On Long Island, Erik Bacharach reports before the final out was recorded in Mets P Steven Matz' "sparkling debut June 28," the Topps Digital team "had sprung into action, working to churn out two digital baseball cards that featured headlines from his performances on the mound and at the plate." The cards "were made available through Topps' 'BUNT' app, available for iOS and Android devices." Topps Digital Editor-in-Chief Chris Vaccaro said that the limited amount of digital cards "were available just hours after the game and sold out shortly thereafter." Bacharach reports Matz' "stellar debut" also prompted OYO Sports, the first building-block toy based off MLB players, to "develop a Matz figurine that will ship next week" at a suggested retail price of $12.99 (NEWSDAY, 7/8).
WE GOT THE BEATS: MLB and Beats by Dre yesterday unveiled a limited-edition line of team-branded wireless headphones. The collection includes team-specific sets for the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees and Giants, plus a set with '15 All-Star Game marks. Each set will cost $379.99 (MLB). YAHOO SPORTS' Mike Oz noted this is "said to be the first partnership between Beats and a pro sports league." About 1,000 "total pieces are available of the six designs" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/7).
ROAD TRIP: CONCACAF yesterday announced that Allstate Insurance "will be the Official Protector of the Gold Cup trophy as it makes its way to some of the biggest soccer matches across the country." Allstate, an official sponsor of the Gold Cup, kicked off the trophy tour yesterday in Dallas "ahead of the opening match at Toyota Stadium." At each stop along the tour, the Gold Cup Trophy "will be displayed at Allstate-organized community events benefiting local youth soccer leagues and at the Allstate Fan Zone." The Gold Cup "will visit Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, Charlotte, Baltimore, Atlanta and Philadelphia, in that order." This year marks the "first time Allstate has joined CONCACAF as a sponsor of the Gold Cup" (DAILYHERALD.com, 7/7).
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: In Portland, Matthew Kish reported the Pac-12 is "seeking a league-wide sportswear partner for celebration apparel and other 'conference needs' and has talked with Nike, Adidas and Under Armour." The deal "would not cover uniforms and apparel for athletes and coaches." Celebration gear for conference champions "currently does not have the logo of a sportswear company." If the Pac-12 signs a deal, it also "could include commercials on the Pac-12 Networks and sponsorships and signage at championship games" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/7).
