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Quick Rips | RIPPED Newsletter Archive

All the Hobby News That’s Fit to Rip

5/28/24

Ruth’s iconic jersey from his “Called Shot” up for auction

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Chrome Platinum ’54 Baseball – Hobby Box I 2024 Topps Archives Signature Series Baseball – Retired Player Edition – Hobby Box – Sealed Case I 2024 Bowman Baseball – Value Box

What’s up, Rippers! As the third full month of the MLB season lurks around the corner, some terms are starting to flex their muscles and surge ahead in their divisions. It’s a critical time in the season with the All-Star break just seven weeks away. This week, we take a look at arguably the most iconic jersey in MLB history hits the auction block, there’s a happy ending after Memory Lane had $2 million of cards stolen, and after getting clocked by a foul ball, a Blue Jays fan gets her own TOPPS NOW® card, and donates to charities.

  • Babe Ruth’s jersey he wore during his “Called Shot” is being sold by Heritage
  • Cards belonging to an auction house recovered after a theft prior to an Ohio card show
  • Liz McGuire goes viral sporting a massive lump on her head after in-game injury

Ruth jersey he wore during ‘Called Shot’ in 1932 World Series up at Heritage Auctions

Babe Ruth hit 714 career home runs. His blast in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series is by far his biggest and most famous. Legend has it that the New York Yankee great called his own shot before hitting a home run off Chicago Cubs pitcher Charlie Root. It’s been debated for over a half century if Ruth actually called a home run, despite video evidence of him pointing to the outfield prior to his swing. Regardless if he did or not, it’s one of MLB’s top moments of all-time. Now, the jersey that Ruth wore when he hit his “Called Shot” home run will be going up for auction. The artifact will be available through Heritage Auctions’ Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction that will run Aug. 23-25. This unbelievable piece was recently photomatched to Game 3 of the ’32 World Series by MeiGray Authenticated. Heritage Auctions is anticipating the jersey will shatter the all-time record for a single piece of memorabilia or sports card with an estimated value of $30 million. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in a SGC 9.5 holds the record, selling for $12.6 million. Heritage Auctions completed that deal in 2022.

Stolen cards from large auction house Memory Lane valued at $2 million get recovered

Memory Lane Inc., an auction house based in Tustin, California, has dodged a bullet. The company shipped 54 cards it was selling in an auction to put on display at the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention. The FedEx package was delivered to a Best Western Plus hotel in Ohio, but was gone when a Memory Lane employee went to pick up the cards on April 18. They were valued at over $2.1 million, according to Sports Collectors Daily. There were 1914 Cracker Jack and T-206 cards, along with high-graded examples of Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente. Strongsville Police were on the case from the outset, and an arrest was made on May 22. Jacob Paxton of Brunswick, Ohio, a former night shift desk clerk at the hotel, is facing a first-degree felony theft charge. All but two of the missing cards were recovered. Keep an eye out for the 1941 Play Ball Ted Williams in a PSA 8 (Certification #05159693) and the 1909 T204 Walter Johnson in a PSA 5 (Certification #90586922).

Woman who was struck by a baseball, gets TOPPS NOW card, donates to charity

Showing off a huge knot above her right eye that quickly turned into a black eye, Liz McGuire proved she’s quite a trooper. During a Toronto Blue Jays home game on May 19, McGuire was clocked with a 110 mph foul ball off the bat of star Bo Bichette. After the game, McGuire went to social media and posted photos on X of her nice shiner along with the backstory. Despite taking the brunt of the foul ball, another fan grabbed the ball. The 40-year-old tagged the Blue Jays on her post, and asked if they could hook her up. Little did McGuire know that her X post would go viral with over 16 million views. Wheels were set in motion all over North America. Topps caught wind of the incident, reached out to McGuire and produced a custom TOPPS NOW® card of her the next day. The Blue Jays also contacted McGuire, and gave her a signed ball by Bichette, a pair of tickets, and an invitation to attend batting practice. There were 110 TOPPS NOW® cards printed, and all were sent to McGuire. She decided to sell some of her TOPPS NOW® cards, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto as well as the Jays Care Foundation. We love a happy ending for everyone involved!

Rips Around the Hobby

5/21/24

Bobby Witt Jr. shows off “game-worn” cards of himself

What’s Hot

2024 Topps Archives Signature Series Baseball – Retired Player Edition – Hobby Box I 2023/24 Topps UEFA Club Competitions – Value Box I 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball – Value Box

What’s up, Rippers! The 2024 Bowman Baseball product has been a fun rip thus far for hobbyists. Between pulling low-numbered prospect autographed cards and rare Pete Rose 1st Bowman cards, it’s keeping everyone on their toes. Baseball card collectors have even more excitement on the way. The 2024 Topps Series 2 product – with Yankees slugger Juan Soto gracing the box cover – is just weeks away from its June 12 release. This week, we dive into two young MLB stars sporting “game-worn” cards of themselves, a leading video gaming retailer announces it will start accepting PSA-graded trading cards in exchange for store credit or cash, and RIPPED starts its weekly content coverage leading up to the National Sports Collectors Convention at the end of July.

  • PSA unveils unique idea as Witt Jr. and Carroll “wear” their rookie cards
  • GameStop is getting into the card-buying business with a trade-in program
  • RIPPED ramps up coverage of The National, which starts in just nine weeks

Witt Jr. and Carroll carry rookie cards of themselves during wild ride on the diamond

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll are two budding, young stars in MLB. The duo are also big card collectors. That combination made these two the perfect candidates to pull off a well thought out, unique plan from third-party grading company PSA. During opening weekend of their respective teams’ season, Witt Jr. and Carroll each stuffed one of their back pockets with Topps rookie cards of themselves. These “game-worn” cards made it through the nine-inning games. Both players signed and added cool inscriptions to each of their cards. Witt Jr. had seven cards, and Carroll had six cards – both numbered them on each card. The cards were then off to PSA, receiving mostly low grades after getting mangled in the players’ pockets. Witt Jr. and Carroll held onto most of their “game-worn” cards, but PSA kept the inscribed 2/7 cards for both players. PSA will give each of those cards to a pair of lucky PSA customers—a pretty cool concept by PSA with some iconic Topps rookie cards.

Video gaming company GameStop is now accepting sports and gaming cards for trade-in

Looking to get rid of some PSA slabbed trading cards? There is a new option entering the space: GameStop. The video gaming company, which has over 3,000 stores in North America and almost double that number of stores worldwide, will allow customers to bring sports and gaming cards graded by PSA to their local shop to receive store credit or cash. Cards need to be graded PSA 8 or higher with a value not exceeding $500, to be eligible. This program will be available in a limited number of states – Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, and Texas – for the time being. According to Sports Collectors Daily, the value given back to customers who trade in cards will be based on a set price that can vary from day to day based on current values. One store told Sports Collectors Daily that customers who opt for a store credit will receive 40% more for their cards than those who take a gift card. 

With The National just T-minus nine weeks away, RIPPED gets you ready for the big event

It’s crazy to think that the National Sports Collectors Convention – or simply The National – is just nine weeks away. This will be the 44th year the show has been put on. Last year was the biggest National to date, with over 100,000 attendees cramming into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This year, The National shifts to Cleveland from July 24 to 28. This will be the eighth time – first since 2018 – that the X-I Center will host the event.  Since The Hobby’s resurgence in 2020, new collectors have entered the space at an exponential rate. Some newcomers haven’t experienced The Hobby’s grandest event. At the same time, there are veterans of the industry who make The National their yearly pilgrimage. Whether you’ve been to the show 20 times or you’ll be a first-timer in Cleveland, RIPPED has you covered. Topps RIPPED will introduce a new topic each week leading up to the show. Last week, we dived into why The National is important to The Hobby. This week’s story will offer advice from three longtime showgoers on how to prepare for the event. So, when you’re making a list and checking it twice before heading to The National, check the RIPPED website for helpful tidbits.

Rips Around the Hobby

5/15/24 by RIPPED

Top pitching prospect Skenes impresses in MLB debut

What’s Hot

2024 Bowman Baseball – Hobby Box I 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Mega Box I 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball Mini

  
What’s up, Rippers! Last week was like an early Christmas gift for baseball fans who love prospecting. Bowman Baseball was released with some marquee names – including Dylan Crews and Walker Jenkins – on the checklist. If you haven’t yet, make sure to pick up a box soon to get your hands on the 1st Bowman cards of future MLB stars. This week, we dive into the impressive debut of a Pirates phenom flamethrower, Fanatics strikes a partnership with the English Premier League, and BUNT 24 Bowman Challenge offers collectors a shot at winning hobby boxes.

  • Skenes doesn’t disappoint in much-anticipated MLB debut 
  • Fanatics will start producing licensed English Premier League cards in 2025
  • Ripping packs on Topps BUNT app can be a gateway to free cards

UFC 300 Champ Alex Pereira faces his toughest opponent, yet

Skenes, the top pitching prospect in all of baseball, shows he’s the real deal in debut

Paul Skenes’ MLB debut last Saturday received hype we haven’t seen in a young pitcher since Stephen Strasburg in 2010. The Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower didn’t disappoint. The 21-year-old struck out seven hitters in four-plus innings and took a no decision in the Pirates’ 10-9 victory against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Sporting an MLB Debut Patch on his right shoulder, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft revved up the home crowd. Skenes threw 84 pitches in his much-anticipated outing, clocking 17 four-seam fastballs over 100 mph. When it was announced that Skenes was being called up to the big leagues three days before his first start, his trading cards were in high demand. Skenes, the No. 3 overall prospect, has his 1st Bowman card in the 2023 Bowman Draft set. The base card and its numerous variations were chase cards when the product was released last December. The interest in Skenes cards is just going to keep building with each of his impressive starts.

Fanatics strikes a deal with English Premier League to produce cards, stickers

It’s been five years since Topps has produced English Premier League cards, but that will change in June 2025. Fanatics Collectibles and the English Premier League struck a multiyear deal as the exclusive provider of trading cards, trading card games, and stickers. Topps has a storied history with the EPL, partnering from 1994 to 2019. Get ready for riveting Topps Chrome cards of English Premier League superstars like Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. Topps already has trading card deals with Bundesliga, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Club Competitions, and Major League Soccer (MLS).

Register for BUNT 2024 Bowman Challenge on app for a shot to win hobby boxes

It’s Bowman Baseball season, and it’s time to win some product. Collectors can win a 2024 Bowman Baseball hobby box just by ripping packs on the Topps BUNT app. Collect all-new ’24 Bowman digital trading cards of MLB’s top prospects, rookies, and stars while hunting for redemption tickets in entry packs that can be redeemed for a hobby box. To enter, download Topps BUNT free in the App Store or Google Play, and create a free account. Head to the in-app digital pack store, find 2024 Bowman packs, and start ripping. Open entry packs via in-app currency (coins or gems) to win a hobby box valued at $260. Over 350 hobby boxes will be given out to lucky collectors.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

5/7/24 by RIPPED

Bee specialist is all the buzz on a sticky night in Phoenix

What’s Hot

2024 Topps Big League Baseball – Hobby Box I 2024 Topps Chrome UFC – Mega Box I 2024 Topps Wacky Packages: All New Series! 
What’s up, Rippers! We are approaching the much-anticipated National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, which is T-minus 11 weeks – can’t wait!! – away. RIPPED will have content starting at the end of the month, getting everyone prepared for The National. The Topps Industry Conference was held last week, and plenty of Hobby news was announced. We start this week with a bee specialist who made a name for himself on the diamond, Fanatics Events has two additional shows planned for the year, and a fan pulls an amazing 1-of-1 card while attending a baseball game.

  • Local beekeeper is all the buzz after his appearance at Chase Field
  • Fanatics Events announces two more shows to its 2024 schedule
  • Jasson Dominguez Superfractor surfaces in an unlikely location

Topps honors bee specialist with an official card after he saves the day in Phoenix

Who are you gonna call when a bee colony located in the protective netting behind home plate is delaying the start of a game? You better bee sure it’s Matt Hilton. When the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers contest on April 30 faced a sticky situation as a swarm of bees made their home at Chase Field, the D-backs gave the local beekeeper a quick buzz. Hilton had to depart his son’s T-ball game – presumably leaving his honey, err … wife, to take care of the family. After a 45-minute drive to the park, Hilton’s life changed in an instant. Fully protected in a bee suit, Hilton used an electric scissor lift to take a beeline to the hive at the top of the netting. He sprayed the colony filled with thousands of bees and knocked it down. The game was back on. Due to his heroic work, the Diamondbacks asked Hilton to throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. If that wasn’t enough to make the bee specialist’s day, Topps honored Hilton with his first official trading card. TOPPS NOW® used an image of Hilton with his hands raised on the pitcher’s mound prior to throwing out the first pitch. The ballpark erupted with cheers for the hometown hero. With this instant fame, Hilton might never bee the same.

Fanatics Events announces two more shows in Pittsburgh, Orlando for later this year

During last week’s Topps Industry Conference, Fanatics Events announced two more shows planned for 2024. The first stadium show will be held at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sept. 28 and 29. Keep an eye out for more information down the line. Fanatics Events’ first regional show is scheduled in Orlando for Nov. 1-3. These regional shows will focus on trading card/card shows and will feature over 800 dealer tables. As previously announced, Fanatics Events’ flagship show will be at the Javits Center in New York City on Aug. 16-18. Tickets are available now for this event.

Fan pulls Dominguez Superfractor from flagship product while at the ballpark

Have you ever thought about doing a “stadium rip?” That’s buying a pack or box of trading cards during a sporting event and hoping you hit a big card. On May 4, the Force was definitely with a fan attending the Phillies–Giants game at Citizens Bank Park. The person pulled a 2024 Topps Series 1 Jasson Dominguez Superfractor. A friend of the lucky person posted in a Facebook sports card group: “Thoughts on its value and how the hell do we get it out of here clean?” Let’s hope his card of the Yankees’ top prospect made it home safe and sound.

Two Dominguez 1-of-1 cards surface from 2024 Topps Black Chrome release

One of the big prospects to chase in this year’s Topps Black Chrome product is New York Yankees slugger Jasson Dominguez. A pair of Dominguez’s Superfractors surfaced last week when the product was released on April 17. Dominguez’s Ivory autograph insert surfaced in a Hobby Legends break; Dominguez’s base rookie design variation 1-of-1 was pulled during a Fanatics Live break by Valor SportsCards. As a September call-up last season, Dominguez made a splash in his first week-plus at the MLB level. However, a torn ACL ended his season abruptly after hitting four home runs in his first eight big league games. Once the 21-year-old is healthy and back on the diamond this season, watch out. He’ll return to his swinging ways in no time. 

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4/30/24 by RIPPED

Nationals’ Crews revels in being 2024 Bowman Baseball cover athlete

What’s Hot
2023-24 Topps NBL I 2023/24 Topps UEFA Club Competitions – Value Box I 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball – Hobby Box

What’s up, Rippers! When the NFL Draft hits every April, it marks the beginning of the upcoming season. Yes, football is right around the corner! Teams are attempting to build a championship-caliber roster by adding some talented rookies. When training camp starts league-wide at the end of July, we’ll start to see which rookies will have the biggest impact this year. This week, we hear from one of the two 2024 Bowman Baseball cover athletes about this special honor, the NFL Draft draws a record crowd and a big splash at the quarterback position, and a young soccer fan pulls a rare card of his favorite player.

  • Nationals’ top prospect Crews graces the cover of this year’s Bowman Baseball
  • NFL Draft becomes an offensive show in the opening round
  • Soccer player finds a top Messi card out of 2023/24 Topps Club Competitions

Crews honored to be chosen as Bowman Baseball cover athlete

Leading into last year’s MLB Draft, Dylan Crews was considered the top position player available; he was selected No. 2 overall by the Washington Nationals – behind pitching phenom Paul Skenes. Crews rose to No. 6 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects entering this season. One of the best young outfielders in the game, Crews was chosen as a cover athlete for 2024 Bowman Baseball, releasing on May 8. Crews will have his much-anticipated 1st Bowman card in this product. He told Topps that being on the cover is an unbelievable feeling. The 22-year-old collected cards growing up and remembers players such as Bryce Harper, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Kris Bryant gracing the cover of Bowman Baseball. Crews shares the cover this year with New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez.

NFL Draft sets records for attendance, number of QBs selected in first 12 picks

The NFL Draft never seems to disappoint. A record-setting crowd packed downtown Detroit late last week for the three-day extravaganza to watch history unfold. Astonishingly, the first 14 draft picks were all offensive players, including six quarterbacks in the opening 12 selections. For just the third time ever in the 89-year history of the event, the top three picks in the draft were all gunslingers. USC’s Caleb Williams went No. 1 to the Chicago Bears, LSU’s Jayden Daniels was selected second by the Washington Commanders, and the New England Patriots took North Carolina’s Drake Maye at No. 3. In a somewhat surprising move, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. went eighth to the Atlanta Falcons. The Minnesota Vikings took their heir apparent at No. 10 with Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Oregon’s Bo Nix jumped up the board and was selected 12th by the Denver Broncos. The six quarterbacks taken in the opening round match the star-studded 1983 Draft in which future Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino were all selected. TOPPS NOW® commemorated this year’s record-tying quarterback class with some amazing cards. Look for rookie cards of these draft picks in future Topps products.

TOPPS NOW® returns to the Octagon to offer UFC cards for first time since 2016

The last time TOPPS NOW® produced UFC cards, Conor McGregor had become the first competitor to hold UFC championships in two different weight classes. The year was 2016. McGregor is scheduled in June to have his first fight in nearly three years, and TOPPS NOW® is back to document the Irishman’s return. Fresh off a deal to produce cards, TOPPS NOW® was all about covering UFC 300 on April 13. Max Holloway won the BMF belt via knockout and was rewarded with a sweet card. Numbered relics featured the actual fight-used mat from the event in Las Vegas. UFC fans, watch for future TOPPS NOW® cards during the next big matches in the Octagon.

Two Dominguez 1-of-1 cards surface from 2024 Topps Black Chrome release

One of the big prospects to chase in this year’s Topps Black Chrome product is New York Yankees slugger Jasson Dominguez. A pair of Dominguez’s Superfractors surfaced last week when the product was released on April 17. Dominguez’s Ivory autograph insert surfaced in a Hobby Legends break; Dominguez’s base rookie design variation 1-of-1 was pulled during a Fanatics Live break by Valor SportsCards. As a September call-up last season, Dominguez made a splash in his first week-plus at the MLB level. However, a torn ACL ended his season abruptly after hitting four home runs in his first eight big league games. Once the 21-year-old is healthy and back on the diamond this season, watch out. He’ll return to his swinging ways in no time. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 

4/23/24 by RIPPED

The Grail this year will feature Cristiano Ronaldo

What’s Hot

2023/24 Topps UEFA Club Competitions – Hobby Box I 2024 Topps Wacky Packages I 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Mega Box 
What’s up, Rippers! After highly entertaining regular seasons, the NBA and NHL have rolled into the postseason. The intensity will ramp up the deeper the teams advance with everything on the line. Buckle up for exciting matchups on the court and ice. This week, we check out the return of an interactive collecting experience for Topps soccer fans, a 10-year-old from Mississippi gets his own Topps card, TOPPS NOW® is producing UFC cards again, and two big Superfractors™ are pulled of the Yankees’ top prospect.

  • The Grail is back as collectors hunt for nine ultra-rare cards
  • Winner of 2023 “Become a Big Leaguer” promotion
  • UFC cards now offered through TOPPS NOW®
  • Two Dominguez Topps Chrome Black 1-of-1 cards surface

The Grail returns as soccer collectors hunt for nine ultra-rare Ronaldo cards

Who is ready for another fun, unique adventure? The Grail, the ultimate interactive collecting experience, is back. Begin your quest with 2023/24 Topps UEFA Club Competitions and hunt for nine ultra-rare grail cards featuring superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. New for this year, cards will have a unique redemption code that will allow collectors to register their grail online and feature it in the live leaderboard. The first collector to register and verify all nine grail cards – completing the quest – will be awarded the grand prize. Collectors who finish second through sixth place will also receive a special prize. Cards will be spread throughout multiple UEFA Club Competition products dropping this year. Enjoy the Quest!

“Become a Big Leaguer” promotion winner is 10-year-old from Mississippi

Imagine being a 10-year-old baseball fan that ends up on an official Topps trading card. This dream became reality for Rowan Watkins of Jackson, Mississippi. The youngster won the 2023 “Become a Big Leaguer” promotion. Watkins’ card had a print run of 1,000 and was inserted into the recently released 2024 Topps Big League. Another lucky young collector will have their own Topps card in 2025 Topps Big League. Look for a “2025 Big Leaguers Redemption” card inserted one per hobby box of this year’s Big League product. Parents, pull a redemption and get your kid signed up for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

TOPPS NOW® returns to the Octagon to offer UFC cards for first time since 2016

The last time TOPPS NOW® produced UFC cards, Conor McGregor had become the first competitor to hold UFC championships in two different weight classes. The year was 2016. McGregor is scheduled in June to have his first fight in nearly three years, and TOPPS NOW® is back to document the Irishman’s return. Fresh off a deal to produce cards, TOPPS NOW® was all about covering UFC 300 on April 13. Max Holloway won the BMF belt via knockout and was rewarded with a sweet card. Numbered relics featured the actual fight-used mat from the event in Las Vegas. UFC fans, watch for future TOPPS NOW® cards during the next big matches in the Octagon.

Two Dominguez 1-of-1 cards surface from 2024 Topps Black Chrome release

One of the big prospects to chase in this year’s Topps Black Chrome product is New York Yankees slugger Jasson Dominguez. A pair of Dominguez’s Superfractors surfaced last week when the product was released on April 17. Dominguez’s Ivory autograph insert surfaced in a Hobby Legends break; Dominguez’s base rookie design variation 1-of-1 was pulled during a Fanatics Live break by Valor SportsCards. As a September call-up last season, Dominguez made a splash in his first week-plus at the MLB level. However, a torn ACL ended his season abruptly after hitting four home runs in his first eight big league games. Once the 21-year-old is healthy and back on the diamond this season, watch out. He’ll return to his swinging ways in no time. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 

4/16/24 by RIPPED

Fanatics Fest will be similar to Comic-Con but for sports fans

What’s Hot

2023/24 Topps UEFA Club Competitions – Value Box I  2024 Topps Heritage Baseball – Monster Box I 2024 Topps Big League Baseball – Hobby Box

What’s up, Rippers! It’s a great time to be a collector. There are so many cool things happening in The Hobby. We are seeing it all, from monster hits being pulled to game-changing events. This week, we dive into Fanatics’ big announcement of its first live flagship event, MLB top prospect Holliday makes his debut to join The Jackson 3, and the Topps UEFA Club Competitions release features a special Bellingham card.

  • Fanatics has a star-studded lineup set for its large-scale event in NYC
  • Orioles youngster makes much-anticipated debut
  • Latest Topps soccer product has top player with cool auto inscription

Fanatics announces its first live flagship event, Fanatics Fest, will kick off mid-August

When Fanatics Events was launched last July, Fanatics brass had a crystal-clear vision: take the success of superscale shows like Comic-Con and tailor it to sports fans. In four months, this vision will become reality when Fanatics Fest will launch the company’s first live flagship event. Dubbed “where sports, culture, and collecting collide,” Fanatics Fest will take place Aug. 16-18 at the Javits Center in New York City. The ultimate three-day fan experience will be filled with appearances by current and former superstar athletes, panels, exclusive merchandise, a card show, product drops, and immersive brand and professional league activations. Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, Kevin Durant, Eli Manning, Hulk Hogan, and Sabrina Ionescu are among the big-name athletes slated to attend Fanatics Fest. Tickets and other information relating to Fanatics Fest can be found at fanaticsfest.com. The event is sure to fill up fast, so make sure to reserve your spot!

Holliday makes debut, joining Chourio, Merrill as MLB’s newest sensation: The Jackson 3

After ripping up Triple-A pitching, it was only a matter of time before Jackson Holliday would get “The Call” from the Baltimore Orioles. The No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, earned his promotion on April 10 and made his major league debut that night at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. At just 20 years old, Holliday – who was the top pick of the 2022 MLB Draft – is now the second youngest player in the major leagues. No. 2-ranked prospect Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers is also 20 but three months younger than Holliday. The 12th-ranked prospect in baseball, San Diego Padres’ Jackson Merrill, is the third youngest player. The center fielder will turn 21 this Friday. What’s one obvious connection between the top three prospects in baseball? Their first names are all Jackson. Wild. Were the parents all big Bo Jackson fans in the early 2000s? Perhaps. Or could the parents have loved Samuel L. Jackson’s epic performance in Pulp Fiction? We will probably never know. One thing we do know about the three young stud baseball players is that they all sported a Rookie Debut Patch in their first game in the majors. We can’t wait to see what happens with their patches.

Bellingham’s unique auto inscription highlights Topps UEFA Club Competitions release

When the 2023-24 Topps UEFA Club Competitions dropped last Friday, one special card was inserted into a pack that has become a golden nugget for soccer fans. When phenom Jude Bellingham signed his Superfractor, he added the inscription, “JUST A BOY FROM BIRMINGHAM.” It’s seemingly a nod to his boyhood club in Birmingham, England. Also, in blue marker, Bellingham wrote “ONE OF ONE” on the card. At just 20 years old, the Real Madrid midfielder has become one of the faces of “football” overseas. Bellingham’s cards are in high demand; the card that will garner the most interest is this unique Superfractor of this budding young star.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

4/9/24 by RIPPED

Angels’ Schanuel shows off bat knobs featuring his Topps rookie cards

What’s Hot

2023 GPK Series 2 – Collectors Edition I 2024 Topps Big League Baseball – Hobby Box I 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Mega Box

What’s up, Rippers! The craziness of March Madness is finally dying down. It was quite a run. College basketball stole the show as UConn claimed back-to-back men’s titles, and South Carolina capped off an undefeated season. Away from the court, plenty of cool things were happening in The Hobby. This week, we highlight a Los Angeles Angels rookie showing off his unique bat knobs, a Mantle Type I photograph sells for a record price, and one million is a magical number for one Cubs collector.

  • Rookie Schanuel starts career hot with help of some special bats
  • Rare Mantle Type I photo used for ’52 Bowman, ’53 Topps fetches big money
  • Cubs collector Beau Thompson completes a major milestone with assist from Topps

Angels rookie Schanuel has historic start to career with help from special bats

Los Angeles Angels first baseman/outfielder Nolan Schanuel started his career with a 30-game on-base streak. He drew a walk in the Angels’ season opener on March 28 to extend his run. However, the streak came to an end two days later. But not before Schanuel etched his name in the record books. Schanuel is just the third MLB player since 1900 to reach base in 30 or more consecutive games to start their career. Schanuel cherishes the bats he used during his monumental feat. He revealed a unique feature on his bats, allowing the Angels’ team photographer to snap some shots. On knobs on two of his bats, Schanuel has images of a pair of his 2024 Topps Series 1 rookie cards. One of the knobs shows the base card of him at the plate. The other bat knob uses the image of his Golden Mirror super short print (SSP) variation where Schanuel is walking the dugout receiving high fives from his teammates. Man, it’s cool to see young pro players grasping The Hobby in this way.

Mantle shatters Type I photo record with shot used for ’51 Bowman, ’53 Topps cards

Mickey Mantle’s stature in The Hobby just continues to grow. Nineteen months after an SGC 9.5 example of Mantle’s 1952 Topps card sold for a record $12.6 million, the  New York Yankees legend added another feather to his cap. A Type I photo that was used to produce Mantle’s 1951 Bowman rookie card, along with his ’53 Topps and ’52 Berk Ross cards, sold for a record $843,750 through Heritage Auctions on April 7. The beautiful specimen – which miraculously survived Hurricane Katrina unscathed – is one of just four known Type I examples of this iconic image to exist; it is authenticated by PSA. This masterpiece shattered the record for a Type I sports photograph, previously held by the classic image of Ty Cobb sliding into third base during a game in 1910. That image sold for $390,000 in December 2020. This certainly won’t be the last time Mantle breaks a record in The Hobby.

Cubs fan finishes off milestone of amassing one million cards of his favorite team

About six and a half years ago, Beau Thompson had roughly 75,000 Chicago Cubs cards. At that point, Thompson devised a plan – he would make it his collecting mission to reach one million unique Cubs cards. Thompson busted his tail. With 999,999 cards checked off, the Madison, Wisconsin resident was invited to Wrigley Field to throw out the first pitch for the Cubs-Dodgers game on April 5. Before the big day, Topps representatives asked Thompson to let the company help him acquire his one-millionth card. Topps surprised the 41-year-old with an official MLB-licensed Cubs trading card of Beau Thompson. Yes, he got his own card. And it’s a Topps Chrome Superfractor. Thompson’s one-of-a-kind day ended with him taking home a fabulous 1-of-1 card. April 5 will be a day Thompson will never forget.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

4/3/24 by RIPPED

Max Verstappen is one of the young Formula 1 stars

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2024 Topps Big League Baseball – Hobby Box I  2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Mega Box I 2024 Topps Chrome® UFC – Mega Box

  
What’s up, Rippers! We are coming off an exciting week of sports action. MLB Opening Day promised fireworks and came through, and the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments have been as exhilarating as ever. This week, we look at Topps and Formula 1® announcing an exclusive long-term renewal, the Final Four will feature some big-name men’s and women’s players, and a trio of top MLB prospects start their careers off on the right note.

  • Topps and Formula 1® extend their contract for trading cards
  • Last teams remaining in hoops tournaments to feature future pros
  • Langford, Keith, and Chourio pick up first career hits in MLB debuts

Topps and Formula 1® sign exclusive multi-year renewal to produce cards

Ever since Topps started producing Formula 1® trading cards in 2020, the market in The Hobby for the high-speed sport has been electric. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc had their 1st Bowman cards to cement their status as stars. Topps and Formula 1® will continue their partnership after signing a long-term renewal. Topps will produce trading cards and stickers featuring drivers from the current F1, F2, and F3 seasons. Topps is planning to attend multiple Grands Prix during the 2024 season, with fans having the chance to collect exclusive cards, get their hands on the latest collections, and engage in interactive activities.

Final Four teams in both men’s and women’s tournaments feature star-studded players

Only four teams are left in the NCAA Tournaments for men’s and women’s basketball. Standout athletes will get a chance to continue to showcase their talents in front of a national audience. Defending men’s national champions and overall top-seeded Connecticut could have the best future professional in big man Donovan Clingan. The sophomore is projected as a lottery pick in some 2024 NBA Draft mock drafts. Clingan is a featured player in the 2022-23 Bowman University Best product. Purdue is the other regional top seed that advanced to the men’s Final Four. Zach Edey has had a monster season and has possibly cemented himself as a first-round pick. Edey has his 1st Bowman card in the 2022-23 Bowman U Chrome set. On the women’s side, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is the obvious choice as the go-to player to watch. Clark is the clear-cut top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. She has her 1st Bowman in 2022-23 Bowman U Chrome. Aaliyah Edwards is trying to return the UConn program to the promised land. The potential top-10 pick had her 1st Bowman appear in 2023-24 Bowman Chrome U.

Sporting Debut Patches, top MLB prospects ball out on Opening Day

The stars aligned for several top prospects who made their MLB debuts on Opening Day. All sporting Debut Patches – that could end up in Topps products this year – some guys collected their first career hits, RBIs, and stolen bases. Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford, the No. 6 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, recorded an infield single for his first hit and had a sacrifice fly for his first RBI. No. 2 prospect Jackson Chourio walked and stole second base in his first plate appearance. Later in the game, the Brewers phenom tallied his first hit. He also drove in his first run on a fielder’s choice. Tigers’ top prospect Colt Keith hit the ball hard, recording a single and two lineouts in going 1-for-4. Langford, Chourio, and Keith all have bright futures ahead. Since they made their debuts early in the season, there’s a good chance all three will have their Flagship rookie cards in Topps Series 2 come late fall. Get ready to chase a good rookie class. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 

  • Trout card pulled that features game-worn patch from Baseball Classic
  • Dual auto Superfractor of Ronaldo and Haaland surfaces at hobby shop
  • Wembanyama 1-of-1 chase card comes out of 2023 Topps Dynasty Baseball

3/26/24 by RIPPED

Top Brewers prospect Jackson Chourio makes Opening Day roster

What’s Hot

2024 Topps Chrome UFC – Hobby Box I  2024 Topps Archive Signature Series – Active Player Edition I NCAA® March Madness® Pack – 2023-24 Bowman U Now® Cards

What’s up, Rippers! Stock up on popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks. It’s time. MLB Opening Day is this Thursday. Combine that with a full slate of Sweet 16 and then Elite 8 contests from the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and any sports fan won’t need to leave their recliner for days. Sit back and enjoy the Madness! This week, we check on which MLB prospects made Opening Day rosters, the Topps Truck Tour is once again set to hit every MLB ballpark, and a rookie NBA star surfaces in the Topps Dynasty Baseball product.

  • Three of the top six prospects broke camp with their MLB teams
  • Topps Truck Tour is on the road again this season
  • Wemby cards in Topps Dynasty Baseball taking The Hobby by storm

Top prospects get set to debut—with Debut Patches— on Opening Day

When spring training wrapped up in 2023, several top prospects made their team’s Opening Day roster earning Debut Card Patches. This season, a plethora of top six prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, are set to play on Opening Day. The Milwaukee Brewers gave Jackson Chourio a massive eight-year contract extension in the offseason; the team doubled down on its confidence in their young center fielder by giving him the keys to the car. The 20-year-old is the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball. In addition, get ready for the debut—and Debut Patches—of other notable prospects, including Jackson Merrill, Wyatt Langford, Colt Keith, and more. 

Topps Truck Tour will once again visit all 30 MLB parks and more stops this year

The Topps Truck Tour will once again hit the road. Last year, the Topps Truck logged over 8,000 miles – hitting all 30 MLB stadiums. It will make the same stops again this year. The tour will start at LoanDepot Park in Miami and finish at Citi Field in Flushing, New York. Stops will also be at the MLB All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, North Carolina.

Top NBA pick Wembanyama has numbered card surface from Topps Dynasty Baseball

Victor Wembanyama was the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The San Antonio Spurs knew they were getting an impact player; however, they didn’t know how soon the 19-year-old French baller would make his presence felt. Well, it didn’t take long for Wemby to shine on the brightest stage. The 7-foot-4 center was averaging 20.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game heading into this week’s games. With Wemby showing everyone he’s the real deal, collectors are trying to get a piece of his hot card market. On March 22, Topps released its Dynasty Baseball. The product features just 16 numbered rookie patch auto (RPA) cards of Wemby. His 5/5 card was pulled on release day on Fanatics Live. There’s still time to pick up Dynasty boxes to search for another Wemby auto. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 

3/19/24 by RIPPED

Yankees’ No. 2 prospect Jones shines in Spring Breakout

What’s Hot

2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Mega Box | 2023 Topps Stadium Club Baseball – Compact & Value Boxes I 2023 Topps Major League Soccer – Hobby Box

What’s up, Rippers! Basketball, baseball, hockey – the Madness is real! Did we mention basketball?! Get your brackets ready to predict which NCAAM and NCAAW teams will be crowned national champions. This week, we look at which prospects shined on the diamond during MLB’s inaugural Spring Breakout; card shows around the country are stirring up a lot of interest leading up to The National; the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament will feature some big-time pro prospects.  

  • Many prospects stand out against their peers in MLB’s Spring Breakout
  • Dallas Card Show, Chicago Sports Spectacular lead off big 2024 card shows 
  • Keep an eye out for emerging stars in the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments

Spring Breakout lived up to the hype on the diamond; four prospects stood out

The massively hyped Spring Breakout certainly lived up to the billing. Every MLB organization had its chance to showcase its best young talent on the field all at once. The four-day event left baseball prospectors wanting more. There were 900 players rostered for the Spring Breakout games – here are the top four performances that stood out to us. New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones, the team’s No. 2 overall prospect, went 3-for-4 with a pair of towering home runs totaling 826 feet. Jones’ 1st Bowman card is in the 2023 Bowman Baseball release. Tampa Bay Rays’ Xavier Isaac shook off a bum ankle, blasted two home runs and a double, and walked in his team’s 8-8 decision against the Minnesota Twins. Isaac’s 1st Bowman card is also in the 2023 Bowman Baseball product. Detroit Tigers second baseman/third baseman Jace Jung hit two home runs in his Spring Breakout game. The former first-round pick has his 1st Bowman in 2022 Bowman Draft. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes continues to impress. In one inning of work, he struck out two hitters, including Baltimore Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday. Skenes, the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball, has his 1st Bowman in 2023 Bowman Draft. 

Big card shows in Dallas and Chicago whet collectors’ appetites for The National

The first two months of 2024 featured some large card shows. However, March has upped the game. Last weekend, the Dallas Card Show and Chicago Sports Spectacular brought in flocks of collectors. These massive shows are just appetizers for collectors, who are champing at the bit for the granddaddy of them all: the National Sports Collectors Convention. This year’s National will be held at the I-X Convention Center in Cleveland from July 24 to 28. The 2023 show in Chicago produced over 100,000 attendees, the largest show in its 43-year history. This year, The National could break another record. Get your ticket ordered and hotel booked, and save up all your cash. You’re going to need it. 

Get ready for stars to emerge during NCAA Tournaments, propelling them to the pros  

With the brackets set, the 68 men’s and women’s basketball teams participating in their respective NCAA Tournaments are ready to make some memories. The men’s tournament will feature many of the top prospects for April’s NBA Draft. The University of Kentucky, which landed a No. 3 seed, has two potential top-10 draft picks in Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. The guys, who are a great guard combo, have their 1st Bowman cards in 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome. Colorado freshman Cody Williams has emerged as a top-10 selection; he is also featured in the 2023-24 University Chrome release. Top-seeded and defending national champion UConn has a handful of potential pro players. Donovan Clingan could be a lottery pick. The sophomore has some beautiful 2023-24 Bowman U Best cards. On the women’s side, everyone knows about Iowa star Caitlin Clark, who always steals the headline. And for good reason. But Stanford center Cameron Brink could be the No. 2 pick in the next WNBA Draft. Aaliyah Edwards, a top-five prospect, continues UConn’s string of great players. Angel Reese, who led LSU to the national title last season, is back for an encore. Brink, Edwards, and Reese all have their 1st Bowman cards in the 2023-24 Bowman University Chrome product. Keep an eye out for more stars to emerge during the tournament, and look for BOWMAN U NOW® to document the big moments.

Rips Around the Hobby: 



3/13/24 by RIPPED

2023 top draft pick Skenes highlights “Spring Breakout”

What’s Hot

2022 Clerks III One-Hitter | 2024 GPK Series 1: Kids at Play – Hobby Box I 2023 Topps Major League Soccer – Hobby Box 

What’s up, Rippers! The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are right around the corner, and MLB Opening Day is two weeks away. What more can a sports fan ask for? Enjoy the madness, because it comes at you fast and furious! This week, we cover a whole smorgasbord of topics. MLB Spring Breakout rosters have been revealed that highlight some great MLB prospects, PWCC offers a unique Concierge Program for Topps 1-of-1 cards, and Ireland hosts its biggest card show ever.

  • MLB Spring Breakout rosters are stacked, games start Thursday
  • PWCC is your one-stop shop when you pull a Topps 1-of-1 
  • Topps Presents: The Dublin Card Show is a big success

‘Spring Breakout’ rosters revealed; 72 of Top 100 prospects slated to participate

Anyone who loves collecting cards of MLB prospects is in store for a great week. The MLB Spring Breakout will feature the game’s best young players. You’ve seen their 1st Bowman cards blow up with interest – now watch some future All-Stars rip it up against one another on the diamond. Just a week before the start of the event, all 30 teams revealed their impressive, star-studded rosters. The event will feature 72 players from the MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects List, including 16 of the top 20 phenoms. Also, nearly two-thirds of the 900 players on teams’ Top 30 lists will be suiting up. Baltimore Orioles shortstop/second baseman Jackson Holliday, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes are the top three prospects to keep your eye on. Spring Breakout runs March 14-17. Check the schedule to see when your favorite prospects will take the field.

PWCC now offers end-to-end sales service and support for Topps 1-of-1 cards 

Anyone who pulls a Topps 1-of-1 card now has a unique service available for that priceless piece of cardboard. PWCC announced a special Concierge Program that provides end-to-end sales service and support. When a Topps 1-of-1 is pulled, PWCC offers grading, authentication, and listing in its one-stop shop. To qualify for this offer, a Topps Superfractor must be manufactured from 2022 to the present; this service runs through 2024. 

Dublin is the latest city to host a large card show as The Hobby flourishes overseas

Strikingly similar to the United States, trading card collecting internationally hit a major peak at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With interest in The Hobby now at an all-time high, card shows have been popping up globally. The latest show to take center stage was in Ireland on February 24. The inaugural Topps Presents: The Dublin Card Show featured 110 vendor tables, and attendance eclipsed 1,500 card-crazy collectors. According to Sports Collectors Daily, the show had an assortment of sports cards, trading card games (TCG), and sports memorabilia. Soccer and F1 cards were the most popular choices for collectors. There were also plenty of cards from big Ireland sports such as Gaelic football – which is a cross between rugby and soccer, and is closely associated with Australian Rules Football – and hurling.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

3/6/24 by RIPPED

King James eclipses the 40,000-point milestone

What’s Hot

2024 Garbage Pail Kids Series 1  | 2023 Topps Chrome Formula 1 I 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball 

What’s up, Rippers! It’s officially March. This is the month when dreams come true on the hardwood. It’s where the unthinkable is possible. Men’s and women’s college basketball teams will start their quest for postseason greatness. The men’s and women’s brackets for the Big Dance will be released in less than two weeks. This week, we mix a little basketball news with action on the diamond. LeBron James became the first NBA player to ever eclipse 40,000 career points, top MLB prospects Paul Skenes and Jackson Holliday squared off for the first time, and a TV personality in Detroit pulled a 1-of-1 card.

  • King James adds to his greatest by reaching a monumental milestone
  • Skenes wins Round 1 vs. Holliday in the battle of the last two No. 1 overall picks 
  • TV sports director pulls a monster hit out of 2023 Topps Rip Baseball

LeBron reaches another monster milestone in his illustrious basketball career

Dubbed “The Next Great” even before he scored his first NBA point, LeBron James never shied away from the hype. He’s lived up to all the hype – and more. During his 21-year career, King James has broken many records. Another NBA player may never touch what he did on March 2. Ever. LeBron became the first guy to surpass 40,000 career points. That’s a lot of buckets. To commemorate the milestone, TOPPS NOW® released a beautiful card of LeBron for all those big King James collectors. To put LeBron’s achievement into perspective, the next closest active player is Kevin Durant, who is No. 9 on the all-time list with just over 28,000 points. James Harden is closing in on 26,000 points. LeBron, who is in his sixth season with the Los Angeles Lakers, will turn 40 in December. How many more points will he tally before he retires? Could he reach 45,000? Those are questions that might not be answered for a few years, especially with his oldest son, Bronny, entering the NBA soon. 

First showdown of No. 1 overall picks goes Skenes’ way as Holliday grounds out

As far as prospects go, it’s been a main storyline early in spring training. When will Paul Skenes and Jackson Holliday square off, and who will win the battle? The past two No. 1 overall draft picks are the future of MLB. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Skenes, a power pitcher, with the top pick in the 2023 Draft. Holliday – MLB’s top hitting prospect and son of longtime MLB player Matt Holliday – was the Baltimore Orioles’ first selection in the 2022 Draft. The two met for the first time on the diamond on Feb. 29. Skenes, who was hitting triple digits with his fastball, forced Holliday into a weak ground out to second base. Round 1 goes to the pitcher. Skenes and Holliday could see each other again next week when the Orioles and Pirates face off in the opening game of the “Spring Breakout” showcase on March 14. If these two prospects both make their teams’ Opening Day rosters, their cards could spike in value. Holliday has his 1st Bowman card in 2022 Bowman Draft, while Skenes’ 1st Bowman is in 2023 Bowman Draft. 

Detroit television sports director takes a risk, pulls a 1-of-1 Trout auto card

Brad Galli is usually in front of the camera highlighting sporting events in the Detroit area. However, the sports director at WXYZ-TV recently shot a video of himself that wasn’t work-related. It was all about The Hobby. Galli purchased a four-card box of 2023 Topps Rip Baseball. When opening the box, the consumer can keep the card they pull, or there is the option to rip it open to reveal one mini card inside. Galli pulled a regular-sized Mookie Betts card numbered to 30. He thought about keeping the Betts intact since he’s a great player, and it’s in a low number. But Galli went with his gut and ripped the card. Inside was every collector’s dream: a Mike Trout on-card auto 1-of-1 red variation. What a hit! Galli was quick to give Rochester Sports Cards, Memorabilia & Gaming a shout-out where he purchased the box.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

2/27/24 by RIPPED

Bryce Young taking in the Rip Night excitement

What’s Hot

2024 Garbage Pail Kids Series 1: Kids At Play  | 2023 Topps Chrome® Formula 1 – Hobby Box I 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Hobby Jumbo Box

What’s up, Rippers! It is almost time for March Madness. We know that means big-time players – both in men’s and women’s college basketball – will step up and drain buzzer-beaters to propel their team to advance in the postseason. But until then, we turn our attention to the diamond. Topps Hobby Rip Night brought out collectors as well as high-profile athletes, Topps announced it will feature Debut Patches on Major League Soccer players’ jerseys, and some young prospects showed off in their first spring training games of the season.  

  • Topps Hobby Rip Night is a big success all over the country
  • MLS to feature Debut Patches similar to MLB’s program last season
  • First spring training games are in the books; which prospects stood out?

Second Topps Hobby Rip Night is a smash hit for collectors, athletes

When Topps ran its first Hobby Rip Night last September, it was a big hit. The second time around was bigger and arguably better. Rip Night took place on February 24, with over 400 hobby shops participating nationwide. On a day designated to celebrate The Hobby, collectors flocked to their local card shops to rip packs, take advantage of special offers, receive free merchandise, and much more. Some lucky collectors even got to hang out with some of their favorite pro athletes. Stars that made their way out to hobby shops for Rip Night included Tom Brady, Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, Kevin Durant, Joe Burrow, Corbin Carroll, and Bryce Young. We can’t wait for the next Rip Night to take place. Stay tuned for the date. 

Popular Debut Patches make their way to the pitch of Major League Soccer

During the 2023 MLB season, the Rookie Debut Patches debuted. This patch was worn by every player making his first appearance in the big leagues. Those patches were then made into 1-of-1 cards, autographed, and inserted in the 2023 Topps Chrome Update Series product. The innovation was a smash hit. Now, Fanatics launched a similar program for Major League Soccer (MLS). The Topps MLS Debut Patch Autograph cards will feature any player who is new to MLS this season. These Debut Patch cards will be included in an upcoming 2024 Topps MLS product prior to the end of the year. 

First spring training games shine a spotlight on big-time prospects

MLB prospects have been waiting all offseason to prove the hype about them is real. A couple of young guys flashed stardom in the opening week of spring training. Colton Cowser, the Baltimore Orioles’ third-ranked prospect and No. 19 overall by MLB Pipeline, hit a walk-off, pinch-hit two-run homer. Not a bad way to win the opening game of spring training. New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones, ranked No. 84 overall, went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and two runs scored as his team put up 22 runs. Jones crushed a 470-foot home run. In the San Diego Padres’ fourth game of the spring, Jackson Merrill was raking at the plate. The No. 12 overall prospect doubled in the first inning and came around to score, hit a two-run single in the second inning, and walked later in the game. Keep an eye on Cowser, Jones, and Merrill and see if they make their teams’ opening-day roster.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

2/20/24 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Hobby Box  | 2024 Garbage Pail Kids Series 1: Kids at Play I 2023 Topps Stadium Club Baseball 

What’s up, Rippers! There is a lot of excitement in the air. Can you feel it? It is officially baseball season. On Tuesday, the last of the MLB teams had their first full-squad workout of spring training. This week, we’re still celebrating the much-anticipated release of 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball, a photo of Mickey Mantle used for his 1951 Bowman and 1953 Topps cards goes to auction, and Caitlin Clark cements her name in women’s basketball history by breaking the all-time scoring record. 

  • 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball makes its grand arrival
  • An iconic Type 1 photograph of Mantle surfaces for auction 
  • Clark breaks Division I women’s college basketball scoring record

Topps Series 1 Baseball makes its much-anticipated arrival

Did you hear that loud, hobby-shaking noise? It was the 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 product dropping on Valentine’s Day. Love was in the air, as was elation, on release day. Just look at the excitement on the face of Series 1 cover star Ronald Acuña Jr. Baseball collectors from all over were ripping packs of the Flagship like there was no tomorrow. There have been some monster hits that have surfaced on social media thus far (e.g., Elly De La Cruz Superfractors, a Babe Ruth 1/1 cut autograph, and a Shohei Ohtani super short print in a Dodgers uniform.). But there are plenty more big cards hiding in sealed product. This year’s Series 1 includes three main product types to fit every collector’s style: Hobby Box, Hobby Jumbo Box, and Value Box. 

Image used for Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman, 1953 Topps cards up for auction

Mickey Mantle cards have always been cherished in The Hobby. High grades of any cards of the Yankee legend fetch top dollar. Original images that were used for Mantle cards are highly desirable; they’re also extremely valuable. A very rare Type 1 photo from 1951 of a young Mantle posing in his right-handed batting stance has surfaced. It is going up for auction through Heritage Auctions next month. A Type 1 photo is a first-generation photograph developed from the original negative during the period (within approximately two years of when the picture was taken). This specific Mantle photo ended up being used for three of his most iconic cards: 1951 Bowman rookie, 1953 Topps, and 1952 Berk Ross. What a masterpiece. 

Clark inks her name in women’s basketball record book by breaking scoring mark

Caitlin Clark has cemented her status as one of the best players of all time in women’s college basketball—and college basketball, period. On February 15, the University of Iowa star broke the NCAA women’s scoring record as she surpassed 3,527 career points. Heading into the Hawkeyes’ game on Feb. 22, Clark is just 98 points shy of breaking Pete Maravich’s all-time Division I scoring record. “Pistol” Pete racked up 3,667 points in just 83 games at LSU in the late 1960s/early ’70s. Topps commemorated Clark’s record-breaking scoring moment with a special Bowman U Now® card.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

2/14/24 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Compact | 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Mega  I 2023 Topps Major League Soccer Hobby 

What’s up, Rippers! Sadly, the football season is over. But not before the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers put on a heck of a show in the Big Game. We now turn the calendar to America’s pastime as pitchers and catchers report in the next few days for spring training. This week, we are finally able to rip 2024 Topps Flagship, pro football announces its 2024 Hall of Fame class, the first spring training games are just over one week away, and Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce win another world championship. 

  • 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball drops February 14
  • Peppers, Freeney highlight Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class
  • MLB spring training is right around the corner 
  • For the third time in five years, the Kansas City Chiefs have won the title

Topps Baseball Flagship is ready to drop, marking the return of baseball

For all those baseball fans waiting for Topps Baseball Flagship to drop, it’s time. On Valentine’s Day, the 2024 edition will be available in hobby shops and at Topps.com for everyone to pick up and enjoy. It’s a 350-card set filled with veterans and a solid, up-and-coming rookie class. It includes Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz’s first Flagship card. Stacked with inserts, the product pays homage to the iconic 1989 Topps Baseball set with an assortment of parallels; there are also 1989 Topps Foilboard cards. When you go out at the last minute on Wednesday to buy a present for that special someone, stop by your local hobby shop for some Series 1. Trust us, they’ll love it. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame will add seven members to its exclusive fraternity

The pro football Hall of Fame will induct seven members for its Class of 2024. It’s an impressive group highlighted by sack-happy defensive stars and quick and reliable offensive skills players. Julius Peppers finished his career at No. 5 on the all-time sacks list with 159.5; Dwight Freeney ended up No. 26 with 125.5. Steve McMichael, who made his name with the Bears, was also a quarterback’s nightmare during his heyday. Patrick Willis and Randy Gradishar were both feared linebackers. Those five defenders, along with return specialist Devin Hester and wide receiver Andre Johnson, cap this year’s enshrinement class. 

With football wrapping up its season, it’s time to think baseball

Pitchers and catchers report later this week, and the first spring training games will get underway next week. Baseball is back. Three and a half months removed from the Texas Rangers winning their first world championship, we jump into the new season with plenty of intrigue and questions. Will the Baltimore Orioles, with their young and talented lineup, make a deep postseason run? Will Shohei Ohtani help the Los Angeles Dodgers get back to the World Series? Do the Jacksons – Holliday and Chourio – get their shot in the big leagues and become the next faces of the game? We will hopefully get answers to all these questions in the coming months. It’s great to have the Boys of Summer back on the field. 

Chiefs cement dynasty status after winning third title in five years  

If football players and fans have learned anything in Patrick Mahomes’ first seven seasons in the league, it is never bet against him. The Kansas City Chiefs secured their third world championship in the last five years by beating the San Francisco 49ers. Mahomes – who was named the MVP of the title game for the third time, led a come-from-behind, game-winning drive. He connected with Mecole Hardman on a 3-yard pass for a walk-off victory for the Chiefs. Mahomes cards have kept great value ever since he won his first world championship in 2019. Mahomes’ main target – and Taylor Swift’s main squeeze – Travis Kelce helped the Chiefs offense get rolling during their second-half comeback.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

2/7/24 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Major League Soccer Hobby | 2023 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Value Box I 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Mega 

What’s up, Rippers! For the first time in five months, we had to suffer through a weekend without pro football. It was rough. But it just makes us hungrier for the Big Game on Sunday. This week, we dive into the return of Topps x UFC, Babe Ruth’s 1916 World Series-worn glove goes up for auction, and Royals phenom Bobby Witt Jr. inks a massive contract extension to stay in Kansas City. 

  • Topps will produce UFC Chrome for the first time since 2020
  • Ruth glove used in Game 2 of the 1916 World Series could fetch seven figures
  • Witt Jr. is now signed through 2037 after a 14-year deal, with 11 guaranteed seasons

Fanatics and UFC partnership is big news for mixed martial arts card collectors

There will be a Topps Chrome product for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for the first time in four years. In a knockout move, UFC and Fanatics Collectibles entered into a multiyear partnership granting Fanatics the exclusive rights to produce UFC trading cards; Topps made UFC cards from 2009-2020. Topps has released some of the most iconic UFC cards in the sport’s history, including Superfractors of superstars Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. The first product of the year, 2024 Topps Chrome UFC, is coming soon. 

Game-used Ruth glove features his autograph, amazing provenance

Anything Babe Ruth has ever touched has turned to gold. A glove The Great Bambino used during Game 2 of the 1916 World Series will net a pretty penny at auction. According to Heritage Auctions, Ruth wore the mitt when he threw a 14-inning, complete-game gem for the Boston Red Sox. The southpaw even grabbed a fountain pen and signed his name inside the pocket of the glove at some point after the game; the glove was given away in 1916. Ruth was presented with the glove in the 1930s or 1940s and autographed it again. This time with the inscription: “Glove I used in the 1916 World Series. Babe Ruth.” Authenticated by Steve Grad at Beckett Authentication, this museum-quality relic is estimated to fetch over $1 million. 

Witt Jr. will be staying in Kansas City as 23-year-old signs a mega-extension

Bobby Witt Jr. has been spectacular at the plate and in the field for the Kansas City Royals in his first three full seasons at the Major League level. Now, the franchise rewards the No. 2 overall selection of the 2019 MLB Draft. Witt signed a 14-year extension that will pay him a guaranteed 11 seasons. The contract is worth at least $288.7 million and is the largest deal in Royals franchise history. This past season, Witt became the first Royals player to join the 30-30 club when he belted 30 home runs and swiped 49 bases. Angels superstar Mike Trout is the only other MLB player in Major League history to be 23 years old or younger to log 30 homers and 49 steals. Ever since he was drafted, Witt’s cards have been highly coveted. Witt’s Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs card is his most desirable piece of cardboard. Look for that card to continue to rise in value as Witt becomes a Royals franchise favorite. Baseball fans better get used to seeing No. 7 in blue because he’s primed for a long, phenomenal career.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

1/30/24 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023-24 Bowman U Chrome Basketball | 2023 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Compact Box I 2023 Topps MLS Chrome Value Box 


What’s up, Rippers! It was a busy past week with some highly sought-after cards being pulled during breaks and sold at auction. This week, we’re spotlighting University of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark’s Superfractor shattering auction records, the MLB Pipeline unveiling its Top 100 Prospects for 2024, three former MLB stars will be enshrined in Cooperstown in July, and the 49ers and Chiefs will meet at the Big Game in February. 

  • Clark’s Bowman Auto Superfractor sells big
  • Top 100 Prospects list is out with the Orioles’ Holliday at No. 1
  • Mauer, Beltré and Helton all got a call from the MLB Hall
  • Kansas City, Mahomes look for repeat title vs. 49ers

Iowa basketball star Clark’s Superfractor breaks record

In her four years on campus at the University of Iowa, Caitlin Clark has transformed women’s basketball with her ability to score in bunches and her team-first attitude. The Hawkeye is on pace to break the record for career points in the sport. Clark also just broke a record when her 2022-23 Bowman University Superfractor Rookie Auto in a  PSA 10 grade with a 10 autograph sold through PWCC for $78,000. That’s the highest-selling women’s basketball card ever. A Serena Williams rookie card holds the all-time record for a women’s card at $266,400.

New MLB Top 100 prospects list is stacked with talent led by Holliday, Chourio

For collectors looking to hit on the next big MLB stars, needed intel always arrives at the end of January when MLB Pipeline releases its preseason Top 100 Prospects list leading into Spring Training. The names that highlight the exclusive group this year are star-studded. The Chicago Cubs have an MLB-high seven players on the list. The Baltimore Orioles have six guys, led by the No. 1 overall prospect, Jackson Holliday. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio comes in at No. 2. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, is the third-ranked prospect. Keep an eye out for these big-time prospects when the MLB “Spring Breakout” takes place in mid-March. 

Mauer, Beltré, and Helton all voted into the MLB Hall of Fame

The MLB Hall of Fame is an exclusive fraternity. Before this year’s voting, 342 members were enshrined at the sacred grounds in Cooperstown, New York. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced a three-player class for 2024: smooth-hitting Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, stellar third baseman Adrián Beltré, and power-hitting Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton. Mauer and Beltré are first-ballot selections, while Helton got in on his sixth attempt. To share a home with Ruth, Cobb, Aaron, Mantle, and other MLB greats, players must have their names checked by at least 75% of ballots submitted. Beltré led the way with 95.1%. Contemporary Baseball Era Committee electee Jim Leyland is also in the class. The induction ceremony will be held on July 21 in Cooperstown.

Chiefs-49ers to square off to earn one storied franchise another championship

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have won a combined 11 world championships. One franchise is one game away from adding another Lombardi Trophy to its display case after both teams won their conference championships over the weekend. The two teams have a history of playing each other in the Big Game. Four years ago, the Chiefs pulled off a 31-20 victory. There are plenty of storylines heading into the Big Game. At quarterback, it will be former league MVP and first-round pick Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs vs. the final selection of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 49ers’ Brock Purdy. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is looking to win his third NFL title – will Taylor Swift make it back from Tokyo in time? Kickoff for the game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11 is 6:30 p.m. EST.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

1/24/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023-24 Bowman Chrome U Basketball  | 2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball Hobby Box I 2023 Topps MLS Chrome Value Box

What’s up, Rippers! This week, we have a new cover athlete for Topps Series 1 Baseball, Fanatics Live hunts the hottest cards in The Hobby, we are down to four teams in the NFL playoffs, and an MLB player will trade you for his cards.

  • NL MVP on the cover of 2024 Topps Series 1
  • Fanatics Live announces The Ten
  • Conference title games set in NFL
  • Royals player on the hunt for his Dynasty 1/1s

Ronald Acuna Jr. unveiled as cover athlete for 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball

Topps has announced reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. as the 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball cover athlete. We recently saw a sneak peek of the new design and now have more details about the product, which will be released on February 14th. As always, Topps’ flagship baseball product will be the first chase of the year featuring the 2024 rookie class.

Fanatics Live Announces The Ten

Fanatics Live wasted little time delivering The Hobby’s most exciting announcement so far in 2024. Known as The Ten, Fanatics Live invites collectors to join the hunt for the hottest cards in The Hobby. Here’s how it works: Fanatics Live constantly curates The Ten, and if you hit one of these cards on the Fanatics Live platform, you get to keep the card and $10K credit to keep hunting. The best part is that The Ten updates after one of these super rare cards gets pulled. Happy hunting! 

Final four gridiron squads get ready for conference championships

Only four teams remain after an incredible divisional round. On Saturday, MVP favorite Lamar Jackson outdueled Rookie of The Year favorite C.J. Stroud in a battle of two quarterbacks we should see battling it out in the playoffs for years to come. Jordan Love and the Packers gave Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers all they could handle before the Niners narrowly escaped with a win at home. On Sunday, Dan Campbell’s Lions clinched their spot in their conference championship for the first time since 1992, and Patrick Mahomes ended the Bills season for the third time in four years. This Sunday, the Detroit Lions will travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers, and the Kansas City Chiefs will travel to Baltimore for a date with the Ravens – all battling it out for a ticket to the Big Game.

MLB player gives sneak peek at 2023 Topps Dynasty and puts out bounty

Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez is looking to make deals with collectors. Earlier this month, Melendez posted a photo of some 1/1s he was signing for an upcoming Topps Dynasty release on Twitter. The catcher said, “Whoever pulls these cards whenever they come out, I will personally fly you out to a game and make you a trade for the card!!” These cards feature images and memorabilia from this past year’s World Baseball Classic, where Melendez played for Puerto Rico. As if there wasn’t enough incentive to chase these beautiful-looking cards, now the chase can turn into a one-of-a-kind fan experience!

Video of the Week:

The future of basketball is now. Discover Bowman U Chrome Basketball’s Origin of Greatness.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

1/10/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball Hobby Box I 2023 Topps MLS Chrome Value Box | 2023 Topps Chrome Update

Happy New Year, Rippers! We hope you finished 2023 strong and accomplished all of your collecting goals. We look forward to a big 2024 in The Hobby! This week, we have a new champion in college football, Tom Brady Bowman Draft grail at auction, and 2023-24 Bowman U Chrome Basketball.

  • Michigan wins 2024 College Football National Championship
  • Tom Brady Bowman Superfractor auto hits the auction block
  • Bowman U Basketball hits shelves soon

Michigan wins first National Championship since 1997

The 2023 college football season has ended with the Michigan Wolverines standing alone. On Monday night, Michigan defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13 to finish their season 15-0 and claim their first championship since 1997. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh won his 1st National Championship but is already the subject of many rumors about his future.  Harbaugh, suspended for half of the regular season due to multiple NCAA investigations, may face further discipline heading into next season. Harbaugh has returned his alma mater, Michigan, to the top but will have to decide whether his future is in Ann Arbor or the NFL.

  • Experience the history of college football cards
  • A look inside Bowman University Chrome Football and the NIL

Tom Brady 2023 Bowman Draft Superfractor auto up for auction

Collectors have been going crazy for 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball. Surprisingly, the biggest chase in the product is not a recent MLB draft pick but a 1995 selection made by the Montreal Expos: a power-hitting catcher, Tom Brady. Shortly after the product’s release, the biggest card was pulled: a Tom Brady Superfractor auto. The card was graded a Mint 9 by PSA and is now up for sale.  This 1/1 card is being auctioned at Goldin Auctions and is already up to six figures – the auction ends this weekend.

2023-24 Bowman University Chrome Basketball coming soon

Get ready for 2023-24 Bowman U Chrome Basketball. Since its inception in 2021, Bowman University has become a mainstay in the hobby and an extremely collectible set. In 2022, Fanatics obtained the rights to use images from over 100 universities and elevated the Bowman U brand. Last year’s release was highlighted by Victor Wembanyama, and this year, we have Bronny James and Angel Reese alongside many other big-time prospects. In addition to the Hobby and Blaster box formats, the Breakers Delight Box will debut in Bowman U Basketball.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

12/19/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball Hobby Box I 2023 Topps Chrome Black Baseball | 2023 Topps MLS

What’s up, Rippers! We hope you finished your holiday shopping so you can relax and check out this week’s Quick Rips. We look back at the year in grading, a mail day 15 years in the making, Messi madness, and Dude Perfect comes to Fanatics Live.

  • PSA recaps the year in grading
  • Never lose hope in receiving your mail
  • Messi jerseys for millions
  • Dude Perfect jumps on Fanatics Live

PSA gives collectors insight into their 2023 year of grading 

Card grading is more prevalent now than ever before. Collectors are sending cards for grading in record numbers to protect, authenticate, and add value. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) grades more cards than any other grading company, and they’re providing a breakdown of what they saw in 2023. Surprisingly, the most common cards graded by PSA in 2023 were Pokémon, with over 4.4 million graded. Among sports, baseball saw the most cards graded, with over 2.3 million. Superstar Shohei Ohtani’s 175K graded cards were the most of any player. Current and former Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr rounded out the top three players with the most cards graded, following Ohtani. The most graded sports card of 2023 was Shohei Ohtani’s 2018 Bowman Rookie #49. PSA has graded 21,693 copies of this iconic Ohtani rookie to date.

Autograph collector receives surprise mail day after 15 years of waiting

We have all experienced the anticipation of waiting for a big card to show up. Whether a big hit from a break or your grail card purchased online, waiting for that big mail day is a helpless experience. In the world of through-the-mail (TTM) autograph collecting, you have no idea when or if you will ever get your card in the mail. TTM collectors will send cards to their favorite players with the hope that they will return them signed. Many TTM requests return unsigned or never return at all. Collector Ross M. Rutter @rosssportsautos on Twitter got his mail day after over 15 years of waiting. Rutter sent a TTM request to former Washington Capital Bob Gould in 2008. Fifteen years after the request, the chances of a return were minimal until Rutter opened his mail. Gould returned Rutter’s card 5,624 days later, signed with a letter explaining a move caused the delay. Gould apologized for the delay and paid additional postage to return the card to Rutter. Next time you are frustrated waiting a week for a card, think of Rutter and Gould.

Lionel Messi match-worn World Cup jerseys sell for millions at auction

Lionel Messi is widely considered the GOAT of soccer and, before last winter, had everything on his resume besides the elusive World Cup victory. That all changed, and Messi completed filling his trophy case after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A group of six jerseys worn by Messi in the first half of various World Cup matches, including the final, was recently up for auction. The auction hosted by Sotheby’s in New York ended with the jerseys selling for $7.8 million. Sotheby’s said a portion of the auction proceeds would be donated to the UNICAS Project to help children suffering from rare diseases. Sotheby’s thought these jerseys could break the record for most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold, but they could not beat Michael Jordan’s $10 million finals jersey. 

The Trick Shot Kings Are Coming To Fanatics Live

Dude Perfect, the kings of the trick shot, are coming to Fanatics Live! With a pre-show on 12/19 and a massive debut show on 12/20, Dude Perfect is giving away merch and auctioning off memorabilia mystery boxes and one-of-a-kind experiences. Jump on Fanatics Live for a live collecting experience to remember!

Rips Around the Hobby: 


12/13/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Heritage High Number Value Box I 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball Hobby Jumbo I 2022 Star Wars Masterwork Master Box

What’s up, Rippers! We hope you’re recovering from all the Brady Day excitement so that you’re fully rested for tons of Quick Rips excitement as the MLB hot stove heats up past boiling with Shohei Ohtani’s blockbuster deal, Kraken puts his favorite cards on ice, and Bronny James making his college debut.

  • Brady Day was huge! 
  • Kraken goalie dresses for success
  • Ohtani breaks – then defers – the bank 
  • The king’s son takes the court for USC

Experience the Brady-verse with 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball

Brady Day – 12/12 – has come and gone, and we’re still basking in the excitement of the release of Tom Brady’s 1st Bowman card. The card uses the 1995 Bowman design where Brady has on a catcher’s mitt and is wearing an Expos uniform and cap. In addition to a base card, Brady’s 1st Bowan has an array of parallels and autos. We all know how TB12 stamped his name in the annals of sports, but the Brady-verse is a great way to imagine a “What If..” scenario for the GOAT.

Would you buy a car from this guy?

Seattle Kraken goalie to sport custom baseball card mask in Winter Classic

On the 1st day of 2024, the Seattle Kraken will host defending champion Vegas Golden Knights in the 2024 Winter Classic.  The NHL regular season game will be played outdoors at T-Mobile Park, MLB’s Seattle Mariners home. Seattle goalie Joey Daccord is paying tribute to the hosting Mariners with his custom goalie mask. Daccord took to Twitter to share his custom mask designed by “Shifty Paint.” The one-of-a-kind mask features baseball cards of iconic Mariners players, including Ken Griffey Jr, Ichiro, and Julio Rodriguez. I can not wait to see this piece of art on the ice.

Shohei Ohtani signs with Dodgers for record money

All baseball fans have been waiting to see where reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani would sign. Insiders speculated his contract would exceed half a billion dollars, making it the richest deal in baseball history. After rumors of becoming a Blue Jay swirled, Ohtani took to Instagram to announce his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Details emerged that the contract would be for $700 million over 10 years. To help the Dodgers build a championship-caliber team, Ohtani will be taking $680 million in deferred payments to free up more spending money for the Dodgers. So, how many rings will Ohtani win in Hollywood?

Bronny James makes anticipated NCAA Basketball debut after cardiac arrest

One day after LeBron James led the Lakers to the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament Championship, King James was not playing but watching basketball. LeBron’s son Bronny is a freshman at USC and made his NCAA debut on Sunday. It had been a long road for Bronny to make his debut after suffering cardiac arrest earlier this year. Bronny played 16 minutes off the bench, highlighted by a block reminiscent of his old man. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 

12/6/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Chrome Update Hobby Box  I 2023 Topps Rip Baseball I 2023 Topps Major League Soccer Hobby Box

What’s up, Rippers! December is here, and we’re rapidly approaching the new year. This week, we have a star rookie collecting himself, a record Babe Ruth sale, and Fanatics Live comes through with a sweet offer.

  • Corbin Carroll flexing his own 1/1
  • Highest-ever Babe Ruth sale recorded
  • Fanatics Live provides early access to Topps products

NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll shows off his own Superfractor

After an incredible rookie season highlighted by a trip to the World Series, collectors are picking up Corbin Carroll cards, and Corbin Carroll is no different. Carroll recently posted an IG Story of his 2023 Topps Cosmic Chrome Superfractor in his PC. After a ton of buzz and speculation on social media about Carroll’s post, he weighed in on Twitter. Carroll assured collectors he wasn’t coming for all his cards, and this was the only one he bought. Nothing is cooler than seeing the guys we collect getting in on the collecting themselves.

1914 Babe Ruth rookie card Sells for $7.2 million at auction

Ever since his playing days, Babe Ruth has been larger than life. Now, The Bambino has one of the highest-selling cards of all time to match his iconic status. Late Sunday night, Ruth’s extremely rare 1914 Baltimore News rookie card sold for $7.2 million through Robert Edward Auctions (REA). This Baltimore News card has become the highest-selling Ruth card of all time and the third-highest-selling card of all time, behind a $12.6 million 52 Mantle, and a $7.25 million T206 Wagner.

Fanatics Live offers early access to newest Topps releases and a $15 promotion

Want early access to the newest Topps releases? You’ll get that and a lot more from Fanatics Live, the ultimate live shopping experience built by collectors for collectors. Save $15 off your first break spot with promo code RIPPED (not applicable to auctions).

  • Start breaking here

Rips Around the Hobby: 

11/29/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Chrome Update Hobby Box  I 2023 Topps Museum Collection Hobby Box I 2023 Topps Star Wars High-Tek Hobby Box

What’s up, rippers! We hope you’ve all recovered from last week’s turkey-induced itis. This week, we have NBA rookie jerseys setting auction records, the MLB Hall of Fame ballot release, prospecting podcasts, an eBay profit calculator, and old-time hidden gems uncovered.

  • Wemby’s 1st game worn jersey has sold
  • Who could be headed to Cooperstown?
  • Pre-war treasures found
  • Bowman Draft on The Call-Up
  • Calculating eBay profits

Victor Wembanyama’s jersey from NBA debut brings big bucks

A month after being worn, Victor Wembanyama’s NBA debut jersey has sold at auction for $762,000. Sotheby’s, the NBA’s new game-worn jersey partner, held the auction. The rookie sensation wore this jersey in the second half of his debut game. The sale price blazed by the estimate of $80K – $120K and was nearly fifteen times more than the price paid for a game-worn LeBron James jersey auctioned the same night.

2024 MLB Hall of Fame ballot released

The National Baseball Hall of Fame has released its 2024 ballot, featuring 14 returning and 12 new candidates. The most accomplished newcomer is Adrian Beltre, who has four Gold Gloves, more than 3,000 hits, and 470 home runs. While we wait for voting results in January, let the debate begin!

Amazing baseball card collection found in old tobacco box

Auction Monthly recently acquired a collection of pre-war cards with quite the story. Inside a rusty Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco box was the seller’s father’s collection from over 100 years ago. This collection, stored in a tobacco tin for decades, contains over 600 cards, including 20 Babe Ruth cards and many other Hall of Famers and legends of the game. Look out for pieces of this collection on the auction block soon.

Just Baseball’s prospect podcast, The Call-Up, drafts 2023 Bowman Draft autos

We love all things Just Baseball, especially their range of killer podcasts. Just Baseball co-founder Aram Leighton and Triple-A broadcaster Jack McMullen drafted their top Bowman Draft autos from the upcoming set. Listen to the whole episode – the Bowman Draft auto talk comes in at 1:03:30. 

Ballcard Genius unveils new eBay sports card fee & profit calculator

Have you ever wondered how much profit you can expect from a trading card sale before you accept, or what price you need to sell your card to break even or make a profit? Our good friends at Ballcard Genius recently released a fantastic new tool to help collectors buy and sell cards on the secondary market. Simply plug in your card’s purchase and sales details and click the “calculate” button. That’s it! Give it a try here, and let Ballcard Genius know how you like it. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 

11/21/23 by RIPPED

Josh Jung: archetype of fun

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Chrome Update Series Hobby Box  I 2023 Topps Archives Hobby Box I 2023 Topps Tier One Bundesliga Hobby Box

Happy Thanksgiving, rippers! This week, we have players doodling, memorabilia from the tennis GOAT, and unanimous MVPs

  • Josh Jung shows his creativity
  • Best Djokovic item to own?
  • MVP Buyback underway

World Series champion Josh Jung added a twist to his Topps Heritage card

While signing autographs for cards might get tedious, Josh Jung found a way to have fun and add a chase for collectors. Last week, eBay listed one of Josh Jung’s Rookie Autographs from 2023 Topps Heritage, but this card was unlike the rest. The card had glasses and a mustache added in Sharpie, inscribed with “Go Rangers” and “1/1.” It was a unique card, but collectors wondered if Jung added the extra ink. However, Josh Jung confirmed that he did make these additions, making this an awesome one-of-a-kind card.

Novak Djokovic Championship used racquet up for auction

Nothing beats game-used memorabilia, and one fan came home with quite the piece of memorabilia at the 2016 French Open. Moments after Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray to win the tournament and complete his career Grand Slam, he tossed a match-used racquet into the crowd. Abby Doherty from Portland, Maine, was lucky enough to come down with this one-of-a-kind souvenir. Seven years after Djokovic claimed the record for most Men’s Singles Grand Slam Titles, she is auctioning the racquet. The auction will run till December 2nd and could fetch six figures.

Unanimous MVPs announced in both American and National League

What felt like a formality became official last week when Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani were named MVPs of their respective leagues. Acuna claimed his 1st MVP award, and two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani earned his second. Acuna Put together the first 40 homers and 70 steals season in MLB history while carrying a .337 batting average and 1.012 OPS. In comparison, Ohtani’s 44 homers and 20 steals seem pedestrian until you remember he also sported a 3.14 ERA in 132 innings. Congrats to both of these superstars, and don’t forget to bring their 2023 Topps Chrome cards to your LCS for store credit!

Rips Around the Hobby

11/14/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Archives Baseball Hobby Box  I 2023 Topps Chrome Mcdonald’s All-American Hobby BoxI 2023 Bowman Platinum Baseball

Hope you’re hungry, rippers! This week, we have Jell-O up for auction, Rookie of the Year winners, and a new way to package cards.

  • 2023 Rookie of the Year winners announced
  • Most expensive Jell-O ever? 
  • A new way to ship singles

Unanimous Rookie of the Year winners in both leagues for 5th time

On Monday, Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson were both unanimously voted Rookie of the Year in their respective leagues. This was the first time since 2017 that both winners were selected unanimously (Judge & Bellinger).  Carroll and Henderson each reached 25 home runs, 75 RBI, and > .800 OPS in their rookie campaigns. Additionally, both got a taste of the postseason, with Carroll taking the Diamondbacks all the way to the World Series. With Corbin Carroll being the older of the two at just age 23, we will be seeing these superstars for years to come.

A snack complete with a baseball card from 1963 is up for auction

An unopened box of strawberry Jell-O from 1963 has hit the block at Heritage Auctions. This is no ordinary box of Jell-O as the back features card #59 of Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. The estimated sale price, according to Heritage, was $2,000, and that number has been blown out of the water. This auction will end on Wednesday, and bidding has already surpassed $15,000. It is not every day you can add a box of Jell-O to your sports card collection.

eBay launches new mailing kit for ungraded singles

With the introduction of the eBay Standard Envelope, sellers have been able to send raw cards valued under $20 with tracking for $1.11 or less. Sellers have used many different envelopes and packing supplies to comply with eBay Standard Envelope regulations. eBay is now standardizing packaging and selling its own trading card envelope kit. Each kit comes with an outer envelope #10, a cardboard insert for protection, and a 3-pocket insert that can support up to 8 cards per pocket. You can now ship up to 24 cards at a time securely without any toploaders.

  • Find out what determines a card’s value here

Rips Around the Hobby: 

11/7/23 by RIPPED

Baby Babe Ruth from 1914

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Star Wars Chrome Black  I 2023 Topps Chrome Mcdonald’s All-American Hobby BoxI 2023 Topps 206 Baseball High Series 

Turn back the clock, rippers! This week, we have a fan risking it all for an autograph, an auction expected to fetch $10 million, and Bob Ross to the moon!?

  • Potential eight-figure Babe Ruth rookie card
  • Why did the baseball fan cross the road?
  • Super Short Print Bob Ross painting money for lucky collectors

1914 Babe Ruth rookie card set for November auction

Anytime Babe Ruth and Rookie Card are in the same sentence, we are talking serious money. How serious is yet to be determined, but Robert Edward Auctions expects upwards of 10 million dollars. Beginning November 17th, a rare 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card will be up for bidding. This is Babe Ruth’s first trading card and depicts him as a 19-year-old on the front with Baltimore’s 1914 schedule on the back. Can this SGC 3 Babe Ruth rookie challenge the $12.6 million record sale for a baseball card?

Young Rangers fan won’t let anything keep him from an autograph

Tickets to a World Series game will run you hundreds of dollars, but chasing down a moving vehicle for the MVP’s autograph is priceless. During a parade to celebrate the Texas Rangers 1st World Series title, players rode the streets of Dallas in the back of trucks. Corey Seager was one of the main attractions after being named World Series MVP for the second time in his career. Fearlessly, one fan ran into the street to approach the moving vehicle where Seager was riding. The fan got Seager to sign his jersey, leading to jumping, fist pumps, and a memory of a lifetime.

First public sale of Bob Ross Flagship Super Short Print

Collectors have been loving the Bob Ross product collab 2023 Topps x Bob Ross “The Joy of Baseball.” Aside from the baseball stars, one big chase is the Bob Ross Flagship Super Short Print card. These super short prints are very rare, falling only 1 out of every 380 packs or almost 50 boxes. The first public sale of this card was an auction that ended Sunday for $455. A few more copies of this card have since hit eBay, and prices are rising fast on these auctions.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

10/31/23 by RIPPED

📸 ebay | Ancient City Cards

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Star Wars Chrome Black  I 2023 Topps Overtime Elite Inception I 2023 Topps 206 Baseball High Series 

Happy Halloween, rippers! This week Ichiro went big, we found the couple who channeled Randy Johnson and won Halloween, and a card with a unique bounty is up for sale.

  • The value of free concert tickets
  • This Halloween costume tops anything else
  • How much is the most ever paid for an Ichiro card? 

Hoodie Allen’s Ginter bounty is up for sale

The non-baseball subjects are a big part of what makes Allen & Ginter Baseball so beloved by collectors.  In 2023 Allen & Ginter X, musical artist Hoodie Allen decided to have some fun while signing his cards. Hoodie took to Twitter to show off one of his gold ink autos. Hoodie Allen put a bounty on one of the copies by inscribing in on the back, “FREE TIX 4 LIFE.” Shortly after 2023 Allen & Ginter X dropped, the card was pulled and listed on eBay for a price of $4,999, or best offer.  Would you turn in the bounty for free tickets for life, or would you look to cash in on the card?

Costume inspired by infamous baseball moment wins Halloween 

Now we know: famous moments on the baseball diamond make the best Halloween costumes. Every baseball fan has seen the infamous video of Randy Johnson obliterating a bird while pitching. One creative couple turned that moment into the costume of the year. We may never see a costume that tops the creativity of this one, 10/10.

Signed Ichiro Rookie Brings $207,400

As reported by Sports Collectors Daily, a signed PSA 10 graded 2001 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection #120 Ichiro RC sold for over $200K at Goldin’s most recent Elite Auction. The winning bid equals the highest amount ever paid for any Ichiro card. According to Card Ladder, the last Ichiro PSA 10 sale happened in 2016 when another of the three copies netted $10,412. In January of this year, a BGS 8.5 copy sold for $5,160. 

Rips Around the Hobby: 


10/24/23 by RIPPED

 (📸Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

What’s Hot

2023 Topps Finest Flashbacks  I 2023 Bowman U Chrome Football I 2023 BowmanPlatinum Mega Box  

What’s up, rippers! This week, Bryce Harper fights for his first ring as his best card goes to auction, Victor Wembanyama suits up for a historic NBA debut, and Max Verstappen continues to dominate F1.

  • Playoff star Superfractor auto up for sale
  • The biggest (literally and figuratively) prospect since LeBron poised for debut
  • One Formula 1 driver is lapping the competition 

Bryce Harper’s best card set for auction amid Phillies playoff run

The collector selling the Bryce Harper 2011 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autograph Superfractor could not have picked a better time.  Later tonight, Harper and the Phillies will host the Arizona Diamondbacks in a winner-take-all all game with a trip to the World Series on the line. Philadelphia is looking to make their second consecutive World Series, where they came up short last year. Harper is already a 7x All-Star, winner of 2 NL MVP Awards, and a former Rookie of the Year. This 1 of 1 of one of the faces of baseball last sold a year ago for $432,000.  What will this card fetch at auction this time? Will Harper finally win his elusive ring? 

All eyes on Spurs’ #1 pick as NBA season tips off

Wemby mania is finally here!  After years of hype, we will see the 7’4 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama take the NBA court on Wednesday. Since the NBA draft in June, collectors have already been chasing Victor’s cards in various Topps releases.  Wembanyama is the third #1 overall pick in Spurs history, and he will have to live up to the careers of Hall of Famers David Robinson (1987) and Tim Duncan (1997), who both won multiple championships in San Antonio. Which Wemby cards will you be chasing during his rookie campaign?

Max Verstappen is driving circles around the competition 

This past weekend, Max Verstappen claimed his 50th Formula 1 win in Austin, Texas.  At only age 26, Verstappen is already halfway to joining Lewis Hamilton as only the second driver to win 100 races.  This US Grand Prix win was also Verstappen’s 15th win of the season, which ties his own record for the most race wins in a single season. The now 3x reigning F1 Champion absolutely has his sights set on the all-time record of seven Championships held by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Rips Around the Hobby: 

10/17/23 by RIPPED

Adonis and Aubrey Graham wonder if anyone has pulled any Jordan RCs lately 

What’s Hot

 2023 Bowman Platinum Baseball Box  I 2023 Bowman U Chrome Football Hobby Box I 2023 Bowman Chrome Mega Box I 

What’s up, rippers! This week, Drake’s son, Adonis, drops a freestyle of his own, we examine an unconventional Superfractor auto, and witness an instance when someone signs their own card, and it’s worth even more money! 

  • Famous collector’s 6-year-old son drops freestyle visual 
  • Aftermarket signature on a Superfractor… yay or nay?
  • Cy Young’s own auto is up for auction 

Famous collector’s son drops “My Man Freestyle” 

File under: Nepo baby got bars. Celebrity collector Aubrey Drake Graham has something new to brag about: his son Adonis’s burgeoning rap career. Hot on the heels of the release of Drake’s eighth studio album, For All My Dogs, he released a video for his son’s song “My Man Freestyle.” Adonis freestyles over a Drake-style beat while playing basketball with his friends. This could be Drake’s best basketball moment since pulling a bunch of Jordan rookies with Ken Goldin.   

Aftermarket Spencer Jones Superfractor auto upgrade gets PSA graded 

We all love Superfractors; we all love autos; so what’s not to love about the combination?  The collector who owns the Spencer Jones non-autographed 1st Bowman Superfractor thought the card could be improved. Despite not having an autograph while pulled in the pack, this collector went right to the source to add one, having Jones sign the card before sending it to PSA to get graded. Some collectors think it is an awesome addition to add ink to this one-of-a-kind card, while others don’t agree with adding aftermarket autographs to rare cards. Which side are you on? Would you let your favorite players sign your Superfractor if given the chance?

Cy Young’s own signed 1893 card will be available for auction 


Our friends at Sports Collectors Daily have clued us into a unique and very rare Cy Young auto heading to auction. The 1893 Pifer & Becker cabinet card features Young as a member of the Cleveland Spiders and was reportedly owned and signed by Young himself. The story goes that Young mailed this card, along with other Cleveland Spiders cards, to a jeweler in the 1930s. Only six Pifer & Becker Cy Young cards are known to exist, and this is the only auto. This Young auto is thought to bring at least $250,000 at auction.   

Rips Around the Hobby: 

10/10/23 by RIPPED

What’s Hot
2023 Bowman Chrome Mega Box I 2022-23 Topps Finest UEFA Champions League | Stranger Things 4

What’s up, rippers! This week we’re taking a look at unique and unlikely Hobby collabs, and a young fan behaving wonderfully. 

  • A young ballplayer gives Bobby Witt Jr. his own card 
  • TacoFractor = a chance at free tacos for life
  • Put a lid on it – buy a hat and get a pack of cards!

MLB star Bobby Witt Jr. received a unique gift from a fan

A young baseball fan had on-field access before a Kansas City Royals game and got to meet Bobby Witt Jr.  Most fans would be asking the super slugger for an autograph, selfie, or something. Not so for this little leaguer. Knowing that Witt is an avid collector, the fan brought his own card to give to the Royals superstar.  Witt seemed thrilled with the novel interaction. We’ll keep an on eBay to see if any Little League playing cards are listed during the offseason.

Five lucky collectors can win free Taco Bell for life during the World Series 

After months of speculation, Topps spilled the beans and cheese on the inaugural TacoFractor promotion. If you hold the TacoFractor card of the player who steals the first base during the World Series or the TacoFractor Wild Card and the first player who steals the first base does not have a player card, then you could win tacos for life. That’s how you Live Más.  

Topps, Mitchell & Ness and Lids have created an exclusive set of Topps Chrome Cards

Topps, Mitchell & Ness, and Lids have partnered for a Lids-exclusive line of fitted hats inspired by Topps Chrome Cards. The collection includes four different colorways in select MLB teams and features an embroidered side patch of a pack of cards from either 1978, 1989, 1993, or 2001. Each hat includes a custom Topps Baseball hat pin and an exclusive pack of Topps Chrome cards.

Rips Around the Hobby

10/3/23 by RIPPED

Travis Scott and Michael Rubin at Wax, Packs, and Throwbacks 

What’s Hot

2023 Allen & Ginter Baseball | 2023 Topps Garbage Pail Kids: Krashers Series 4 | Stranger Things 4 – Hobby Box

Welcome back, rippers! This week, it’s all about big names doing big things throughout the Hobby. 

  • Tom Brady and some friends joined in the epic Hobby celebration of Topps Hobby Rip Night  
  • Pokémon x Van Gogh faced an army of bots and lost
  • Tyrus Raymond Cobb is still making money

On to this week’s Quick Rips! 

Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Travis Scott, and Michael Rubin trade cards during the inaugural Topps Hobby Rip Night

The GOAT, the world-famous comedian, the “Highest in Room” rapper, and the Fanatics founder visited the Linwood, NJ, hobby shop, Wax, Packs, and Throwbacks, last Saturday as part of the nationwide Topps Hobby Rip Night event. The super friends, fans, and collectors ripped packs, traded cards, signed autos, and showed why you never know what’ll happen when you go to the hobby shop.  

  • Over 300 hobby shops participated – check out the full recap. 
  • Kevin Hart is in 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter, along with other big names

Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum merch snatched up by resellers 

File under: This is why we can’t have nice things. What should have been the collab we never knew we needed became another cautionary tale of the interwebs gone bad. Besides the merch mess, the exhibit is really cool, featuring Pikachu and friends made to look like some of Van Gogh’s signature works. The exhibit goes until January 7, so hopefully, there’ll be some restocks in the offing.

T206 Ty Cobb Green Portrait card is still stackin’ that green

As reported by Sports Collectors Daily, Goldin’s September Elite Auction concluded last Sunday, and one of three T206 Ty Cobb Green Portrait cards graded PSA 8 sold for a record $488,000. In addition to the Georgia Peach, a PSA 8.5 1965 Topps Joe Namath rookie went for $207,400, and a 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Auto Red Refractor Shohei Ohtani 5/5 earned $92,720. That’s some big money for some big-time cards.

Rips Around the Hobby

9.28.23 by RIPPED

What’s New

2023 Allen & Ginter Baseball | 2023 Bowman Chrome | 2022-23 Topps Finest UEFA Champions League | 2023 Bowman U Alabama Football

Welcome to the first RIPPED weekly newsletter, Quick Rips. Each week, we’ll spotlight some of the best, coolest, and most interesting things happening throughout the hobby. 

This week’s Hobby rips features Victor Wembanyama at his own auto redemption event, D’Angelo Russell’s son, Riley, is the “Rookie of the Year,” a photo of Lou Gehrig in the minor leagues up for auction, and some quick rips from around the hobby. 

Victor Wembanyama and the Ultimate Collector Experience was an event to remember

Topps and Fanatics Collectibles set the bar for collector events this past Saturday with the Ultimate Collector Experience in San Antonio. Collectors who had pulled the Wembanyama Green Auto Redemption card were invited to the event for the opportunity to redeem the “1st Card I ever Signed” inscribed auto. Hosted by comedian Scott Rogowsky and journalist Taylor Rooks and live-streamed on Fanatics Live, the Ultimate Collector Experience was a huge hit. Of course, the event’s big draw – literally and figuratively – was that Wemby randomly chose the winner.

D’Angelo Russell throws a “Rookie of the Year” party for his son Riley’s first birthday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell threw an absolute banger of a party for his son Riley’s first birthday party. This party had everything: custom Lakers jerseys, a bouncy castle, a cake smash, and more! But the show’s star – besides the birthday boy – was the custom ROY card, complete with “player bio” on the back. You’re never too young to get into the hobby. Salute to you, Mr. Russell!

Before Gehrig was an Iron Horse, he was a Senator

Our friends at Sports Collectors Daily reported on a rare pre-Yankees pic of minor leaguer Lou Gehrig as a member of the Class A Eastern League Hartford Senators. The picture surfaced as part of Heritage Auctions’ Icons Photography Auction, ending October 12. Between 1921 and 1924, Gehrig played for the Senators, Columbia University, and the Yankees before joining the Yankees for good on August 31, 1924.  

Rips Around the Hobby