Topps has a pretty good handle on how to merge the past, present and future of baseball together in its baseball cards. Now it looks like the first part of that formula is about to get a big boost.

The company announced today that it has signed a deal with CMG Worldwide to obtain exclusive rights to produce trading cards of 16 former MLB stars through the 2010 season. And these aren't just any old players, but a veritable who's who of baseball history: Jackie Robinson, Lou Gehrig, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Cy Young, Honus Wagner, Tris Speaker, Thurman Munson, Roy Campanella, Rogers Hornsby, Mel Ott, Johnny Mize, Jimmie Foxx, Pee Wee Reese, George Sisler and Christy Mathewson.

A similar deal with the estate of Mickey Mantle has led to a number of interesting cards, so this move seems like a natural fit for Topps. It's not hard to imagine all kinds of ways these Hall of Famers can fit into some of the manufacturer's retro-themed sets, such as Topps Heritage and Allen & Ginter.

For now, though, collectors will get their first taste of the CMG group in a decidedly modern brand: 2008 Topps Triple Threads. The six-swatch card pictured above is one of a number of cards utilizing the legends that will appear in the set, tentatively scheduled for a June release.

"Topps is synonymous with great athletes and we are thrilled to form a partnership with CMG giving us exclusive rights to baseball's greatest legends," said Warren Friss, Topps' GM of Sports & Entertainment, in a company press release. "We look forward to incorporating these players into our upcoming products and giving our loyal fan-base cards that cannot be found anywhere else."

Image courtesy of and copyright Topps.