Inspiration is a capricious muse, often showing up in the most mundane moments. For Phil Imbriano, a senior designer at Topps, it was during his daily, somewhat humdrum Subway journey through the bustling veins of New York City when the proverbial light bulb illuminated above his head. His eyes, probably weary from yet another long commute, fell upon a red-and-silver badge attached to the interior of the train car. The badge, with its sleek lines and effortless curves, stirred something within him—an idea that would eventually blossom into the revolutionary look for the 2025 Topps Series 1 baseball cards, which have been eagerly awaited and are officially launching today.
“I love drawing inspiration from everyday things,” Imbriano shared, his enthusiasm palpable even through the static printed words. “It could be a building, a sign—just something that catches my eye. I take pictures and refer back to them later. You never know when something simple will turn into something big.” Indeed, what began as a snap taken from a hurried hand on a subway turned into the art card collectors across the globe will soon hold and cherish.
Imbriano’s 2025 design features a striking duo of bold lines that ascend the left side and elegantly curl across the top of the card. A few astute collectors might feel a twinge of déjà vu, as these lines bear an uncanny resemblance to the 1982 Topps set. This time around, however, they’re spruced up with colors uniquely matched to each team, a kaleidoscope of sports fandom made tangible.
Though this nod to the past might seem like an intentional tug on the nostalgic heartstrings of baseball card aficionados, in truth, it was a sheer happenstance. Imbriano was initially inspired by the earthy woodgrain aesthetic of the 1962 and 1987 sets. “The ’82 connection was a happy accident,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But I think it works because it blends vintage style with a modern twist.”
The journey from subway idea to complete card design did not happen overnight; it was anything but a linear process. Topps employs a competitive in-house method where designers pitch ideas that endure several rounds of critical review. Imbriano’s design triumphed against more than twenty other strong submissions after months of evaluation, sometimes in high-stakes debates that could rival a close game at Wrigley Field. Interestingly, elements from designs that don’t win often live on, sometimes finding new homes in future card sets. This year, for instance, the players’ positions are marked by a small field graphic in the bottom right corner—an evolution of an old, unadopted idea.
“There’s so much that goes into this process,” Imbriano confided, a hint of both pride and relief in his voice. “I don’t think most people realize how much work happens before they ever hold the card in their hands.”
Once the digital designs land on the decision-making desk, the next step ignites—a meticulous process involving physical prototypes to scrutinize how they look and feel tangibly. According to Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, the tactile experience is indispensable. “When we’re down to the final five designs, we actually print them out and simulate opening a pack,” Luraschi explained. This is no leisurely stroll in the park; it’s a fierce and lengthy process. “Everyone on the team knows how important this is. This is the 74th edition of Topps baseball cards. From the early days when Sy Berger designed them on his kitchen table to today’s high-tech process, we all take that legacy seriously. It’s a big deal—but also a lot of fun.”
But the innovation does not halt at the base design’s doorstep. The 2025 Topps Series 1 cards offer far more than their technically superb visual façade. This year’s collection is brimming with popular and new subsets that collectors will eagerly chase:
– Future Stars, highlighting emerging players
– All-Topps Team
– Training Grounds, spotlighting Spring Training highlights
– Call to the Hall, a tribute to Hall of Fame inductees
– City Connect Swatch Collection Autographs
– Heavy Lumber Autographs, sure to be a hit among collectors
Perhaps one of the sets that will crank up the decibels among collectors is the Signature Tunes, pairing players with artists responsible for their walk-up songs, setting the atmosphere before the bat meets the ball. Meanwhile, First Pitch showcases celebrities who had the esteemed honor of throwing out ceremonial first pitches last season.
A sweet surprise awaits Dodgers fans too, with exclusive base-card variations capturing celebratory moments, such as the famous Freddie Dance—Freddie Freeman’s iconic hip-swaying move after reaching base.
Paying homage to the classics is a storied tradition at Topps as well. This year, keen collectors will notice a charming tribute to the 1990 Topps set, recognized and reminisced for its audacious and colorful designs—an anniversary of vivid splendor.
At the heart of this evolution in baseball card artistry is Phil Imbriano’s breath-taking new base design. “I approach designing cards like I would a movie poster,” he shares. “Each card should stand out on its own, almost like a mini poster in a collector’s hands.” The philosophy that each card should be an unforgettable feature presentation is exactly the beacon guiding Topps’ design direction.
“I think Phil’s design is incredible,” Luraschi added, clearly at ease with the choice of this year’s card aesthetic. “Fifty years from now, people should be able to look at a card and instantly recognize the year it’s from. This one absolutely nails that idea.”
With each pack ripped open with the eager anticipation of youth, collectors can hold in their hands not just a piece of cardstock, but a symphony of inspiration that began with a subway ride. Now, there’s an ode to the unexpected possibility—a lesson in looking for brilliance in the ordinary, waiting to transform the realm of baseball nostalgia.
