Topps is averaging a print run of just over 642 cards per day for its new Topps NOW program, which features top performances and milestones as they happen. Topps NOW launched last Sunday with cards of Pirates’ pitcher Francisco Liriano and one from the defending champion Kansas City Royals Opening Day.
A total of 11 cards were offered to collectors at $9.99 each over the first week of the program. No more than two cards have been presented for sale on any one day. Through Saturday, Topps had produced 6,425 cards for collectors who had ordered them.
The largest print run was for Colorado Rockies’ rookie Trevor Story, who now has seven home runs on the young season. A total of 1,298 cards showcasing his two homer performance on Friday night were ordered. Story has featured on three different cards so far. The first card, offered for sale after his April 4 game, sold 981 copies and a second from April 6 sold 759. The cards do carry an “official” rookie card logo.
A total of 952 Kenta Maeda cards were produced in the wake of his first major league win and six scoreless innings pitched while 782 Bryce Harper cards were ordered after Topps NOW produced one following the reigning NL MVP’s fourth career Opening Day home run.
The lowest print run so far was for an April 7 card commemorating Albert Pujols’ game-winning hit for the Angels. Only 244 were ordered.
Topps NOW cards are only available for 24 hours and the company says they are shipped within a week of an order. A few buyers are offering them on eBay to those who may have missed out.