2009 “Balloon Boy” hoax vehicle now available as Topps inserts

Pieces of the infamous flying saucer that starred in Colorado’s 2009 balloon boy hoax are now available for purchase.

Several months ago, Michael Fruitman, the current owner of the defunct balloon, struck a deal with New York City-based sports and entertainment card company Topps to use a segment of the Mylar saucer for individual trading cards. The card is included in the recently released 2012 Topps Baseball Allen & Ginter Relics Set.

Clay Luraschi, director of sports at Topps, said the Balloon Boy card was viewed as a good fit for the set, which commemorates not only sport champions but also popular events.

“From what we’ve seen thus far there has been a lot of interest in it,” he said. “It’s definitely unique and different and that’s kind of what the product is about.”

I have to tip my cap to Topps on this one.  Every time I think they’ve finally created the most pointless chase card possible, they keep finding new ways to prove me wrong.