The 2022 Topps Big League Baseball card set is the latest high-quality offering from Topps, the longest-tenured brand in the baseball card industry. As with each year, the 2022 Topps Big League set captures all 30 Major League Baseball teams and provides collectors with a complete snapshot of the current baseball season.
Some key things to know about the 2022 Topps Big League set:
The set contains 330 total cards and features all 30 MLB teams with player selections. Ranging from star players to promising rookies, each club is represented.
Parallels and short prints are included to add to the excitement of the chase and provide collectors options to customize their collections. These include Gold parallels /50, Silver parallels /75, and Red parallels /150.
Design-wise, the 2022 Topps Big League cards feature clean and classic visuals focused around individual headshots of players. Team logos and colors are prominently displayed along the bottom border.
The front of each base card also includes the player’s name, team, position, and vital stats. The back provides more in-depth career stats and bios. This layout has remained largely consistent over the years.
As with all Topps flagship releases, quality control is a top priority. The cards feature thick cardstock and sharp color reproduction. Topps is known industry-wide for consistent high standards.
Pricing for wax packs, boxes, and loose packs makes the 2022 Topps Big League set accessible to both casual fans and serious collectors. Hobby boxes can be found for around $90-$100.
Some notable rookie and star player highlights from the 2022 Topps Big League set include:
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners: The 21-year-old outfield phenom had a breakout rookie campaign and is one of the set’s top rookie cards to chase.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: The top prospect lived up to the hype and finished 2nd in ROY voting. His autographs are in high demand.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: The flamethrowing rookie starter established himself as a foundational piece on a contender.
Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays: The AL Cy Young favorite is one of the set’s top young arm cards to acquire.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves: Back healthy after missing 2021, Acuña is one of baseball’s most exciting talents.
Juan Soto, San Diego Padres: Traded midseason, Soto’s cards exploded in value as a new Padre.
Shohei Ohtani, LA Angels: The two-way phenom continues to captivate fans with his unprecedented skills.
In addition to base rookies and stars, collectors can also find several inserted short print and hit card variations that boost the excitement of ripping packs. These include:
Autograph cards: On-card autographs of top rookies and veterans, including parallels. Numbered to varying rarities.
Jersey card: Patches or swatches of game-worn jerseys. Also found in parallels and low serial numbers.
Photo variations: Alternate action shot poses of players in place of the standard headshot.
Printing plates: Ultra-rare 1/1 plates featuring the colored ink/prints that made the cards.
Autographed memorabilia cards: Dual relic/auto combos of the game’s biggest names.
Black border short prints: Tougher-to-find parallel variations of selected base cards.
Grading and condition analysis are also significant parts of the collecting world. Topps is known for quality control, but imperfections can occur. Services like PSA and BGS provide professional authentication and protection for collectors. High-grade rookie cards or rare hits can exponentially increase in value once professionally preserved.
The 2022 Topps Big League Baseball card set once again delivers a complete and accessible snapshot of the current MLB season. With rookies, stars, and short prints, it offers something for all types of collectors. Whether seeking affordable team sets or chasing the next big star card, Topps Big League continues to be a flagship release that captures the essence of baseball fandom and collecting each year. Its classic design and quality ensure it remains a foundational part of the annual card release cycle.
