The 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection is set to be released in the week of December 13 and promises to be a festive addition to the annual retro-themed series. Continuing the tradition of the Heritage line, this year’s edition features hobby boxes with 24 packs, each containing nine cards. What makes this collection even more exciting is that each box includes an autograph or relic card, as well as a box loader card placed on top of the packs.
The base set of the 2023 collection mirrors the iconic 1974 Topps design and extends the standard 500-card Heritage set released earlier in the year. This high number set ranges from card number 501 to 700, with an additional 25 short prints (numbered 701-725) that collectors will eagerly seek to complete their set. This set features both 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 the Black Bordered parallel, which is limited to 50 and found exclusively in hobby boxes. There is also the Flip Stock parallel, which is limited to just 5 and also exclusive to hobby boxes. Additionally, there are various Chrome Parallels featuring 50 players. These Chrome Parallels include Refractor (numbered to 673), Silver Bordered (numbered to 373), Black Bordered (numbered to 73), Gold Bordered (numbered to 5, exclusive to hobby boxes), and Superfractor (numbered to 1). A Hot Box Refractor will also be available. The collection also features 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).
But that’s not all. Topps has hinted at more surprises related to the base set, which only adds to the excitement. Collectors can also find 50 Mini Base Card Variations, each sequentially numbered to 100, and traded/signed stamped variations.
The insert sets in the 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball collection are diverse and add even more depth to the collection. These include the Rookie Performers set, which showcases 15 first-year players, Now and Then, which pairs highlights from 1973 with those from 2022, Combo Cards with thematic pairings, Award Winners for the outstanding performances of 2021, 1974 Highlights that celebrate iconic moments and players from the 1974 season, The Hammer, which commemorates Hank Aaron’s home run record in April 1974, and 1974 Topps Baseball Stamps that pay homage to the original version featuring both modern stars and era-specific players.
The autograph section of the collection begins with Real One Autographs, featuring on-card signatures in blue ink. There are also Red Ink versions, 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, which capture moments from the 1973 MLB All-Star Game. These autographs are signed by the featured player and 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, along with autographed versions numbered to 25 or less. Gold parallels of the non-autographed Clubhouse cards will be numbered to 99, with 1/1 Patch parallels also available for both signed and unsigned cards. Collectors can also look forward to serial numbered Dual, Triple, and Quad Relics, with 1/1 patch parallels included. Additionally, the checklist features 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 come in 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 1974 Topps designs with modern players and current season highlights. With its array of base cards, parallels, variations, inserts, autographs, relics, and box loaders, this collection offers something for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby. It’s a must-have for any baseball card enthusiast looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their collection.
