If you’re looking to buy or sell sports and gaming cards, check out eBay! *When you click links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Topps is back with another release of Heritage High Number baseball. If you didn’t know, High Number is a continuation of 2024 Topps Heritage. But why a continuation, you ask? Historically, High Number is produced to update Topps Heritage, featuring players who switched teams in the second half of the MLB season, but also to include rookies who debuted later in the year. Essentially, High Number is to Heritage what Topps Series 2 and Topps Update are to Topps Series 1. Now that you know the history, let’s dive into the key cards you should be watching for!
Base Card Design, Variations, and Parallels
Just like 2024 Topps Heritage, High Number features a base card design inspired by 1975 Topps. This bright, vintage design also includes a facsimile autograph. As always with Heritage, there are plenty of variations to watch for, so be sure to double-check your cards. Some key variations include the missing facsimile autograph, black-and-white image, and alternate photo/action shot variations. Additionally, High Number introduces new base set parallels that are exclusive to this release and not found in 2024 Topps Heritage. These include Aqua Bordered, Dark Blue Bordered, Green Bordered, and Mini cards.
Chrome Cards and Parallels
High Number also includes chrome versions of the base cards. Uniquely, you can pull chrome cards from both 2024 Topps Heritage and High Number in this release. In every hobby box, you’re guaranteed five chrome cards, while value boxes contain one chrome card. Each base chrome card is numbered to /699, but there are also parallels, including Black Border (numbered to /75), Gold Border (numbered to /5), and Superfractors (numbered to /1).
Autographed Cards and Memorabilia Cards
The main autographs to watch for in High Number are the Real One Autographs. These use the same base card design but feature on-card autographs of rookies, veterans, and even stars from the 1975 season. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the only parallel version of these autographs—the classic, hobby-favorite Red Ink Autographs. These are hand-numbered to /75 and are also on-card.
For rookie autograph chases, some of the biggest names include Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds), Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jackson Merrill (San Diego Padres), Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles), Colt Keith (Detroit Tigers), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Shota Imanaga (Chicago Cubs). If you’re after veteran autographs, there are one-of-one cut autographs from 1975 legends like Dick Williams, Hank Aaron, and Harmon Killebrew. Additionally, there are one-of-one celebrity cut autographs featuring names such as Joe Frazier, James Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Iacocca, and Ringo Starr.
When it comes to memorabilia cards, Clubhouse Collection Relics are the ones to watch. These relics also come in Dual, Triple, and Quad versions. Additionally, there are autographed versions of Clubhouse Collection Relics for even more chase-worthy hits.
Inserts to Keep an Eye on
A standout insert to watch for is the Fred Lynn Files set. These cards celebrate Fred Lynn, who is a Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, as well as the first rookie to ever win an MVP award. This insert set highlights key moments from his 1975 rookie season with the Boston Red Sox. Other notable inserts include Perfectly Programmed, Rookie Performers, and Award Winners.
Want more Ludex content?
Sign up for the LUDEX Newsletter to recieve the lastest posts right to your inbox!