In a metropolis bustling with energy and unpredictability, inspiration can appear unexpectedly, often in the ordinary world we navigate daily. For Phil Imbriano, a senior designer with Topps, the unexpected muse for the 2025 Topps Series 1 baseball cards turned out to be a routine commute on New York City’s subway. Picture this: a tired but sharp designer, his eyes scanning the familiar sights in the train car, suddenly captivated by a red-and-silver badge in the corner. The clean lines and sleek curves imprinted an idea that would evolve into a game-changing design for baseball card enthusiasts.
Armed with a quick snapshot from his phone, Imbriano headed straight to his design desk at Topps. By the end of his subway-to-office odyssey, he had begun sketching the initial drafts of what would become the celebrated 2025 design. This approach is a testament to the idea that inspiration, even when found in a crowded train car, can eventually manifest as something larger and more significant.
“I love drawing inspiration from everyday things,” Imbriano shared. “Anything from a building to a sign can catch my eye. I take pictures and revisit them later. You just never know when something simple will explode into something big.” His curiosity and appreciation for the aesthetics surrounding him daily propelled the innovative look set to dazzle card collectors.
The final design of the 2025 Topps Series 1 cards integrates two bold, dynamic lines ascending the left side and extending across the top. A callback to the 1982 Topps set, these elements, striking a nostalgic chord, were not initially intended. Instead, they emerged serendipitously, echoing the charm of past collections while introducing fresh modern touches. Ironically, Imbriano initially planned to channel the woodgrain aesthetic of the 1962 and 1987 sets. “The ’82 connection was a happy accident,” he admitted, with an artistic twist weaving together threads of vintage style and contemporary flair.
Selecting the perfect design is no small feat at Topps, involving an intensive internal process where designers submit their ideas to undergo a rigorous round of evaluations. Emerging victoriously, Imbriano’s design outlasted twenty other creative submissions in this spirited competition. Interestingly enough, elements from non-winning designs often find their way into future collections. This year, for example, a discreet field graphic displays the player’s position on the card’s lower corner.
From the birth of an idea on a subway to the completed card in hand, Imbriano birthed roughly ten versions before the final design took shape. In his words, “There’s so much that goes into this process. I don’t think most people realize the amount of work involved before they ever hold the card in their hands.”
The creation of a baseball card is not solely a digital endeavor. Once final designs are selected, the Topps team constructs physical prototypes to ensure a tangible confirmation of aesthetic and quality. This step is crucial, according to Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product. “When we’re down to the final five designs, we actually print them and simulate opening a pack,” Luraschi explained, noting the fierce internal debates that often ensue. “This is the 74th edition of Topps baseball cards. We cherish the legacy laid down since Sy Berger designed them at his kitchen table. It’s serious—but it’s also a heap of fun.”
But the base design, while monumental, is but the opening act. Topps Series 1 garnishes the experience with several beloved subsets that enhance the collector’s journey. There are tributes like Future Stars, All-Topps Team, Training Grounds, Call to the Hall, and specialized collections like City Connect Swatch Collection Autographs and Heavy Lumber Autographs. Signature Tunes and First Pitch return as fan favorites, merging baseball with broader cultural profundity.
A unique gem awaits Dodgers aficionados: special card variations immortalizing joyous moments, including the whimsical Freddie Dance courtesy of Freddie Freeman. Reflecting on the 35th anniversary, the 2025 series pays homage to 1990’s audacious, vibrant designs, honoring but no overshadowing Imbriano’s monumental base vision.
Imbriano likens card designing to crafting a compelling movie poster, “Each card should stand out on its own,” he said, “like a mini poster in a collector’s hands.” Such a conviction aligns perfectly with Topps’ overarching design philosophy steeped in legacy and innovation.
Luraschi encapsulates the grandeur of Imbriano’s enterprise, “Fifty years from now, people should look at a card and instantly know the era it belongs to. This design captures that spirit.” A mundane subway ride gave rise to a memorable design, etching another chapter in Topps’ celebrated history.