The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in December 2023 and promises to be a festive addition to the annual retro-themed series. This year’s edition continues the tradition of the Heritage line with hobby boxes containing 24 packs, each consisting of nine cards. Each box also includes an autograph or relic card and a box loader card, which sits on top of the packs.
The base set in this collection mirrors the 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. It features a high number set ranging from card number 501 to 700, with an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their sets. This high number set includes 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. These include Black Bordered (limited to 50, available only in hobby boxes), Flip Stock (limited to 5, hobby only), and various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. The Chrome Parallels consist of Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, hobby only), and Superfractor (numbered to 1). A Hot Box Refractor will also be available. Additionally, collectors can find base card variations like Missing Signature, Throwback Uniform, Action Image (hobby only), and Team Name and Color Swap (hobby only).
Topps has teased more surprises related to the base set, further increasing the anticipation. Collectors can also discover 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, as well as traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets within this collection are diverse and appealing. They include Rookie Performers, highlighting 15 first-year players, Now and Then, which pairs highlights from 1973 and 2022, Combo Cards with thematic pairings, Award Winners showcasing 2021 performances, 1974 Highlights featuring iconic moments from the 1974 season, The Hammer, celebrating Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps, which pay homage to the original version and include both modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section is a highlight of the collection, beginning with Real One Autographs. These autographs feature on-card signatures in blue ink. There are also Red Ink versions, known as the “Special Edition,” which are numbered to 73 or less. A new addition to the High Number series is the 1974 MLB Highlights Autographs. These cards capture moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game and are signed by the featured player, with numbering to 99 or less.
Relic and Autographed Relic cards continue to be a standard feature in the Heritage series. The Clubhouse Collection includes game-used uniform and bat piece cards, with autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. Additionally, there will be Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards, numbered to 99, and 1/1 Patch parallels available for both signed and unsigned cards. Serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics will also be available, with 1/1 patch parallels included.
The checklist for the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection even includes Cut Signature cards of former big leaguers and 70s celebrities, all as 1/1s.
Exclusive to hobby boxes, the box loaders in the 2023 Heritage High Number collection offer four options: 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 summary, the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is a comprehensive and nostalgically themed set that combines the charm of the 1974 Topps designs with modern players and highlights from the current season. With its range of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, it offers collectors both seasoned and new an appealing and diverse collection to enjoy.
