Behind the Design: Behind the Cover of 2026 Topps Baseball Series 1

Discover the Legendary Cover Commemorating 75 Years of Topps Baseball

Date: Jan 13, 2026

Topics: 2026 Topps Baseball Series 1, Baseball, MLB, Topps Baseball Series 1, Trending

Length: 958 Words

Reading Time: ~5 Minutes

Few releases in The Hobby carry the significance of Topps Baseball Series 1. For generations of collectors, Series 1 has marked the true beginning of each baseball card year. It is where the season first arrives on cardboard, where collectors reconnect with the game, and where The Hobby renews its annual rhythm.

In 2026, that tradition carries extraordinary meaning as Series 1 officially launches the 75th year of Topps Baseball, a milestone that reflects decades of history, storytelling, and the enduring relationship between the game and its collectors.

The 2026 Topps Baseball Series 1 cover celebrates 75 years of Topps Baseball by featuring Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge. The design connects multiple generations of The Hobby, honoring baseball legends and modern MVPs while highlighting Topps’ role in chronicling the game.

Why the 2026 Series 1 Cover Matters

Rather than spotlighting a single player, Topps deliberately united four defining figures across generations: Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge. Together, they represent excellence, transformation, and continuity in baseball history.

According to Topps Senior Product Manager Ryan Hickey, the decision was rooted in celebrating the full breadth of the brand’s history.

“Cover athletes were selected for the 2026 box to celebrate 75 Years of Topps Baseball,” Hickey explained. “We selected two all-time greats along with two active players. We chose the reigning MVPs in each league to represent the Series 1 cover alongside Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Ken Griffey Jr.”

Creating a Diamond Jubilee Cover

The current players salute the fans to pay tribute to the anniversary of an iconic brand, while the retired players reflect on the history of the game and of Topps. “One of the greatest challenges was making the images work cohesively together, so all players were positioned in similar, front-facing poses to create a strong connection with collectors,” Olga Vega, Topps Director of Packaging, explained.

Since this is Topps Baseball’s diamond jubilee, the “75 Years logo” was designed to be the focal point. “The logo emulates a diamond shape and conveys a stylized baseball diamond forming a point at the bottom where home plate rests,” Topps Senior Art Director John Doldan said.

The positioning of the cover athletes was very intentional. “Retired players Aaron and Griffey are positioned at the top behind the logo, representing the brand’s history and legacy,” Vega detailed. “The diamond shape logo, reinforced by the stitched background, leads the viewer’s eye down to Ohtani and Judge in front of the logo, representing the present and saluting the fans.”

The Players Behind the Design

Each of the four players represents a defining chapter in the story of the game. “These four represent multiple generations of historic home run hitters,” Hickey said.

Hank Aaron, a Hall of Famer and former all-time home run leader, earned 25 All-Star selections, an MVP Award, and left an enduring legacy built on excellence, consistency, and grace.
Ken Griffey Jr., a first-ballot Hall of Famer, 13-time All-Star, and MVP, became one of the most recognizable players in baseball history, with a swing and presence that defined an era in both baseball and The Hobby.
Aaron Judge, a three-time MVP and record-setting slugger, represents modern dominance, leadership, and power at the highest level of the game.
Shohei Ohtani, a four-time MVP, has reshaped baseball, achieving historic success as both a hitter and a pitcher, a feat rarely seen in the sport’s history.

Designed for Vintage and Modern Collectors

Featuring multiple players together was essential in a milestone year. “Seventy-five years of Topps Baseball has so much history to share,” Hickey noted. “Having multiple players spanning different generations was important to commemorate those 75 years. Each year has its own story to tell.”

That approach also reinforces why Series 1 holds such a special place in The Hobby. “Showcasing players from different eras of both baseball and collecting,” Hickey said, ensures that “vintage and modern collectors can find something in the 2026 cover.” Whether a collector’s journey began with Aaron and Griffey or took shape in the era of Judge and Ohtani, the cover brings those experiences together in a shared moment.

A Cover That Endures

Looking ahead, Hickey hopes the cover endures as a lasting symbol. “That 75 years of baseball celebrated the best of the best, both past and present,” he said. Years from now, the 2026 Topps Baseball Series 1 cover will stand not only as the start of a season, but as a meaningful tribute to seventy-five years of baseball, collecting, and The Hobby itself.

2026 Topps Baseball Series 1 Collector FAQs

Why is the 2026 Topps Baseball Series 1 cover important?
- The 2026 cover marks the 75th anniversary of Topps Baseball, making it a milestone release that honors the brand’s long-standing role in baseball collecting and storytelling.
Who is featured on the 2026 Topps Series 1 cover?
- The cover features Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge—two Hall of Famers and two reigning MVPs representing different eras of baseball.
Why did Topps choose multiple players instead of one?
- Topps wanted to reflect the full scope of baseball history by showcasing legends and modern stars together, ensuring collectors from different generations feel represented.
How does the cover appeal to modern collectors?
- By including current superstars like Ohtani and Judge, the cover connects today’s fans with The Hobby while maintaining historical continuity.
What does Series 1 represent for collectors?
- Topps Series 1 traditionally opens each collecting year, signaling a fresh season and setting the tone for The Hobby.