Topps Turns Giuliani Into Red Sox Fan

Content originally published by sportscollectorsdaily.com on 6 February 2008

It's that time of year again.

Topps is celebrating the new baseball card season with yet another 'fun with Photoshop' special. Last year, George Bush and Mickey Mantle made a cameo appearance on Derek Jeter's card. This time, Topps has taken an image from the 2007 World Series--one showing the celebrating Boston Red Sox--and put noted Yankee fan Rudy Giuliani on the edge of the group.

Last fall, when the Sox eliminated the Yankees in the American League playoffs, Giuliani said he would be rooting for Boston in the Series because he was "an American League fan". That didn't sit well with some of his fellow Yankee supporters, many of whom would root for anyone but the Bosox.

Topps is already getting widespread publicity for its latest stunt, which is likely aimed at boosting sales for its new cards, especially among non-traditional collectors who want it for the novelty.

While last year's Jeter card and the 2006 Alex Gordon error were initially shrouded in some mystery when released, Topps is admitting this year's spoof card was no accident.

"We took that and thought it would make for a funny card, since the Red Sox won," Clay Luraschi, Topps' baseball brand manager told the Associated Press. "We thought, let's put him in the championship dog pile."

The card will be seeded one in approximately 70 packs. They've already hit eBay and are drawing some impressive bids, even though 2008 Topps baseball isn't scheduled to be released until later in the week.

The 2007 Jeter/Bush/Mantle card began selling for $300-400 at this time last year, but is now available for less than $5.

Ironically, Giuliani was featured for his Yankee allegiance in Topps' 2004 subset "All Time Fan Favorites". The former New York mayer also has his own card in this year's Topps set, one of twelve Presidential contender inserts produced by the company that will also be part of the first series.