Topps is widely known as the leading manufacturer of sports trading cards, holding exclusive licenses with Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and UEFA Champions League. For the 2023 season, Topps is releasing their large format “oversized” baseball card series which features dazzling high resolution photography and unique retro styled designs. Let’s take a closer look at what collectors can expect from these exciting new oversized cards.
At approximately twice the size of a standard trading card, Topps oversized cards measure approximately 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches. This jumbo card size allows for stunning high resolution portraits and action shots of today’s top MLB stars. Rather than cramming multiple images onto a single card front like a typical base set, oversized cards focus on a single striking image that really pops. The enlarged size also accommodates plenty of interesting statistical and career highlights information on the back of each card.
Topps meticulously selects the very best action photography from the previous MLB season for these memorable large format keepsakes. With their significantly higher resolution compared to normal sized cards, fine details really shine through in the oversized image. Whether it’s a pitcher winding up on the mound, a slugger following through on a monstrous home run swing, or an acrobatic outfield catch – these snapshots truly transport collectors right back to baseball’s greatest moments from 2022.
In addition to razor sharp photography, Topps oversized cards stand out with their retro styled vibrant color schemes and designs. Taking inspiration from the look of classic vintage cards from the 1960s and 70s, each oversized card features bright solid colored borders and subtle ornate graphical elements. Names and statistics are presented in a classic bold serif font to complete the retro sporting aesthetic. Collectors who appreciate nostalgic designs will love how Topps blends modern high quality imagery with a sincere homage to the stylistic roots of the collecting hobby.
The 2023 Topps oversized set will feature 150 total cards highlighting the biggest stars and must-have rookies from both the American and National Leagues. Standouts include superstars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Ronald Acuña Jr. and rookie sensations like Bobby Witt Jr. Each pack contains 4 oversized cards with varying levels of scarcity for parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards inserted throughout the entire print run. This creates appealing chase aspects for the seriously dedicated set builders out there.
In addition to the base 150 card set, Topps also includes a special 10 card insert set highlighting each team’s most memorable moment from the previous season. Whether it’s a walk-off home run, no-hitter, or deep postseason run – these inserts commemorate the defining plays that baseball fans won’t soon forget. Autograph and memorabilia cards from star players like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Mike Trout provide some of the set’s most coveted chase cards. Meanwhile, parallels like green /99, gold /10 and red /5 editions add exciting scarcity elements for those gunning for the hardest hits.
Topps is once again including one extremely low print gold foil stamped 1/1 card in their oversized release. This inestimably rare card featuring an autographed relic patch of Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge promises to set collector hearts racing. With only a single example in existence, it’s sure to become a true Holy Grail find for any diehard fan owning such an exclusive piece of cardboard history. Between the elite photography, flashy designs, and collection of inserted hits – Topps oversized cards are primed to be the most captivating baseball set this season.
The premium high end nature of Topps oversized cards comes with an equally hefty high end price tag. Hobby boxes carrying 36 packs with 4 cards per pack will run collectors around $150-$200 depending on availability from local card shops or online resellers. Individual oversized cards can range from $3-$5 each for basic base rookies and stars, up to $50-75 for star autos/relics, with truly one-of-a-kind hits like the 1/1 patches easily achieving 4 or even 5 figure prices. Serious collectors will surely want to pick up at least one box to build their base sets and start the exciting card-by-card chase. With unparalleled modern photography coupled with nostalgic design touches in an attractive large format size – Topps oversized cards aim to bring out the kid in every baseball fanatic this season. This popular premium release is sure to become a benchmark product that transcends being “just cards”.
Rather than mass produced base cards, Topps oversized set represents a true collectible artistic luxury product for the hardcore memorabilia appreciators. Between the impeccable high resolution imagery, creative retro styled layouts, scarce hits, and immense size – these cards are practically destined for protective display in a home or man cave. Alongside bobbleheads, jerseys and other MLB merchandise, Topps oversized cards can help fans relive memorable 2022 baseball moments for years to come in striking coffee table style. Whether pursuing base stars, chasing rare parallels, or bagging a true one-of-one holy grail – the exciting hunt for cards within Topps gigantic new set is sure to spur on collectors nationwide this season. After years of anticipation, the 2023 oversized series looks ready to deliver the most spectacular large format cards yet, and cement Topps as the true leaders in high end premium baseball cardboard.
