Upper Deck signs Ripken to exclusive agreement

Upper Deck has teamed with Ironclad Authentics, which represents Cal Ripken Jr., for an exclusive trading card and autograph deal whereby Ripken will be included in upcoming baseball products and on packaging. Ripken's first card insert under this agreement, titled "Road to the Hall," will appear in Upper Deck Series One Baseball available early next year.

"Cal has left a very positive lasting impression on baseball fans the world over with his accomplishments and character and is the perfect embodiment of what Upper Deck and our baseball trading card products represent," said Upper Deck chairman and founder Richard McWilliam.

Ripken is expected to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January in his first year of eligibility. "I am excited to be part of another great team dedicated to providing collectors with the best quality collectible card items in the marketplace," said Ripken.

Ironclad Authentics is also a major supplier of signed memorabilia from current and former athletes to distributors throughout the country. The company is a Major League Baseball licensee, participant in the MLB Authentication program and a selling partner on MLB.com's online auction platform.