Mike Trout leads off the 2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball checklist
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
The 2016 Topps Baseball checklist starts with Mike Trout and ends with Chase Utley (at least until Series 2 comes out).
Following an online vote, the Angels outfielder was picked to lead off the flagship release.
This marks the second time that Trout has been the first card in what’s largely considered the most important baseball release of the year. He was #1 for 2014 Topps Baseball as well.
2016 marks the 65th year for the flagship set since it debuted as a traditional product in 1952. 1951 Topps Baseball is generally considered to be a little different as it was intended to be a game.
The image on the card comes from a late-September game when Trout and the Angels were playing the Seattle Mariners. The 2012 Rookie of the Year is shown climbing the outfield wall and taking away a home run from Jesus Montero. It proved to be an important play too as Los Angeles went on to win by a 3-2 score.
“It’s awesome. I appreciate the support from fans across MLB,” said Trout in a release from the card maker. “It’s pretty special to be the No. 1 card for Topps.”
The 2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball base set has 350 cards. Because #7 remains retired in honor of Mickey Mantle, Utley is actually #351.
2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball is scheduled to release on February 3.
Comments? Questions? Contact Ryan Cracknell on Twitter @tradercracks.
Any retail sightings of 2016 Topps yet, Ryan?
This is the first base Topps set that I will be collecting since 1977, so I am excited to see my Jumbo Box arrive soon. I have seen a few negative comments about the card design but that is the main reason I want it after all these years (and decades)!!
Great card to start the awesome looking 2016 set with…….IMO Trout should always be card #27 going forward.
I’m glad this photo does not feature Mike running the bases, as pretty much every Topps card since his rookie year shows him doing. Great shot, his defense is every bit as good as the rest of his game. And I really like the design, really clean and makes the photo stand out.
The only improvement Topps could’ve made on this card would have been to have the ball in his glove.