New York, NY, Wednesday October 20, 2010
The Topps Company, Inc., the exclusive producer of Major League Baseball trading cards, is proud to announce that it has signed Major League Baseball’s # 1 Draft Pick Bryce Harper to an exclusive agreement.

The multi-year deal grants Topps exclusive rights for autographed cards, game-used memorabilia cards and Harper’s image use on packaging and advertising.

“Growing up a huge baseball fan, it will be surreal to see myself on a Topps card with a Nationals jersey on,” said Harper. “I’m excited to team up with Topps and take one of the first steps to realizing my Major League dreams.”

Harper, who earned his GED after his sophomore year of high school, was the first overall pick in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft. In his lone season at the College of Southern Nevada, the outfielder hit .443 with 31 home runs and 98 RBIs in 66 games. Harper’s record-setting campaign earned him the Golden Spikes Award as the best amateur baseball player in the country.

“Bryce is a once-in-a-generation kind of player,” said Warren Friss, GM, Topps Sports & Entertainment. “When someone like him comes along, you try to make him a big part of your team and we’re thrilled to have him join the Topps roster.”

Last year, Topps became the first exclusive baseball card company of Major League Baseball in nearly 30 years. The deal also marks the second straight year Topps has signed an exclusive agreement with Major League Baseball’s first overall draft pick. The company looks to expand its ongoing efforts to invigorate the category, continue launching ground-breaking products, improve the retail and collecting experience and make cards more relevant to children.