The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13, bringing a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. This year’s edition continues the tradition of the Heritage line, featuring hobby boxes filled with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. Collectors can expect to find an autograph or relic card in each box, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of this collection pays homage to the 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It includes a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700, with an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their set. This set will feature rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams, adding to the excitement for collectors.
Adding a unique touch to the collection, the base card parallels offer a range of options. There are Black Bordered parallels, limited to just 50 and available exclusively in hobby boxes. Flip Stock parallels, limited to only five, can also be found in hobby boxes. Additionally, various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players are included. These Chrome Parallels come in different versions such as Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to five, hobby only), and Superfractor (numbered to one). There will also be a Hot Box Refractor available. Furthermore, collectors can keep an eye out for base card variations like the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only), adding depth to the set.
Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, heightening anticipation among collectors. In addition to the base set and its variations, collectors can find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in this collection are diverse, offering something for everyone. Rookie Performers showcases 15 first-year players who made an impact during the season. Now and Then pairs highlights from 1973 with corresponding events from the 2022 season, providing a nostalgic yet current perspective. Combo Cards feature thematic pairings that celebrate the spirit of the game. Award Winners highlights the top performers of the 2021 season. 1974 Highlights takes collectors back to iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. The Hammer celebrates Hank Aaron’s historic home run record in April 1974. And finally, 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps pay tribute to the original stamp collection, featuring both modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section of the collection features Real One Autographs, which boast on-card signatures in blue ink. For those looking for something extra special, Red Ink versions, known as “Special Edition,” will be numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, capturing memorable moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured player and numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series, appeasing collectors who value unique memorabilia pieces. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards, with autographed versions available and numbered to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99, and there will also be 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. Collectors can also look forward to serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with the added bonus of 1/1 patch parallels to truly make these cards stand out. Furthermore, the checklist features 1/1 Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer collectors even more excitement. The box loaders include four different options: 1974 Topps Oversized (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, and 1974 Topps Originals (authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added). These box loaders serve as a delightful bonus for those lucky enough to find them.
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive throwback set that combines the charm of the iconic 1974 Topps design with modern players and current season highlights. Its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders make it an appealing and diverse collection for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Whether you’re a fan of the 1970s or simply appreciate the beauty of retro-inspired designs, this collection offers something for everyone who loves the game of baseball. So get ready to step back in time while embracing the excitement of the present with the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection.