The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13, and it promises to add a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. Building on the success of the Heritage line, this year’s edition offers hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each filled with nine cards. 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 takes inspiration from the 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It introduces a high number set, featuring cards numbered from 501 to 700. Additionally, collectors will be excited to chase down the 25 short prints, numbered 701-725, to complete their set. This high number set will highlight rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams.
What sets this collection apart are the base card parallels, which add a unique touch to the overall set. Hobby boxes will offer the limited-edition Black Bordered parallel, with only 50 copies available. Collectors can also hunt for the Flip Stock parallel, which is even rarer with only five copies produced and exclusive to hobby boxes. The collection also includes various Chrome Parallels, featuring 50 players. Among these Chrome Parallels are the Refractor parallel (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered parallel (numbered to 373), Black Bordered parallel (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered parallel (numbered to 5, hobby only), and the highly sought-after Superfractor parallel (numbered to 1). To add to the excitement, there will be a Hot Box Refractor available as well. Furthermore, the set offers base card variations such as the Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (exclusive to hobby boxes), and Team Name and Color Swap (exclusive to hobby boxes).
But the surprises don’t end there. Topps has hinted at more unexpected elements related to the base set, which will surely keep collectors on the lookout. In addition to the base set, there are 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to only 100. Players traded or signing with new teams will also have stamped variations of their cards.
The insert sets in the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection are diverse and add further excitement to the overall package. The Rookie Performers set features 15 first-year players who made an impact during the season. The Now and Then insert set pairs highlights from the 1973 season with comparable moments from 2022. Combo Cards present thematic pairings of players. Award Winners celebrates the standout performances of players in 2021. The 1974 Highlights showcase iconic moments and players from the 1974 season. The Hammer is a special insert that honors Hank Aaron’s record-breaking home run accomplishment in April 1974. Finally, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps pay tribute to the original version of the stamps, featuring both modern stars and players from the era.
Autograph enthusiasts will be delighted with the offerings in this collection. The Real One Autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink, providing a genuine touch. Fans can also collect the Red Ink versions, also known as “Special Edition,” which are numbered to 73 or less. A notable addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, which capture memorable moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured players and are numbered to 99 or less.
Relic cards and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection includes game-used uniform and bat piece cards. For the autographed versions, only 25 copies or less will be produced. The non-autographed Clubhouse Collection relics will have Gold parallels, numbered to 99. Additionally, collectors can look forward to 1/1 Patch parallels for both signed and unsigned cards. For those seeking even more rarity, there will be Serial-numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics available, each with their own 1/1 patch parallels. The collection also features Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer an extra touch of nostalgia. These box loaders come in four different options: 1974 Topps Oversized, which showcases 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, which are authentic 1973 Topps cards with a foil stamp added.
In summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. Its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders make it an appealing and diverse collection for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Get ready to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of baseball history while celebrating the stars of today.