Carlsbad-based Upper Deck, known for their sports and entertainment trading cards, is taking a unique step by rolling out a new series. This time, they’re not celebrating athletes or movie stars, but rather the USS Midway and the sailors who served on her.
Trading Cards With a Twist
Forget about homeruns and touchdowns; Upper Deck’s latest collection dives into a significant piece of naval history. The USS Midway, which now serves as a museum on the downtown waterfront, attracts over a million visitors yearly. Upper Deck’s new cards shine a spotlight on the ship’s powerful legacy.
“This collection offers a great way to share the stories from the Midway’s 47 years of service,” said Terry Kraft, President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum. He added, “We’re proud to celebrate this through Upper Deck’s trading cards and help educate and inform the public on the Midway’s important role.”
A Close Look at the Cards
The unique trading cards will feature:
- Detailed accounts of Midway’s missions, including Operations Frequent Wind, Fiery Vigil, and Desert Storm.
- Relic cards that contain actual pieces of uniforms and patches from Midway sailors.
These cards are part of the 2024 Goodwin collection. “Finding these cards will be a rare treat for collectors,” mentioned Paul Zickler, director of sports brands at Upper Deck.
Future Plans and Collector’s Interest
Looking forward, Upper Deck plans to expand this series. The future sets will likely include specific sailors, possibly even with autographs, bringing a personal touch to the collection.
“We are honored to work on commemorating Midway’s iconic history,” expressed Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. He continued, “This project is a thrilling blend of collecting fun and enriching historical education.”
These cards not only serve as collectibles but as educational snippets, allowing people of all ages to own a piece of history. They are available through card dealers and online at UpperDeckStore.com.
What This Means for Collectors and History Buffs
Collectors of memorabilia and those passionate about military history will find these new cards especially meaningful. Each card is not just a piece of cardboard; it’s a slice of history, a story of bravery, and a tribute to the servicemen and women who played roles in critical moments of the past century.
For those who admire history, these cards provide a tangible connection to the past, and for collectors, it’s a fresh avenue in a market filled with sports and entertainment memorabilia.
Upper Deck’s new initiative is more than just a business venture; it’s a heartfelt nod to real heroes and a bridge linking past to present, educating and inspiring through the power of simple yet impactful collectibles.
