The 2022 edition of Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards was released in late summer of 2022. As with previous years, this unique card set featured a mix of baseball players alongside characters and artwork from outside of the sport. After taking a one-year hiatus in 2021, baseball fans were thrilled that Topps brought back the beloved Allen & Ginter brand for another run.
Some key things to know about the 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter set include the total card count, checklists of players and non-sports inserts, design variations, parallels and short prints, as well as how the hobby received and reacted to the new release. The base card set totaled 324 cards after Topps increased the count from previous years that were around 300 cards. In addition to current MLB stars, the checklist also included retired greats and notable rookie cards.
On the non-sports side of things, 2022 Allen & Ginter saw returns of familiar insert sets like Mystic, Cryptozoo Creatures, National Parks, Landmarks, and more. Topps also introduced some new non-baseball themes such as Movie posters, Board games & Toys, Pop Culture Icons, Landmarks of the World, and Vintage Ads. These creative insert sets are always a highlight for collectors seeking unique cardboard outside of the typical baseball fare.
Visually, the 2022 design paid homage to classic Allen & Ginter aesthetic cues while also feeling fresh. The oversized logo and team logo patch in the lower right helped tie each card back to the corresponding player. Background colors and textures reproduced the vintage vibe fans expect. Parallels included the popular Green /150, Green Foil /25, and Atomic Refractor /10. Short prints and hit list cards further boosted the allure of certain key figures.
Upon release, reaction to 2022 Allen & Ginter showed why it remains such a polarizing set. While diehard collectors welcomed back this special yearly tradition with open arms, the lofty prices of certain highly sought-after cards dampened enthusiasm for some. Blasters and hobby boxes carried MSRPs of $80-150, putting pressure on wallet-watching fans. True A&G supporters argue it stands apart with memorable content not found elsewhere.
The true test of any modern release lies not just in initial excitement but long-term collector demand. Early indications suggested 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter had plenty of breakout stars. Rookies like Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Strider, and Adley Rutschman found eager buyer interest. Vintage cards of guys like Ted Williams, Cy Young, and Babe Ruth always hold value. And creative non-baseball inserts such as Black Panther, Friends, and Futurama inserts piqued pop culture collectors.
The checklist breakdown showed solid representation across all 30 MLB clubs for fans to chase players from their favorite teams. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Aaron Judge anchored the high-profile inclusion list. Autograph and memorabilia card short prints added coveted chase cards to parallel the base checklist. Rosters also included promising young talents who went on to have big second halves like Michael Harris II and Oneil Cruz.
Another deciding factor for the longevity of any wax product comes down to the strength and stability of its resale market. By that measure, 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter showed early promise. eBay auction sales data reflected solid initial demand across all levels of the set. Common base rookies and parallels found new homes. Insert cards pulled interest from collectors cross-collecting themes. And higher-end memorabilia and autograph cards garnered bids well above pack odds value. It served as an encouraging sign that Allen & Ginter maintains relevance in today’s bustling collecting landscape.
While 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter may not have been for every fans’ budget, those who dug into boxes walked away with a truly unique stack of baseball, entertainment and culture. The vintage appeal, extensive photo and insert variety, and early secondary market demand bode well for the set retaining collector cachet for years to come. The return to form suggests Allen & Ginter’s special brand of creativity has staying power and remains a yearly highlight that sports card aficionados anticipate. With strong roots dating back over a century, this special series has passed the test of time and still brings something different to today’s collectors.
