Panini prepares for spring training road trip

By Chris Olds | Beckett Baseball Editor

Spring training means plenty to the baseball world and baseball fans even if the results in the standings don’t count.

For Panini America and baseball card collectors it means even more.

In 11 days, Panini’s Spring Training Road Trip begins — it’s an 11-day adventure that will include stops in several cities in both Florida and Arizona for card signings and social media interaction with some of the top young names in the game.

“Last year’s inaugural Panini Spring Training Road Trip was a tremendous success on a number of fronts,” said Jason Howarth, Panini America’s Vice President of Marketing. “It not only allowed us the opportunity to spend meaningful time with – and secure invaluable content from — many players who are integral to our MLBPA-licensed products, it also helped us prove that the Road Trip idea would work. With one year under our belt, we’re ready to make this a bigger event this year and in the years to come.”

The company said this year’s trip will include nearly twice as many players as last year. Among those expected will be Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Addison Russell, Yasmany Tomas, Joey Gallo, Rusney Castillo, Yoan Moncada, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano.

Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball and Beckett Sports Card Monthly magazines. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an email to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisolds2009.