The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to hit the shelves 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, offering hobby boxes that feature a total of 24 packs, each containing nine cards. With an autograph or relic card and a box loader card included in every box, collectors are in for a treat.
The base set in this collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and expands on the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It introduces the high number set, which ranges from card number 501 to 700, and includes an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will be eagerly hunting down to complete their set. This set features not only rookies who made their debut during the season but also players who switched teams.
Adding a unique twist to the collection, the base card parallels offer a variety of options. Hobby boxes feature the limited Black Bordered parallels, which are restricted to just 50 cards. On the other hand, the Flip Stock parallels, also exclusive to hobby boxes, are extremely rare with only five cards in existence. Furthermore, Chrome Parallels are available for 50 players, including the Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, hobby only), and the highly sought-after Superfractor (numbered to 1). Additionally, collectors can find a Hot Box Refractor among the surprises. Base card variations such as the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only) add another layer of excitement to the chase.
But that’s not all. Topps has hinted at even more surprises related to the base set, keeping collectors on their toes. In addition to the base cards and their variations, collectors can seek out 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer a diverse range of themes. The Rookie Performers set highlights 15 first-year players who made a significant impact in their debut season. The Now and Then set pairs highlights from 1973 and 2022, allowing fans to compare the game’s magical moments from different eras. Combo Cards present thematic pairings that will surely delight collectors, while the Award Winners set showcases the outstanding performances of athletes in 2021. The 1974 Highlights set takes collectors on a nostalgic journey, featuring iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. The Hammer set pays tribute to Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps insert offers a nod to the original 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps set, featuring both modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section of the collection begins with Real One Autographs, which feature on-card signatures in blue ink. Collectors will also have the chance to find Red Ink versions, known as “Special Edition,” which are numbered to 73 or less. Adding to the excitement in the High Number series, the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs capture memorable moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game, signed by the featured player and numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a staple of the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards. For fans of autographed relics, there are also versions of these cards, numbered to 25 or less. Additionally, gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse Collection relics will be numbered to 99, and 1/1 Patch parallels are available for both signed and unsigned cards. The collection also offers serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels included for those as well. As a special treat for collectors, the checklist features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s.
If you’re a hobby box collector, you’ll love the exclusive box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection. These box loaders will come in one of four options: 1974 Topps Oversized, which are oversized versions of the 2022 Base cards; 1974 Topps Puzzles, paying homage to the 1974 Topps puzzles with current stars; 1974 Topps Deckle Edge Baseball; and 1974 Topps Originals, authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added.
To summarize, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection offers a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of the 1974 Topps designs with modern players and highlights from the current season. With its wide array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby. So get ready to embark on a nostalgic journey while adding some contemporary flair to your collection.
