
The 2024 Topps Update Series has taken the baseball card collecting world by storm with its blend of traditional favorites and unexpected surprises. Among the hidden gems and Easter eggs scattered throughout the set, the standout attraction has been Aaron Judge’s unexpected journey into the Paw Patrol universe.
In a heartwarming episode of Rubble & Crew that aired in August, Aaron Judge found himself in Builder Cove, a whimsical town where talking dogs and magical construction projects abound. Stranded and unable to make it to a scheduled home run derby, Judge teamed up with his newfound canine companions to construct a stadium from the ground up. Topps immortalized this delightful crossover with two special Aaron Judge Paw Patrol trading cards, PP-1 and PP-2, featuring the animated version of the renowned Yankees player. These cards have swiftly become coveted items among collectors, blending Judge’s baseball prowess with the playful charm of Paw Patrol.
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 Topps Update Series is a Jazz Chisholm Jr. short-print (SSP) variation commemorating his debut with the New York Yankees. Following his trade from the Miami Marlins just before the deadline, Chisholm’s inclusion in the set as #US1 marks his first flagship card with the Yankees. What sets this variation apart is the absence of a CMP code on the back, a subtle detail that makes spotting this rare find a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for collectors on the lookout for unique variations.
Not to be outdone, the 2024 Update Series introduces Golden Image Variations, offering collectors an array of alternate photos for all 350 base cards. These variations inject a fresh perspective on beloved players, enhancing the excitement of opening each pack. However, a slight hiccup has been noted in the set’s Black parallels, which are inadvertently misnumbered up to 74 instead of the intended 73. While this deviation may not affect the overall appeal of the cards, it adds an element of intrigue for collectors keen on observing continuity in Topps’ offerings.
Despite the industry trend of scaled-back unannounced short prints (SSPs), the 2024 Topps Update Series proves that surprises still abound for avid collectors. The buzz generated by Aaron Judge’s Paw Patrol cards and Jazz Chisholm’s Yankees SSP variation underscores the thrill of discovery and the allure of the unexpected in the world of baseball card collecting. As enthusiasts continue to sift through this release in search of hidden treasures and Easter eggs, the possibility of stumbling upon additional surprises fuels excitement and reiterates Topps’ ability to infuse fun and intrigue into their flagship sets.
Whether you’re captivated by the whimsical charm of Aaron Judge’s animated alter ego or fascinated by the rarity of Jazz Chisholm’s Yankees debut SSP, the 2024 Topps Update Series promises a treasure trove of delights for collectors willing to embark on the exhilarating hunt that each pack holds.