Set to hit the shelves on June 12, the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Series 2 Baseball Cards are gearing up to wow collectors with an additional 350 base cards joining the initial 350 from Series 1. This expansion promises to bring more players, rookies, and even some notable names missing from Series 1, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Remaining true to the successful formula established in Series 1, the new series will feature parallels, short prints, and super short prints alongside introducing new inserts that build upon the earlier triumphs. One standout new feature is a short-printed set honoring Ronald Acuna’s stellar 40/70 season from the previous year. Additionally, special All-Star cards from the 1989 Topps Set will be included, marking the 35th anniversary of the final release of the 1980s.
Juan Soto graces the cover of Series 2, which will offer two types of Hobby boxes: the traditional 20-pack boxes containing 12 cards each and Jumbo boxes with ten packs of 40 cards each. Each box type guarantees an autograph or relic card and features silver bonus packs that include chrome cards, numbered autographs, and parallels.
The 350-card base set in Series 2 boasts a diverse range of content, such as veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards, all adorned with various parallels to spice up the collection. Exclusive to Jumbo packs is the Gold Foil Parallel, with an insertion rate of 1:2 packs. Meanwhile, the Rainbow Foil Parallel will appear at a rate of 1:10 packs, and the Gold Parallel will be numbered to 2024. Look out for the Blue Holofoil Board Parallel, numbered to 999, along with other rare variations like the Vintage Stock Parallel, Independence Day Parallel, and the Hobby/Jumbo exclusive Black Parallel.
New and returning inserts play a significant role in Series 2, with six new insert themes enhancing the collection. Among them is the MVP season tribute with the 40/70 insert dedicated to Ronald Acuna, exclusively found in Hobby boxes. Various parallels are available for new inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field, ranging from Blue to Platinum, with Autograph Parallels for selected subjects. The classic 1989 Topps Baseball design makes a return with new All-Star inserts featuring the game’s top players, paying homage to the 1989 release.
Returning from Series 1 are popular insert sets 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 introduced to add to the excitement.
The relic cards and autographs in Series 2 continue to shine, offering Baseball Stars Autographs, and the newly introduced 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards, which include dual and triple autographs, along with rare one-of-one Platinum Parallels. The relic section includes Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, with parallels extending to Platinum for added collectibility.
In conclusion, the 2024 Topps Series 2 elevates the baseball card collecting experience by upholding beloved elements from Series 1 while introducing fresh and rare inserts, autographs, and relic cards that will surely captivate both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. This collection is shaping up to be a must-have for any baseball card enthusiast looking to expand their collection with exciting new additions.
