For years, a local company has become a big success by producing trading cards recognizing sports and entertainment heroes. But now, they’re honoring what some might call real heroes.
Upper Deck, the Carlsbad-based company that is a leader in the trading card business, has produced cards honoring the USS Midway and the sailors who served aboard the historic ship.
The USS Midway cards are meant to spotlight the history of the aircraft carrier that is now a museum at the downtown waterfront and is visited by more than 1 million people each year.
“This is an opportunity to tell the stories of Midway’s 47 years of service in a truly unique way,” said Terry Kraft, President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum. “Midway’s operations and its heroic stories will be celebrated through this series of cards. We’re excited to commemorate Midway’s role in protecting and defending the freedoms we all enjoy through this new Upper Deck collectible card set.”
Instead of batting averages or game stats, the cards highlight stories of the Midway’s service and include relic cards featuring cuttings of Midway sailor uniforms and patches. The cards are in the 2024 Goodwin collection of Upper Deck cards that feature a mix of superstar athletes and entertainment personalities.
Paul Zickler, director of sports brands at Upper Deck, said the cards will be rare finds in the Goodwin collection, “so collectors will be lucky to find them.”
The Goodwin collection can be purchased at dealer shops that sell cards or online at UpperDeckStore.com.
The Midway played a crucial role in many historical events, including the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. The trading cards will feature information about Midway missions like Operations Frequent Wind, Fiery Vigil, and Desert Storm.
Upper Deck plans to have future sets of Midway cards that will identify sailors and feature their autographs.
“It is an honor to collaborate with them to commemorate its iconic history through Upper Deck trading cards,” said Upper Deck President Jason Masherah. “This collaboration brings together the excitement of collecting with the rich history of the Midway for all generations.”
