Set to hit shelves on June 12, the 2024 Topps Series 2 promises an infusion of excitement for baseball card collectors. With 350 new base cards joining the initial 350 from Series 1, collectors can expect an expanded range of players, rookies, and even some notable names absent from the first series, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Staying true to the established formula, the new series retains parallels, short prints, and super short prints from Series 1, while also unveiling captivating new inserts that build upon the previous success.
Highlighting this collection is a special short-printed set that celebrates Ronald Acuna’s extraordinary 40/70 season from the year before. Additionally, there are exclusive All-Star cards included in the mix, paying homage to the 1989 Topps Set and marking the 35th anniversary of the final release of the 1980s.
Gracing the cover of Series 2 is Juan Soto, setting the stage for two types of Hobby boxes: the classic box containing 20 packs of 12 cards each and the Jumbo box comprising ten packs of 40 cards each. Each box guarantees an autograph or relic card, along with silver bonus packs featuring chrome cards, numbered autographs, and parallels that will delight collectors.
The 350-card base set in Series 2 is a treasure trove of content, including veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards, all bedecked with various parallel options such as the Gold Foil Parallel exclusive to Jumbo packs, the Rainbow Foil Parallel, the numbered Gold Parallel, and the Blue Holofoil Board Parallel. Rarities like the Purple Holofoil, Green Crackle Foil, Vintage Stock Parallel, Independence Day Parallel, and Black Parallel are exclusive to Hobby/Jumbo packs, adding an element of surprise to each opening.
Amidst the base set, a plethora of new and returning inserts steal the spotlight, with intriguing themes like the 40/70 insert celebrating Ronald Acuna’s MVP season and exclusive to Hobby boxes. Other fresh inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field feature multiple parallels ranging from Blue to Platinum, with select subjects offering Autograph Parallels. The beloved 1989 Topps Baseball design returns with new All-Star inserts honoring the game’s finest players, a nod to the original 1989 release.
Returning from Series 1 are notable insert sets like Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and hand-drawn Sketch cards, all restricted to Hobby products. A new standout insert, Platinum Performers, makes its debut in the form of a super short print that collectors will eagerly hunt for.
The allure of relic cards and autographs remains strong, with enticing offerings such as Baseball Stars Autographs and the novel 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards, featuring dual and triple autographs along with rare Platinum Parallels. The relic section boasts Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys, Major League Material cards, and a spectrum of parallels extending to Platinum, completing the collector’s dream.
In conclusion, the 2024 Topps Series 2 elevates the baseball card collecting experience by preserving beloved elements from Series 1 while introducing new and exclusive inserts, autographs, and relic cards that will captivate both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. Fans of the sport and card enthusiasts alike can look forward to uncovering rare gems and expanding their collections with this much-anticipated release.
