The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13th, and it promises to add a festive touch to the annual retro-themed series. In line with the Heritage line’s tradition, this year’s edition features hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each including nine cards. What makes these boxes even more exciting is the fact that they come with an autograph or relic card as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
Mirrorring the 1974 Topps design, the base set of this collection extends the standard 500-card Heritage set that was released earlier in the year. What adds to the thrill for collectors is that this set includes a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700, which is then followed by an additional 25 short prints numbered 701-725. These short prints are highly sought after by collectors who are looking to complete their set. Moreover, this set also features rookies who made their debut during the season and players who transferred to new teams.
To add a unique touch to the collection, Topps offers various base card parallels. These include the limited edition Black Bordered parallel, exclusive to hobby boxes and limited to just 50 cards. Another exclusive to hobby boxes is the Flip Stock parallel, which is limited to just five cards. The collection also features various Chrome Parallels with 50 players. These Chrome Parallels include the Refractor parallel, numbered to 673; the Silver Bordered parallel, numbered to 373; the Black Bordered parallel, numbered to 73; the Gold Bordered parallel, numbered to just five and exclusive to hobby boxes; and the highly sought-after Superfractor parallel, numbered to just one. Additionally, collectors can look forward to a Hot Box Refractor. On top of that, there are also 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).
In addition to the base set and parallels, Topps has promised even more surprises related to the base set, which is only 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 options. There are 15 Rookie Performers cards featuring first-year players, the Now and Then set that pairs highlights from the 1973 and 2022 seasons, Combo Cards with thematic pairings, Award Winners highlighting players’ 2021 performances, 1974 Highlights showcasing iconic moments and players from the 1974 season, The Hammer set which celebrates Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and finally, the 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps, which pay homage to the original version by featuring modern stars and era-specific players.
One of the most anticipated sections of the collection is the autograph section. The Real One Autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink. For those seeking an even more special edition, there are Red Ink versions, also known as the “Special Edition,” which 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. These autographs are signed by the featured player and individually numbered to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection relics include game-used uniform and bat piece cards, and there are also autographed versions, numbered to 25 or less. Additionally, there are Gold parallels for the non-autographed Clubhouse cards, numbered to 99. For those looking for something truly rare, there are 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. Other options include Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, all of which are serial numbered. As a special touch, there are also 1/1 patch parallels included.
To add to the excitement, the collection includes Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all of which are uniquely 1/1.
Exclusive to Hobby boxes are the box loaders. The 2023 Heritage High Number collection offers four different options for box loaders: 1974 Topps Oversized cards (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 summary, 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 highlights. With a wide array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, it is an appealing and diverse collection for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby.