The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set is a beloved annual release that pays homage to classic Topps designs of the past. This year’s checklist contains a total of 330 cards that recreate the look and feel of Topps releases from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Let’s take a deeper look at what collectors can find in the 2022 Topps Heritage set.
As with previous Heritage issues, the 2022 checklist is broken down into several key parallel subsets that mimic the styles of vintage Topps designs. The main base set contains 330 cards that feature retro borders and styling inspired by 1969 and 1972 Topps. These cards have traditional white borders and feature player photos and stats presented in the classic layouts collectors remember from those earlier eras. Notable rookie cards in the base set include Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, and Spencer Torkelson.
In addition to the base cards, Topps also includes several parallel subsets that add more value and variety for collectors. The most coveted of these is the “Superfractor” parallel, limited to just one card numbered to 25 copies. This year’s lucky recipient of the ultra-rare Superfractor is Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright. Other parallel subsets include “Rainbow Foil” parallels limited to 50 copies, “Gold Foil” parallels numbered to 70 copies, and “Black Foil” parallels limited to only 10 copies each. These parallel cards feature foil stamping and embellishments on their borders and logos to mimic the premium parallel treatments of their vintage inspirations.
Topps also continues its popular “Mini” parallel subset with the 2022 Heritage release. The Mini cards scale down the design and photography of the base cards to fit into a smaller card size reminiscent of early 1960s issues. The Minis are a fun, more affordable collecting option for collectors looking to build full sets. Numbered to only 99 copies each, the Mini parallels add another layer of scarcity and appeal.
As with past Heritage releases, Topps also pays tribute to specific years and subsets from the original sets that inspired this year’s design. For 2022, this includes “Turn Back The Clock” parallels that recreate the look of 1965 Topps cards through their horizontal layout and photos. Numbered to just 50 copies each, these parallels are sure to be hotly pursued. Topps also includes “Rookie Reprint” parallels modeled after the classic 1967 Topps rookie design through their green borders and horizontal photos. These parallel rookies are limited to only 10 copies apiece.
Another highlight of the 2022 Topps Heritage checklist is the set’s extensive autograph and memorabilia card options. In addition to several autographed parallel card sets, Topps also includes Heritage-styled memorabilia cards with uniforms, bats, balls and other game-used artifacts paired with signatures. Serial-numbered versions of these cards offer collectors high-end, investment-grade pieces for their collections. Topps even includes 1-of-1 “Platinum Anniversary” memorabilia cards featuring ultra-rare game-used pieces to celebrate Heritage’s continued popularity after 15 years.
When it comes to inserts, Topps once again delivers fun short prints that add to the vintage experience. These include “Turn Ahead The Clock” cards imagining how players might look in the future, as well as “Record Breakers” highlighting notable career milestones. Topps also pays tribute to past greats with “Hall of Famers” inserts. And for the first time, Topps includes “League Leaders” inserts spotlighting the top statistical performers of 2021 within the Heritage design aesthetic.
The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set is another outstanding vintage-inspired release. With over 330 base cards plus numerous parallel, memorabilia and insert options, the checklist provides both affordability and high-end collecting opportunities. Whether seeking affordable base rookies or 1-of-1 relic parallels, the 2022 Heritage set delivers the nostalgic fun and visual beauty of classic 1960s and 1970s Topps designs. It’s sure to be a highly popular release for collectors of all ages and budget levels. The vintage style combined with today’s top players makes Topps Heritage a mainstay in the hobby year after year.
