The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is here, and it’s sure to delight fans of both retro-themed cards and modern players. Scheduled for release in the week of December 13, this collection adds a festive touch to the annual Heritage line.
Building on the success of the earlier Heritage set released in the year, this edition extends the base set with a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700. Collectors will be thrilled to find an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) to complete their collection. These short prints feature rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams.
To add a unique touch to the collection, Topps has included various base card parallels. Hobby boxes offer limited editions like the Black Bordered parallel (limited to 50) and the Flip Stock parallel (limited to 5). Additionally, collectors can chase after Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players, including Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, hobby only), and the highly sought-after Superfractor (numbered to 1). A Hot Box Refractor will also be available for those lucky collectors. 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) to make your collection even more unique.
But the surprises don’t stop there. Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, adding to the anticipation. In addition, 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 and pay homage to different aspects of the game. The Rookie Performers set includes 15 first-year players who are making an impact on the field. Now and Then pairs highlights from the 1973 season with exciting moments from the 2022 season. Combo Cards feature thematic pairings that showcase the best duos in the game. Award Winners highlight the standout performances from the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set takes collectors back in time, showcasing iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. Celebrate Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974 with The Hammer set. And finally, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps set pays tribute to the original version with modern stars and nostalgic players from the era.
No collection would be complete without autographs, and the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection delivers. The Real One Autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink, adding an authentic touch to the cards. Look out for the special edition Red Ink versions, numbered to 73 or less, to add a rare find to your collection. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs set, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. Each card is signed by the featured player and numbered to 99 or less, making these autographs highly desirable.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a staple in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards. Autographed versions of these relics are numbered to 25 or less, adding even more value to these collectibles. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99, providing another level of rarity. And for the avid collectors, keep an eye out for the 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. For those looking for something truly unique, the checklist also features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer a variety of options to collectors. Choose from the 1974 Topps Oversized cards, which are oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards. Step back in time with the 1974 Topps Puzzles, paying homage to the puzzles that were included with the 1974 Topps cards, but featuring current stars. Relive the nostalgia with the 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball cards, and finally, collectors can find authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added in the 1974 Topps Originals box loader set.
In conclusion, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection offers a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set for collectors. With its blend of throwback designs, modern players, and current season highlights, this collection is sure to appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Explore the wide variety of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders that make this collection an exciting addition to any collection.