The 2022 Bowman Chrome baseball cards are one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Produced annually by Topps since 1956, the Bowman Chrome set is known for its spectacular refractor Chrome parallels and its unveiling of many of baseball’s top prospects and future stars. Some key things to know about the 2022 Bowman Chrome baseball card release:
Base Set Details: The base set features 150 cards and includes MLB veterans and emerging prospects. Roster updates from the previous seasons are expected. The designs remain very similar to 2021 with action photos on a clean white background and team logos across the top. Numbers are prominently displayed on the bottom. As usual, the base cards are printed on chromium stock which gives them that glossy, colorful look collectors love.
Prized Prospects: Some of the top prospects expected to be featured include catcher Henry Davis, outfielders Julio Rodriguez and Robert Hassell III, and pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker. Following their incredible draft classes in recent years, the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates are projected to have strong prospect showings once again. Keep an eye out for lesser known breakout players too who could emerge as the next star.
Chrome Parallels: By far the most coveted inserts are the refractors, which have significantly higher value than the base cards. The main parallel is the standard refractor, printed on chromium stock with a rainbow prism-like refractor effect. Other notable parallels include the blue refractor /150, red refractor /5, and 1-of-1 superfractor. The last two take on more of an aqua or orange hue. These parallels really allow the cards to pop.
Bowman Platinum: For those looking for the creme de la creme, Bowman also releases the ultra-premium Bowman Platinum set at the same time. It features only the top 100 prospects, all autographed, and parallels that are serial numbered to as low as 1 copy. Some of the biggest stars ever like Mike Trout have Platinum rookies. With prices in the thousands, it’s aimed at true high-end collectors.
Release Format: After a couple years of early pandemic delays, Topps has committed to a firm street date of April 13th. Hobby boxes will sell for around $100 MSRP and contain 12 packs with 3 cards per pack. Mega boxes with 30 packs can also be found. Retail blasters, hangers, and value packs hit shelves at major retailers like Target and Walmart soon after for more affordable options.
Grading and Resale Potential: Most serious collectors will have their valuable hits graded by PSA or BGS to preserve condition and authenticate autographs. Top rookies that earn high grades can appreciate significantly over time. For example, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2018 Bowman Chrome refractors in PSA 10 condition now sell for thousands compared to just hundreds upon release. With quality photography, prospects that pan out have enduring collectors value.
Hobby Buzz and Excitement: While release day hobby busts bring thrill of the chase, the weeks leading up to street date are full of anticipation and insider sneak peek photos. Card blogs and YouTube breakers preview cards to drum up interest. Some lucky fans might score autographs or relic cards of future Hall of Famers at a tiny fraction of what they’ll someday be worth. For many, the bright colors and electric designs of Bowman Chrome fuel their baseball card collecting passion every year.
The 2022 Bowman Chrome baseball card release promises to further deliver on the set’s pedigree of debuting top prospects while showcasing them in spectacular Chrome parallels. Whether pursuing valuable rookie cards, admiring prospects, or simply enjoying the thrill of the rip, Bowman Chrome Season is upon us once again for both amateur and experienced collectors alike to partake in the exciting hobby. Prospect hounds will be scouring boxes hoping to snag the next superstar’s first Bowman card before they explode onto the big league scene. When the release date arrives, the chase will be on!
