When the calendar hits May 1st, 2024, sports card collectors will be in for a double-take as an array of coveted collectibles are set to hit the scene. Baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, and racing enthusiasts prepare to enlarge their card troves. From regular card themes to special editions, May’s calendar promises a deep thrill into sports card collecting.
As the cherry blossom season salutes goodbye, the digital counters are all set to roll forward to the first day of May. Standing at the doorway, is the 2024 Topps Heritage Mini Baseball series. This online-exclusive recalls the nostalgia of the rare 1975 mini set. Armed with 500 card base set, the Hobby version boasts 24 packs per box each featuring nine cards, and exciting inclusions of an autograph or relic plus a box loader. Of notable mention is the set’s inclusion of the first on-card autograph of Juan Soto sporting a Yankees uniform.
Sharing the date for release is the 2022-23 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey, marking a strong denotation in hockey card fandom. Designed to thrill, each box houses a single pack containing four cards. Avid collectors will delight in finding an autograph, a high-memorabilia or autograph memorabilia card, an additional memorabilia card, and a base or a rookie card. Ensuring optimum charm, autographs are guaranteed to be on-card with each box currently available online for approximately $160.
Also gracing the initial May release is the 2023-24 Panini Recon Basketball. This series features a plethora of rookie cards of the talented Victor Wembanyama. Each Hobby box is designed to satisfy, fitting in ten packs, and each with six cards, promising two autographs and 20 inserts.
A week into the month, on May 8th, 2024, baseball fans will rejoice at the revival of the Bowman series. Since its inception in 1989, Bowman has consistently been a flagship brand and has extended its touch across various sports. The 2024 edition offers a treat with Hobby boxes available with one Chrome autographed card. Complementing this exclusive edition are the Jumbo boxes that house not one but three autographs. For the seekers of exclusivity, green parallels are available in retail boxes.
Released in conjunction with the NBA playoffs, Basketball fans will welcome 2023-24 Panini Crown Royale, with each box containing eight cards. These include one autograph, one memorabilia card, and two inserts or parallels. Making this release a touch more special are the highly coveted Tim Duncan autographs, available in boxes priced around $500.
Catering to the golf and racing enthusiasts are the 2024 Upper Deck SP Game Used Golf and the 2023 Panini National Treasures Racing collections. These high-end collectibles extend their launches to join the line of May card releases.
Swinging by May 10, 2024, is the 2023-24 Panini Select Basketball, a favorite of Panini’s basketball line. Comprising twelve packs, each box holds five cards which include three autographs or memorabilia cards. Known for its Prizm parallels and memorabilia-laden rookie cards, this release will certainly impress. Also expected around the same time is 2023/24 Donruss Soccer, adding to the excitement of sports card enthusiast with the series’ anticipated release.
The first half of May in 2024 promises a thrilling time for fans of all sports alike — expanding their collections with these exciting releases. The clutch of diverse offerings and special features will surely captivate collectors, be it from traditional sports like baseball and basketball or more niche domains such as golf and racing. The early May card release calendar is tailored with a myriad of options to enhance any collection. As we anticipate these sports cards swarming the market, collectors can mark their calendars and prepare to bag their share of these exquisite collectibles.
