The 2024 Topps Update Series Baseball set is setting the collecting world abuzz with some delightful and unexpected surprises. While the number of unannounced short prints (SSPs) may have been scaled back, this release still manages to sneak in a few extraordinary Easter eggs, with the spotlight shining on none other than Aaron Judge’s leap into the animated world of Paw Patrol.
Aaron Judge Joins Paw Patrol in 2024 Topps Update Series
In a move that left fans scratching their heads in wonder, the 2024 Topps Update Series presented an animated episode featuring Aaron Judge making his grand entrance into the whimsical universe of Paw Patrol. Found in a special episode of Rubble & Crew that aired in August, this unexpected crossover placed Judge in Builder Cove, a fantastical town where dogs take on a voice and construction projects breathe with life. Instead of showcasing his home run prowess at a derby, Judge teams up with his furry friends to construct a stadium from mere scratch.
To immortalize this playful crossover, Topps introduces two special trading cards in the set, numbered PP-1 and PP-2, showcasing an animated rendition of the Yankees’ powerhouse hitter. These Paw Patrol cards have swiftly become coveted items for collectors, merging Judge’s baseball stardom with this unique and unlikely crossover, generating a buzz that resonates throughout the collecting community.
Jazz Chisholm SSP Variation: Yankees Debut
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 Topps Update Series is a hidden treasure in the form of a short-print (SSP) variation featuring Jazz Chisholm Jr., recently traded to the New York Yankees from the Miami Marlins just before the trade deadline. Despite missing the cut for the main base set due to the timing of the trade, collectors can uncover him on a variation card, #US1, marking his inaugural flagship Yankees card appearance.
Notably, this variation lacks a CMP code on the back, a hallmark often relied upon by collectors to identify short prints, injecting an extra level of challenge into spotting this elusive card. The undisclosed odds of obtaining this card, alongside the Aaron Judge Paw Patrol variations, add an irresistible allure to the chase for passionate collectors.
Golden Image Variations and a Numbering Error
Diving deeper into the 2024 Update Series reveals the introduction of Golden Image Variations, granting alternate images for all 350 base cards. This addition provides collectors with fresh perspectives on their beloved players, infusing each pack with a renewed sense of excitement and discovery.
However, a minor hiccup emerges within the set concerning the Black parallels. Typically, Black parallels are numbered to 73, aligning with the numbering consistency of 2024 Series 1 and Series 2. Surprisingly, the Black parallels in this release feature a numbering error, going up to 74. While this deviation doesn’t detract from the overall collectibility, it remains a curious anomaly for enthusiasts keen on the continuity of Topps’ sets.
What’s Next?
With Aaron Judge’s whimsical Paw Patrol cards and Jazz Chisholm’s Yankees debut SSP paving the way, the 2024 Topps Update Series showcases that unexpected delights still await in Topps’ flagship baseball releases. As collectors delve further into this set, there may yet be more unannounced variations and hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed.
The presence of these unforeseen inclusions serves to ignite excitement and reinforce the notion that, even in a landscape where SSPs dwindle, Topps retains the ability to spark joy and intrigue through their sets. Whether you’re in pursuit of Judge’s animated alter ego or Chisholm’s groundbreaking Yankees debut, the 2024 Topps Update Series offers ample reasons to continue tearing through packs in search of elusive gems.
