The 2022 Topps Archives baseball card set is a highly anticipated release each year for collectors and fans of vintage-style cards. Topps Archives pays homage to some of the most iconic designs from Topps’ historic archives, recreating cards from the 1960s, 70s and 80s with modern players. The 2022 release continues this tradition, bringing back a classic design and feel that transports collectors back to the golden era of the cardboard.
Inside each 2022 Topps Archives hobby box are 30 packs with 5 cards per pack, for a total of 150 cards. The checklist includes a mix of current stars, prospects and veterans. Serial numbered parallels and autograph and relic cards can also be pulled to add to the excitement of ripping packs. With its retro designs and modern rosters, Archives is a unique blend that appeals to both vintage collectors and those who enjoy the modern game.
This year’s design is based on the 1972 Topps set, one of the most visually striking issues from the brand’s early days. The bold color scheme, with solid color borders and team logo panels, really pops on card stock. Players are shown in action shots surrounded by vibrant hues. Standouts like Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench were featured in the ’72 set, and the modern Archives version brings that same nostalgic aesthetic to current superstars.
Inside each 2022 Topps Archives pack, collectors can find parallels like Gold Foil (#/50), Silver Foil (#/75), Rainbow Foil (#/25) and Black Foil (#/10). These parallel cards have foil textures on the borders and logos that shimmer under light. Serial numbered parallels add significant value and excitement to the base cards. Autograph and memorabilia cards can be pulled randomly in packs or boxes.
Topps Archives has become known for its premium autograph selection over the years. In 2022, some of the top stars who can be pulled as on-card autographs include Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. These are some of the biggest names in the game today and their autographs command high prices on the secondary market. Relic cards may contain pieces of jerseys, bats or other memorabilia from the players’ careers.
While the base cards are the main focus, collectors love the thrill of the chase for the hits. Each hobby box has decent odds of containing several serial numbered parallels and a good chance at an autograph or relic card as well. The value and excitement increase significantly with rare pulls. Of course, there is also the chance to pull a super short print parallel or rare memorabilia card that could be worth thousands.
The vintage designs and modern rosters make Topps Archives a unique intersection of nostalgia and the current game. For collectors who enjoy the aesthetic of the 1960s-80s card designs, it’s a fun way to build sets featuring today’s biggest stars. And for fans who follow MLB closely, Archives offers a retro-style collecting opportunity. Whether aiming to complete the base set or hunt for valuable autograph cards, the product delivers excitement in each pack.
As a licensed MLB product, Topps Archives also carries legitimacy that some other retro-style brands lack. Knowing the designs are official recreations of Topps issues from the past adds authenticity for many collectors. The quality control is also typically strong with well-cut cards and vivid printing that does justice to the classic templates. Each year seems to gain more popularity as the Archives brand has become synonymous with nostalgic baseball card collecting.
The 2022 Topps Archives release continues building on this momentum. With its 1972 design template, this year’s edition is sure to be a very popular set among the collecting community. Each hobby box offers a fun vintage rip experience with a solid chance at valuable serial numbered parallels and hits. And of course, there’s always the potential to land a true gem card worth far more than MSRP. Whether aiming to complete sets or hunt big hits, Topps Archives delivers for both nostalgia seekers and those who love the modern game.
