The 2024 Topps Update Series Baseball set has stirred up excitement among collectors with its unexpected surprises and hidden treasures. One of the most surprising elements in this release is the crossover featuring Aaron Judge in the Paw Patrol universe. In a special episode of Rubble & Crew, Judge finds himself in a magical town called Builder Cove, where he teams up with talking dogs to construct a stadium. This playful adventure has been captured by Topps in two special trading cards numbered PP-1 and PP-2, featuring an animated version of the Yankees’ star player. The Aaron Judge Paw Patrol cards have quickly become coveted items for collectors, blending the worlds of baseball and animation in a unique way.
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 Topps Update Series is a hidden gem in the form of a short-print (SSP) variation showcasing Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s debut with the New York Yankees. Traded from the Miami Marlins just before the deadline, Chisholm’s timing prevented his inclusion in the main base set. However, keen-eyed collectors can spot him on a variation card, #US1, marking his first flagship card as a Yankee. Notably, this variation lacks a CMP code on the back, making it a bit more elusive for collectors to identify. The mystery surrounding the odds of pulling this card adds an extra layer of excitement to the hunt for hidden treasures in the set.
In addition to these standout features, the 2024 Update Series introduces Golden Image Variations, offering alternate photos for all 350 base cards. This variation provides collectors with fresh perspectives on their favorite players, enhancing the thrill of opening each pack. However, a small hiccup has been noted with the Black parallels in the set, which are misnumbered up to 74 instead of the traditional 73. While this numbering error doesn’t detract from the overall collectibility of the set, it adds an element of curiosity for those meticulous about continuity in their collections.
As collectors delve deeper into the 2024 Topps Update Series, the surprises and hidden gems continue to emerge, promising more unannounced variations and Easter eggs waiting to be discovered. The collaboration between Aaron Judge and Paw Patrol, along with Jazz Chisholm’s elusive Yankees SSP variation, exemplifies the thrill of exploring Topps’ flagship baseball sets. Despite the trend of fewer SSPs in recent releases, this series showcases that Topps can still deliver excitement and fun through unexpected inclusions. Whether seeking Judge’s animated alter ego or tracking down Chisholm’s Yankees debut, the 2024 Topps Update Series offers a treasure trove of reasons to keep collecting and unraveling its mysteries.
