Set to hit the shelves on June 12, the 2024 Topps Series 2 baseball cards promise a refreshing take on the beloved first installment. This new series builds on the foundation laid by Series 1, offering a fresh batch of 350 base cards that includes more players, rookies, and even notable names like the previously missing Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Embracing the tradition of parallel cards, short prints, and super short prints from Series 1, the Series 2 also introduces new inserts that continue to impress collectors of all levels.
Among the most anticipated additions are the special features designed to delight collectors. A standout is a short-printed set celebrating Ronald Acuna’s impressive 40/70 campaign from the previous season. Additionally, the series pays homage to the iconic 1989 Topps Set by introducing exclusive All-Star cards, marking the 35th anniversary of the final 1980s release from Topps.
The charismatic Juan Soto graces the cover of Series 2, adding to the allure of this collection. The release will offer two kinds of Hobby boxes for collectors to enjoy: the traditional boxes containing 20 packs of 12 cards each, and the Jumbo boxes featuring ten packs of 40 cards each. Each box guarantees an autograph or relic card, along with silver bonus packs that contain chrome cards, numbered autographs, and parallels that add value and excitement to the experience.
The base set of 350 cards in Series 2 covers a wide array of content, including veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards. Across these cards, collectors can find various parallels to enhance their collections, such as the exclusive Gold Foil Parallel found only in Jumbo packs, the frequently appearing Rainbow Foil Parallel, and the numbered Gold Parallel limited to 2024 copies.
In addition to the base set, new and returning inserts play a significant role in Series 2. Six new insert themes, like the strategically designed 40/70 insert honoring Ronald Acuna’s MVP-worthy season, bring fresh excitement to the collection. Inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field introduce new storylines with multiple parallels, including Autograph Parallels for selected subjects.
Returning from Series 1 are popular insert sets such as Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and the exclusive hand-drawn Sketch cards found only in Hobby products. A new coveted insert, Platinum Performers, is introduced as a super short print, adding to the allure of rare finds within the collection.
The relic cards and autographs in Series 2 continue to be standout features for collectors. Notable offerings include Baseball Stars Autographs and the fresh addition of the 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards. These new autograph cards come in dual and triple versions and offer one-of-one Platinum Parallels for the lucky collectors who find them. Relics include Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, with parallels extending to the exclusive Platinum version.
In summary, the 2024 Topps Series 2 promises an exhilarating journey for baseball card collectors of all levels. Building upon the success of Series 1, this new installment brings a blend of familiar elements and new surprises that will appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby.