Set to hit the shelves on June 12, the 2024 Topps Series 2 Baseball Cards brings an additional 350 base cards to complement the original 350 from Series 1. This expansion of the collection introduces more players, rookies, and even includes some notable names missing from Series 1, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Staying true to its roots, the new series retains the winning formula of parallels, short prints, and super short prints seen in Series 1, while also unveiling fresh inserts that add to the overall appeal.
Featuring on the cover of Series 2 is Juan Soto, and collectors can look forward to two types of Hobby boxes – the traditional boxes containing 20 packs of 12 cards each, and the Jumbo boxes consisting of ten packs of 40 cards each. Both box variants guarantee an autograph or relic card, accompanied by silver bonus packs containing chrome cards, numbered autographs, and various parallels to enhance the excitement for collectors.
The 350-card base set in Series 2 encompasses a diverse array of content, including veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards, each adorned with different types of parallels to collect. Exclusive to Jumbo packs is the Gold Foil Parallel, inserted at a rate of 1:2 packs, while the Rainbow Foil Parallel can be found at a rate of 1:10 packs. Numbered to 2024, the Gold Parallel adds a touch of exclusivity, alongside the Blue Holofoil Board Parallel numbered to 999. Collectors can also enjoy additional parallels such as the Purple Holofoil, Green Crackle Foil, and rare variations like the Vintage Stock Parallel, Independence Day Parallel, and the exclusive Black Parallel found in Hobby/Jumbo packs.
New and returning inserts play a significant role in Series 2, with six fresh themes introduced, including the commemorative 40/70 insert celebrating Ronald Acuna’s remarkable 40/70 campaign from the previous season. This insert, exclusive to Hobby boxes, is short-printed and adds to the allure of the set. Other new inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field feature multiple parallels ranging from Blue to Platinum, with selected subjects even offering Autograph Parallels. Revisiting the iconic 1989 Topps Baseball design, this release showcases new All-Star inserts that pay homage to the 1989 set and include the game’s top players.
Returning from Series 1 are notable insert sets like Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and hand-drawn Sketch cards exclusive to Hobby products. A new standout insert, Platinum Performers, is introduced as a super short print, sure to be highly sought after by collectors.
The excitement continues with the array of relic cards and autographs on offer, such as Baseball Stars Autographs and the new 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards. The latter includes dual and triple autographs, along with the coveted one-of-one Platinum Parallels. The relic section boasts Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, with parallels that extend to Platinum for added collectibility.
In conclusion, the 2024 Topps Series 2 elevates the baseball card collecting experience by blending beloved elements from Series 1 with innovative new inserts, autographs, and relic cards that cater to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. Excitement awaits as collectors delve into this latest edition, ready to uncover treasures within the 350-card set enriched with exclusive features.
