The 2022 Onyx baseball card release marked another highly anticipated set from the premier sports card manufacturer. After exploding in popularity in 2021, Onyx continued to innovate and refined their craft with their newest offering. Featuring some of the biggest names in the game on card designs with exquisite details and autographs of rising young stars, the 2022 Onyx set delivered for collectors.
Several factors led to 2022 Onyx becoming one of the most sought after releases of the year. First, Onyx had established themselves as a leader in premium memorabilia cards by pairing some of the best relics and autographs on the market with their renowned photography. They brought this to another level for their 2022 set. Secondly, the rookie class and future stars featured were exceptionally strong. Names like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene and more were highlighted among the early release checklist teasers generating buzz. Lastly, Onyx created a mystique around limited parallel color variations and mega hit short prints that collectors craved solutions.
When the full checklist was publicly revealed weeks before release date, it became clear 2022 Onyx did not cut any corners. Veterans and active HOFers like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw and more graced the base cards through a mix of new and classic action shots. Parallel versions in gold, black, camo and auto-centric “Ink” parallels numbered to 25 or less amplified the chase. The true short prints most coveted were red shimmer and red rainbow parallels limited to a mere 5 copies each. Red shimmers of Trout and Ohtani immediately commanded collector attention.
Rookies and prospects featured throughout established 2022 as a definitive snapshot of the next MLB generation. Seattle Mariners star and AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez anchored the class with three distinct autographed memorabilia cards including an awe-inspiring dual autograph and jersey relic auto numbered to a minuscule 3 copies. Kansas City Royals touted farmhand Bobby Witt Jr. joined him with autographed variations of his own. New Detroit Tigers flamethrower Riley Greene, Los Angeles Dodgers touted prospect Miguel Vargas and more all received autographed and memorabilia highlighted cards as Onyx set the stage for their futures.
For experienced collectors, hunting specific parallel color variations of stars became the true challenge and thrill of 2022 Onyx. Gold parallels /50 and black bordered “Shadow” variations /25 of stars like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Yordan Alvarez highlighted active talents. Veteran legends likewise received these treatments with some of the best parallel pulls including a Shadow Albert Pujols /25 and Sandy Koufax /25. Inscriptions enhance several of these ultra-short prints adding to their rarity. The “Ink” autograph parallels took premium chase cards to a new height with inserts like an autograph Joc Pederson /5.
When all was said and done, 2022 Onyx baseball fulfilled expectations as a true high-end showcase release. From unprecedented rookie talent, to parallel color variations that pushed collectors creativity in attaining their PC grails, to some of the finest on-card autos and memorabilia in the hobby – 2022 Onyx delivered a well-rounded experience. After sales facilitated community discussing individual hit cards for months. While supplies will remain limited long term keeping rarity high, 2022 Onyx has cemented its place as one of the absolute pinnacle issues to collecting during a golden age of the sport. Its legacy will inspire collectors and shape chase goals for years ahead.
