The 2024 Topps Update Series has stirred up the collecting world with its mix of hidden gems and surprising crossovers. Among the standout features of this baseball card set is the unexpected appearance of Aaron Judge in the Paw Patrol universe. In a twist that caught many off guard, Judge found himself in Rubble & Crew, a special episode where he teams up with animated dogs to construct a stadium from scratch in Builder Cove. This whimsical adventure has been immortalized in two special Aaron Judge Paw Patrol trading cards (PP-1 and PP-2), showcasing the Yankees’ beloved slugger in animated form. These cards have quickly become sought-after items, drawing attention from collectors eager to add this unique crossover to their collections.
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 Topps Update Series is the Jazz Chisholm Jr. short-print (SSP) variation. Following his trade to the New York Yankees from the Miami Marlins, Chisholm made his debut in the flagship series on card #US1. What sets this variation apart is the absence of a CMP code on the back, making it a bit more challenging to identify. The thrill of hunting for rare variations like Chisholm’s SSP and Judge’s Paw Patrol cards adds an extra layer of excitement for collectors diving into this set.
Beyond these surprises, the 2024 Update Series introduces Golden Image Variations, offering collectors alternate photos for all 350 base cards in the set. These unique variations provide a fresh perspective on familiar faces, injecting new life into each pack. However, a minor numbering error has also been noted in the set, where Black parallels are mistakenly numbered up to 74 instead of the typical 73. While this hiccup doesn’t detract from the overall appeal of the cards, it serves as an interesting tidbit for collectors monitoring the details of Topps’ releases.
As collectors continue to delve into the 2024 Topps Update Series, the excitement of uncovering unannounced variations and Easter eggs remains high. The unexpected inclusions of Aaron Judge’s Paw Patrol debut and Jazz Chisholm’s Yankees SSP demonstrate that Topps still has the ability to surprise and delight in the world of baseball card collecting. Whether chasing after animated alter egos or debut variations, this series offers plenty of reasons for collectors to eagerly tear open packs and explore the treasures hidden within.
