Topps is the leader in sports and entertainment trading cards, producing baseball cards since 1938. Their 2017 offering built on that storied history with another outstanding release that collectors eagerly awaited. The standard 2017 Topps baseball hobby box contained 18 packs with an average of 5 cards each for a total of around 90 cards per box. Aside from the iconic photographs and bio info on each card, what makes Topps such a driver of the collectibles market year after year is the care they put into parallels, inserts and memorabilia cards inserted throughout their sets.
Each 2017 Topps hobby box guaranteed three autograph or memorabilia cards would be found inside. The checklist for hits included some of the biggest names in baseball such as Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Noah Syndergaard and more. Along with standard autographed cards, Topps also offered triple relic cards that contained swatches of jersey, batting glove or another piece of uniform from three different players on one card. Baseball card collectors relish the thrill of the hunt for these valuable chase cards within each box.
In addition to autographs and relics, Topps loaded their flagship set with copious insert sets paying homage to milestones, postseason heroes and all-time greats. The Traded set spotlighted players who changed uniforms via trade or free agency during the 2016-2017 offseason. The All-Star insert set featured today’s current Midsummer Classic starters and reserves in flashy neon parallels. And Topps also released inserts spanning baseball history like Turn Back The Clock cards reimagining legendary players in modern uniform designs.
Of course, no Topps product would be complete without multiple parallel and refractors variations adding tremendously to the fun and complexity of completing a full rainbow set collection. The standard base cards came in the standard design as well as silver pack, gold pack, rainbow foil and black border parallels. Top rookies and stars like Aaron Judge received extra refractors treatments like black, orange and green versions for collectors to seek out. Overall it’s these insert sets and countless parallel variations that kept the 2017 Topps set fresh all year long.
Underpinning the depth and quality of Topps’ flagship product each year is their sterling reputation for pursuing the most authentic and high resolution photography possible. With studios and photographer crews constantly traveling to every MLB ballpark, Topps captured epic action shots and classic poses to depict this new generation of baseball greats. Whether diving catches, monster home runs or just stellar smiles, Topps cards brought out the personality and passion in each image that made collecting fun for fans of all ages.
Quality control has always been a hallmark of Topps, but with modern printing technology they’ve been able to take card stock, centering and print quality to an unprecedented level compared to their early years. The 2017 design itself with colored borders, team wordmarks and classic white borders provided the perfect blank canvas to showcase these vibrant photographs. Everything from parallels to factory sets receive the same meticulous care that Topps devotees have come to expect.
Ever mindful of the collector experience, Topps included supplemental materials like graded sample cards, magazine-style informational inserts and checklists to better understand the full landscape of products available that year. For those focused just on the MLB flagship set, a single 2017 Topps hobby box contained all someone would need to assemble a substantial portion of that massive puzzle while enjoying the fun of the chase. Between the guarantee hits, abundant parallels and insert variety – it’s easy to see why the 2017 release continue Topps long legacy as the most coveted offering for baseball card collectors worldwide. After 80 years and counting of keeping this hobby thriving, Topps shows no signs of slowing down.
In summary, Topps 2017 baseball card hobby boxes embodied everything that makes the company the industry leader year after year. With high quality construction and printing, iconic photography, memorabilia hits, and countless parallel and insert variations – they delivered an unparalleled collecting experience that illuminated the past, present and future of America’s pastime for fans of all ages. Whether seeking classic designs or modern parallels, completists or casual fans – Topps ensured their 2017 release had something for every baseball card collector. It’s no wonder they remain the gold standard which other sports trading card manufacturers aspire.
