KING OF THE BRONX!

Every once in a while, a young pitcher takes the mound, and you can almost feel that something special is about to happen.

Friday night was one of those nights.

Cam Schlittler didn't simply outpitch the Phillies. He flat-out embarrassed one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball. Twelve strikeouts. Zero walks. More than seven scoreless innings. Against Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and a lineup that can ruin a pitcher's evening in a heartbeat, Schlittler never blinked.

Think about that for a second.

This wasn't some rebuilding club swinging at bad pitches. This was a veteran team with legitimate World Series aspirations. And for most of the night, they looked completely lost.

That's what great pitching does.

Schlittler pounded the strike zone from the first inning, worked quickly, trusted his stuff, and attacked hitters instead of nibbling around the edges. His fastball exploded through the zone, his secondary pitches kept hitters guessing, and every time the Phillies looked like they might build a little momentum, Schlittler slammed the door shut.

You couldn't help but smile watching it unfold.

The Yankees have been searching for homegrown starting pitching they can truly build around for years. Fans have heard the hype before. They've watched prospects arrive with enormous expectations only to disappear just as quickly.

Cam Schlittler doesn't look overwhelmed. He looks comfortable. More importantly, he looks like he expects to dominate. That's a completely different mindset, and it's showing every single time he takes the ball.

The Yankees' offense didn't exactly make life easy. Paul Goldschmidt supplied the only run of the game with a solo blast, leaving almost no margin for error. One mistake could have changed everything.

Schlittler never gave the Phillies that opportunity.

He trusted his defense, trusted his catcher, trusted his stuff, and kept firing strike after strike. No panic. No free passes. No unnecessary drama.

Just baseball the way it's supposed to be played.

When Aaron Boone finally walked to the mound in the eighth inning, Schlittler left the mound after putting together one of the most impressive pitching performances we've seen from a Yankees rookie in a long, long time.

The bullpen finished the job, but make no mistake—this game belonged to Cam Schlittler. Maybe the biggest takeaway isn't the 12 strikeouts. Maybe it's how ordinary he made greatness look.

That's what separates good pitchers from potential aces. Great pitchers make elite hitters look uncomfortable. Great pitchers control the pace of the game. Great pitchers pitch like they know they're the best player on the field.

Schlittler checked every one of those boxes. The Yankees still have plenty of questions to answer as this season rolls along. There will be ups and downs. There always are. But one thing suddenly feels different. Every fifth day, the Yankees aren't just sending another starter to the mound. They're sending out a young pitcher who is beginning to look like he could anchor this franchise for years to come.

If this is the beginning of Cam Schlittler's story in pinstripes, baseball better start paying attention.

This kid is taking over.

SCHWARBER & THE BABE

Baseball has a funny way of sneaking history up on you. One minute you’re watching a routine Thursday doubleheader, the next you’re blinking at a stat that makes you do a full-on cartoon double take.

Here it is—the kind of number that deserves a dramatic drumroll:

Through 1,321 MLB games, Babe Ruth smashed 348 home runs.
Through 1,321 MLB games, Kyle Schwarber… hit 350.

Yes, you read that right. The Sultan of Swat has company, and it’s a guy who looks like he could just as easily be grilling burgers at your neighborhood cookout as launching baseballs into orbit.

Let’s set the stage. Ruth isn’t just a legend—he’s the legend, still sitting third all-time with 714 home runs, trailing only Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron. His name isn’t just in the record books—it practically is the record book.

So when Schwarber’s name pops up next to Ruth’s in any statistical sentence, it’s not just notable—it’s borderline absurd in the best way.

And yet, here we are.

On a breezy day at Citizens Bank Park, with the Philadelphia Phillies locked in a tight game against the San Francisco Giants, Schwarber casually did what Schwarber does: he went yard. That swing marked his 350th career home run, delivered with the same no-nonsense energy he brings to every at-bat—step in, grip it, rip it, admire the chaos.

The kicker? He reached that milestone in his 10th season, at age 33, putting him squarely on a trajectory that could see him cruise past 500 if he keeps this pace. That’s not just “pretty good.” That’s “start-clearing-space-in-Cooperstown” territory.

Schwarber’s rise isn’t built on myth or mystique like Ruth’s. There’s no sepia-toned nostalgia, no called shots—just raw power, a sharp eye, and a swing that treats baseballs like they’ve personally offended him. He’s the modern slugger: efficient, fearless, and perfectly comfortable living in the three-true-outcomes era.

But stats like this? They bridge eras. They connect black-and-white legends to high-def heroes. They remind us that while the game evolves, greatness still leaves the same unmistakable mark—over the fence.

So the next time Schwarber digs into the batter’s box, remember: you’re not just watching another at-bat. You’re watching a player who, game for game, kept pace with the most iconic power hitter baseball has ever known.

Not bad for a guy just casually rewriting expectations one moonshot at a time.

SCOTT BORAS & THE YANKEES ARE PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME OF CHICKEN!

This could be a defining moment for the Yankees winter. All eyes are on Scott Boras, Cody Bellinger and the Yankees...and after Saturday's news dropped it doesn't sound promising.

According to Buster Olney HERE contract negotiations are "at an impasse." The Yankees have offered a five year deal with "at least" a $30 million average annual value which they believe is competitive. However, Boras and Cody are asking for a seven year deal and the rumor mill says Cody wants closer to $37 million a year. Did the Yankees make a competitive offer?

That's what everyone is debating. If you look at what the market has already commanded, it is definitely speaking. Pete Alonso signed a five year $155 million deal with the Orioles and Kyle Schwarber signed a five year $150 million deal with the Phillies. This is where the market gets tricky. Based on what Alonso got, one can argue that Cody got a fair value, but then there is Schwarber. A guy that has mostly served as a designated hitter the last two years signed a deal that is supposedly similar to the offer the Yankees made to Cody? Hmmmm.

That's where this gets hard. If Schwarber's offer is similar to what the Yankees offered Cody the Yankees might need to ask themselves just how badly do they want Cody back. Do I think they need to go seven years? No, and as bad as I want Cody back I am not loving the idea of signing him for seven years. However, the Yankees may need to go that sixth year and give him a slight increase on an average annual value basis. It's not unreasonable.

At this point, the Yankees are supposedly shifting gears and approaching the rest of their offseason like Cody won't be coming back. At this stage, the Yankees assume the market has gone cold. Maybe it has....we'll see but they are not going to bid against themselves.

Remember, at the Winter Meetings, Scott Boras got cutesy with a poetry attempt and hinted that there were eight teams interested in Bellinger. Who knows if that's true or if Boras was fibbing on that BUT that is definitely how Boras operates so embellishing the truth on that is not out of the realm of possibility.

Boras is now and has always played a good hand of poker. He said Cody had interest in as many as eight teams....but that could realistically also mean one or two. There's a fine line between flat out lying and bluffing. It's how Boras operates and gets the best deals for his clients so I never underestimate him. Right now the Yankees are calling Boras' bluff and I just hope it turns out in their favor.

I don't know how this is going to pan out but what I DO know is the Yankees won't have another 94 win season with regular outfield playing time with Trent Grisham in center field and Jasson Dominguez in left field. Hell, the Yankees shouldn't even gamble with Spencer Jones either. They need stability out there, and that's exactly what Cody brings.

Cody is a big part of the Yankees plans for a successful run this season. Our rivals have all made improvements while we have not. The Yankees can't stand firm here. A game of chicken is not the answer. Someone needs to blink here and get this done. 

If it doesn't happen I am going to lose what little sanity I have left.....

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

SCOTT BORAS HAS REACHED A NEW LEVEL OF CRAZY!

Winter would be very tame if there was no super agent Scott Boras. An offseason with no Boras would not be as entertaining but he would annoy less people. Boras is baseball's most powerful agent but he's also really freaking strange.

Boras is many things. He's sought after by many players, especially all of the big names but also hated by many fans. He's a smooth talker that can convince owners to open their wallets and spend the big bucks because they NEED his players. He's the schmoozer and entertainer that has done so well at it that we all have grown to despise him and now he's added one more quality....he's also a bizarro wannabe poet.

In case you missed it, Boras wants us all to know just how many suitors Cody Bellinger has and he did it in poetic fashion, read more HERE. He got cutesy at the Winter Meetings yesterday. Now that the Phillies have locked up Kyle Schwarber, he's doing what Boras does best....trying to drive up Cody's price.
"It's not for me to JUDGE, but great players see RED if they have a big bat YANKED out of their lineup," Boras said. "I haven't MET a team that DODGES a five-tool player. To PHIL the center field need is a GIANT step towards the playoffs. North and South, outfielders that fly with power, they're rare BIRDS. In the offseason, there's a lot of startup to organizations, and for that reason, there's a lot of ANGEL investors that are looking for very versatile outfielders. So other than that, Belli doesn't have much interest."

When I read that, I thought I was back in English Literature class creating sonnets and haiku's or something. That's just weird and on a whole new level of crazy. So going off of Boras' poetry session the Yankees, Mets, Angels, Dodgers, Phillies, Giants, Orioles and Reds are all in on Cody. I don't think the Phillies are as IN on Cody as Boras wants us to believe now that they have a deal with Schwarber. Again, this is what Boras does he drives up the price.

I don't see the Reds here, Cody is going to a big market with bigger money and the Angels are kind of funny too. Bigger market but just not realistic. This could easily come down to the big three once again....the Yankees, Mets and Billion dollar Dodgers. The Mets could be more aggressive now that they have lost out on Edwin Diaz and the Dodgers just have to spend money like they are in Congress.

How much does Cody want to be a Yankee? I guess we will have to wait and see. There's one thing that no other team has....the nostalgia that the Yankees have for the Bellinger family. It's a legacy connection. Like father Clay Bellinger, like son Cody. I know this isn't a guaranteed lock by any means but Cody enjoyed his time here just like his dad. 

This comes down to Hal Steinbrenner. He lost big last winter....does he want that to happen again? That would be a hard pill to swallow. Boras is just being Boras, but trying to make this cute is creepy even for his standards. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

ALONSO TO THE RED SOX?

Well, Pete Alonso has officially packed up his bats and walked out of Queens — and honestly, who can blame him? After being treated like an afterthought by the Mets last offseason, the Polar Bear decided to bet on himself, and spoiler alert: he won. He’s declining a $24 million player option because apparently, hitting .272 with 38 home runs and leading the National League with 41 doubles earns you the right to shop around. Go figure. Also, good for him.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Alonso sits just behind Kyle Schwarber and Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami as one of the top power bats on the market — which is basically a polite way of saying “someone’s about to overpay him, and it won’t be Steve Cohen.” Alonso is reportedly looking for a seven-year deal this time, because after the Mets’ lukewarm courting last winter, he’s not just dating for fun anymore. He wants commitment — and maybe a front office that actually calls him back.

Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly tossed out a spicy prediction that the Red Sox could swoop in, especially with uncertainty surrounding Triston Casas’ knee. Kelly suggests Boston might “replace Alex Bregman with Pete Alonso,” which is interesting. But hey, the idea of Alonso mashing bombs over the Green Monster is fun to imagine for Red Sox fans — especially if it means sticking it to the Mets from a few hundred miles north.

Now, I’m not exactly in the Pete Alonso Fan Club, but even I can admit the guy deserved better from the Mets. The problem last offseason wasn’t just the Mets’ indecision — it was Scott Boras. The super-agent nearly froze Alonso out of a long-term deal by overplaying his hand, dragging out negotiations so long that even Steve Cohen admitted the talks were more exhausting than dealing with Juan Soto. And when Steve Cohen calls something exhausting, you know it’s bad.

In the end, Alonso did what smart players do — he's choosing peace, freedom, and the open market. Maybe he’ll end up in Boston, maybe somewhere else. But one thing’s for sure: wherever he lands, he’ll get paid, he’ll hit dingers, and he won’t have to pretend he enjoys answering questions about the Mets’ “future direction.”

Stay tuned — the Polar Bear’s about to find a new cave, and this time, he’s charging admission.

COULD CASHMAN FINALLY GET HIS "WHITE WHALE"?

Look, I get the buzz. Kyle Schwarber to the Yankees? That’s the kind of power play you dream about—pairing him with Aaron Judge in the same lineup would be a downright nightmare for opposing pitchers. I mean, the guy has clubbed 137 home runs since the start of 2022. That’s not just a big bat—that’s a sledgehammer in the middle of a lineup. And sure, it’s fun to imagine. The Yankees need a legit replacement for the 41 bombs Juan Soto launched last year, and Schwarber would absolutely check that box. FanSided even floated the idea that Brian Cashman might finally land his long-time target, the one that got away when Schwarber was non-tendered by the Cubs, passed over at the 2021 deadline, and signed elsewhere in free agency. It’s a juicy “what if.”

But here’s the thing—Kyle Schwarber isn’t going anywhere.

The man loves Philadelphia. He’s not shy about it either. He’s publicly talked about how much he wants to stay, how much the Phillies organization means to him. And it makes sense. He fits that city. Blue collar, big moments, all heart. He’s become a tone-setter, a leader, and a fan favorite. You don’t just let that walk out the door, especially when he keeps mashing at this level.

Yeah, maybe he's not the most versatile player anymore—he’s 32 now, and the DH spot is probably going to be his long-term home. That’s fine. That’s what Giancarlo Stanton became too. But if we’re talking about raw power, if we’re talking about game-changing, jaw-dropping thunder in the lineup? Schwarber’s still elite. He’s a cheat code. A walking fireworks show.

All that said, I just don’t see the Phillies letting him hit the open market. Not unless they’re completely asleep at the wheel. And even if he does, there’s no guarantee he’d leave. He’s made it clear—he wants to be in Philly.

So yeah, it’s a wild idea. It’s fun to think about. But let’s be real. Kyle Schwarber feels like a lifer in red pinstripes. The Yankees can dream—but this guy? He’s Philly through and through. I’d be shocked to see him go anywhere else. Ever, ever, ever.

That being said, I love the way Fansided is thinking right now.

NOT TO BE OUTDONE, HOT RED SOX SNAG SCHWARBER

I knew something was coming and there it is. The Red Sox hace acquired Kyle Schwarber from the Nationals.

The New York Post writes:

"The Red Sox acquired Kyle Schwarber from the Nationals late Thursday night, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed.

Schwarber, 28, is on the IL with a hamstring strain and likely will be sidelined for a couple of more weeks. Schwarber is hitting .253 with 25 home runs and 53 RBIs this season, with most of the damage being done in his absolutely scorching month of June."

Let's see what happens next... it's been a nutty trade deadline period... almost nuttier than usual.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS CLOSE TO A DEAL WITH DIETRICH

It's a shame the Yankees didn't give this guy a shot, but no worries... the Nationals will.

Fansided writes:

"The Washington Nationals are closing in on a deal with free agent outfielder Derek Dietrich.

After opting out of his contract with the New York Yankees earlier this week, Derek Dietrich, 31, has found a home with the Washington Nationals.

It is unclear at this time if the deal is a minor league or major league contract.

What is clear is the Nationals have a need for a left-handed bat in the outfield after the hamstring injury to Kyle Schwarber.

Derek Dietrich gives the Nationals versatility in the field, pop at the plate..."

And with all the lack of offense, he would have helped out the Yankees on occasion. I understand people don't get it. In fact, this is my favorite comment... from of course Unknown:

Here's the thing Unknown... average and the Mendoza line doesn't mean shit if he can come up, work some walks, crack a few doubles once in a while and help get men on base. That's what the Yankees don't have! At the time I wrote that, the Yankees were losing alot and a call up of Dietrich wouldn't have hurt ANYTHING. All it would have done would be an experiment.    

But none of that matters now. It looks like Dietrich is on the move. I hope he does his job in Washington. That would make me happy.

Opportunity? It brings action.  Mark. My. Words.

WHY KYLE SCHWARBER MAKES SENSE FOR THE YANKEES

Clearly the only guy that makes sense for the Yankees despite the fact that he will put them over their salary cap is DJ LeMahieu. And with other teams swarming around the big fish, the Yankees still remain LeMahieu's top contender. But put that aside for a minute to consider other bats the Yankees need to remain a contender for the world championship. Kyle Schwarber is available, can crank out home runs and could be a cheap option for the Yankees to ignite the lineup.

Source: ESPN

"Have you seen the short porch in right field? It’s like Schwarber was born to play in Yankee Stadium, and likely part of the reason the Yankees have been connected to the ex-Cubs slugger for years. Schwarber is coming off a down season (.701 OPS, 88 OPS+), but only a year removed from crushing 38 home runs and posting an OPS+ of 122 for a playoff team in 2019. On the right team and in the right spots (platooning only vs. right-handed pitchers), there’s a valuable hitter here," reported NJ.com on Saturday. 

I like the guy. I mean, he provided much needed offense for the Cubs, even late into the Series in 2016, despite being on the IL for most of the season. He could fit the DH spot and also fill in from time to time in the outfield. Now, many will say well, that is what we got Giancarlo Stanton for; true but he's a dud. 

Source: The Chicago Tribune

The Yankees are not the only team who could go after Schwarber. DJ LeMahieu's old team has an interest in the outfielder too, which would make for a great addition to the team. According to Colorado Rockies manger Bud Black, "the team is looking to add a bat either in the outfield or at first or second base this offseason. Now, the Rockies are hardly a big-market presence, but they could absolutely swing a deal that would bring Schwarber to the Mile High City and balance out a lineup that’s pretty right-handed heavy as currently constructed," reported Fansided. 

Source: NJ.com

Brian Cashman also needs to cleverly balance a budget while also picking up another couple of pitchers to round off the staff. Word on the street is that 34-year-old David Phelps could be someone who not only fits the budget but also has a heavy hand in the bullpen. Whatever happens in the next couple weeks between LeMahieu, Schwarber and even Phelps will be very telling for the Yankees who need to do something soon and get their Spring Training and 2021 Season revved up and ready to go. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

BRYCE HARPER WINS HOME RUN DERBY

Photo: Getty Images

Yikes. It wasn't as exciting as people say it was. In fact, it was extremely boring... until the very end and you know what? That's it.

Bryce Harper wins, over Kyle Schwarber in the final seconds.  ESPN writes:

"...the All-Star break can mean a reset for many, and Harper found some welcome sanctuary Monday night with a return to his two favorite places: (1) Nationals Park and (2) launch mode. 

Photo: Getty Images

The 2018 Home Run Derby took on extra meaning for Harper, who participated in the event as a shoutout to the home crowd in what might be his final season in Washington. For sentimentalists, he brought along his father, Ron, as his designated Derby pitcher. On the verge of an anticlimactic ending, the Harpers began a furious comeback with a nod and some family karma. 

Photo: Getty Images

Down 18-9 to Kyle Schwarber in the final round, Bryce went deep nine times in a span of 10 swings to tie it at the end of regulation. Then he drove the second pitch of bonus time over the fence in center field to win the thing, and all sorts of raw emotions came flooding to the surface."

And so what's my take away...

Well... Harper's dad looks like he can play the game right this second.  2.  It's great for Bryce who needed that in front of the Nationals fans... but it means nothing.  The only thing it means, as ESPN says if that maybe he can use that energy and reset he and his team.

We shall see.

Congrats to Bryce. Nice work Schwarber.

COULD YANKEES SIGN KYLE SCHWARBER?

Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America

Here at BYB we love nuggets.  And this nugget is a good one to chew on for a mid-week snack.  According to The NY Daily News writer John Harper the Yankees should trade for Chicago Cubs position player Kyle Schwarber to take on the designated hitter role for the Bombers. I have to say, his argument is pretty convincing.

Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America

"I think Schwarber would be a lock to hit 40 home runs in the Bronx, while giving the Yankees the most fearsome lineup in baseball," said Harper of the 24-year-old Schwarber.  Harper also reports of Schwarber's natural ability, something he demonstrated during the 2016 post season where his clutch hitting offered significant advantage over the battling Cleveland Indian team.

 Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images North America

Who would we give up?  The Cubs are in need of pitching, particularly if they lose out on attaining Shohei Ohtani, much like the Yankees have.  Harper suggests Dellin Betances and Chance Adams.  I agree with Betances but I am little protective of Adams who is still developing, still looking to have his break out year.  This could be his year in the Bronx much like Luis Severino had in 2017.

Source: Jim Young, USA TODAY Sports

Harper suggests that the Yankees could "afford to give up Betances and Adams."  I suggest that if we are going to give up Adams we'd need to pick up both Schwarber and Jake Arrieta who is testing the free agent market this off season.  The Dodgers have shown interest in Arrieta, but I think the Yankees need to strike first.

 Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images North America

Kyle Schwarber would be an interesting pickup for the Yankees for the right price.  One of our Achilles heels this post season was most definitely the designated hitter slot.  We can't afford to have a this be the weak link so Schwarber or someone like him would be a great pick up.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YOU WANT PLAYERS TO LEARN HOW TO WIN

Source: MATT ROURKE/AP

With the final exclamation point added to the end of the 2017 season, the Yankees front office is very clear about its vision for success: "You want players to learn how to win," said a key front office person according to the NY Daily News.  "That culture is drummed into our young players early and often," he added.  And that vision will carry the team of young players into a highly anticipated 2018, where the Bombers are expected to go all the way.

Source: ROY TAORMINA/USA TODAY SPORTS

"Like the Astros, the Yankees have a nucleus of young, home-grown players, though it’s worth pointing out they didn’t tank for several years, as the ‘Stros did, to put that nucleus in place," reported the NY Daily News.  Also worth mentioning is that the 2016 World Champion Cubs also did a lot of losing before they built their nucleus of Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber.

Source: ELSA/GETTY IMAGES

The Yankees will continue to build those players who will quickly learn how to win.  These are players we don't even know about yet.  These are players who are being scouted and courted to the Yankees to be developed by one of the best, if not the best, farm system in baseball.

According to MLB.com minor league export Jim Callis: “The Yankees had the game’s deepest farm system before (the trades). … They still may have the deepest.”  At the mid point of the season, MLB.com ranked the Yankees the fourth best farm system.  According to Baseball America, however, "in 2017 the Yankees had the best overall won-loss record in the minors of any organization, and it wasn’t particularly close. In fact, the record posted by their eight minor-league affiliates of 491-325 (.602) represented the highest winning percentage for any organization “in at least 10 years."

The proof will be in the pudding as they say as the Yankees continue to build, strategize, and develop the core nucleus of their growing organization.  And these young players will learn very early on what it is like to be in a culture dedicated to playing at the top of its game: a culture for winning.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @suzieprof

BYB Stack Merchandise (2017)

TOPPS & NEW ERA PARTNER UP

Here's the latest from Topps on a new and exciting project!

"New Era Cap®, the official cap of Major League Baseball®, and The Topps Company, Inc., the exclusive trading card partners of MLB, today launched a cap collection to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the memorable 1987 Topps® wood-grain trading card design and a modern update showcasing new technologies used in the 2017 Topps Chrome® trading cards.

The 9FIFTY® snapback caps, which are available at NewEraCap.com, Topps.com, MLBShop.com, Lids.com, retail locations within select MLB ballparks and a handful of other retailers throughout the U.S. beginning the week of July 31, will feature all 30 MLB teams in both styles and retail for $34.

The New Era MLB 1987 Topps 9FIFTY cap features a team-color crown with the team logo used in the 1987 card design embroidered on the front, a wood-grain applique on the visor and the Topps’ “The Real One!” tagline on the back. The New Era MLB 2017 Topps Chrome 9FIFTY features a team color crown with a LiquidChrome™ team logo on the front, a chrome sublimation print on the visor featuring the team logo in the 2017 Topps card design and a silver snap closure on the back."

'This collaboration between two heritage brands aligned with Major League Baseball allows fans to rekindle their baseball memories from the past while also offering a modern twist to create additional memories for the future,' said Tony DeSimone, Baseball Category Director at New Era Cap. 'Topps has been a great partner in helping us design and produce these caps that will surely resonate with both longtime and newer baseball fans.'

'The New Era caps are a great way to bring many baseball fans back to their childhoods while showcasing the new technologies that Topps has to offer on modern cards,' said Dan Kinton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Topps. 'Seeing the Topps designs brought to life on New Era caps has been nothing short of amazing. The New Era caps really capture the essence of the card designs.'

The two iconic baseball licensees also announced they are partnering on an exciting 32-card trading card set that will be available exclusively at MLB ballparks when purchasing select Topps and New Era product beginning on Aug. 1. Fans will receive one pack including eight limited-edition cards when purchasing a New Era cap and Topps Team-Card set at any participating MLB ballpark retail location. Fans will receive one card pack per purchased cap and team-card set, while supplies last.

Fans will also be able to collect cap memorabilia cards in select card packs, as New Era and Topps will be offering swatches of player-worn MLB Authentic Collection 59FIFTY® caps in relic cards (numbered to 99) randomly inserted into the card packs. The relic cards include swatches from caps worn by New Era ambassadors Jose Altuve, Dellin Betances, Mookie Betts, Josh Donaldson, Bryce Harper, Rick Porcello, Buster Posey, Kyle Schwarber, Corey Seager, Dansby Swanson and Noah Syndergaard.

National Baseball Card Day celebrates the fun of baseball and card collecting on Aug. 12. Topps, Major League Baseball, and the Major League Baseball Players Association have partnered to make National Baseball Card Day an unforgettable event with hobby shops across North America and all 30 MLB teams taking part in the festivities with in-store promotions and in-stadium giveaways.

We love to celebrate Topps here at BYB and the beginning of the year we made a commitment to helping promote the Topps brand.  It just makes me feel all fuzzy inside.

For more information, go to Topps.com.