Topps 2022 Series 2 brought baseball fans another exciting set of cards to collect. Like Series 1 before it, the 2022 Series 2 release featured cards of current MLB stars, promising rookies, and beloved retired legends of the game. With hundreds of cards to find in packs and boxes, here is a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable insert hits fans sought after from the Series 2 release.
One of the premier rookie cards in the set was Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe. As the number 3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Jobe was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball coming into this season. His base rookie card featured in Series 2 gained popularity among collectors, but his red border framed rookie parallel /99 took things to another level. Jobe flashed dominant stuff during his pro debut season in 2022 and remains one of the prized young arms in the game. Expect his rookie cards, including the scarce parallel, to gain substantial value long term.
Another buzzworthy rookie card was Seattle Mariners slugger Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a breakout campaign in 2022 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His flashy play and five-tool talent made him an instant fan favorite in the Pacific Northwest. Series 2 provided collectors Rodriguez’s mainline base rookie as well as several valuable parallels like green /125 and orange /50. Rodriguez looks poised for superstardom, so his cards from this early in his career should hold strong collector demand for years to come.
Veteran superstars also had some standout cards from Series 2. One of the most coveted regular base cards was New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer. Arguably the top arm in baseball even at his advanced age, the “Mad Max” card resonated with collectors. Scherzer also had a dazzling parallel in Topps’ popular “Complete Set” parallel /50 that paired well with his dominant on-field play. With Scherzer still performing at an elite level, cards like these from an iconic player have staying power.
Another beloved veteran with a hot card was St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The smooth swinging slugger was coming off yet another All-Star caliber season, and his Series 2 base card found its way into many collectors’ stacks. Goldschmidt also had a striking neon green parallel /99 that stood out in sets. As the Cardinals’ longtime rock, Goldschmidt’s cards will hold currency with fans for years as a representative of the franchise.
Beyond rookies and stars, Topps Series 2 also featured some special insert sets that added to the excitement. A highly anticipated insert was Topps’ “Brothers in Arms” set honoring siblings in MLB. This featured brothers like Felipe and Félix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners along with other brother duos. The parallels like fluorescent pink /150 made these inserts a priority hit. These unique sibling cards captured the family connections that make baseball such a special sport.
Another coveted insert was Topps’ “Faces of the Franchise” set showcasing current players seen as the face of their respective teams. Cards like Ronald Acuña Jr. for the Atlanta Braves and José Ramírez for the Cleveland Guardians fit that mold perfectly. The parallel versions like green foil /99 leveled up already desirable franchise icons. Longtime fans of these clubs added these special “Face of the Franchise” inserts prominently to their collections.
Of course, any discussion of the most sought after Series 2 cards must include the legendary Yankee greats immortalized in the coveted “Pinstripe Pros” insert set. Honoring Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, and more, these retro-styled tribute inserts connected to the iconic Bronx Bombers mantra. The parallels became imperative hits for diehard Yankee collectors. Featuring legends of the sport’s most storied franchise earned this insert set prime status in the release.
Nostalgia also played a role outside of inserts, as fans lauded the aptly titled “Flashback Threads” base set paying homage to classic MLB uniforms. Highlights included cards for Atlanta Braves fan favorite Chipper Jones wearing the team’s epic early 90s powder blue duds. Another standout was Nomar Garciaparra modeling the classic red sock tops of the BoSox. These retro uni designs paired perfectly with all-time player talents and franchises, adding even more enthusiasm to the set.
While the aforementioned hits were clear favorites, Series 2 still had many other cards that excited collectors. Future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera represented the Detroit Tigers franchise well with his sharp looking base issue. Other exciting rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals saw strong early demand. Parallels like Topps’ popular “Orange Ice” /50 added pop to many base cards too. With so much to offer for each collector’s taste, Topps 2022 Series 2 lived up to expectations as one of the marquee MLB releases of the year. For many, tracking down some of these premier cards remains a long-term collecting goal.
In summary, Topps 2022 Series 2 baseball proved another monumental release that had it all – rookies of tomorrow’s stars, living legends of the sport shining on, sharp looking inserts celebrating franchises and players, and fun parallels adding variety. With so many coveted hits that connected to on-field play, franchise history, player pedigrees, and collector interests – this Series embodied what makes the hobby so rich. While new series have emerged since, this set secured its place in collectors’ minds as one delivering top cards that will hold value and nostalgia for years to come.
