The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection, set to be released in the week of December 13, brings a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. Building on the heritage of previous editions, this year’s set features hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each packed with nine cards. Inside each box, collectors can expect to find an autograph or relic card and a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of the 2023 collection takes inspiration from the iconic 1974 Topps design. Extending the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year, this high number set spans from card number 501 to 700. To add excitement, there are also 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their set. The high number set features rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams.
For those looking for unique variations, the base card parallels offer a touch of individuality. The options include Black Bordered (limited to 50 and exclusive to hobby boxes), Flip Stock (limited to 5 and exclusive to hobby boxes), and various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. These Chrome Parallels include Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5 and exclusive to hobby boxes), and Superfractor (numbered to 1). A Hot Box Refractor will also be available. Additionally, there are base card variations such as Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (exclusive to hobby boxes), and Team Name and Color Swap (exclusive to hobby boxes).
Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, increasing collectors’ anticipation. Furthermore, enthusiasts can discover 50 Mini Base Card Variations, with each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection are diverse and captivating. They include Rookie Performers, featuring 15 first-year players, Now and Then, which pairs highlights from 1973 and 2022, Combo Cards with thematic pairings, Award Winners celebrating 2021 performances, 1974 Highlights showcasing iconic moments and players from the 1974 season, The Hammer, a tribute to Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps, featuring modern stars and era-specific players reminiscent of the original version.
The autograph section of the collection starts with Real One Autographs, featuring on-card signatures in blue ink. For a special touch, Red Ink versions, also known as “Special Edition,” will be numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs. These cards capture moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game and are signed by the featured player, with each card numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a highlight of the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards, with autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99, and collectors can also find 1/1 Patch parallels for both signed and unsigned cards. Serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics will be available, with 1/1 patch parallels included.
The checklist also features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, with each card being a 1/1.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection will include one of four options: 1974 Topps Oversized (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).
In conclusion, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection captures the nostalgia of the past while incorporating modern players and highlights from the current season. With its extensive range of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this comprehensive set caters to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Whether you’re a fan of retro designs or a lover of the game, the 2023 Heritage High Number collection is a must-have addition to any collection.
