Tag Archives: 2018

2018 TOPPS ON DEMAND BASEBALL CARDS

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2018 Topps On Demand Baseball Cards: A Unique Way to Collect in the Digital Age

In 2018, Topps introduced Topps On Demand, an innovative new platform that allowed collectors to design and order fully customized baseball cards featuring current MLB players. With Topps On Demand, collectors were no longer limited to what they could find in packs, boxes, or on the secondary market. Instead, they could create baseball cards that were truly one-of-a-kind reflections of their fandom and collecting interests.

Topps On Demand changed the game by giving collectors unprecedented control over the design and production of official Topps baseball cards. Collectors could select from hundreds of current Topps MLB players and then customize nearly every element of the card’s design. Users chose the photo, added or changed text, selected creative backgrounds and artistic treatments, and even customized the card stock, size, and shape. Once a design was finalized, collectors could then place an order and the card would be professionally printed and shipped directly from Topps.

While traditional wax packs and boxes would always have their place in the hobby, Topps On Demand allowed a new generation of collectors to participate in the baseball card experience in a personalized, on-demand way. No longer confined by the random assortments found in traditional packs, collectors were empowered to build virtual collections of their favorite players without restrictions. Whether focusing on star players, breakout rookies, or obscure minor leaguers, Topps On Demand collectors could showcase the specific players and teams that held meaning for them.

The level of customization available through Topps On Demand was unprecedented. Collectors could modify every element of the card’s design from selecting high-resolution photos to choosing backgrounds, fonts, colors, textures, shapes and more. While maintaining the official MLB license and adhering to standardized card sizes, Topps On Demand freed collectors from strict templates, giving them control over creative expression. Design options even extended to unconventional card shapes like ovals, rectangles and unique silhouettes tailored to specific players or moments. Finishing details like embossing, spot gloss UV, and specialty stock options allowed collectors to achieve truly bespoke presentations for their favorite players.

In addition to having total control over aesthetic aspects, Topps On Demand also empowered collectors with functionality that transcended traditional cards. For the first time, each individually numbered On Demand card contained a unique code that could be redeemed through the Topps application. By scanning the registered code with the Topps app, collectors gained digital copies of their physical cards that unlocked special features within the app’s wider virtual collecting experience. Digital cards could be showcased through various platforms, added to personal collections, and in some cases even used within Topps digital games.

This integration of physical and digital elements was groundbreaking for the traditionally print-focused hobby. It created exciting new ways for collectors to engage with and showcase their collections both within the physical world as well as online virtual spaces. While printed cards retained intrinsic value, linking each physical card to a digital representation created added intrinsic functionality that bridged different collecting formats. The hybrid physical-digital model Topps On Demand established helped usher sports card collecting into the digital era.

Beyond customization and digital connectivity, another major benefit of Topps On Demand was the ability to order cards on an entirely made-to-order basis. Unlike the gambling mechanics of blind-pack distribution models where collectors have no control over inventory, On Demand allowed buyers to painlessly acquire exactly the cards they wanted without wasteful unopened inventory taking up storage space. Collectors could browse fully visualized digital mockups, place orders for single cards or entire customized sets, and have their selections safely delivered direct from Topps. This direct-to-consumer, just-in-time manufacturing approach cut down on waste while streamlining the collecting process itself.

In the two years since its inception in 2018, Topps On Demand has grown steadily and established itself as an exciting new frontier of baseball card customization. Celebrating its second full season in 2020 despite delays from the Covid-19 pandemic, Topps On Demand has continued expanding its library of players while increasing design flexibility and redemption features through the Topps app. Collections focused on specific teams, rookie classes, hometown favorites or personal hero collections can now be actualized like never before. While traditional cards will always be cherished, Topps On Demand has successfully ushered sports collecting into an innovative digital-first approach that broadens participation and celebrates individual collectors. As technology progresses, we can surely expect further integration and new possibilities on the horizon for customized on-demand sports card collections.

2018 BOWMAN’s BEST BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2018 Bowman’s Best baseball card set had some highly valuable rookie cards that have increased significantly in price since release. Bowman’s Best is one of the flagship Bowman brand sets released annually that focuses on top prospects and young stars in MLB. The 2018 edition contained several rookies who have since broken out, driving up demand for their rookie cards.

One of the most valuable cards from 2018 Bowman’s Best is the Juan Soto rainbow foil parallel card. Soto had a phenomenal rookie season in 2018 for the Washington Nationals, winning NL Rookie of the Year and helping lead the team to a World Series appearance. His accomplishments so early in his career marked him as a future superstar. The Soto rainbow foil is one of the scarcest parallels from the set, with experts estimating fewer than 10 copies in existence. High grade PSA 10 examples of this rare Soto rookie have sold for over $10,000, with most graded copies bringing $3,000-$5,000. Even lower grade copies still sell for $1,000 or more due to his superstar status at a young age.

Another top rookie from the 2018 set is Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña burst onto the scene with 26 home runs in only 111 games in his rookie campaign. He has continued developing into a true five-tool talent and perennial MVP candidate. The Acuña rookie base card has steadily increased in value since release, with PSA 10 copies now selling for $300-500. His refractor parallel is also highly sought after, with PSA 10 examples reaching $1,000-1,500. Even raw or lower grade Acuña rookies still sell for $50-150 due to his star power on a rising Braves team.

Pitching prospects are always in high demand as well. Walker Buehler of the Los Angeles Dodgers had a breakout 2018 season that saw him become a key member of their rotation. The Buehler rookie base card has increased to around $50-75 for a PSA 10 copy. His refractor parallel reaches $150-250 graded gem mint. Fellow young hurler Jack Flaherty of the St. Louis Cardinals also had his share of 2018 Bowman’s Best valuable cards. Flaherty has developed into an ace and cornerstone of the Cardinals staff. His base rookie sells for $30-50 graded, while the refractor parallel reaches $75-125 in PSA 10.

Beyond the headliner rookies, several other 2018 prospects have seen their cards rise in value as they progress up the minor leagues towards the MLB. One such example is Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. Kelenic was one of the top international prospects from the 2018 J2 class and is considered one of the top overall prospects in baseball. Even though he has yet to reach the majors, his 2018 Bowman’s Best base rookie has surpassed $50 graded as collectors speculate on his future star potential. Fellow top prospects like Forrest Whitley (Astros), Brendan McKay (Rays), and Mitch Keller (Pirates) have also gained traction, with their rookie cards reaching $20-40 graded as they near the big leagues.

While the rookie cards take center stage, 2018 Bowman’s Best also featured several young stars who were already establishing themselves in the MLB. Reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich had an outstanding season in 2018 for the Milwaukee Brewers after being traded from the Marlins. The Yelich base card from the set has reached $15-25 in PSA 10 condition. His refractor parallel can fetch $30-50 graded gem mint as Brewers fans and collectors continue to appreciate his contributions. Other established talents like Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Gleyber Torres also had 2018 Bowman’s Best cards that have steadily increased to $10-20 in a PSA 10 slab due to their on-field success at such a young age.

In addition to the main set, 2018 Bowman’s Best also had several parallels and short prints that added to the excitement. The prized purple refractor parallel was one of the most scarce, with stars like Soto, Acuña, and Buehler commanding over $500 graded for their purple refractors. The gold label parallels reached $100-250 in PSA 10. Even base short prints like the unnumbered prospects have doubled in price since release to $20-40 graded. With its focus on top prospects and rising young stars, 2018 Bowman’s Best has proven to have incredible longevity. Many of the cards have significantly outpaced main set prices from the same year as those featured players blossom into superstars. Savvy collectors who purchased boxes or individual cards at release have reaped strong returns. As the careers of Soto, Acuña, and others continue upward trajectories, their early rookie cards from the 2018 edition of Bowman’s Best should remain highly valuable for years to come.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BOX

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The 2018 Topps baseball card release marks the 65th year that Topps has produced baseball cards. Some of the key features of the 2018 Topps baseball cards include updated player photos, retro design parallels, special subsets highlighting milestones and achievements, as well as popular young stars. The flagship 2018 Topps base set contains 352 cards including all 30 MLB teams.

After several years of producing unpopular designs, Topps base cards seem to have returned to a more traditional and classic look similar to the late 1980s and early 1990s Topps designs. The 2018 flagship base cards feature a clean white border around each photo with team logos along the bottom and set notation along the top border in a simple white font. Player names are positioned above each photo. The front of each card is very clean and focused entirely on the player photography.

One of the most notable design elements in 2018 Topps is the return of team-colored parallels. For the first time since 2013, Topps is producing parallels whereby the entire card has a solid team color border and font consistent with the player’s affiliated MLB club. These team-colored parallels are inserted randomly in packs and boxes at approximately 1 per pack on average. While not short prints, the team colors help tie each player more directly to their respective franchises.

In addition to the standard base set, Topps is releasing numerous inserts, parallels and short prints to appeal to varying collector interests. One popular insert set paying homage to the early 1970s is the “Turn Back The Clock” Parallels. These feature black-and-white photography from each player’s rookie seasons in a retro wood-grain panel design drawing inspiration directly from the classic 1971 Topps cards. Another insert set of note is “Stars of the MLB” which highlights some of baseball’s most prominent young talents such as Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Francisco Lindor on cards featuring artistic renderings rather than typical photos on each card front.

Topps also has several subsets recognizing major career milestones and accomplishments. Examples include “300 Win Club” honoring pitchers who have achieved 300 career victories, “600 Home Run Club” for sluggers with 600 career round trippers, and “3000 Hit Club” for those elite players with 3,000 career base hits. Rookie cards, autographed cards, and 1/1 printing plate parallels can also be found as short print chase cards. Additional inserted parallel sets include “Heritage High Number”, “Rainbow Foil”, and “Graphic Standouts” among others to appeal to collectors interests in rarer insert cards.

The 2018 Topps boxes contain either 21 or 24 packs with 11 cards per pack. On average, collectors can expect to pull around 3-5 short print or insert cards per box. With the large base set size of over 350 cards, it usually takes 2-3 sealed boxes to complete the standard base set for active players. The checklist also includes retired “Legends” from the 1990s and 2000s eras which are much harder to obtain outside of buying direct singles. While photography and visuals are important aspects of the 2018 flagship design, Topps has made the inserts and parallels diverse enough that even players not pulled from packs can still be collected and assembled through trading.

For collectors wishing to chase complete sets of parallels and inserts, Topps is releasing many additional multi-pack products beyond the standard hanger, blaster, and retail boxes. Examples include “Heritage High Number” packs containing only players numbered to the standard set, “Rainbow Foil” packs guaranteeing at least 1 per pack, “Graphic Standouts” boxes with multiple enhanced insert cards, and deluxe “Hit Parade” boxes loaded with autographed rookie cards. For the first time, Topps is also producing “Extended Series” cards numbered up to 600+ to further the challenge of obtaining complete rainbow parallel sets of certain key players.

While the photography and visual presentation of the 2018 Topps base set was considered an improvement over recent years by most collectors and analysts, the sheer number of insert sets and parallels released has been met with some criticism for being overwhelming. With more and more collecting focused on chase cards above standard base sets, some feel Topps has moved away from affordable new collector products. Most agree the variety caters well to both advanced collectors chasing rare parallels and longtime fans simply completing full base sets of their favorite teams. For its mainstream reach, historic brand prestige, and ability to move the $350 million baseball card industry, Topps remains a staple in the world of sports memorabilia. The 2018 Topps release once again showed the company’s willingness to evolve with the times while retaining ties to its classic designs of baseball card history. Whether chasing parallels or value players, the 2018 Topps baseball cards provided entertainment and collecting enjoyment for fans of all interests.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2018 Topps Baseball card set featured some of the most highly sought after rookie and star cards in recent memory. The release of star rookies like Acuña Jr., Soto, and Ohtani generated a lot of hype leading up to the release of Series 1 in late February. While the base cards and inserts were plentiful as always, it was these highly touted rookie cards that became the most valuable and coveted by collectors. Several months after the release of Series 2 in late May/early June, here are some of the standout cards from the 2018 Topps Baseball set that have proven to be the most valuable and desirable.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Chrome RC /499 (Bowman Chrome): Acuña had one of the greatest rookie seasons in MLB history and his cards across all brands exploded in value as soon as he debuted. His Chrome Refractor rookie from Bowman Chrome parallels under /499, which carried over to Topps Series 1 and 2, rose exponentially after his blistering start and ended up as one of the most expensive modern rookie cards on the market, carrying estimates well over $1000 PSA 10.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Autograph RC /299 (Topps Finest): Acuña’s autograph cards were highly sought after from the start but the Finest parallel remains one of the most visually stunning. Printed to just /299 copies, these autographed rookie cards showcase Acuña’s bold looping signature on the red Finest refractor background. Graded PSA/BGS 10 examples now sell for $2500-3000.

Shohei Ohtani RC /250 (Bowman Chrome): As one of just a handful of true two-way players in modern MLB history, Ohtani’s rookie cards were a hot commodity from Day 1. The prized parallel from Bowman Chrome remains his /250 refractors, which carried over to Topps products as well. High-grade PSA 10 examples now fetch $800-1200.

Juan Soto Autograph RC /99 (2018 Topps Finest): Much like Acuña and Ohtani, Soto burst onto the MLB scene with record-breaking performances as a teenager. His autograph cards across all brands were in high demand and the Finest parallel, numbered to just 99 copies, stands out. PSA/BGS 10 examples have sold for as much as $3500.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Chrome RC /499 (Bowman Chrome): Though still awaiting his MLB debut at the time of the 2018 card release, Guerrero was considered a can’t-miss prospect and his cards enjoyed early hype. His prized Chrome Refractors from Bowman paralleled to /499 became hot commodities. PSA 10s now sell for between $600-900.

Mike Trout Autograph /50 (2018 Topps Finest): As one of the greatest players of this generation, Trout’s autograph rookies from 2009 have long been out of reach financially for most collectors. His autographs from active player issues like 2018 Finest, which was limited to just 50 copies, provide a more affordable Trout option. BGS/PSA 10 examples have sold for $2000-2500.

Cody Bellinger Autograph /25 (2018 Topps Finest): After winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2017, Bellinger broke out in a big way offensively in 2018. His autograph rookie cards rose in value accordingly and the ultra-short printed Finest parallel autographed to /25 became extremely popular. PSA/BGS 10 versions have reached $1800-2200.

Aaron Judge Autograph /50 (2018 Topps Finest): The reigning AL Rookie of the Year and home run champion, Judge’s star power translated to high demand for his 2018 signed cards as well. The extremely limited Topps Finest /50 parallel became one of the most coveted Reds of the year. PSA 10 examples have sold for $1500-1800.

Gleyber Torres Base RC /299 (Topps Finest): Torres announced himself as a potential superstar with a phenomenal 2018 in pinstripes. While his autographed cards gained more notoriety, even his red refractor base rookie from Finest paralleled to just 299 copies rose significantly in value after his rookie season performance. PSA 10s have reached $500-700.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Chrome RC /499 (Bowman Chrome): Viewed as one of the finest prospects in baseball coming into 2018, Tatis lived up to expectations with impressive play in A-Ball and the Arizona Fall League. As his prospect stock rose exponentially, so too did the demand for his prized Bowman Chrome parallel. PSA 10s have attained $300-450.

Shane Bieber Chrome RC /499 (Bowman Chrome): Bieber went from under-the-radar prospect to breakout Rookie of the Year contender with an electric season for Cleveland. Along with this emergence came heightened attention on his Bowman Chrome Refractors, which have gained steadily with each impressive MLB outing. PSA 10s have reached $200-300.

This covers just a sampling of some of the standout cards and rookies that defined the 2018 Topps Baseball release as one of the strongest modern issues from a hobby perspective. With elite young talents like Acuña, Soto, Torres, Guerrero and more, combined with veterans like Trout, Judge and Bellinger, the release had something for all types of collectors. Several months later, these elite parallels and rookies have proven to maintain strong near-future potential.

MOST EXPENSIVE 2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 Topps baseball card series featured some of the most valuable modern rookie cards and parallels on the market. While retail boxes of 2018 Topps featured mainstream base cards of current stars, it was the rare parallels and short print variations that fetched enormous prices at auction over the past few years. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive 2018 Topps baseball cards that have changed hands.

Heading the list is perhaps the single most coveted modern card – the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Superfractor parallel. Only 5 of these 1/1 parallels exist featuring the Blue Jays phenom. With his hype continuing to build after breakout seasons in 2019 and 2021, one of these extremely rare Guerrero Jr. Supers sold for a staggering $459,000 in a December 2021 Goldin Auctions sale. It’s hard to fathom any standard base rookie cardfetching this kind of money, but Guerrero Jr.’s talents and the sheer scarcity of the parallel make it one of the true crown jewels in the hobby.

Another extremely expensive 2018 Topps card is the Ronald Acuña Jr. Superfractor parallel, of which only 5 also exist. Considered one of the top young players in the game along with Guerrero Jr., an Acuña Jr. Super sold for $350,000 in January 2022 through the same Goldin Auctions. It’s truly remarkable two cards from the same series sold for north of $350K within a month of each other. Acuña Jr.’s superstar talent and 5-card print run make this one of the most iconic and investment-worthy cards on the vintage market.

Moving beyond Supers, another hugely valuable 2018 parallel is the Juan Soto Rainbow Foil parallel numbered to /5. Soto’s ascension into one of baseball’s best hitters after winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2018 has only increased demand for his scarce parallels. One of these ultra-short print Soto rainbows from 2018 Topps changed hands for an astounding $249,950 in a Goldin sale in May 2021. With Soto entering his prime, cards like this securing a quarter million dollars show no signs of his collectibles market cooling off.

The 2018 Topps retail release also featured several popular short prints that can fetch big money in the right graded gem grades. Heading the short prints is the Christian Yelich Pink parallel numbered to /150. One BGS-graded Yelich Pink gem mint 9.5 sold for $19,200 on eBay in October 2021. Yelich’s 2018 MVP season and the rarity of finding these ultra-short printed pink parallels so high-graded make it a true treasure for baseball collectors.

Other expensive 2018 Topps short prints include an Acuña Jr. red parallel numbered to /5 that sold for $15,650 through Goldin in January 2022 and a BGS 9.5-graded Fernando Tatis Jr. Orange Velocity parallel /150 that hit $15,375 in a November 2021 Goldin sale. Both Acuña Jr. and Tatis Jr.’ highly-regarded prospects at the time coupled with their even scarcer paper colors demand top dollar from voracious vintage collectors.

Perhaps the most famous and iconic short print variation from 2018 Topps are the gold foil labels featuring numbering instead of the standard Topps player design. Numbered to an extremely low /10 each, graded examples of these labels featuring superstars like Mike Trout ($6,300), Christian Yelich ($4,600), and Mookie Betts ($4,000) routinely sell for thousands. The treasure hunt aspect of finding these elusive variations encased and preserved at gem quality adds tremendously to their collector appeal.

While flagship parallels and short prints garnered the biggest prices, 2018 Topps Chrome also featured certain cards that broke records. Headlining was a Juan Soto Chrome Refractor Superfractor /1 that crushed estimates, selling for a world record $350,100 through Goldin Auctions in August 2020. Soto mania knew no bounds as collectors clamored for any pieces of the phenom they could get their hands on. Additionally, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor changed hands for $198,000 that same August month. With the highest end-label chrome parallels numbered to an ultimate one, prices truly had nowhere to go but up for specimens so rare.

The 2018 Topps baseball release stands out as one of the most defining modern issues, featuring generational talents just entering the league like Acuña Jr., Soto, Vlad Jr., and more. Their continued successes at the MLB level synchronized perfectly with the collectibles market hunger for their earliest certified rookies. With the sheer volatility in prices some 2018 Topps parallels and short prints have achieved reaching above six figures, it’s clear this series launched icons whose cards will be prized holdings for years to come.

2018 TOPPS UNOPENED BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 Topps baseball card series is one of the most popular and collectible issues in recent years. The 2018 Topps cards debuted at the start of the 2018 MLB season and featured artwork, photography, and design elements that collectors found appealing. This led to strong initial sales and interest that has carried through to today as the 2018 cards remain a hot commodity in the secondary market for unopened packs and boxes.

Some key aspects that collectors enjoyed about the 2018 Topps design included vivid card colors, crisp player photography, and iconic trademark elements like the Topps logo and “FLAGSHIP” branding prominently displayed on each card front. The bright reds, yellows, and greens used for team logos and borders popped visually compared to some more subdued designs in recent years. On the back of each card, collectors also appreciated statistical and career information presented in an easy to read font alongside individual player photographs.

From a product release standpoint, 2018 Topps Baseball represented the 72nd annual standard issue set from the brand. Included were 8 card base variants making up the majority of packs as well as special short print parallel and autographed/memorabilia inserts scattered throughout boxes and blasters at reduced odds. This formula of a robust base set mixed with selectively inserted premium chase cards is a winning tradition that Topps has refined over decades.

Some notable rookie cards featured in the 2018 Topps series that are highly sought after include Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Gleyber Torres, and Walker Buehler. Given the immediate major league success and future star potential of these players, their rookie cards have been some of the most valuable from the set on the secondary market. Higher grade versions graded by authentication companies like PSA or BGS in protectors have particularly robust collectible appeal.

Release date was a strategic positive for 2018 Topps as well. Arriving on store shelves in late March/early April right when the 2018 MLB season was beginning generated maximum interest and alignment with the sporting calendar. This timing allowed fans and collectors to start acquiring players from their favorite teams fresh off Opening Day rosters. It also ensured the set was the most relevant annual issue covering that current baseball year.

In terms of production amounts, 2018 Topps Baseball had a standard nationwide distribution through normal retail hobby shop and big box store channels everywhere from Target to Walmart. Box configurations included both traditional wax packs as well as retail exclusive blaster boxes containing 10 packs each. Official factory sealed cases holding either 36 wax boxes or 8 blaster boxes provided an inventory release sufficient for initial widespread availability without being massively overproduced.

Secondary market pricing indicates 2018 Topps maintained desirability after the first year of release as well. While individual common base cards now sell for under $1 in near mint condition, complete factory sealed wax boxes still command $100-150 online. This box price stability shows lasting collector demand for the sealed 2018 product experience almost 5 years later. Meanwhile, premium short prints or rookie autographs from Acuna, Soto, etc. have increased 3x or more in value as their careers blossomed.

Creatively, Topps didn’t rest on their laurels with the standard 2018 design. Additional non-base sets were also produced as hobby incentivizes. These included Topps Transcendent featuring artifacts from key moments autographed by the players involved, Topps Heritage recalling retro designs of the 1960s-80s, and Topps Gallery spotlighting stunning action photography. Inserts appearing one per pack added variability for breakers chasing super short prints. International versions were also released under the Bowman and Topps brands in other countries.

Perhaps most remarkably, conditions of the collectibles market in 2022-23 have proven unexpectedly beneficial to vintage 2018 Topps cards and boxes 5 whole years later. With modern issues from 2021, 2022 experiencing widespread shortages, distribution problems and quality control failures driving current sealed products well above MSRP, collectors have looked to recent prior vintages like impeccably produced 2018 Topps as affordable satisfying vintage alternative options. Sales have spiked of the 2018 product that once sat abundantly on shelves.

The enduring popularity of the 2018 Topps baseball card release can be attributed to a winning combination of factors. Strong standard design attracting early interest, inclusions of stars in the making via rookie cards, well-planned retail release timing, and sufficient legitimate production for initial availability were fundamental successes. The cards have also proven to maintain relevancy and value appreciation over the long term as the quality vintage alternative of choice under today’s modern collectibles market conditions favoring recent past issues over troubled current releases. 2018 Topps represented one of the smoothest and most seamless issues of the modern era collectors have enjoyed. Demand remains five years later showing no signs of slowing down.