08/31/2026
WHY UPPER DECK WAS STARTED â AND WHY WEâRE STILL HERE
Almost eleven years ago, Upper Deck was started with a simple mission:
Help high school seniors continue playing baseball while continuing their education.
Our first season, we had just 12 players, including 5 seniors. Four of those seniors wanted to continue playing baseball at the next levelâand we were fortunate enough to help all four find an opportunity to play college baseball.
The following season, we had another 12-player roster with 5 seniors. Once again, all five wanted to continue their baseball careers, and all five moved on to play at the college level.
That success showed us something.
There was a real need for a program committed to helping young athletes find their next opportunity.
In our third year, we expanded to include 16U and 18U. By our fifth year, we began adding younger age groups focused on player development, giving athletes the opportunity to grow within the same program and work toward eventually reaching the 18U level.
At our peak, Upper Deck grew to 14 teams across baseball and softball, while typically operating between 7â10 teams each year.
But the number we are most proud of isnât the number of teams.
Itâs 49.
Over our first 10 seasons, 49 Upper Deck players went on to play college baseball or softball.
That number represents 49 athletes who were given an opportunity to continue their education, continue playing the game they love, and take the next step in their lives.
And thatâs why Upper Deck still exists today.
We donât promise that every player will play college baseball or softball.
We never guarantee a college opportunity.
But we can guarantee this:
We will work as hard as we possibly can to help make that dream a reality.
We believe in developing the playerânot just the athlete.
We believe in helping our players become better teammates, better competitors, better students, and better people.
And when the time comes to move on, we want every Upper Deck player to have the tools, development, guidance, and opportunity to take that next step.
11 years.
49 college players.
One mission.
Develop the player. Create the opportunity. Prepare them for whatâs next.
This is why Upper Deck was started.
And this is why Upper Deck is still here today.
Upper Deck Expos
Building Players.
Creating Opportunities.
Preparing for the Next Level.