The exciting fortnight that is the first half of May 2024 promises a revving engine of sport card releases. This period, unlike any other, promises intrigue, nostalgia, and anticipation as a bevy of cards across baseball, basketball, golf, and racing are set to see the light of day. Each release, both regular and in distinctive styles, promises to breathe new life into collections.
Kicking off the excitement on May 1, 2024, is the 2024 Topps Heritage Mini Baseball card series. An invigorating nod to the iconic 1975 set, the online-exclusive series makes its much-awaited return with a 500-card base set. The series, whose Hobby version has 24 packs per box with each packing nine cards, gets sport card enthusiasts drooling. It promises either an autograph or relic, complete with a box loader. Besides, collectors will have their hands full with Juan Soto’s debut on-card autograph in his Yankees kit.
The popular Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey cards for the 2022-23 season also hit the deck the same day. A staple in hockey card portfolios, this series offers a single pack of four cards per box, boasting one autograph, one high-end memorabilia or autograph-memorabilia card, an additional memorabilia card, and a base or rookie card with every pack. True to tradition, the autographs come guaranteed as on-card without fail, with each box retailing online around the $160 mark.
In basketball corner is the 2023-24 Panini Recon series, promising more rookie cards of Victor Wembanyama. Every Hobby box in this series is packed with ten packs, each holding six cards. Collectors stand to collect two autographs and a sizeable haul of 20 inserts.
The excitement intensifies as we march into May 8, 2024. Bowman spearheads the charge with the 2024 edition of its Baseball collection. A marquee brand since its resurgence in 1989, Bowman now enjoys a vast appeal across numerous sports. The 2024 edition offers Hobby boxes containing one Chrome autographed card, and Jumbo boxes flush with three autographs.
Basketball enthusiasts aren’t left behind, with the Panini Crown Royale series 2023-24 set for release amid the throes of the NBA playoffs. Every box in this much-hyped release houses eight cards including one autograph, one memorabilia card, and two inserts, or parallels. Collectors are particularly excited about Tim Duncan’s autographs being available in boxes pried around $500.
Racing and golf enthusiasts are catered to with the 2024 Upper Deck SP Game Used Golf and the 2023 Panini National Treasures Racing series, both sporting high-end collectibles.
As we near the mid-month mark on May 10, 2024, the basketball lineup continues with the 2023-24 Panini Select. A regular in Panini’s basketball line, the series features twelve packs per Select box, with each set holding five cards inclusive of three autographs or memorabilia cards. It aligns with the Prizm parallels tradition and is flush with the eagerly anticipated memorabilia-packed rookie cards.
All set for release is the 2023/24 Donruss Soccer. Keenly anticipated, this series weaves in the charm of the world’s game, though the specifics on box configurations and hallmark features are still under wraps.
Indeed, the first half of May 2024 is a riotous carnival for collectors, from seasoned baseball and basketball fans to those seeking something slightly off the beaten path like golf and racing. The early May sports card roster is pregnant with options and is sure to enliven any collection.
