Set to hit shelves on June 12, the 2024 Topps Series 2 Baseball Cards are generating a buzz among collectors with the promise of another 350 base cards to complement the initial 350 from Series 1. This expansion not only increases the player roster but also includes rookies and some standout names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto that were missing in the first series.
Remaining true to the winning formula established in Series 1, the new collection will feature parallels, short prints, and super short prints. Excitingly, this release will also debut new inserts that build on the success of earlier sets. One highlight is a short-printed set commemorating Ronald Acuna’s remarkable 40/70 season from the previous year. Additionally, fans can look forward to special All-Star cards inspired by the 1989 Topps Set, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the final release of the 1980s.
The face of Series 2 will be none other than Juan Soto, gracing the cover of the set. The series will offer two types of Hobby boxes – traditional boxes with 20 packs of 12 cards each and Jumbo boxes containing ten packs of 40 cards each. Both box variants will include a guaranteed autograph or relic card, along with silver bonus packs featuring chrome cards, numbered autographs, and various parallels.
The 350-card base set in Series 2 spans a wide array of content, from veterans and rookies to Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards. These cards will be decked out in various parallel versions, such as the exclusive Gold Foil Parallel found only in Jumbo packs, the Rainbow Foil Parallel appearing once in every 10 packs, and the numbered Gold Parallel limited to 2024 copies. Fans can also hunt for rarer parallels like the Blue Holofoil Board Parallel (numbered to 999) and unique variations including Purple Holofoil and Green Crackle Foil.
The set will boast an array of new and returning inserts, with six fresh themes introduced, including the coveted 40/70 insert honoring Ronald Acuna’s stellar MVP season. Furthermore, Series 2 will feature inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field, each offering multiple parallel versions ranging from Blue to Platinum. Autograph Parallels will be available for selected subjects. The nostalgic 1989 Topps Baseball design is making a comeback, featuring new All-Star inserts showcasing the game’s top players and paying tribute to the 1989 release.
Returning sets from Series 1 include popular inserts like Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and hand-drawn Sketch cards exclusive to Hobby products. A new super short print insert, Platinum Performers, is expected to be a sought-after addition.
Autographs and relic cards remain a focal point of the series, with offerings such as Baseball Stars Autographs and the fresh 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards. The latter includes dual and triple autographs, as well as one-of-a-kind Platinum Parallels. In the relic category, fans can look forward to Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, complete with Platinum parallels.
In conclusion, the 2024 Topps Series 2 promises an immersive and thrilling baseball card collecting experience. By retaining beloved elements from Series 1 and introducing new and rare inserts, autographs, and relic cards, this release will captivate both veteran collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Prepare to dive into a world of baseball nostalgia and excitement with the upcoming Series 2.