Baseball cards have been collected by fans of America’s pastime for over a century. While the traditional wax pack remains popular, collectors now have another fun way to build their collections each holiday season – baseball cards advent calendars.
Advent calendars have been a Christmas tradition dating back to the 19th century in Germany. Originally created as a way to countdown the days until Christmas, modern advent calendars now come in all sorts of themes from chocolate to toys. In recent years, trading card companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf have released annual baseball cards advent calendars giving collectors a new way to celebrate the holidays.
Topps was the first company to launch a baseball cards advent calendar back in 2015. Each window contained a surprise baseball card from their current or past sets. Players ranged from superstars to obscure minor leaguers. The initial release was a big hit among collectors of all ages. Since then, Topps has continued to offer an advent calendar each year with updated rosters and designs.
Their 2022 baseball cards advent calendar is their largest ever, containing 24 trading card surprises behind numbered windows. Topps has loaded this year’s calendar with current and retired MLB stars as well as prospects. Rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Adley Rutschman could be found behind the doors. Legendary players like Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr. also have a chance of appearing. With such a wide range of players and years represented, there is excitement in not knowing which card is behind each window.
While Topps set the standard as the first to market, Panini and Leaf have since entered the baseball cards advent calendar space. Panini’s Donruss advent calendar debuted in 2019. Like Topps, Panini includes 24 trading card packs behind the numbered windows. Their 2022 edition features current Donruss base cards and parallels from the latest release. Panini also mixes in rookie cards and veterans to keep collectors on their toes. Leaf’s inaugural baseball cards advent calendar arrived in 2020. Leaf takes a higher end approach, utilizing materials like autographs and memorabilia cards in their window surprises.
Regardless of the brand, the anticipation of not knowing which player will appear each day is half the fun of these baseball cards advent calendars. Some collectors like to slowly reveal one window per night leading up to Christmas. Others prefer to binge open multiple windows at once to find their favorite players. While the initial cost may seem high compared to a traditional pack or box of cards, advent calendars provide 24 individual surprises versus the 10-12 you would get otherwise. They have become a must have collectible for baseball card enthusiasts of all ages each holiday season.
Beyond the thrill of the unknown player reveals, baseball cards advent calendars have additional appeal for both kids and adults. For children, it introduces the hobby in a fun, engaging way with daily surprises. Kids look forward to building their mini collections one window at a time. Adults appreciate the nostalgia of reliving childhood Christmas traditions with a modern baseball cards twist. The advent calendar format allows collectors to experience the excitement of the card rip in a more prolonged, festive way compared to a regular pack or box.
Whether searching for rookie stars of tomorrow or childhood heroes from years past, today’s baseball cards advent calendars offer something for every type of collector. With inclusion of both current and throwback players mixed with parallels and memorabilia, the surprises behind each window provide endless possibilities. The holiday season excitement is extended an extra 24 days for those who indulge in the annual tradition. And with increased popularity year after year, baseball cards advent calendars have certainly become a staple for collectors during the Christmas countdown.
While demand remains high, availability can still be limited for some of the more coveted releases. Collectors are advised to pre-order advent calendars from reputable sources as early as possible if hoping to add one of the popular baseball cards options to their holiday festivities. Whether it’s the thrill of the unknown player reveals each day or nostalgia of childhood Christmas traditions, today’s baseball cards advent calendars have found a home under the tree for collectors of all ages during the most wonderful time of the year.
