Fans Voted and Named Mike Trout Card No. 1 for 2016 Topps Baseball

Several months ago Topps offered fans the opportunity to cast their vote to determine which player would be featured on Card No. 1 in the 2016 Topps Baseball Set. Card No.1 is a special card to Topps fans and has included the nation’s favorite stars and some of the best athletes to ever play in Major League Baseball. Players who have had the privilege to grace Card No. 1 in the past include Andy Pafko, Derek Jeter, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, and Bryce Harper. Voting for the 2016 set began on September 23, 2015 giving collectors the opportunity to choose from over 30 players with at least one player from every team represented.

The final 5 were chosen on October 4th and included Kris Bryant, Josh Donaldson, Bryce Harper, Buster Posey, and Mike Trout. After receiving thousands of online votes Topps announced on January 28, 2016 that Angel’s outfielder, Mike Trout has been selected as this year’s fan favorite and will be the Card No. 1 for 2016 Topps Baseball!


According to a Topps Vice President of Product Development, Clay Luraschi, “being featured on Card No. 1 in the Topps Baseball flagship has been an honor that Topps has been able to bestow on baseball players for over 60 years…It is a coveted spot and we wanted our collectors to be involved in that decision.”

Trout, of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, expressed his appreciation for the honor, stating “It’s awesome. I appreciate the support from fans across MLB. It’s pretty special to be the No. 1 card for Topps.”

Since Mike Trout began playing in the Major Leagues in 2011 he has been making a name for himself and receiving awards left and right including the American League rookie of the Year award in 2012 and the American League MVP award in 2014. But this four-time All Star doesn’t attract fans only because of his world class athleticism but also the infectious joy and passion with which he plays the game. He’s earned the right to be considered one of the best players in baseball today and won his way into fan’s hearts.

The design of the 2016 Topps Baseball Series 1 will take a huge step in a new direction. The design will feature full-bleed photography and will feature a wide range of action photography. According to Topps senior art director John Doldan, “I think we are trying to move forward and make the cards a little more modern and current. I think gradually we have been going in that direction and break from the past a little bit.” Collectors have some exciting changes to look forward to in the New Year but one thing is for sure, that Card No. 1 will be leading the way. The image on Trout’s Topps card highlights his incredible catch over the outfield wall during a September 26, 2015 game robbing the Seattle Mariners of a homerun.

Congratulations to Mike Trout on entering the exclusive club of Topps Card No. 1 members and keep your eyes peeled for the release of 2016 Topps Baseball Series 1 on February 3, 2016.

By Meg Venable

Collectibles Central