2016 Topps Archives Baseball is full of nostalgia and Bull
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
Past is present with 2016 Topps Archives Baseball. Once again, old designs are brought back to be mixed with current and retired players. Also back is the promise of two autographs per hobby box with much of the attention on retired players, many of whom might not have a lot of signed cards.
The pop culture nostalgia continues as well, this time centered on 1988’s Bull Durham.
See Also: 2016 Topps Archives Baseball Checklist | Price Guide Access
Base Set
The main part of the 2016 Topps Archives Baseball base set has 300 cards. It uses three designs: 1953, 1979 and 1991. Short prints also return, although the number hasn’t been announced. These will have new players that aren’t in the main base set.
Base cards have four parallels, all of which are serial numbered: Blue, Red, Black (1/1) and Printing Plates.
Bull Durham Autographs and Inserts
The throwbacks aren’t limited to players and designs. 2016 Topps Archives Baseball also includes cards from the movie, Bull Durham. Yes, that means the first licensed “Crash” Davis autograph card signed by Kevin Costner. In addition to signed cards from select actors (all are on-card), there’s a basic insert set similar to the Major League cards in 2014 Topps Archives Baseball. Both the inserts and the autographs have numbered Red, Black (1/1) and Printing Plate parallels.
This isn’t the only set from Topps this year with Kevin Costner autographs. 2016 Topps Allen and Ginter Baseball has more from the Oscar-winning actor but with a Field of Dreams theme.
Autographs
Fan Favorite Autographs make up the bulk of the signed content in 2016 Topps Archives Baseball. They’re signed on-card and, like the base set, use past designs. Blue, Red and Black (1/1) parallels can also be found.
Topps Originals Autographs are signed buybacks of original Topps cards. These are also hard-signed. They come numbered and with a foil stamp showing where they’re from.
Inserts
Two basic inserts go back to 1985 Topps for their inspiration. Father-Son showcases MLB familial connections through the years. #1 Draft Picks highlights some of the first overall picks.
1969 Topps Super inserts bring back the rounded corners of the inserts from 47 years prior.
#1 Draft Picks and 1969 Topps Super inserts have numbered parallels in the form of Red, Black (1/1) and Printing Plates. Select Supers also have autographed versions.
2016 Topps Archives Baseball at a glance:
Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 8
Boxes per case: 10
Set size: 310 cards
Release date: June 1, 2016
What to expect in a hobby box:
- Autographs – 2
Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks.
I will love the #1 draft pick set IF they don’t gloss over the misses. I want to see Delmon Young, Luke Hochevar, and Tim Beckham included alongside the Harper, Griffey, and Strasburgs of the world.
Can’t wait. Topps Archives are some of the best looking cards made every year.
Will the 1953 versions have the same “painted card” look as the original 1953’s that were hand painted?
Like the old school feel of Archives and the chance to get autos of guys that you wont see much of and that I grew up watching because who really needs anymore Micah Johnson autos. It kind of sucked that I had to wait till now to open a pack because of the Will Ferrell craze that kept the prices so high for so long. It became a catch 22 to have a chance at a cool auto but also made everything expensive.
Looking forward to this years archives. Why couldn’t topps wait a few years to put out the 1979 design, it reminds me too much of the 1976 design. They should elimate the bull durham inserts as well as any other baseball movie inserts they may have planned. It makes archives too hard to collect.
As always. ..canseco? Email me. …I’m your guy! :)
I’m very curious to see how these come out and feel in hand. I like throwback products like this but kind of laugh that my childhood go to card (1991 topps) is being reprinted as an archive!
Top dollar paid for all Canseco inserts!! Proud owner of his top memornolia on EBay!!
Purchased a box, pulled a J. Morgan, J. altuve C. Correa, G. Springer & C. McHugh!!! Go Astros!!
Great product, i enjoy the feel of the cards, that early 90’s Topps feel. I pulled a Annie Savoy aka Susan Sarandon Bull Durham auto which is an SP. Kevin Costner’s auto is also and SP and the other 7 auto cards are serial numbered. Really fun box, only have bought two so far and am ready to buy a case. This product is more of a bringing out the kid in you type of box, enjoy.
Love the draft picks! Especially the Correa black border auto 1/1. Only took me a couple months to track down on eBay lol! Sure would like to find that Harper or Arod!
Can someone help me with these? I bought a bunch of packs of these and I got a lot of cards with red ink autographs on the back of the card. Is this normal? are they prints or actual autographs?
Thanks for any help!
I am looking to purchase just the 1953 style 2016 Topps Archives cards. Is this possible and what is the cost?
Thanks.
Ralph Hunt
Boring, Oregon 97009
@Ralph – The Beckett Marketplace has dealers that can fill your lists: https://marketplace.beckett.com/search_new/?term=2016+topps+archives&brand=Topps+Archives&set_type=201