As we welcome the dawn of May 2024, sports card collectors are being treated to a banquet of delights that cut across baseball, basketball, golf, and racing. The excitement is palpable, with a plethora of both regular and unique card formats from some of the most eagerly awaited series taking center stage.
On the 1st of May, alert collectors can get their hands on the 2024 Topps Heritage Mini Baseball. The online-exclusive series makes a grand return, serenading us with a 500-card base set inspired by the exclusive 1975 mini set. The Hobby version of this set packs an autograph or relic plus a box loader into each of its 24 packs per box. Notably, it’s highlighted by Juan Soto’s first-ever autographed card wearing Yankees pinstripes.
On the same day, fans of the icy rink can garner the 2022-23 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey. This enduring beacon in hockey card collecting returns with each box promisingly packing one on-card autograph, one premium memorabilia, an extra memorabilia card, and either a base or rookie card. The current online price tag sits around $160 per box.
Adding to the May 1 repertoire, the 2023-24 Panini Recon Basketball introduces new rookie cards, each featuring Victor Wembanyama. Each ten-pack Hobby box packs a wallop with two additional autographs and 20 inserts.
May 8 sees the return of the 2024 Bowman Baseball, a flagship brand since its 1989 renaissance. The latest edition offers Hobby boxes sporting one Chrome autographed card and Jumbo boxes with three autographs. Exclusive green parallels can be found in the retail boxes. Additionally, the 2023-24 Panini Crown Royale Basketball aligns its release with the NBA playoffs, delivering one autograph, one memorabilia card, and dual inserts or parallels. Tim Duncan’s autographs are the show-stealer here, coming in boxes priced around $500.
Golf and racing enthusiasts thou shall not fret. On the 8th of May, the 2024 Upper Deck SP Game Used Golf and 2023 Panini National Treasures Racing are slated for release, catering extensively to your unique passions.
Fast forward to May 10, the 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball, a mainstay in Panini’s lineup makes its appearance. Each Select box bears twelve packs, each stuffed with three autographs or memorabilia cards. Also, keep an eye out for the Prizm parallels and rookie cards laden with memorabilia. In addition, the 2023/24 Donruss Soccer is set to charm soccer fans, details regarding box configurations and key features will be disclosed sooner.
The early-bird releases of May 2024 are primed to ensnare attention with their diverse offerings and unique features. Whatever your poison; be it traditional sports like baseball and basketball, or something out of left field like golf and racing, the Avengers-style lineup of the early May card release calendar offers something for every collection.
So, folks, strap yourselves in. The first fortnight of May 2024 promises to be a white-knuckle ride, ladened with exhilarating sports card releases. From Juan Soto’s opening Yankees autograph in the Topps Heritage Mini set to the coveted Tim Duncan autographs in Panini Crown Royale, there’s enough to keep even the most discerning collector entertained. Our players are set, the stage is decked and the countdown has begun. May the sports card force be with you!
