Topps Heritage is one of the most popular and highly anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2022 Topps Heritage set brings back the classic look and feel of baseball cards from the late 1960s but with modern players. Here are some of the key updates and things to know about the 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card release.
Design and Look – As with past Heritage sets, the 2022 version stays true to the vintage design aesthetic from the late 60s. The cards have a thicker stock paper-like feel that mimics the cardboard stock of the era. The design elements like the team logo at the top, white borders, and player pose photography all help transport collectors back to that period of baseball cards. The cards also have the classic Topps logo design from that time as well as the team name printed vertically along one side.
Base Set Size – The 2022 Topps Heritage base set consists of 330 total cards as in recent years. This includes all 30 MLB teams with player cards running from #1 to #330. Some of the bigger named stars will have multiple base cards as well to round out team sets. As with past Heritage releases, parallel and insert sets are also included on top of the base cards.
Parallels and Short Prints – In addition to the base 330 cards, Topps Heritage includes various parallels and short prints. The main parallels include Gold Foil (#/2021), Green Foil (#/99), and Red Foil (#/50). Topps also includes several short print subsets at lower print runs like Stars of the 60s and Rookies of the Year. These help add to the chase and excitement of each Heritage box or pack.
New Players and Rookies – While Heritage pays tribute to the 1960s design, it still features all current MLB players. This means each year’s Heritage set includes some first Heritage cards for rookie and prospect players who have made their MLB debut. The 2022 set will include first Heritage cards for players like Bobby Witt Jr, Spencer Torkelson, and others who broke into the big leagues in 2021.
Autographs and Memorabilia Cards – Like most modern Topps releases, Heritage includes several autographed and memorabilia inserts throughout its parallels and inserts. These provide collectors a chance at pulling rare, game-used memorabilia cards signed by today’s top MLB stars. The memorabilia can include pieces of jerseys, bats, balls, and more to blend vintage and modern elements.
Additional Insert Sets – Beyond the base cards, parallels, and short prints, Topps Heritage also includes several distinctive insert sets each year. For 2022, these include Minnie Minoso Tribute (#/75), All-Star Flashbacks, Turn Back the Clock photo variations, and more. These help add to the nostalgia and collecting fun of each Heritage product release from Topps.
Hobby Box Configuration – Hobby boxes for the 2022 Topps Heritage release contain 18 packs with 12 cards per pack for a total of 216 cards per box. This includes a mix of base cards, parallels, inserts, and autographs/memorabilia throughout each box. With the 330 card base set size, most collectors will be able to complete the base roster from 2-3 boxes on average with some leftover for the chase cards.
Retail Product – Along with the high-end hobby boxes, Topps Heritage is also available in retail through products like blasters, hangers, and fat packs. These provide a more affordable entry point for collectors and allow for building partial sets while still having chances at hits. Hobby and retail work together to make Heritage accessible for all types of collectors.
Secondary Market – As with any popular modern release, the secondary market for Topps Heritage cards is very strong. Base rookie cards and stars routinely sell for multiple times their pack odds prices. Rare parallel and memorabilia cards from past Heritage sets command four and five-figure prices as well. This shows the longterm collecting demand and appreciation Heritage cards achieve over time.
The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card release continues delivering the nostalgic charm of 1960s cardboard while still featuring today’s top players. With over 330 base cards plus inserts, parallels and autographs, it provides both affordable and high-end collecting opportunities. Heritage endures as one of the most iconic and fan-favorite releases in the annual baseball card calendar.