Topps baseball cards are among the most iconic collectibles in sports history. Every year since 1952, Topps has released multiple series of baseball cards featuring current Major League Baseball players and managers. Series 2 is one of the later series typically released each season, building upon the initial card checklist from Series 1.
Series 2 cards date back to the early 1960s when Topps began issuing multiple series annually to keep up with the growing popularity of baseball card collecting. The first true Series 2 set was released in 1961 and contained 132 total cards. Notable rookie cards in that inaugural Series 2 set included future Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente and Harmon Killebrew.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Topps Series 2 sets generally ranged from 100-150 total cards. These later series would feature any remaining active players that were not included in the initial Series 1 checklist. Often this meant including rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts later in the season after Series 1 production was complete. Notable rookie cards from this era of Series 2 include Dick Allen, Reggie Jackson, and Johnny Bench.
In the 1980s, Topps Series 2 set sizes began to increase significantly. The 1984 Series 2 set contained a then-record 192 total cards. Rookie cards in this expanded set included Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Don Mattingly. By the late 1980s, Topps Series 2 routinely featured 200+ cards with the 1990 edition containing an all-time high of 252 cards. This massive checklist allowed for more rookie cards and additional variations of star players.
The 1990s saw Topps Series 2 sets level off in size, typically ranging between 150-200 cards per year. The late ’90s introduced parallel and insert card sets within Series 2 for the first time. Notable rookies included in 1990s Series 2 included Mark McGwire, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Pedro Martinez. Parallel sets featured short print variations of base cards while early insert sets focused on award winners and All-Star players.
In the 2000s, Topps continued expanding the scope and variety of cards within each Series 2 release. Insert sets grew to include themed subsets highlighting milestones, positions, and achievements. Parallel and autographed card inserts became more prevalent as well. Notable rookies included in 2000s Series 2 sets were Joe Mauer, Ryan Howard, Ryan Braun, and Tim Lincecum. The 2010 Series 2 set was also notable as it featured the final card of Yankees legend Derek Jeter in his rookie season uniform.
Today, modern Topps Series 2 releases generally contain between 150-250 total cards depending on the year. The checklist features any remaining base cards not included in Series 1 as well as extensive insert sets. Popular parallel inserts include gold and silver refractors while autographed and memorabilia cards have become commonplace. Notable active players who had their rookie cards released in Series 2 include Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, Juan Soto, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Throughout its 60+ year history, Topps Series 2 has served as a way to continually update sets as the MLB season progresses. It provides collectors a second opportunity each year to obtain base cards, rookie cards, and popular inserts of today’s top players. As one of the longest-running and most iconic annual card releases, Topps Series 2 remains a staple for both new and veteran baseball card collectors. Its expansive checklists and insert sets over the decades have created a valuable collectible for fans to enjoy.
