A wave of excitement sweeps over the sports card market as we delve into the first half of May 2024, marked by the release of a variety of cards spanning baseball, basketball, golf, and racing. The next two weeks promise a hearty feast of regular and unique card formats from some of the sports world’s most anticipated series.
Kicking off May’s sports card frenzy on the 1st, 2024 Topps Heritage Mini Baseball makes a comeback, harking back to the rarity-filled 1975 mini set. This much-loved series, available solely online, presents a massive 500-card base set. Inside each Hobby box — boasting 24 packs of nine cards each — is an autograph or relic, topped off with a box loader. The icing on the cake in this set? It features baseball prodigy Juan Soto’s very first on-card autograph in a Yankees uniform.
For ice hockey lovers, the revered 2022-23 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey release is launched on the same day. Each box in this long-standing collection contains a single pack of four cards, featuring an autograph, a high-end memorabilia or autograph memorabilia card, an additional memorabilia card, and a base or rookie card. Each autograph is guaranteed to be on-card, sealing a touch of authenticity. For about $160, you can bag this ice-cool collection online.
Also sharing the spotlight on the 1st is 2023-24 Panini Recon Basketball, adding more rookie cards from the promising Victor Wembanyama. The Hobby box comprises ten packs of six cards each, promising two autographs and 20 befitting inserts.
Fast forwarding to May 8, 2024, Bowman Baseball continues its legacy since its 1989 revival. This flagship brand spans various sports but, come 2024, focuses heavily on baseball. The year’s Hobby boxes yield one Chrome autographed card, while Jumbo boxes offer three autographs. Exclusive green parallels find their way into retail boxes, adding an envy-inducing touch.
Presenting itself during the NBA playoffs, 2023-24 Panini Crown Royale Basketball releases the same day. Each box carries eight cards, among which there’s one autograph, one memorabilia card, and two inserts or parallels. It makes a statement with legendary Tim Duncan’s autographs, enclosed in boxes conveniently priced around $500.
Also set for release are the 2024 Upper Deck SP Game Used Golf and 2023 Panini National Treasures Racing collections for golf and racing enthusiasts, paving the way for high-quality collectibles in these sports.
May 10 brings on the 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball release, firmly entrenched in Panini’s basketball line. Enthusiasts can anticipate twelve packs per Select box, each carrying five cards, inclusive of three autographs or memorabilia cards. This lineup stands out for its Prizm parallels and memorabilia-rich rookie cards.
Also marking this day is the release of the keenly awaited 2023/24 Donruss Soccer series, with key features and box configurations yet to be unveiled.
This display of captivating releases in early May 2024 promises a collector’s paradise with diverse offerings and noteworthy specials. Whether your allegiance lies with traditional sports like baseball and basketball, or you’re inclined towards niche fields like golf and racing, this roster has your ardor covered with a variety of options that will surely elevate your collection.
So, gear up, collectors! The first fortnight of May 2024 astounds with electrifying sports card releases, revealing rarities such as Juan Soto’s first Yankees autograph in the Topps Heritage Mini set, and legendary Tim Duncan’s Panini Crown Royale autographs, ready to enthral addicts of the sports card collecting game.
