The Topps Company, Inc. today announced that its 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter product will include 200 limited edition autographed cards of President George W. Bush, marking the first time a United States President has signed an actual baseball card.



The limited edition autograph cards feature an image of President Bush throwing out the first pitch at Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. The special moment helped strengthen the American people in the wake of 9/11. Also included are ten special cards signed in red ink, some with inscriptions next to the former president’s autograph, including “#43” and “U.S.A.”



2011 Topps Allen & Ginter is a 440 card set featuring Major League Baseball players and champions from other sports. This year’s set includes 40 World Champion autograph subjects including Mickey Ward, Manny Pacquiao, Lou Holtz, John McEnroe, Kristi Yamaguchi and Annika Sorenstam.



“Our 2011 Allen & Ginter product will continue Topps’ historic tradition of chronicling heroes both on and off the playing field,” said Topps VP, Mark Sapir. “We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s set will include limited edition autographs of our country’s 43rd President, George W. Bush – marking the first time ever that a living President has made their autographs available in a trading card product.”



While recognized for its presence in sports, Topps has long chronicled history through trading cards. Over the years, Topps has offered cards based on man's first landing on the Moon in 1969, the Operation Desert Storm military conflict, the story of President Barack Obama, the life of President John F. Kennedy and the Royal Wedding.



The Topps Allen & Ginter brand is based on the original late 1800’s Allen & Ginter tobacco cards that featured the likes of sports and cultural icons.



Each pack will contain eight cards at a suggested retail price of $2.99 per pack.