Early May 2024 is swarming with variety and anticipation for sports card enthusiasts. The market is poised to launch an array of releases, encompassing sports such as baseball, basketball, golf, and even racing. From regular varieties to novelty packs, these releases feature some of the most eagerly awaited series in the world of sports card collecting.
Kick-starting the excitement on May 1, is the 2024 Topps Heritage Mini Baseball. This online-only series harks back to the elusive 1975 mini set. It brings forth a massive 500-card base set, with every Hobby box consisting of 24 packs, nine cards each. What’s more, every box guarantees an autograph or relic and a box loader. In a notable debut, this series showcases baseball star Juan Soto’s maiden on-card autograph in a Yankees uniform.
For hockey enthusiasts, the 2022-23 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey returns with boxes comprising a single pack of four cards. Each box assures one autograph, one premium memorabilia or autograph and memorabilia card, an additional memorabilia card and a base or rookie card. All autographs are on-card, and each box is currently available online for around $160.
Completing the May 1 releases is the 2023-24 Panini Recon Basketball that offers more rookie cards of Victor Wembanyama. Every Hobby box contains ten packs with six cards featuring two autographs and 20 inserts.
A week later, on May 8, the much-anticipated 2024 Bowman Baseball graces the market. One of the flagship brands since its resurgence in 1989, the 2024 edition presents Hobby boxes with one Chrome autographed card and Jumbo boxes with three autographs. Exclusive green parallels elevate the appeal of the retail boxes.
Arriving simultaneously is the 2023-24 Panini Crown Royale Basketball. Featuring eight cards including one autograph, one memorabilia card, and two inserts or parallels, this series is released amidst the NBA playoffs, making it even more exciting. This release brings the allure of Tim Duncan autographs to boxes priced around $500.
Tying up the May 8 releases are the 2024 Upper Deck SP Game Used Golf and the 2023 Panini National Treasures Racing. Designed to intrigue golf and racing aficionados, these series offer high-end collectibles.
On May 10, the sports card world welcomes the 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball and the 2023/24 Donruss Soccer. The Panini Select Basketball, a fixture in Panini’s line, packages five cards per pack with three autographs or memorabilia cards. This series is celebrated for its Prizm parallels and memorabilia-filled rookie cards. The awaited Donruss Soccer release will announce box configurations and key features soon.
The curtain-raiser to May 2024 certainly promises ample excitement for sports card collectors with its myriad offerings and distinctive elements. Whether you favor traditional sports like baseball and basketball or seek alternatives like golf and racing, the early May card release calendar is replete with choices for enhancing your collection.
In a nutshell, the first half of May 2024 is set to roll out an array of thrilling sports card releases. From baseball and basketball to golf and racing, there’s a little something for every collector’s taste. Key highlights like Juan Soto’s first Yankees autograph in the Topps Heritage Mini set and Tim Duncan’s autograph availability in the Panini Crown Royale are sure to attract fervent fans and avid collectors alike. So, brace yourself for a dynamic start to the month and let the games (and collections) begin!
