and so it begins?

i have a bigger post in the works regarding 2025 topps heritage high numbers, but it isn't quite ready so here's a smaller one that focuses on a card that has been under the radar (on the blogs, at least). 

it's pete rose's first licensed card in a long, long time and it comes from the "undefeated" insert set in the current heritage high release. many wondered if the removal of rose from the ineligible list would mean the start of new, licensed cards and that may be the case.

i did not see rose on the 2026 topps series 1 flagship checklist (clayton kershaw is included!) but i didn't look too deeply. i do hope that he shows up in some more heritage inserts as time goes by. it's unfortunate for collectors that he will never have a "real one" autograph card in heritage, but that's the price we pay for his gambling and banishment. i will say again that i am not a pete rose apologist, but i was a fan of his exploits on the field and i enjoyed collecting his cards during his career.

i was unaware of rose's card even as i was opening my hobby box. i discovered it when i was looking up the insert set to check on the cards i found in my box. once i saw the card, i sought it out and have added it to my collection. it doesn't count as my favorite non-dodger card of 2025 since i received it in 2026, but i think i will add it to my "meaningful and just because" collection.

i also sought out a couple more inserts from heritage high that were missing from my box. any don sutton insert is going to get my attention, and so i bought his bicentennial stars insert

as well as the holographic parallel

the "base" insert came along with mookie betts' perfect 10 insert

here's the back of sutton's card:

i will say i was disappointed that steve garvey was not included in the bicentennial stars checklist. sutton had a good season - he finished third in the cy young voting and received some mvp consideration in addition to the milestones mentioned on the card back above, but garvey was hitting his stride as a perennial all-star and fan favorite at that time. still, he was included in a different part of the checklist, and i have picked up two of his real one autographs - the base and the red ink

with my red ink example being the bookend version - 76/76!

i say that i've picked up two of his real one autos because now there is a black and white version as well.

i am looking forward to this year's heritage release and perhaps some nice dodger content given their pennant win in 1977. i am disappointed that topps has dropped the "then and now" and "baseball flashback" inserts, but maybe they will make a return. bert blyleven has shared some of the real one autos he has signed for the release so we know it's coming soon. as is my larger post about heritage high - stay tuned!