The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13th. This collection adds a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series, continuing the tradition of the Heritage line. It features hobby boxes with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. Notable inclusions are an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed atop the packs.
The base set of this collection, inspired by the 1974 Topps design, 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. Furthermore, there are 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.
The base card parallels add a unique touch to the collection. Options include the limited edition Black Bordered (hobby boxes only), the rare Flip Stock (hobby only), and various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. These Chrome Parallels include the Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, hobby only), and Superfractor (numbered to 1). There will also be a Hot Box Refractor available. Additionally, there are base card variations such as the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only).
While Topps hasn’t revealed all the surprises related to the base set, collectors can expect more exciting additions to the collection. In addition to these surprises, collectors can also find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, along with traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in this collection are diverse and add depth to the overall experience. The Rookie Performers set showcases 15 first-year players who made an impact on the field. The Now and Then set pairs highlights from 1973 with significant moments from the 2022 season. Combo Cards feature thematic pairings, while the Award Winners set highlights players’ achievements during the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set showcases iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. Another notable inclusion is The Hammer set, which celebrates Hank Aaron’s record-breaking home run in April 1974. Lastly, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps set pays homage to the original version by featuring modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section of the collection is sure to excite collectors. The Real One Autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink. For a rarer find, collectors can search for the Red Ink versions, also known as “Special Edition,” which will be numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs. These cards capture memorable moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game, signed by the featured players and numbered to 99 or less.
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. Additionally, there are autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. The non-autographed Clubhouse cards will have Gold parallels, which will be numbered to 99. Furthermore, for both signed and unsigned cards, 1/1 Patch parallels will also be available. Collectors can also look forward to finding serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels included.
The checklist for this collection also features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities. All of these cards are truly unique at a limited 1/1 availability.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes are the box loaders. These include one of four options: 1974 Topps Oversized (oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards), 1974 Topps Puzzles (paying homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles with current stars), 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball, and 1974 Topps Originals (authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added).
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of 1974 Topps designs 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 a lover of all things baseball, this collection is sure to delight and captivate collectors of all ages.
