Topps Lands Strasburg as Exclusive

Topps announced that it has signed baseball’s 2009 No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg to an exclusive agreement.

The multi-year deal grants Topps exclusive rights for autographed cards, game-used memorabilia cards and Strasburg’s image use on packaging and advertising. Topps will also offer a limited-edition line of autographed memorabilia items.

“I can’t wait to see myself in uniform on my first Topps card,” said Strasburg. “That’s when I know I will have truly made it as a baseball player.”

Strasburg, 21, one of the most heralded amateur players in the game’s history, was the first overall pick of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. The highly-touted pitcher went 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA at San Diego State University in 2009 and won the Golden Spikes Award tabbing him the best amateur baseball player in the country.

“Stephen is a very special talent,” said Warren Friss, GM, Topps Sports & Entertainment. “When a phenom like him comes along, you do whatever you can to make them part of your team.”

In the coming weeks, Topps will unveil card designs and products featuring Strasburg.