The 2024 Topps Update Series has baseball card collectors buzzing with excitement as it offers a mix of unexpected surprises and hidden gems. One of the most talked-about features is the crossover of baseball superstar Aaron Judge into the Paw Patrol universe. Judge finds himself in a magical town where he teams up with his furry friends to build a stadium from scratch in a special episode of Rubble & Crew. Topps commemorated this whimsical moment with two special trading cards, PP-1 and PP-2, featuring an animated Aaron Judge, which have quickly become sought-after items for collectors.
In addition to Judge’s Paw Patrol cards, the set also includes a hidden gem in the form of a short-print (SSP) variation featuring Jazz Chisholm Jr. The talented player, who was traded to the New York Yankees from the Miami Marlins, makes his debut in the flagship series on card #US1. What makes this variation even more intriguing is the absence of a CMP code on the back, adding an element of challenge for collectors trying to spot this unique card in packs.
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 Topps Update Series are the Golden Image Variations, which showcase alternate photos for all 350 base cards. These variations give collectors a fresh perspective on their favorite players and inject more excitement into the pack-opening experience. However, a numbering error has been noted in the set’s Black parallels, which are mistakenly numbered up to 74 instead of the usual 73. While this discrepancy is a minor one, it adds a curious twist for collectors keeping track of numbering patterns in the series.
As collectors delve deeper into the 2024 Topps Update Series, the allure of uncovering unannounced variations and Easter eggs continues to drive excitement. The unexpected inclusions, like Judge’s Paw Patrol adventure and Chisholm’s Yankees debut SSP, highlight the creativity and fun that Topps injects into its flagship baseball sets. Despite the trend of fewer unannounced short prints in recent years, this series proves that there are still plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered in the world of baseball card collecting.
Whether collectors are on the hunt for Judge’s animated alter ego or seeking out Chisholm’s elusive SSP card, the 2024 Topps Update Series offers a mix of entertainment and intrigue that keeps fans eagerly tearing into packs in search of the next great find.
