The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13, and it brings a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. This year’s edition continues the tradition of the Heritage line, featuring hobby boxes with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. Collectors will be delighted to find that every box includes an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of this collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It encompasses a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700. Additionally, there are 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their set. This high number set includes rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams, adding excitement and relevance to the collection.
Adding a unique touch to the collection, the base card parallels offer a variety of options for collectors. These include the limited edition Black Bordered parallel, exclusively available in hobby boxes and limited to just 50 copies. The Flip Stock parallel is another hobby exclusive, with only five copies produced. Furthermore, the collection features various Chrome Parallels highlighting 50 players. These Chrome Parallels come in different editions such as the Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, available only in hobby boxes), and the highly coveted Superfractor (numbered to 1). In addition to these parallels, collectors can also hunt for base card variations, including the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only).
Topps has teased collectors with the promise of more surprises related to the base set, keeping anticipation high. Alongside the base set, collectors can find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, and traded/signed stamped variations, adding even more depth to the collection.
The insert sets in the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number collection are diverse and offer something for everyone. The Rookie Performers set showcases 15 first-year players who made an impact during the season. The Now and Then insert pairs highlights from the 1973 and 2022 seasons, providing an exciting juxtaposition of baseball history. Combo Cards feature thematic pairings, while the Award Winners set celebrates the outstanding performances of players during the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set takes collectors on a nostalgic journey, showcasing iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. The Hammer insert pays tribute to the legendary Hank Aaron and his record-breaking home run feat in April 1974. Finally, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps set offers a nod to the original stamp collection, featuring both modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section of the collection starts with Real One Autographs, showcasing on-card signatures in blue ink. Collectors can also look forward to the Red Ink versions, known as the “Special Edition,” which are numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, featuring moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game and signed by the featured player. These autographs are numbered to 99 or less, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards, with autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. The non-autographed Clubhouse cards also offer Gold parallels, numbered to 99. For collectors seeking the ultimate rarity, 1/1 Patch parallels are available for both signed and unsigned relic cards. Additionally, the collection includes serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels offered as well. For collectors looking for something truly unique, the checklist features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all produced as 1/1s.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer a special treat for collectors. The options include the 1974 Topps Oversized cards, featuring enlarged versions of the 2022 Base cards. The 1974 Topps Puzzles pay homage to the original puzzles from 1974, but with current stars as the puzzle pieces. For fans of nostalgia, the 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball set captures the look and feel of the original 1974 Deckle Edge set. Lastly, the 1974 Topps Originals feature authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added, providing collectors with a true blast from the past.
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection offers collectors a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that seamlessly combines the charm of 1974 Topps designs with modern players and highlights. With its diverse array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection is sure to appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or a lover of modern baseball, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number collection has something for everyone.
