Manny Pacquiao's First Certified Trading Card Autograph

While this site is clearly dedicated to basketball sports cards, allow me to once in a while post something not related to the sports.

After all, this one is still about sports cards. And I am a big Manny Pacquiao fan so I'm really excited about this one.

Today, 2011 Topps Allen and Ginter Baseball, the sixth installment of the popular trading card series with the retro tobacco card design and the world's greatest athletes in several sports is released.

What makes it special is that it includes the first certified Manny Pacquiao autographed trading card ever issued. Pacquiao's card is included in the Framed Autographed Collector's Item set randomly inserted in 2011 Topps Allen and Ginter hobby and retail trading packs.

For Topps, Pacquiao's inclusion was a no-brainer.

"He's someone we've been trying acquire a deal with for some time," said Topps Director of Product Development Clay Luraschi. "The product has always had a champions theme and Manny is known across the globe as not only one of the greatest champions in sports today, but of all time."

Pacquiao isn't the only boxer of slated to appear in this year's set. Also signing autographs for Ginter are Jake LaMotta of "Raging Bull" fame and Micky Ward, whose story was recently told in "The Fighter" starring Mark Wahlberg.

It will be interesting to see how much the cards will sell for at online auctions particularly eBay.

=======================================================

UPDATE July 14, 2011:

Two sales of the cards were registered at eBay today. Check it out.