Topps Now is a unique product released by Topps that focuses on creating limited print run collectible cards commemorating special moments, milestones, and notable performances from that same day in Major League Baseball. The concept was launched in 2016 and has grown exponentially in popularity among both collectors and fans interested in obtaining a memorable baseball card from their favorite recent memory.
Topps Now cards are only printed based on orders received in the first few days after an event occurs, giving them an immediate sense of urgency and scarcity compared to standard release baseball cards found in packs and boxes. This limited window production model allows Topps to spotlight breaking news occurrences such as no-hitters, cycle performances, pitching gems, walk-off wins, rookie debuts, and more. The cards are printed on demand and quickly shipped to customers, providing a tangible collectible to memorialize history as it happens in real-time.
Some key aspects that make Topps Now unique include the rapid turnaround from event to finished product, short print windows necessitating quick purchasing decisions, ultra-limited print quantities, and focus on recent MLB highlights as opposed to standard season-long stats. The concept has found a huge audience not only among diehard collectors but also fans just looking to commemorate their favorite modern baseball memories. It gives anybody a potential shot at owning an officially licensed collectible from a game they experienced firsthand.
In the early years of Topps Now, cards would be offered on a rolling daily or weekly basis as new milestones occurred. Now, Topps releases themed weekly and monthly sets in addition to one-off cards. Some notable past Topps Now cards include Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta’s no-hitter from 2016, Yankees star Aaron Judge’s record-setting rookie season stats from 2017, Red Sox MVP Mookie Betts’ 2018 cycle performance, Astros ace Justin Verlander’s 3,000th career strikeout in 2020, and Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.’s two grand slams in one inning this past season.
Beyond timely highlights, Topps Now also acknowledges less obvious milestones with cards like Ichiro Suzuki getting his 3,000th hit or Albert Pujols joining the 700 home run club. International players are also represented, such as Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting three home runs in a game last year. Even moments off the field make the cut, such as Cleveland star Francisco Lindor signing a contract extension. Topps Now ensures no context of the game is ignored in their quest to cover all newsworthy baseball stories.
As with any limited collectible, Topps Now cards that commemorate truly historic performances hold exceptional value. A recent Justin Verlander no-hitter Topps Now sold for over $1000 raw and PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have traded hands above $2000. Meanwhile, higher print run cards highlighting less iconic achievements can often be obtained for mere dollars. Smart collectors focus on cards tied to truly one-of-a-kind events they believe will stand the test of time. Casual fans enjoy the affordability of most releases as an entry point to the hobby.
The presentation of Topps Now cards evolves each year, starting with a basic horizontal design and now including parallels, auto/relic versions, bigger story cards covering playoff moments, framed/canvas style treatments, and more premium products. The brand continues innovating new ideas to spark interest like “Hit Parade” highlight reel subsets. Additional gamification through Topps apps further boosts engagement. It’s clear Topps has no plans of slowing down with Topps Now as it remains one of the most creative aspects of their expanding sports collectible portfolio.
In summary, Topps Now has carved out a very unique niche in the sports card industry since 2016 by rapidly producing limited edition cards documenting MLB’s most exciting recent performances and milestones. The concept appeals to both hardcore collectors chasing history and casual fans looking for a tangible way to remember special baseball moments they either witnessed firsthand or followed closely. As long as Major League Baseball keeps producing compelling highlights on a daily basis, Topps Now figures to remain a trailblazing product energizing the collectibles market well into the future.
