The 2024 Topps Update Series Baseball set has taken the collecting world by storm with its unexpected twists and turns. Among the many surprises this year, none have been more delightful and unforeseen than Aaron Judge’s leap into the animated Paw Patrol universe. This move marks a significant departure from the usual baseball-centric themes, injecting a dose of playfulness and novelty into the hobby.
In a special episode of Paw Patrol titled Rubble & Crew that aired in August, Aaron Judge finds himself in Builder Cove, a magical town where dogs communicate and construction projects take on a life of their own. Rather than participating in a home run derby, Judge collaborates with his canine companions to construct a stadium from scratch, showcasing a different side of his talents and personality.
To immortalize this whimsical moment, Topps has included two special trading cards in the update set, numbered PP-1 and PP-2, featuring an animated rendition of the esteemed Yankees’ power hitter. These cards have quickly become must-haves for collectors due to Judge’s stature in baseball and the novelty of the Paw Patrol crossover, sparking significant buzz and excitement within the collecting community.
Beyond Judge’s Paw Patrol venture, the 2024 Topps Update Series holds another hidden gem in the form of a short-print (SSP) variation starring Jazz Chisholm Jr. This variation, labeled #US1, captures Chisholm’s debut with the New York Yankees following a recent trade from the Miami Marlins. The timing of the trade prevented Chisholm from appearing in the main base set, making this SSP card a unique find for avid collectors.
Notably, the Chisholm variation lacks a standard CMP code on the back—a typical indicator of short prints—making it a challenging yet rewarding discovery for enthusiasts scouring through packs in search of rare cards. The secrecy surrounding the odds of pulling this card adds an element of suspense and thrill to the chase, enticing collectors to delve deeper into the set in pursuit of these elusive treasures.
Adding further excitement to the mix, the 2024 Update Series introduces Golden Image Variations, which present alternative photos for all 350 base cards, injecting a fresh perspective into each pack and offering collectors a variety of visuals to appreciate. However, a minor anomaly has been observed with the set’s Black parallels, which, contrary to the usual numbering up to 73, are mistakenly labeled up to 74. While this numbering error may raise eyebrows among meticulous collectors, it does not diminish the overall appeal and collectibility of the set.
As collectors continue to comb through the 2024 Topps Update Series, the allure of unannounced variations and hidden Easter eggs looms large, promising further surprises and discoveries for those willing to explore every nook and cranny of this intricate release. The inclusion of Aaron Judge’s animated Paw Patrol cards and Jazz Chisholm’s Yankees debut SSP exemplifies Topps’ commitment to innovation and entertainment, ensuring that even in a landscape dominated by limited SSPs, the element of fun and unpredictability remains alive and well in their flagship baseball sets. So, whether you’re captivated by Judge’s foray into the animated realm or intrigued by Chisholm’s new beginnings with the Yankees, the 2024 Topps Update Series beckons with its promise of adventure and hidden treasures, urging collectors to embark on an exciting journey through the world of sports card collecting.
