"Topps Now" Sterlin Thompson #317

 

When "Topps Now" first came out, I thought it was a dumb gimmick that would likely sell millions of cards.  Ten years later, I feel vindicated on both counts.  I just didn't ever expect to actually order any myself.  That changed last June when they finally lured me in with an offering I couldn't turn down.  I would have waited for these to show up on eBay, but I wasn't confident any would find their way there, as I couldn't imagine this would be a super popular offering (I was wrong, regular variations showed up almost immediately and for cheaper than I paid, live and learn).  Since I was going to be paying a shipping fee, I figured five copies would be better than one.  So here it is, my first "Topps Now" card, Sterlin Thompson "Call Up," at least, I think that's what's its called:

The card commemorates Thompson's walk-off pinch hit single to beat the Cubs on June 10, 2026.  Since moving to Albuquerque a few years ago, I've been a season ticket holder for the Albuquerque Isotopes, the triple-A affiliate of the Rockes.  My seats are near the left field foul pole, where there is a section where all the seats are elevated swivel chairs and the rows have a bar top for drinks, food, whatever.  For the majority of the last two years, Sterlin Thompson has been the left fielder.  Before every game, I give him shout of "Let's go Sterlin!" and he's nice enough to wave over in acknowledgment.  He's also nice enough to toss over a ball nearly every game.  I've met him a few times at season ticket member events, and with my daughter at a couple of the team's "Friday Night Autograph" sessions before games.  He's a really nice guy and we're all rooting for him to leave us behind in Albuquerque become an everyday starter in the big leagues.  He led all of triple-A baseball in on-base percentage this year with an absurd .475 obt, and I've also seen him go over the wall to bring back homers and he regularly guns guys out when they're dumb enough to test his arm.  So hopefully he makes a roster out of Spring Training next year, be it with Colorado or someone else (bad as the Rockies have been, they are flush with promising young outfielders).  Thompson did pretty well in 27 games with Rockies this season after making his debut, including a monster game at Wrigley that saw him hit two homers and a double.

The card itself is pretty mediocre.  Topps really mailed in.  The back has no write up, no stats, just a another large photo.  The design itself is pretty generic and uninspiring, more or less a 2020 base card rehash.  I've never really looked at any other "Topps Now" cards so I don't know if this is the standard format, or if other cards get different treatment and looks.  To be honest, for a long time I thought Topps Now was the same as the "Living Set." Now I'm not sure if the "Living Set," is still even a thing.

For those that have never ordered Topps Now, here's how it arrives.  The cards come in this semi-sturdy black "pack" with a flap on the back.

The cards inside are packaged in a rigid plastic case, the sort of which we've all seen a million times before.  I ordered five copies so it's not the over sized ones I've seen breakers open up and flip through in  instagram videos.  Just a little skinny one that probably wouldn't hold more than five.

I've seen videos of people who make poor life choices flipping through stacks of 100 plus copies of some Topps Now card they ordered, then getting super excited or super disappointed depending on what's inside.  I never thought much of it, beyond, those guys are crazy.  But here's the thing, these cards come with a packing slip.   One with giant bold lettering telling you exactly what you are getting.  Check it out:

Needless to say, I wasn't surprised to learn I had been sent a "black" variation numbered to ten.  Not to mention, it was the card showing on top of the case.  I don't know if sometimes they are inserted in the middle of the stack, but I sort of doubt it.  So what is with all these videos of guys "shaking" and "shouting," or "whining" as they flip through their Topps Now purchase? As little respect as we all have for online breakers, we don't hate them enough.

Here's a look at the five cards I received:

And here is the "black" variation:

The back of the card, as far as I can tell, is identical to the regular card.  No serial numbering on these and even the foil stamped numbering is on the front of the card (see below).  I have no idea how many variations there are.  I can't imagine a whole lot, as there couldn't have been that many people racing to pull out their credit cards to pull the trigger on Albuquerque Isotopes fan favorite Sterlin Thompson, at least not at this point his career (which no doubt will get better).

I think I'm done with Topps Now. Even a Tim Wallach offering isn't likely to get me to pull the trigger on the Topps website, I'll just wait for them to show up on eBay.  But who knows, I tend to be impulsive when it comes to baseball cards.

And for those of you still reading, here's video of Thompson's walk off hit against the Cubs.

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