Sports Media Report
As the calendar flips to June, the Topps Company’s “Project 2020” continues its ascent, with fans and collectors showing increased interest in the program, in which 20 commissioned popular artists re-imagine 20 iconic cards from the past 70 years. So far, with 100 cards issued, the total sold is more than 1,000,000, with last week’s Keith Shore interpretation of Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1989 card leading the way with 99,177 units. That broke the series record set just one card earlier, Joshua Vides’s 1969 Nolan Ryan (64,629).
Perhaps best reflecting the depth of the talent pool and interest from a variety of fandoms, the top 10 selling cards were created by nine different artists, and seven of those depict distinct players. Two Ben Baller offerings (2011 Mike Trout, 1985 Dwight Gooden) dot the top 10 sellers, while three Mike Trout cards and two Derek Jeter depictions are the only player repeats.
“’Project 2020’ has taken on a life of its own, especially over the past month,” said Jeff Heckman, Global Director of Ecommerce. “We’ve been blown away by the amazing designs that these talented creators have produced, and we are gratified that the work of so many of them have been so popular with fans and collectors.”
In the spirit of its popular “TOPPS NOW” program, two Topps “Project 2020” cards are issued daily on weekdays via the Topps.com website. The cards are only available for a 48-hour period from the time each is introduced.
The cards in the Project 2020 offering include: 1952 Willie Mays; 1952 Jackie Robinson; 1955 Sandy Koufax; 1959 Bob Gibson; 1980 Rickey Henderson; 1989 Ken Griffey Jr; 1969 Nolan Ryan; 1984 Don Mattingly; 2001 Ichiro; 1992 Derek Jeter; 1992 Bowman Mariano Rivera; 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken; 1983 Tony Gwynn; 1975 George Brett; 2011 Updates Mike Trout; 1987 Mark McGwire; 1990 Frank Thomas; 1985 Dwight Gooden; 1955 Roberto Clemente and 1954 Ted Williams.
