Question re Topps Chrome Update

TNJabe29

Hey everyone, since getting back into the hobby my focus has really been on vintage simply because that’s what I collected as a kid in the 80s. So what is the draw to a set such as the Topps chrome update? From observations it just seems like the main chase for ultra modern cards is in the short print and rookies. This is probably a more complex answer but just trying to understand. Any help would be great. Thanks so much!

If it in fact is rookies, wouldn’t the Bowman 1st be the focus?

Estil

Oh those must be Trace Adkins' favorite cards!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmAAaXI8riY

TNJabe29

Is that supposed to be funny? Sorry for asking what I assumed was a legit question.

PatriotTrading

@TNJabe29 said:
Hey everyone, since getting back into the hobby my focus has really been on vintage simply because that’s what I collected as a kid in the 80s. So what is the draw to a set such as the Topps chrome update? From observations it just seems like the main chase for ultra modern cards is in the short print and rookies. This is probably a more complex answer but just trying to understand. Any help would be great. Thanks so much!

If it in fact is rookies, wouldn’t the Bowman 1st be the focus?

You're comparing apples to oranges. 1st Bowman are Prospect cards. Rookie Cards are released after the player made their major league debut. MLB and MLBPA made it a "rule" around 2005 that the "RC" Logo could only be used after the player's MLB debut. Usually it's the same year but if they were called up after Opening Day, it could very well be the following year. So anything prior to that are considered Prospect cards. Some people like oranges, some people like apples, some like both. There is value either way. Matter in fact, the Yankees Anthony Volpe 1st Bowman Superfractor Auto is probably worth North of $100k. His Topps Update Game Used Rookie Debut Patch Auto has a bounty offer of $150k by Dave & Adams Card World. Value in either one.

Estil

@TNJabe29 said:
Is that supposed to be funny? Sorry for asking what I assumed was a legit question.

Okay seriously, the Chrome line is for those who would collect the regular Topps or Bowman but want something nicer and more limited edition. For example those 90s parallel insert sets like Topps Gold or Ultra Gold Medallion or Score Gold Rush or whatnot.

TNJabe29

Thanks so much for the insight. I guess I’ll keep digging to try and grasp it all. Seems like the Update is only for the patch chase? All the RC cards have been in other sets I’d assume. 🤷‍♂️

UlyssesExtravaganza

I think an important part of it is if you cant see the appeal dont buy it. If you dont love the idea of all the non-RCs non-refractors non-autos you are going to pull in a box of Topps Chrome, a seventh year Tampa Bay Ray who hits .270 with 8 HRs in 470 ABs, stay away, stay far away. If you think there are a few guys you would love to pull, I would suggest just buy them as singles, dont hope you find them in your box. On average its not a winning proposition financially. And often the stuff you find in a 2020s box that will appear frequently is stuff that people dont get too excited about, wont pay much for, wont have a lot of value. They want the refractors, the variations, the /199s. Which sometimes you could purchase for the price of your box. Or several for the price of a box.

I find it hard not to buy stuff, too much stuff I want. So if there is anything you feel lukewarm about I would say embrace it. Dont spend your money and try to love it. Its easy enough to find stuff to like.

Keep enjoying the vintage. Sounds like you already have some nice targets. If you are saying what is the difference between regular and Update and what is the point, that is a good question. Not sure. Another opp to sell cards and make money maybe. Vlad in the regular set and the Update. Shohei regular and update. Bo Bichette regular and update. Different pics. But not like say a 1984 Fleer Update where you get the first cards of Clemens and Puckett and they were not in the intial regular 1984 Fleer set.

craig44

^^^^ I would second this recommendation. As tempting as it may be, skip opening boxes yourself. 96% of the time it will be a losing proposition and you will be disappointed. Just purchase the singles you want on the secondary market.

Your money will stretch longer and you will be happier in the long run.

Estil

If I ever did Topps Chrome (and apparently make Trace Adkins happy!) I would of course do it thusly (just as I would trying a video game series for the first time):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM

Whereas if I did do Heritage I'd kinda do the opposite...start with 1975, then 1971, then the years in between and as you sometimes do in math (and I would with original sets), work backwards!