The 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball set marks the 70th anniversary of Topps’ iconic baseball card releases. As the flagship set each year from Topps, Series 1 is one of the most anticipated releases for collectors and fans. It features current players from across MLB on the standard trading card size of 2.5″ x 3.5″.
Some key details about the 2022 Topps Series 1 set:
The base card design takes inspiration from classic Topps designs of the past with a simple team logo at the top and player photo along with stats on the bottom half. The design is clean and focuses on highlighting the players.
There are 386 total base cards in the standard release, covering all 30 MLB teams. This includes rookie cards, stars, and depth players. Some of the top rookies featured are Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Spencer Strider.
Parallels and insert sets beyond the base cards add to the excitement and chase for collectors. Popular parallels include Silver Pack parallels (1:12), Gold Foil parallels (1:36), Rainbow Foil parallels (1:288), and Refractors (1:288).
Insert sets include Topps Now Moments cards, All-Time Top 100 cards recognizing legends of the game, and League Leader cards highlighting statistical categories from the 2021 season.
Autograph and memorabilia cards provide opportunities to pull rare, game-used relics or signatures of today’s biggest stars. These include patches, autographs, and dual memorabilia/auto combos.
Special anniversary logos and markings celebrate the 70th year of Topps baseball. Gold 70th anniversary logos appear on select parallels and inserts.
Hobby boxes of Series 1 contain 18 packs with 11 cards per pack, including one guaranteed hit or parallel per box. Jumbo boxes have 24 packs.
The release of Series 1 each year marks the start of the new baseball card season for collectors. It provides the first chance to add rookie cards and base cards of the latest MLB stars to collections. Given the anniversary celebration, the 2022 version had additional hype leading up to its release date of February 16th.
In the weeks since, the popularity of certain rookie cards has already been evident. Top prospects like the Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez and Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. saw their rookie cards become hot sellers on the secondary market. Rodriguez’s base rookie card settled at a price point around $75-100 each for PSA 10 graded gems. Witt’s rookie card command prices upwards of $50-75 PSA 10.
Veteran stars are also highly sought after annual chase cards. Popular veterans that tend to hold strong resale value year over year include Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Shohei Ohtani. Their base cards from Series 1 are consistently found in the $20-40 range PSA 10 graded.
Beyond the biggest names, collectors enjoy finding hidden gems from the set each year that could appreciate over time. Depth players or prospects that go on to have breakout seasons see sharp rises in their rookie card prices retrospectively. The depth of players featured also makes Series 1 a foundation for long-term team sets.
As one of the most iconic sports card brands, Topps has the largest distribution and strongest aftermarket demand. This provides collectors with options to open boxes and packs at retail or purchase singles online. The sheer output also means that Series 1 remains accessible and affordable for most collectors compared to higher end releases.
While the checklist and designs may not change drastically year over year, the thrill of the hunt and chase for the next star keeps Topps Series 1 as a flagship release that many collectors look forward to each baseball season. As the longest running baseball card set in history, 2022 Series 1 continues Topps’ legacy and marks another chapter as a rite of passage for any collector, young or old. Its place at the start of the annual baseball card calendar helps usher in springtime excitement for the national pastime.
The 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball release embodied the classic appeal that has made it a cornerstone release for seven decades running. Strong rookie classes, anniversary themes, and the reliable chase for stars new and old ensured its popularity amongst both modern collectors and those with longer histories in the hobby. As baseball season gets underway, Series 1 cards will continue fueling discussions, collections, and enjoyment of America’s favorite pastime through summer and beyond.
