Well, that didn’t take long. Brian Gray, the man in charge of Leaf Trading Cards has sent in scans of 2011 Leaf Valiant. As you can see from the image below (click to enlarge), the cards look brilliant. I love how it has a modern look to them but with the familiar layout of 1998 Crusade. Surprisingly, I don’t feel that the added certified autograph takes anything away from the design.
One thing I am not sold on, which really we can’t do anything about, is the lack of official logos. I am not a fan of airbrushed, non-licensed baseball cards but these just may change my mind. I don’t know the exact details on how Ichiro landed with Leaf but I would love to see other players, current and retired, sign similar deals.
Hint … his first name is Jose.
