Topps has been producing baseball cards for over 70 years and their 2022 complete base set is one of the most eagerly awaited releases each season. The full 2022 Topps baseball card set contains a total of 396 cards featuring current Major League players, managers, coaches and officials from all 30 MLB teams. Collecting the entire set is a challenging task that requires tracking down dozens of variations and parallels to truly have a complete 2022 Topps collection.
The standard 2022 Topps base cards are packaged in wax packs, blasters, mega boxes and hobby boxes. Each pack contains approximately 10-12 cards with odds of around 1 in 3 packs containing an autograph or memorabilia card. The base design features a clean white border around a photo of the player in action with their name, team and stats on the front. On the back is a career highlight and return address box for the Topps company. Ranging in number from 1 to 396, each card has an identifiable number printed on the lower left front that helps collectors keep track of their progress towards completing the full set.
In addition to the standard base cards, Topps also produces numerous insert sets and parallel card variants to entice collectors. Some of the most popular inserts in 2022 include ‘Topps Now’ which features memorable recent performances, ‘Heritage’ featuring a retro design reminiscent of the original 1951 set, and ‘Galaxy’ showing out of this world galaxy foil artwork. Additional insert sets like ‘Opening Day’ and ‘All-Star’ capture specific events from the season.
Topps further expands collection possibilities with various parallel and refractors versions of the base cards. The most widely available parallel is the ‘Chrome’ refractors which feature a slick reflective finish on the same base card design. Other parallel options like ‘Rainbow Foil’, ‘Orange Refractor’, ‘Green Refractor’ and ‘Blue Refractor’ utilize different colored textures. The ultra-rare ‘1/1 Printing Plate’ parallels contain the printing plate image from the standard base card and are true one-of-a-kind collector treasures.
For players displaying rookie seasons or switching teams, Topps also produces specific rookie card and photo variations. Topps Rookies showcase the debuting talents with special logos while Update and Heritage variants feature new photos when athletes join different franchises. Short prints and unannounced substitutions in certain packs provide element of surprise for dedicated hunters of elusive chase cards. Key rookies and stars have additional Autographed and Memorabilia cards signed or containing game worn materials to heighten their value.
Completing a full 2022 Topps base set is no easy task requiring sorting, trading and purchasing singles to track down the 396 cards. Collectors generally start with opening wax packs, then graduate to higher end products and online trading/buying to fill holes. It takes diligence to identify variations, checklists and registry sets properly document progress. Many who finish publishing online to commemorate their achievement. Some collectors opt to upgrade to higher graded Gem Mint copies to preserve condition or go above and beyond for complete master sets with all inserts and parallels as well.
Topps also supports the set building community with digital checklists, hobby forums and official social media accounts to help collectors collaborate. The culmination of a full 2022 Topps set often captures a whole season of collecting memories and represents the widespread accessible allure of the baseball card hobby. While individual cards hold value, many consider the satisfaction of seeing a completed traditional base set as the real reward that keeps the card collecting passion alive each year for both kids and adults alike. The iconic 2022 Topps set is sure to create new fans as the season unfolds and provide enjoyment for years to come as one of the pillars of the collecting world.
