Bench Warmer International
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Bench Warmer International is a company that produces trading cards featuring female models. Bench Warmer International is a manufacturer and distributor of collectible trading cards in the U.S.[1]
In 1989 Connie Woods became the first woman to have her own trading card set when she conceptualized, created and founded Bench Warmer Trading Cards. This six card set, produced solely by Miss Woods, was limited to a run of 10,000 sets. [1] [2]
She holds the distinct honor of being "The Original Bench Warmer" and her silhouette in a softball uniform on a bench is the logo for Bench Warmer Trading Cards. [2]
Founded in 1992, Bench Warmer International, Inc. released a second set of Bench Warmer trading cards using its motto "Trading Cards Never Looked So Good". The premier edition featured nearly 100 different up-and-coming models, actresses and starlets including Baywatch actresses and Traci Bingham. Models are featured in swimsuits, lingerie or wearing various sports gear and attire. This time 20,000,000 cards were printed and distributed.
After a disagreement it was discovered that her partner Brian Wallos had secretly packaged product, was selling it through his other corporation and then lending the money back to Bench Warmer, Inc. and after a startling legal battle, the Bench Warmer brand was stolen by Brian Wallos[citation needed].
Many trading card collectors see the Woods Bench Warmer trading card set as the beginning of 'tasteful' model cards.
Most series typically consist of 100 cards. These series traditionally include 60 different model cards, complete with "stats", biographical information on each model, "Replay" cards, "Double Play" cards, "Series 2 Preview" cards and checklist cards for the enthusiast collector.
Insert cards tend to feature Authentic Bikini Swatch Cards cards with a piece of a bikini worn by Bench Warmer celebrities. To increase collectibility, 25 cards are signed by each celebrity. Other inserts include 20 different autographed cards; 12 "All American Chromium" cards; eight "Hottie Chromium" cards; and eight 5" x 7" "Jumbo" cards.
Celebrity connection[]
Over the years, models who have appeared on the wrappers and boxes throughout the years have included Jaime Bergman, Brande Roderick, Nikki Schieler, Victoria Silvstedt and Valentina. Reality television star Megan Hauserman also has appeared on several Benchwarmer cards. In looking to capitalize on the popularity of inserts commonly found in sports cards (for example, autographed and jersey cards), Benchwarmer would release their own insert cards featuring bikini swatches and autographs.
The models who have appeared on the Benchwarmer cards themselves have been a veritable who's who of Playboy models and past WWE Divas including Christy Hemme, Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle. TNA Knockouts have recently been seen in the 2008 Signature Series set and they include Traci Brooks, Gail Kim, and Christy Hemme.
Appearances by Playmates[]
- Sara Jean Underwood
- Barbara Moore
- Megan Hauserman
- Tamara Witmer
- Katie Lohmann
- Jaime Bergman
- Lauren Michelle Hill
- Tina Marie Jordan
- Brande Roderick
- Nikki Schieler
- Victoria Silvstedt
- Tiffany Taylor
- Colleen Shannon
- Devin DeVasquez
References[]
- ^ "Bench Warmer Trading Cards Salute 2008 Presidential Race With Limited Edition Political Satire Cards" (Press release). Market Wire. 2008-10-21. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2009-06-24.
- ^ "Connie Woods". IMDb. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
External links[]
- Manufacturing companies based in California
- Trading card companies