Introduction to Topps Baseball Cards
Topps has been a leader in the baseball card industry since the 1950s. They dominate the market for MLB licensed baseball cards and are known worldwide for their iconic designs and ability to capture the spirit of each new season. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain the history and key aspects of Topps baseball cards to help fans new and old better understand these treasured collectibles.
A Brief History of Topps Baseball Cards
Topps first entered the baseball card market in 1951 by securing the license to produce cards featuring current MLB players and teams. Prior to this, baseball cards were typically included as promotional inserts in products like tobacco. Topps struck a deal with Bowman Gum to include a pack of 5 cards in each stick of gum. This established the “wax pack” model that is still used today.
In the early 1950s, Topps issued sets featuring 336 cards each year. As interest grew, sets expanded to include over 600 cards by the late 1950s. Color photography was slowly introduced starting in the 1960s. Major design shifts occurred in 1969 with the introduction of action posed photos and a popular set featuring the current season’s statistics on the back of each card.
From the 1970s onward, Topps released larger annual sets of around 700 cards or more. Special subsets and rookie cards became key attractions. In later decades, inserts, parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards were added to expand the hobby. Today, modern Topps sets feature a wide range of products and inserts to appeal to collectors of all levels.
Understanding the Annual Baseball Card Release Schedule
Each year, Topps rolls out new MLB licensed card products on a reliable schedule:
Series 1 is usually the first release in late February/early March before the season begins. It features the biggest stars and top rookies.
Series 2 arrives in May/June. More players are included from the new season.
Update Series hits stores in August/September. It adds players who debuted after Series 2 was finalized.
Highlights include Heritage, Draft Picks, Stadium Club and Allen & Ginter around the midyear mark. Each has its own retro or unique designs.
Special playoff/World Series sets are also issued after the postseason concludes.
This steady cadence of new releases keeps the hobby fresh all year. Knowing when to expect each new product helps collectors keep an eye out at local shops, drugstores, big box retailers and online marketplaces.
Understanding Base Cards, Parallels and Inserts
Within each annual Topps set, there are different types of cards collectors seek:
Base cards make up the bulk of each release, featuring all MLB players in uniform photos or action shots.
Parallels replicate certain base cards but with alternate color designs, textures or numbering. Examples include Gold, Silver, Refractor, Short Prints and more.
Insert cards cover special themes outside the standard issue. Examples include Franchise Futures (top prospects), Mother’s Day cards, record breakers and more. Popular modern inserts include Autographs and Memorabilia cards.
Short Prints are select base cards printed in lower quantities to add scarcity. Rainbow foil or paper variations of base cards also fit in this category.
Understanding the variations within each release helps collectors seek out and trade for their favorite parallels, inserts and short prints to complete sets.
Grading and Protecting Valuable Cards
Simply opening a wax pack does not guarantee a collector will find a valuable card worthy of protecting long-term. Condition is critical to a card’s value over time. Professional grading via PSA or BGS uses a 1-10 point scale to objectively assign a grade factoring in centering, corners, edges and surface qualities like scratches.
Higher grades correlate to preserved visual appeal and demand from serious collectors. Most common Topps cards in gem mint (9-10 grade) can increase many times over in value versus a worn lower grade copy. Protecting valuable cards long-term involves sturdy holders like magnetic or plastic cases to prevent further wear from fingertips. Proper storage away from light, heat or moisture also helps preserve condition for future generations to appreciate.
The Vintage Card Market
While following the latest releases each season is exciting for new collectors, the vintage Topps card market holds immense potential as well. Iconic rookie cards from the 50s, 60s and 70s featuring legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more can sell for five or even six figures when graded gem mint.
Even common vintage issues can increase steadily in value when higher grades are earned over decades of careful collection. Pursuing vintage Topps fills niches beyond the present-day game and connects fans to baseball’s storied past. With care, a collection established today could become a family heirloom or source of heritage appreciation for future fans.
In Summary
Whether pursuing the latest rookie finds, hunting parallel color variations, completing vintage sets or simply enjoying the fun of opening packs, Topps baseball cards remain a gateway to connect with America’s pastime. Their iconic designs, steady release schedule and ability to chronicle each new season cement Topps’ important role within the larger baseball card industry and hobby. With this primer, collectors both new and old now have a foundation to better understand and appreciate the history behind these beloved collectibles.
