Boston Red Sox Hurler Matsuzaka Becomes the Ace of Upper Deck’s Staff

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Boston Red Sox Hurler Matsuzaka Becomes the Ace of Upper Deck’s Staff


The Company Signs Exclusive Autograph and Memorabilia Deal with Daisuke



Carlsbad, CA – (August 15, 2007) – Daisuke Matsuzaka has made quite an impression on big league batters, most not wanting to stand in the box and face his full array of pitches, much like the competition in the collectibles category where Upper Deck reigns supreme.  That is why the pairing of Daisuke and Upper Deck was fitting.  The front runner for American League Rookie of the Year has agreed to an exclusive autograph and memorabilia deal with the market leader in sports cards and memorabilia, Upper Deck.



The first of Matsuzaka’s Upper Deck exclusive in pack autographs and memorabilia cards will be included in Upper Deck’s Goudey Baseball (releases August 23), UD Future Stars (releases in mid September), SP Rookie Edition Baseball (releases September 6) and UD Masterpieces Baseball (releases mid-October).



“Daisuke Matsuzaka has been a big story this year, everyone in the hobby wants to get his Upper Deck exclusive autograph and game-used cards,” commented Louise Curcio, Vice President of Marketing for Upper Deck.  “We are excited to be able to bring Dice K’s autographs to collectors exclusively. He’s an exciting player to watch, and certainly garnered a lot of collector attention. We are seeing similar demand with Dice K as we did in 2001 with Albert Pujols.  The Baseball card market has been hungry for a rookie to come along like this and Dice K is certainly living up to expectations.”



“Daisuke Matsuzaka has had the baseball world and the collectibles market on notice since he was signed by the Red Sox,” added Tim Muret, Vice President of Upper Deck Authenticated.  “We look forward to working with Daisuke, Architect Co., LTD and Boras Marketing to create many unique authentic baseball themed products for baseball fans and collectors around the globe.”