The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13 and promises to add a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. This year’s edition continues the tradition of the Heritage line, offering hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each with nine cards. Inside each box, collectors can expect to find an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of this collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. The high number set ranges from card number 501 to 700, and it includes an additional 25 short prints numbered from 701 to 725. Collectors will eagerly seek these short prints to complete their set. This special high number set will feature rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams, adding an exciting element to the collection.
Adding a unique touch to the collection are the base card parallels. Options include the limited Black Bordered parallel, available only in hobby boxes, the ultra-rare Flip Stock parallel, exclusive to hobby boxes and limited to just 5 copies, and various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. These Chrome Parallels include the Refractor parallel numbered to 673, the Silver Bordered parallel numbered to 373, the Black Bordered parallel numbered to 73, the Gold Bordered parallel limited to 5 copies and exclusive to hobby boxes, and the highly sought-after Superfractor parallel, numbered to just 1. Additionally, collectors can find base card variations such as the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (exclusive to hobby boxes), and Team Name and Color Swap (exclusive to hobby boxes), adding even more excitement to the chase.
Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, further elevating the anticipation for collectors. In addition to the base set, there are 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, and traded/signed stamped variations to discover and collect.
The insert sets in this collection are diverse and add depth to the overall experience. The Rookie Performers set features 15 first-year players who made an impact during the season. The Now and Then set pairs highlights from 1973 with corresponding moments from the 2022 season, providing a unique perspective on baseball history. The Combo Cards set showcases thematic pairings that fans will enjoy. The Award Winners set highlights the outstanding performances of players during the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set brings to life iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. The Hammer set celebrates Hank Aaron’s historic home run record set in April 1974. Lastly, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps pay homage to the original version, featuring both modern-day stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section of the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection starts with Real One Autographs, featuring on-card signatures in classic blue ink. For a more limited edition, collectors can look for the Red Ink versions, also known as the “Special Edition,” numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured player and numbered to 99 or fewer, adding a historical touch to the collection.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards, with autographed versions limited to 25 or fewer copies. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will also be available, numbered to 99. For collectors seeking something truly unique, there are 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. Additionally, serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics will be available, with 1/1 patch parallels included, providing collectors with a variety of options to add to their collection.
The checklist for the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection also features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s, making them incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Exclusive to hobby boxes, the box loaders in this collection offer an extra special treat. Collectors can expect to find one of four options: 1974 Topps Oversized cards, which are oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards, 1974 Topps Puzzles, paying homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles featuring current stars, 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball cards, and 1974 Topps Originals, which are authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added, creating a unique collector’s item.
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of the 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. Its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders makes it an appealing and diverse collection for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. With surprises and unique cards at every turn, the 2023 Heritage High Number Baseball collection is an absolute must-have for any baseball card enthusiast.
