Set to be unveiled on June 12, the 2024 Topps Series 2 is gearing up to be a baseball card collector’s dream. With an additional 350 base cards joining the initial 350 from Series 1, this collection promises to amplify the roster with more players, rookies, and some notable names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who were missed in the first series. Staying true to the winning formula of parallels, short prints, and super short prints established in Series 1, Series 2 also introduces fresh inserts that build on the previous success.
One of the newest features in Series 2 is a special short-printed set celebrating Ronald Acuna’s impressive 40/70 campaign from the previous season. Additionally, fans can look forward to All-Star cards from the 1989 Topps Set, marking the 35th anniversary of Topps’ final release in the 1980s.
The face of Series 2 is none other than Juan Soto. The collection offers two types of Hobby boxes: standard boxes with 20 packs of 12 cards each, and Jumbo boxes containing ten packs of 40 cards each. Both box variations guarantee either an autograph or relic card, along with silver bonus packs featuring chrome cards, numbered autographs, and parallels to excite collectors.
The 350-card base set in Series 2 spans a diverse array of content, including veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards, with a touch of various parallels:
– Gold Foil Parallel – Exclusive to Jumbo packs, inserted at 1:2 ratio.
– Rainbow Foil Parallel – Inserted at 1:10 ratio.
– Gold Parallel – Numbered to 2024.
– Blue Holofoil Board Parallel – Numbered to 999.
– Other parallels such as Purple Holofoil, Green Crackle Foil, and unique variations like the Vintage Stock, Independence Day, and Black Parallels exclusive to Hobby/Jumbo packs.
Series 2 presents a mix of new and returning inserts, with six fresh insert themes including the exclusive short-printed 40/70 insert celebrating Ronald Acuna’s stellar MVP season. As for other new inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field, they come with multiple parallels ranging from Blue to Platinum, and even Autograph Parallels for selected subjects. The nostalgic 1989 Topps Baseball design makes a comeback with new All-Star inserts honoring the finest players while paying tribute to the ’89 release.
Returning insert sets from Series 1 also make an appearance, such as Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and hand-drawn Sketch cards unique to Hobby products. A highly desired new insert, Platinum Performers, debuts as a super short print, adding extra allure to the collection.
The spotlight remains on relic cards and autographs, featuring Baseball Stars Autographs and the latest addition of 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards. These cards offer dual and triple autographs and exclusive one-of-one Platinum Parallels. The relic category showcases Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, with parallels extending to Platinum variants for added excitement.
In essence, the 2024 Topps Series 2 elevates the baseball card collecting experience by retaining cherished elements from Series 1 while introducing fresh and rare inserts, autographs, and relic cards that cater to both seasoned collectors and newcomers in the hobby. Get ready to dive into the world of baseball card collecting with the highly anticipated Series 2 release.