The 2024 Topps Update Series is causing quite a stir in the collecting world with its unexpected surprises and unique offerings. One of the standout features of this set is the unlikely crossover that sees Aaron Judge stepping into the Paw Patrol universe. In a special episode of Rubble & Crew, Judge finds himself in Builder Cove, collaborating with talking dogs to construct a stadium—a far cry from his usual baseball exploits. To commemorate this playful moment, Topps has released two special Aaron Judge Paw Patrol trading cards, PP-1 and PP-2, adding a whimsical touch to the collection and sparking excitement among fans and collectors alike.
But the surprises don’t stop there. Collectors diving into the 2024 Topps Update Series will also stumble upon a hidden gem in the form of a short-print (SSP) variation featuring Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Yankees debut. Traded from the Miami Marlins to the New York Yankees just before the trade deadline, Chisholm’s arrival in pinstripes may have gone unnoticed in the main set, but his presence is not forgotten in this variation card marked as #US1. The absence of a CMP code on the back of this variation adds an extra layer of challenge for collectors seeking to identify this elusive card, creating a sense of thrill and mystery in the pursuit.
Adding to the excitement are the Golden Image Variations, which offer a fresh perspective on all 350 base cards in the collection. These alternate photos breathe new life into familiar faces, injecting a sense of novelty and surprise into each pack opened. However, a minor numbering error has been detected in the Black parallels of the set, where cards intended to be numbered to 73 have mistakenly been numbered up to 74. While this hiccup may raise eyebrows among detail-oriented collectors, it does not diminish the overall appeal and collectible nature of the set.
As collectors delve deeper into the 2024 Topps Update Series, the surprises keep coming. From Aaron Judge’s animated Paw Patrol cards to Jazz Chisholm’s covert Yankees debut, this set proves that Topps still knows how to keep collectors on their toes and deliver unexpected delights in the ever-evolving world of baseball card collecting. Whether hunting for rare variations or simply immersing in the joy of discovery, the 2024 Topps Update Series offers a compelling blend of nostalgia, novelty, and anticipation that keeps collectors coming back for more.
