Topps, Bloomberg Sports Partner on Baseball Trading Card Stats with Advanced Analytics

The Topps Company, Inc. and Bloomberg Sports, the world’s leaders in sports analytic technology and the newest member of the STATS global network, unveiled a partnership to provide custom-designed advanced analytics on select trading card offerings for 2014.

Unique statistical analysis will replace traditional stats on MLS and Bowman Chrome Baseball Cards in 2014.

The new-look analytics have been featured on the backs of Topps Major League Soccer cards, which launched earlier this season, and content will be showcased now on the back of the 2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball, which releases at the end of September, and other select 2014 Bowman trading card products.

“This is a great way to marry the traditional collector with a new audience looking for something different in trading cards, be it baseball or other sports,” said Bill Squadron, STATS EVP and head of Bloomberg Sports. “Our analytic work in a wide range of sports can provide a whole set of unique and compelling data for fans to discuss and enhance their enjoyment of the game, and there is no more elite platform to deliver that data on than a hallmark brand like Topps.”

“Every year we strive to find new ways to engage both the casual fan and the ardent collector, and we feel that the partnership with Bloomberg Sports accomplishes that. These revolutionized card backs has given us another unique point of engagement that is both eye-catching and educational and fun for all,” said Zvee Geffen, Topps MLS and Bowman Brand Manager. “Analytics are an essential part of today’s conversations in every sport and this new content will document that emerging trend, and the new data we are providing will help enhance the experience for all.”

The just-released Bowman Chrome baseball card sets will feature six different analytical templates created by Bloomberg Sports, including spray charts that document veteran power hitters’ home run locations and strikeout pitchers’ pitch selections. For MLB prospects, statistics will include organizational rankings and comparisons to minor league averages.

Among the stars featured in 2014 Bowman Chrome are MLB rookies Jose Abreu, George Springer and Masahiro Tanaka, veterans Mike Trout, Yu Darvish and Bryce Harper, and prospects Byron Buxton and Kris Bryant. The set also features autographed cards and an assortment of colorful parallel cards.

The 2014 Bowman Chrome Baseball set will be available in hobby stores this week. Topps MLS Soccer, which also included unique analytics from Bloomberg Sports, are available at retail outlets now.