is a four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA team selection, three-time All-Defensive member, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.  Howard has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the league in rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage and free throw attempts, and has set numerous franchise and league records.  He has led the Magic to three division titles and one conference title, and he was the winner of the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with his Superman dunk.  In the 2008 Olympics, he was the starting center for Team USA, which went on to win the gold medal.
“Dwight is one of the most dominant players in today’s game, and Superman has been wowing audiences of all ages for decades,” said Chris Grancio, head of global sports marketing, adidas basketball. “We’re excited to bring these two icons together on adidas apparel and accessories and look forward to offering consumers a great product line.”

Nice! Looks like all of those Dwight Howard/Superman fans are about to experience the best of both worlds.

via Press Release

Copeland’s of New Orleans has teamed up again with New Orleans Hornets point guard and Olympic Gold Medal winner Chris Paul as the official title sponsor of the 2010 Chris Paul Basketball Camp, which provides scholarships for children of the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana to attend the premiere camp. In addition to the title sponsorship, Copeland’s of New Orleans introduces a new limited edition CP3 dish to the Chris Paul signature menu lineup, with proceeds to benefit the Al Copeland Foundation and the Chris Paul Basketball Camp.

“Through our partnership with the Chris Paul Basketball Camp, we feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help make hundreds of kids’ dreams of attending a top-tiered basketball camp a reality, while raising funding and awareness for finding a cure for the disease that took my father’s life,” said Al Copeland Jr., CEO of Al Copeland Investments. “The new CP3 dish honors Al Copeland Sr.’s commitment to authentic southern cuisine and Chris Paul’s personal taste and we’re proud that the proceeds from the dish will benefit both charities.”

The new CP3 dish, Creole Shrimp & Grits, has already been launched at Copeland’s Social City and Copeland’s of New Orleans and will be launched at Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro on June 6th. The dish reflects Chris Paul’s and Copeland’s true southern roots. As the launching pad for the Chris Paul and Copeland’s of New Orleans partnership, the first Chris Paul CP3 dish was debuted at the Chris Paul Basketball Camp in 2008 and has continued to evolve into a full lineup of menu offerings. Copeland’s of New Orleans will introduce a second limited edition CP3 dish in restaurants later this summer.

Continued support of these foundations is possible by purchasing the recently launched Chris Paul CP3 dish at all Copeland’s restaurants including Copeland’s of New Orleans, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro and Copeland’s Social City.  All proceeds will benefit both the Chris Paul Basketball Camp and the Al Copeland Foundation for cancer research. For more information on the Al Copeland Foundation for cancer research, visit www.alcopelandfoundation.org.

The Chris Paul Basketball Camp gives kids from ages 7 – 18 a day of expert instruction on basketball fundamentals. The camp is being held this year at Tulane University from July 22 – 29, 2010. For more information or to register for the Chris Paul Basketball Camp, visit http://www.procamps.com/chrispaul.

Not really a lot to say on this one, but that it seems like a great idea…or continues to be a great idea.

Kudos to Chris and to Mr. Copeland and the various Copeland restaurants.