The 2021 Topps Big League baseball card set was another highly anticipated release from the iconic sports card manufacturer. With its retro design paying homage to cards from the 1970s and 80s, Topps Big League has developed a cult following among collectors seeking a throwback experience with a modern twist.
The 2021 set featured 350 base cards showing current Major League players, with parallel and insert sets adding to the excitement. As with every year, collectors feverishly sorted through packs and boxes hoping to find the standout rookie cards and biggest stars of the season. Several months after its initial release, here’s a look at some of the cards that have emerged as the most popular and valuable from Topps Big League 2021.
Wander Franco Base card
He hadn’t played a single game in the majors when the 2021 season started, but Rays top prospect Wander Franco was already one of the most hyped rookie cards in the set. #MLBTheShow players were clamoring to add his digital card to their lineup long before he got his call up. Franco lived up to the billing by tearing the cover off the ball in his debut, and his base Topps Big League rookie emerged as one of the clear prizes of the set. Franco mania has collectors scooping up this affordable card at a rapid clip. Expect it to gain value as the young star’s dominance continues.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Diamond Anniversary Parallel #/50
Superstar Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. was coming off an injury-shortened 2020 season, but remained one of the most dynamic players in baseball. His base Topps Big League card was a must-have, but the true chase card was his Diamond Anniversary parallel limited to just 50 copies. Featuring Acuña’s fearsome profile in sparkling diamond-encrusted parallels, this rare pull instantly became the white whale that serious collectors lusted after. Even raw non-graded copies have eclipsed $1,000 on the secondary market. Graded gems in the BGS/PSA 9-10 range could fetch five figures when they surface.
Shane Bieber Photo Variation
Cleveland pitcher Shane Bieber missed significant time in 2021 due to injury after winning the 2020 AL Cy Young. But he remained one of the game’s best hurlers when on the mound, making his cards highly sought after. The Photo Variation parallel of Bieber’s Big League base card stood out for featuring an incredible action shot of him in mid-delivery. With its vibrant colors and photo subject perfectly framed, this visual standout became the talk of online breakers and attracted plenty of attention from set collectors. Even copy prices in the $50-100 range proved no object for fans pursuing this stunner.
All-Star Rainbow Foil Parallel Inserts
A new parallel offering in Big League 2021 paid homage to All-Star Game heroes of the past and present. For each league, Topps issued rainbow foil parallel insert cards highlighting five star players. Collectors raced to complete the rainbow foil subsets featuring AL stars like Shohei Ohtani and NL greats including Fernando Tatis Jr. The insert designs popped with their iridescent treatment. While not rare pull rates, these are always crowd pleasers that hold value due to dual theme/player collector demand. The complete ten card rainbow foil All-Star sets command solid four-figure prices when assembled.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. / Fernando Tatis Jr. Big Papi/Jeter subset
Topps Big League saluted iconic players of yesteryear with parallel insert subsets starring current stars in the uniforms and poses of legends who came before. Perhaps none captured attention more than the cards pairing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. with their Hall of Fame fathers. Vlad Jr. looked regal rocking the Red Sox threads and handlebar mustache of his father Big Papi. Likewise, Tatis Jr. electrified in the pinstripes and classic Jeter stance of his own legendary dad. Even with relatively common pull rates, these heartfelt tributes resonated with collectors and still trade regularly for $50-100 per card or more.
Debut Autograph Parallel Rookies
Each year, Topps Big League offers rookie collectors a chance to snag the debut autographed cards of baseball’s new generation. In 2021 this included prized prospects like Rays catcher Randy Arozarena and Marlins starter Trevor Rogers. The low serial parallels /25 or less added to the exclusivity. While boxer-style relic cards held appeal, it was the on-card autographs that generated the most buzz. Savvy collectors cracked value boxes hunting the next star performer to sign his first Topps card. Examples like Arozarena’s autograph patch parallel /5 could easily bring thousands on resale markets.
Mike Trout Superfractor Parallel 1/1
With the exception of short print parallels, no card is considered more rare than the coveted 1/1 superfractor. In Big League 2021, that designation went to none other than the game’s best player, Mike Trout. The electric teal color popped as Trout’s smiling portrait was overlaid with a dramatic fractured design. This true one-of-a-kind pulled collective gasps from any collector audience upon reveal. Its appeal seemed cemented as the prized superfractor of any Angels fan collection. While still in private hands last seen, rumors place its current market value near or exceeding five figures – a true trophy piece for serious Trout devotees.
In summary, Topps Big League 2021 offered today’s fans a chance to collect the stars and rookies of tomorrow in a retro-inspired setting. From Franco to Acuña to the 1/1 Trout super, the biggest hits commanded major attention. But the set also gave budget-minded collectors affordable access to emerging talents. With strong continuing demand across multiple collecting demographics, these highlighted Big League cards from 2021 should maintain their status as highlights for years to come.
