The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to bring a festive touch to the retro-themed series when it is released in December 2023. This year’s edition continues the tradition of the Heritage line, offering hobby boxes filled with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. Collectors can look forward to finding an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of the collection takes inspiration from the 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It includes a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700, with an additional 25 short prints numbered from 701 to 725. These short prints will be highly sought after by collectors looking to complete their set. The high number set will feature rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams.
Adding a unique touch to the collection are the base card parallels. Hobby boxes will have the limited edition Black Bordered parallel, while the Flip Stock parallel will be exclusive to hobby boxes as well and limited to just five copies. The collection also includes various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. Collectors can expect to find Refractor, Silver Bordered, Black Bordered, Gold Bordered (hobby only), and Superfractor parallels. Additionally, a Hot Box Refractor will be available. Base card variations include Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only).
Topps has hinted at even more surprises related to the base set, further adding to the anticipation. Collectors can also find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The collection’s insert sets offer a diverse range of themes and highlights. The Rookie Performers set features 15 first-year players, while the Now and Then set pairs highlights from the 1973 and 2022 seasons. Combo Cards showcase thematic pairings, while the Award Winners set celebrates outstanding performances from the 2021 season. The 1974 Highlights set brings iconic moments and players from the 1974 season to life. Additionally, The Hammer set pays tribute to Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps feature modern stars and era-specific players.
Autograph enthusiasts will appreciate the Real One Autographs, which feature on-card signatures in blue ink. The “Special Edition” Red Ink versions will be numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs, capturing moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game and signed by the featured player. These autographs will be numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a highlight of the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics offer game-used uniform and bat pieces, with autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. Non-autographed Clubhouse cards will have Gold parallels numbered to 99, while 1/1 Patch parallels will be available for both signed and unsigned cards. Collectors can also look forward to Serial-numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels included. As an exciting addition, the checklist includes Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s.
Hobby boxes of the 2023 Heritage High Number collection will include exclusive box loaders. These four options include 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 offers a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. With its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and exclusive box loaders, it is sure to appeal to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby.
