Topps baseball cards are among the most iconic collectibles in sports. In 2017, Topps celebrated its 65th anniversary of producing Major League Baseball cards. Some of the notable highlights of their 2017 release include:
Series 1 was released on January 25th, 2017 and featured current MLB stars on the base cards along with various inserts. Many fans consider the base cards from Series 1 as the standard issues that kick off each new season. Elite talents like Mike Trout, Kris Bryant, and Miguel Cabrera graced thecoveted base rookie cards. Additionally, Topps introduced “Greats of the Game” subset highlighting legends like Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Sandy Koufax. The early release helps build excitement leading up to Opening Day.
Series 2 followed on March 8th continuing with base cards highlighting all 30 MLB teams. Notable rookies in this series included Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Nomar Mazara of the Rangers. Topps also included “Tribute” cards honoring past stars. The “Captains” insert set showcased current players who exemplify leadership qualities for their respective franchises like Buster Posey for the Giants. “Flashback Fridays” included retro-styled cards from the 1970s. Insert sets provided valuable chase cards for collectors.
Heritage Minors, released on April 26th, delved into the minor league systems spotlighting top prospects. Future superstars like Gleyber Torres and Eloy Jimenez received flashy rookie cards through this set prior to their MLB debuts. Packs also contained “Futures Game” cards highlighting the top minor leaguers participating in the annual mid-summer prospect showcase. It gave collectors an early glimpse at tomorrow’s stars currently developing in the minors.
Series 3 hit the shelves on June 7th and like the prior two base sets, featured all 30 clubs. Rookies in this series included Andrew Benintendi, Dansby Swanson, and Andrew Triggs. Notable inserts included “Faces of the Franchise” honoring iconic players from each team’s history. “Relics” included game-used memorabilia swatches and autographs of both current and past stars to satisfy collectors pursuing authentic pieces of uniform history.
Heritage High Numbers released on July 12th and complemented the flagship “Heritage” set released earlier in the year by Topps. It provided an opportunity to collect additional player cards that did not make the initial cut. Rookies included Rhys Hoskins and Cody Bellinger who made strong early season impressions. Inserts continued several retro-styles introduced in the main Heritage release in addition to new “High Tech” cards incorporating a futuristic aesthetic.
Topps Chrome hit the market on August 2nd and contained the same base roster as Series 3 but printed on Chrome cardboard giving the cards a shimmery refractor effect prized by collectors. Considered the high-end flagship set, Chrome cards carry a significant premium. Their rarity amplifies as future Hall of Famers achieve MLB milestones and accomplishments. Rookies in this coveted set included Aaron Judge prior to his record-breaking rookie season. Chrome also featured several valuable autograph and memorabilia insert sets.
Allen & Ginter made its return on August 30th after a one-year hiatus with a fun, unique theme embracing art, literature, music, and history in addition to baseball. Rather than focusing solely on MLB players, the set featured historical figures like Harriet Tubman alongside athletes from multiple sports. Inserts contained artwork capturing diverse genres to broaden the collecting appeal beyond strict baseball devotees. Its eclectic style offered a refreshing change of pace.
Series 4 closed out Topps’ 2017 baseball card season on September 6th. By this stage, many rookies from the first few sets had made their debuts including Cody Bellinger and Rhys Hoskins who exploded onto the scene. Notable veterans like Yadier Molina and Miguel Cabrera anchored the final series. Topps incorporated additional photo variations throughout its four base sets adding to the suspense of each pack ripped. Collectors eagerly anticipated who they may pull in a unique pose or uniform number.
Topps clearly demonstrated its enduring commitment to serving baseball card aficionados spanning all levels through its comprehensive 2017 offering. While the company reigns as the undisputed industry leader, competitors like Panini and Leaf also make valuable contributions expanding the thriving hobby. Overall, 2017 emphasized Topps’ knack for innovation balanced with nostalgia through beloved retro sets, inserts showcasing game-worn memorabilia, and spotlighting MLB’s next generation of stars rising through the minor leagues. Their brand and flagship products remain synonymous with America’s pastime six decades later.
