The 2016 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most popular and widely collected issues in recent years. Ever since its release in March 2016, this set has gained widespread attention from both casual collectors and diehard hobbyists alike. The 2016 Topps Baseball cards represent the pinnacle of the modern era of baseball card collecting.
Inside each 2016 Topps Baseball hobby box, collectors can find a wide array of colorful and attractive cards featuring today’s biggest and brightest MLB stars. Each box contains 24 packs with 11 cards each, totaling 264 cards per box. Unlike many other recent years, the 2016 Topps cards are not afflicted by short prints or parallels that are notoriously difficult to collect. Instead, the focus is on providing collectors with quality base cards that depict today’s game.
Some of the superstar players featured prominently in the set include Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper and Buster Posey. Rookies to watch include Corey Seager, Trent Grisham, and Dansby Swanson among many others. Topps leveraged cutting edge card design technology to create some of the sharpest and visually appealing player images to date. Vivid team logos, uniform colors and vibrant stadium backdrops really make the photographs pop off the surface of each card.
In addition to base cards, 2016 Topps offers several exciting inserts and serial numbered parallel subsets to uncover in each hobby box. Among the most popular are the “Stars of the Game” insert sets highlighting rookie achievements and milestones of established veterans. The “Then and Now” duo cards compare a player from the past paired with their modern day counterpart. Topps also included a selection of 3D rods parallels and “Flashback Friday” throwback uniform inserts pulling from iconic designs of yesteryear.
Serial numbered parallels like Gold (#/2016), Silver (#/150), Rainbow Foil (#/25) and Black (#/5) provide the ultimate chase. Unlike previous years hampered by overproduction, the 2016 parallels maintain substantial rarity and collectibility. Each parallel possesses a distinct color variation or parallel specific photo that differentiates them from the standard base card. These premium inserts increase the excitement of each fresh pack rip as collectors strive to uncover the rare parallel within.
Perhaps the crown jewel of any 2016 Topps hobby box is the coveted Luis Robert autograph card. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Robert has emerged as a true superstar for the Chicago White Sox. His autographed rookie card carries a substantial premium and finding one in a hobby box makes for an incredible hit that can double or even triple the initial purchase price. Other potential autograph pulls include Seager, Andrew Benintendi, Aaron Judge and many other rising talents.
To protect the valuable cards within, each 2016 Topps Baseball hobby box is wrapped in durable plastic wrapping. Opening the box reveals the unmistakable iconic design of the green cardboard flaps folded neatly inside. Condition is crucial for modern cards and Topps went to great lengths for the in-box presentation. Sliding out each wrapped pack to view the grayscale photography teaser card on the front adds to the experience of opening a fresh wax pack from years past.
Most who have ripped a hobby box of 2016 Topps agree it was a supremely fun and rewarding product that succeeds as both an on-ramp for collectors new to the hobby as well as seasoned veterans. Cards look fantastic displayable in a large complete set binder or broken down into individual team books. Even five years later, the vintage designs and star players featured ensure this issue remains a solid long term investment in the cardboard collectibles market. Whether building a PC of current superstars or chasing key rookie cards, 2016 Topps checks all the boxes for fun, affordable modern cardboard to uncover.
The 2016 Topps Baseball card hobby box delivers a premium opening day experience at an affordable price point relative to years past. Rookie hits, serial numbered parallels and insert sets add excitement to each fresh pack. Top-tier photography and design maximize the showcase of today’s MLB elite. Whether a longtime collector or just starting out, this popular flagship issue from Topps satisfies at every turn. Even several years later, the 2016 Topps Baseball cards hold their value as one of the finest modern issues in the hobby.
