Topps Living Set

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by tscbaseball

Specifically #200 in the 1953 set.

https://www.tcdb.com/Images/Cards/Ba...9/29-200Fr.jpg

Thank you for that.

[Fsegaud]

Originally Posted by tscbaseball

Specifically #200 in the 1953 set.

https://www.tcdb.com/Images/Cards/Ba...9/29-200Fr.jpg

LOL, brilliant!

[jaredkelley]

Originally Posted by tscbaseball

Specifically #200 in the 1953 set.

https://www.tcdb.com/Images/Cards/Ba...9/29-200Fr.jpg

That's it! I thought is would be a safe Easter egg that wouldn't cause hysterics in the Topps legal department

[dream34]

Originally Posted by jaredkelley

Hip hip hooray! I made it to 200 portraits! Topps was gracious enough to allow me the small "JK200" Easter egg in the background.

Speaking of "background", it is itself an Easter egg. I'll let you sleuths figure it out; it's not hard.

I really hope to be here for another 200 portraits at the very least. It's been tremendously fun working with Topps on this set, the Living Set crew are the cream of the crop and are always interested in what the collectors and us artists think about the set. Shoutout to Mike, Tom, and Julian.

I am so grateful I've been able to work with two artists on the set whose work truly inspires me. And in regards to Angel specifically, I am really grateful for our friendship. I can testify to Angel's natural kindness and good nature. He's a genuine article and a huge asset to the set.

Last, but certainly not least, I am forever grateful for the interactions I've had with this collecting community. Although I haven't personally met most of you, I really do consider you all friends and interacting with you each week is something I look forward to. Thank you for the continued support!!

Congrats Jared!! Thank you for letting us all join you on this ride. Your customer service is off the charts, thank you for your kind nature

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by jaredkelley

That's it! I thought is would be a safe Easter egg that wouldn't cause hysterics in the Topps legal department

I like the idea of using backgrounds from the 1953 set for the Living Set. It's a great way to connect the two without making the current cards seem out of place.

[Fsegaud]

Appropriate background for an Oakland Athletics card...they've been taken out to the pasture.

[Joliet Jake]

Topps MLB® Living Set® Card #767 - Brent Rooker - PR: 1,763
Brent Rooker is the Oakland Athletics 30th franchise and team member featured.


Topps MLB® Living Set® Card #768 - Paul Skenes - PR: 25,230
Paul Skenes is the Pittsburgh Pirates 25th franchise and team member, and 248th rookie featured.

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by Fsegaud

Appropriate background for an Oakland Athletics card...they've been taken out to the pasture.

Sad what's happened to the A's and how their owner and the league has handled everything.

I do love the background of the Rooker card, though.

[jaredkelley]

Originally Posted by Fsegaud

Appropriate background for an Oakland Athletics card...they've been taken out to the pasture.

That's funny (and sad).

I saw that Rooker was from Germantown, TN and I decided to go for a rolling hills background. After I put the finishing touches on it, my wife said it looks like the cover to a dime store romance novel.

My family keeps me grounded.

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by jaredkelley

That's funny (and sad).

I saw that Rooker was from Germantown, TN and I decided to go for a rolling hills background. After I put the finishing touches on it, my wife said it looks like the cover to a dime store romance novel.

My family keeps me grounded.

[MtnAg08]

Is this going to be the last current player featured as an Oakland A? If there are any next year would it say Sacramento A's or Las Vegas A's?

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by MtnAg08

Is this going to be the last current player featured as an Oakland A? If there are any next year would it say Sacramento A's or Las Vegas A's?

I don't know how the A's temporary move to Sacramento will affect Living Set cards, but last I heard, they will simply be known as the Athletics next year, no city association.

[jaredkelley]

Originally Posted by MtnAg08

Is this going to be the last current player featured as an Oakland A? If there are any next year would it say Sacramento A's or Las Vegas A's?

We'll be able to find out in a few weeks. I have another A's scheduled to drop in October.

[astrotrevor]

Dime Store Romance Novel.

Ten years from now, someone will decide to tackle this set. They will eventually stumble upon Brent Rooker and wonder what the deal is with the background. It's cards like this that add to the TLS allure that is reminiscent of some of the greatest sets in history.

Also, Angel knocked it out of the park on the Skenes. It almost has an 'Instant classic' look as if this has been a well known card that has been a favorite for many years. Hard to describe.

[Joliet Jake]

The following players are part of the 2024 Topps 206 checklist, and have yet to be featured in the Living Set.

• Sandy Koufax
• Reggie Jackson
• Mike Schmidt
• Sammy Sosa
• Steve Carlton
• Carlos Beltran
• Paul Molitor
• R.A. Dickey
• Cliff Lee
• Jason Kendall
• Ken Griffey Sr.
• Willie McCovey
• Rogers Hornsby
• Dizzy Dean
• Lou Brock
• Tom Seaver
• Prince Fielder
• Joe Morgan
• Whitey Ford
• Duke Snider
• Mike Mussina
• Monte Irvin
• Joe Torre
• Billy Williams
• Carlos Peña
• Paul Konerko
• Andy Pettitte

Here's hoping Topps gets at least a handful of these guys in the set within the next year.

[jaredkelley]

Originally Posted by Joliet Jake

The following players are part of the 2024 Topps 206 checklist, and have yet to be featured in the Living Set.

• Sandy Koufax
• Reggie Jackson
• Mike Schmidt
• Sammy Sosa
• Steve Carlton
• Carlos Beltran
• Paul Molitor
• R.A. Dickey
• Cliff Lee
• Jason Kendall
• Ken Griffey Sr.
• Willie McCovey
• Rogers Hornsby
• Dizzy Dean
• Lou Brock
• Tom Seaver
• Prince Fielder
• Joe Morgan
• Whitey Ford
• Duke Snider
• Mike Mussina
• Monte Irvin
• Joe Torre
• Billy Williams
• Carlos Peña
• Paul Konerko
• Andy Pettitte

Here's hoping Topps gets at least a handful of these guys in the set within the next year.

So many awesome names!

Many of you already know this, but for those that don't, Topps Living Set crew works hard at trying to include the Living Set into individual player's agreements.

However, from conversations I've had in the past with Topps personnel, the issue with getting some of the big names in the set is usually that the agreements have clauses which limit the number of products Topps can create with the agreement. For example, a player's agreement may limit Topps to only 10 products in which the player's image can be included. The Living Set never stands a chance at claiming one of those 10 spots, always prioritized below other products that have larger print runs and earnings capabilities.

But it's good to make these "wish list" posts regularly since Topps does monitor this specific thread. My fingers are crossed that we'll get some of them in the set before the year ends.

[Chihuahuas]

Originally Posted by jaredkelley

So many awesome names!

Many of you already know this, but for those that don't, Topps Living Set crew works hard at trying to include the Living Set into individual player's agreements.

However, from conversations I've had in the past with Topps personnel, the issue with getting some of the big names in the set is usually that the agreements have clauses which limit the number of products Topps can create with the agreement. For example, a player's agreement may limit Topps to only 10 products in which the player's image can be included. The Living Set never stands a chance at claiming one of those 10 spots, always prioritized below other products that have larger print runs and earnings capabilities.

But it's good to make these "wish list" posts regularly since Topps does monitor this specific thread. My fingers are crossed that we'll get some of them in the set before the year ends.

Interesting behind the scenes insights. Thank you.

I’m surprised greater demand for 206 than original works of cart cards.

Agree that it quite a list & hoping to get some of them.

[astroshane]

Originally Posted by Joliet Jake

The following players are part of the 2024 Topps 206 checklist, and have yet to be featured in the Living Set.

• Sandy Koufax
• Reggie Jackson
• Mike Schmidt
• Sammy Sosa
• Steve Carlton
• Carlos Beltran
• Paul Molitor
• R.A. Dickey
• Cliff Lee
• Jason Kendall
• Ken Griffey Sr.
• Willie McCovey
• Rogers Hornsby
• Dizzy Dean
• Lou Brock
• Tom Seaver
• Prince Fielder
• Joe Morgan
• Whitey Ford
• Duke Snider
• Mike Mussina
• Monte Irvin
• Joe Torre
• Billy Williams
• Carlos Peña
• Paul Konerko
• Andy Pettitte

Here's hoping Topps gets at least a handful of these guys in the set within the next year.

We need those players !!

[tdubs1010]

Originally Posted by Joliet Jake

The following players are part of the 2024 Topps 206 checklist, and have yet to be featured in the Living Set.

• Sandy Koufax
• Reggie Jackson
• Mike Schmidt
• Sammy Sosa
• Steve Carlton
• Carlos Beltran
• Paul Molitor
• R.A. Dickey
• Cliff Lee
• Jason Kendall
• Ken Griffey Sr.
• Willie McCovey
• Rogers Hornsby
• Dizzy Dean
• Lou Brock
• Tom Seaver
• Prince Fielder
• Joe Morgan
• Whitey Ford
• Duke Snider
• Mike Mussina
• Monte Irvin
• Joe Torre
• Billy Williams
• Carlos Peña
• Paul Konerko
• Andy Pettitte

Here's hoping Topps gets at least a handful of these guys in the set within the next year.

I think if we get these names in the set, it is a nearly complete set from a baseball history perspective outside of the early legends. When all is said and done having all the HOFers, award winners and fan favorite guys will make this set absolutely one of the best baseball encyclopedias that exists.

[astroshane]

Originally Posted by tdubs1010

I think if we get these names in the set, it is a nearly complete set from a baseball history perspective outside of the early legends. When all is said and done having all the HOFers, award winners and fan favorite guys will make this set absolutely one of the best baseball encyclopedias that exists.

It would get us closer but I can easily name 18 more in the ESPN top 100 All Time. We still have a long way to go but headed there .

Phil Niekro
Charlie Gehringer
Joe Jackson
Eddie Collins
Hank Greenberg
Cap Anson
Harmon Killebew
Mel Ott
Grover Alexander
Lefty Grove
Oscar Charleston
Nap Lajoie
Jimmie Foxx
Pete Rose
Cy Young
Joe DiMaggio
Walter Johnson
Barry Bonds

[jaredkelley]

Some last minute logistical issues this week forced Topps to change things up. My Nick Loftin and Fred Lynn cards will both be available this week and next Wednesday, Oct.16, will feature a doubleheader of cards from Angel. After that, plans are to return to the normal format of 1 card from each artist.

So do not fret! Angel Aviles is still here to stay, hopefully for many more years.

[Joliet Jake]

Topps MLB® Living Set® Card #769 - Nick Loftin - PR: 1,272
Nick Loftin is the Kansas City Royals 18th franchise and team member, and 249th rookie featured.


Topps MLB® Living Set® Card #770 - Fred Lynn - PR: 1,525
Fred Lynn is the Boston Red Sox 35th franchise and team member featured.

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by jaredkelley

Some last minute logistical issues this week forced Topps to change things up. My Nick Loftin and Fred Lynn cards will both be available this week and next Wednesday, Oct.16, will feature a doubleheader of cards from Angel. After that, plans are to return to the normal format of 1 card from each artist.

So do not fret! Angel Aviles is still here to stay, hopefully for many more years.

Regarding the logistical issue this week, are you able to share how the original artwork is submitted to Topps?

Glad to hear Angel is still with us, and I hope he's safe. Not sure what caused the issue, but if it has anything to do with the hurricanes in the southeast, I pray he's doing well.

As for the cards this week, great work as always.

I always appreciate when the reference photo for current players hides the makers marks. Nothing like a New Era flag or Nike swoosh to stain an otherwise amazing piece of art.

The Fred Lynn is particularly cool, as it showcases the short sleeves and no NOB, which I've always thought should be the default for baseball jerseys.

[jaredkelley]

Originally Posted by Joliet Jake

Regarding the logistical issue this week, are you able to share how the original artwork is submitted to Topps?

Glad to hear Angel is still with us, and I hope he's safe. Not sure what caused the issue, but if it has anything to do with the hurricanes in the southeast, I pray he's doing well.

Both Angel and I submit digital images of our final artwork to Topps. That's all they need to create the cards.

The change of format isn't related to anything serious. Just a change in the player lineup. I'm unable to give more details than that.

I think Angel is snug as a bug in his NY studio while this hurricane season rolls on, so no worries on that front.

[Joliet Jake]

Originally Posted by jaredkelley

Both Angel and I submit digital images of our final artwork to Topps. That's all they need to create the cards.

The change of format isn't related to anything serious. Just a change in the player lineup. I'm unable to give more details than that.

I think Angel is snug as a bug in his NY studio while this hurricane season rolls on, so no worries on that front.

Happy to hear it.