✨5 Best Rookies in 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball Cards⚾✨

[@nAsTeGaming]

I started my 13 yo sons card collection off by buying him a topps series 1 retail box for christmas. Third pack in and he pulls Ellys base rookie card. That memory will never be forgotten. Needless to say he's hooked already 😂

[@DavidGonos]

Nice!!! That’s fantastic, my friend. Glad to hear about young people getting into collecting!

[@Scott__H]

Great video and discussion, David. I hadn’t gotten a chance to read an article or look at the checklist yet, so it’s particularly helpful. Looks like a solid list. Looking forward to chasing Elly and Evan, in particular. Thanks for sharing, have a nice Friday!

[@DavidGonos]

Oh man, now you have me thinking the top two rookies would be an awesome buddy cop show from the '80s titled, "Going Through Evan and Elly"! hahaha thanks, Scott!

[@DavidGonos]

Good fantasy baseball team name, too!

[@Scott__H]

Superior ideas!

[@brianeitel8431]

I usually wouldnt add a pitcher but ive had the opportunity to see this guy play and hes flat out amazing! Dude ran through the batters like i use to run through the big gals at closing time! (He just did it with more grace and consistency) Kyle Harrison, im sure you guys are aware of this kid but if youre not familiarize yourselves now. Lefty, and has 6 pitches in his arsenal. I think they only have 3 or 4 on his stat sheet but i watched him throw 6 different pitches. His slider is nasty! Fast ball in the mid-upper 90s and has a slider/curve that resembles an off speed slider that slides and completely curves the oppisite direction at the last minute. I dont know how the hell he does it. Watched him throw 2 mid/high 90s strikes then that slurve at about 60 mph. He does at times have problems with walking batters. Ive never personally witnessed him putting batters on but i kept track after i watched him and his walk count was kinda high. Cant wait to see him play regularly. Hes actually my number 1. The only thing is my number 1 is a 3 way tie. Harrison, Holliday and Elly.. i cant put 1 above the other at this point.

[@DavidGonos]

For certain, Kyle Harrison sounds like an exciting prospect. He's not in Series 1, thought, right? Or were you saying possibly for Series 2? You're right, though, pitching prospects have to fight for hobby respect, especially after many got burned by Strasburg back in the day.

[@texasrocker01]

Orioles have some great player, Henderson, Kjerstad, and now Cowser. Being a Texas Ranger fan I'm excited to see the Ranger play the Orioles in July this season. Great list Dav! Luis Arraez should coming up on that list.

[@DavidGonos]

Thanks, buddy. Arraez the Padres player?

[@eddywil]

nice list Dave, you know i'll be hunting with you. but for i'm going for Ceddanne Rafaela, of my Boston Red Sox ! yes that's my team but this kid reminds me ( not saying he is ) of Mookie Betts. they have the same swing and speed down here we call him baby Mookie. he looked good last year when he came up i thought maybe he would be in the update series. i have his bowman flag and chrome cards. he seems like a good kid and worker, he'll be a good player maybe a star but we know what he could be Mookie 2.0

[@eddywil]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-6emibl7N3sMksi=4EQvAiQ0kOdTN0Fy

[@DavidGonos]

Very nice! He’s in my second top-5 list! Good to know you’re a fan of his! Thanks, Eddy!

[@Gampagnolo]

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in" David, I downloaded the '24 Series One checklist off of Topps website. I see this year they have 350 cards in series one as opposed to the usual 330 cards they normally have. Side note: Grae Kessinger SS Astros has his RC in series one. He is the grandson of a favorite Cub of mine Don Kessinger. #HappyHobby

[@DavidGonos]

Good catch on the 350 cards, I missed that! Great to know that about Kessinger! I'll keep an eye on that!

[@danherman4081]

I also like your #3 pick very much. The others I'm looking to in terms of cards are Nelson Velazquez, Wilyer Abreu, Noelvi Marte, and Drew Millas.

[@DavidGonos]

Nice choices! I hope they make it into Series 2 for sure!

[@DavidGonos]

Marte is the one I’m eye-balling!

[@thepinstripedtrailbeaver]

Great Video David! Definitely Looking Forward To Pulling Some Elly & Jasson Dominguez RCs.

[@DavidGonos]

Can't wait! Let's both get some numbered versions! I just checked out your channel! I see you open some junk wax and new wax, like me! Our audience loves that -- tell us about your channel!

[@thepinstripedtrailbeaver]

@@DavidGonos Definitely! I've Been Doing KZbin Rips For About A Year Now Over Here. Yes, I Open Modern, Junk Wax & Some Early 80s Stuff Too. I'm Still Trying To Get The Hang Of This & Hopefully One Day We'll Be Able To Open Some 70s Packs On Channel.

[@DavidGonos]

@@thepinstripedtrailbeaver Nice! That's cool, man, good to hear! We do collaborations with other YT sports card channels for like special giveaways, and stuff, so maybe you can join us one of these times? For instance, we did a Bo Mania giveaway, where we each opened some football junk wax in search of rookie Bo's, and we've done a "Opening Packs for Opening Day" stuff for MLB Opening Day. Let me know if you'd like to get involved!

[@thepinstripedtrailbeaver]

@@DavidGonos Yeah, I'd Definitely Be Game For That. I Remember Seeing Some Of The Videos For Bo Mania, Which Was Very Fun & A Good Idea.

[@MJFAMILYTIMECARDS]

Well i think your list is spot on. This whole year should be a good year for rookie cards given some prospects who may be called up or start the season! Love the design, we are aiming to get a Jumbo to get the set completed and hopefully hit some nice rookies

[@DavidGonos]

Hope so! I'm looking forward to seeing what you get in your jumbo box! I hope to get a jumbo, too! Guarranteed auto!

[@MJFAMILYTIMECARDS]

@@DavidGonos after seeing the prices we went with Hobby in this round. I figure maybe later on in year ill grab more, you can get all the 2023 stuff discounted now.

[@Fulcra]

christian encarnacion-strand is so underrated

[@DavidGonos]

He’s in the next five for sure, that fifth spot was a battle!

[@goodwoodBD]

I agree,this kid can flat out hit

[@Wolf-xu1fj]

How many rookie cards are produced for each player?

[@DavidGonos]

@@Wolf-xu1fj That is an unknown, unfortunately.

[@Wolf-xu1fj]

@@DavidGonos So what is procedure for these companies to put the expensive card in the pack? Like the 2009 Stephen curry logoman card, which sold for $5.9 million, they just put in the pack and ship it? Do the workers know where the card is?

[@studfieldmouse1369]

I’m pilling on Jace Jung. I’ve also bought (!) into the Jackson Holiday hype. I’ve got to play some chalk. Do we consider Curtis Mead a rookie (?). I’m BIG on him.

[@brianeitel8431]

Jung is a RC this year? I thought he made his splash last year?

[@studfieldmouse1369]

@@brianeitel8431 his younger brother.

[@DavidGonos]

Curtis Mead -- definitely a rookie card this year, and yessir, I'm a big fan. Bought his auto cheap last year, hoping he locks down a position this year, although, it might take a trade. I hope Jace Jung makes some noise for sure!

[@DavidGonos]

Jace Jung is still in the minors, while Josh Jung is in the majors.

[@thewaxpackdad]

Elly De La Cruz has a boom or bust feel to his game. What do you think of Jackson Chourio? He's certainly going to get the abs in Milwaukee.

[@DavidGonos]

I can see that about Elly, but he has such natural power and speed, I can see him take a step back before figuring it out and excelling in the majors.

[@DavidGonos]

Love Chourio! Young, has all the tools, has the open path. Good stuff!

[@Ravensflock89]

It’s all about the Cow (MOO!) for me lol. Love the list tho. Elly will carry this series

[@DavidGonos]

Hahaha yeah, it's a great time to be an Orioles fan, for sure!

[@Ravensflock89]

@@DavidGonos yes sir! And a Ravens fan!

[@benjaminnie3162]

What about Davis Schneider, and his insane month as a rookie?

[@DavidGonos]

He might be more of a Blue Jays fan’s favorite pickup. Had a great year for sure, in the minors and after his call up, but he’s turning 25 this year, and there’s not a ton expected from him. But if you’re a Jays PC guy, then he’s definitely on your list! Thanks for watching and commenting, Benjamin!

[@benjaminnie3162]

@@DavidGonosyah that makes sense. He also fell off near the end of the year so you’re probably right. Loved the video.

[@DavidGonos]

Oh thanks,@@benjaminnie3162 -- I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@thefootballguyusa7941]

Great video for us non-baseball versed collectors! Good stuff.

[@DavidGonos]

Oh good, man, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@schubert3315]

Love it, keep the Gelof’s cheap for me

[@DavidGonos]

Will do!

[@petebe2645]

Great video!

[@DavidGonos]

Oh thanks, Pete! Much appreciated!

[@studfieldmouse1369]

First thing first. The facial fescue ( goatee) looking good mon

[@DavidGonos]

Hahaha thanks man

[@neworleansaints3743]

I’m excited for the Elly rookie card. Can’t wait for baseball season!

[@DavidGonos]

Yesssss, once football season ends, all I have is basketball! Gonna need opening day soon!

[@goodwoodBD]

There were several Elly cards that came out last year so I’m not really sure if that is his official rookie card or not.

[@robertpopssprings3591]

Great video and your Top 5 rookies list Mr. David Gonos. I am going on what you said for my rookie list. I think in the next couple of years the Baltimore Orioles are going to be a awesome team with the hitting part. I think they need some more pitcher on the team. Like the Braves did in the '90s with Maddox, Smoltz and Glavine. Just my opinion. Have a good Friday and Weekend to you Sir, Peace.

[@DavidGonos]

Agreed, Robert, those Braves teams were something else! Then, they threw in Chipper and Andruw -- man, they were a fun team!

[@patrickimhoff9961]

Love the top 5 list, but who is your dark horse? Who is the guy who will come out of know where and surprise everyone or whose card do you think you can get real cheap that will pay off later on? My guy is Endy Rodriquez, of the Pittsburgh Pirates, no surprise there. He is out for the year already, so his cards will be cheap, but I expect big things for him when he returns.

[@DavidGonos]

Interesting! You know your Buccos for sure - what are you thinking about collectability of Henry David and Nick Gonzalez, whose RCs come out in Series 1, also. (I plan to do another sleeper rookies video!)

[@DavidGonos]

You wanna come on video one of these days? I’d love to do a video of your 6 Tips article!

[@patrickimhoff9961]

Two very interesting players to consider. I dont think Nick G will ever be anything more than a utility player that is used to give guys a day or two off in the lineup. He is a good defender but just lacks the hitting tools you expect from a 1st rounder. Henry Davis is a more interesting case. If he succeeds this year as a full time catcher and hits the way he did in AA/AAA, he will be great. His call up last year wasnt great but the team asked him to play RF while the slotted Endy R in at catcher. If Endy doesnt miss this upcoming year with surgery, who knows where Henry would be playing. The other issue is Henry was a 1-1 pick, but he only went first overall because the pirates had the pick and we are cheap. They knew they could underpay him to grab some other players over slot later so he is unfairly judged as a 1-1 pick. Ultimately though, both play for the Pirates and for whatever reason, our player development is just not good, hitter and pitchers just seem to get worse. Bottom line, Henry Davis is probably a better investment than Nick G. @@DavidGonos

[@DavidGonos]

Great assessment! Good stuff, man.@@patrickimhoff9961

[@patrickimhoff9961]

You better believe though that I will grab one of each. I am a fan of the gold /2024 cards, great color match for the buccos. I didnt preorder any boxes so I may just purchase singles and grab a blaster/hangar or two. @@DavidGonos

[@lewisknibbs5302]

I'm liking Sal Frilick. Keen to get opinions on him.

[@DavidGonos]

Card collectors have cooled on him a bit, but former top prospects always sit in the back of my mind, because we don’t know if a random injury or anything else might have inhibited them. He has good defensive skills and he has a good batting eye, we just need it to translate to more counting stats. Thanks for watching and commenting, buddy!

[@lewisknibbs5302]

@@DavidGonos for sure, I don't mind taking the risk as you can pick up cool cards for cheap. Loving the videos.

[@scottleppard288]

Hey, great vid! Just subscribed. Your thoughts on Luis Matos?

[@DavidGonos]

Great contact hitter, and he got bigger, so maybe that added power makes him a more collectable player once he eats a starting spot! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jamessekulich2344]

I went to a late season game between the Tigers and the Reds. I wasn't impressed with Elly De La Cruz, he made a error in the field and then got thrown out trying to steal second base. I know that he dropped off a lot in the latter games after he was called up, so I'll just have to reserve judgement on his being number one.(Media hype) I liked your video but how about giving us a few runner ups?

[@DavidGonos]

True, lots of media hype (guilty as charged!), but his measurable are so off the charts, if he figures it out, he could be super special.

[@DavidGonos]

Yeah, I need to do a follow-up for sure! Someone suggested a “sleeper 2024 series 1 rookies” video.

[@cherylcox150]

I’m loving the beard.☺️

[@DavidGonos]

Hahaha, thanks! There are a lot more of those beards around these days! haha

[@Operator_Mason]

Definitely just subbed I just bought 2 packs got jasson Dominguez and Elly de la cruz 🎉🎉🎉

[@DavidGonos]

Nice pulls! Dominguez is killing it in rehab!

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

I'll go against the grain, sell De La Cruz while you can........ He's an average hitter (.235) with average power and strikeouts an incredible amount (leads the league in strikeouts).

[@DavidGonos]

Thanks for watching and sharing your opinion, my man! Who is a rookie whose card you’re trying to pick up?

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

@@DavidGonos I don't chase rookies to be honest, I've seen way too many bust in decades of collecting. I just collect to make sets and have fun.

[@TimothyStidham]

These card numbers are off for me as far as series 1. Am I missing something?

[@DavidGonos]

In the parentheses? That’s their age.

[@metalheaddiecast83]

I ended up getting a sign card from the ANGELS "CABBAGE".

[@DavidGonos]

Interesting! Now you need one from old reds pitcher Tom dressing and you have an autograph salad! Haha thank you for watching and commenting!

[@metalheaddiecast83]

@@DavidGonos 🤣🤣 very well done 👏

[@myles3084]

What about skenes

[@DavidGonos]

He doesn’t have a card yet.

[@myles3084]

@@DavidGonos oh

[@studfieldmouse1369]

I (EYE) think De La Cruz may very well be overrated. Same with Jackson Chourio. BIG HYPE = BIG PRESSURE

[@brianeitel8431]

Man, if elly is just hype luck was on his side! Dude broke how many records in the short time he was up? Hell I know I have 3 of his topps now for records. Stealing 3 bases in 1 at bat, fastest recorded throw to 1st base I believe andddddd, the longest bomb recorded by a rookie or was it longest out of everyone? I'm wanting to say he had more. I can't write that off as hype. I mean Ken Griffey jr, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Ichiro, Frank Thomas, Ohtani ( I can keep this list going all day) were all a year from becoming a rookie and none of them ever accomplished that stuff! Man hes exciting to watch! I do know that much

[@studfieldmouse1369]

@@brianeitel8431 I hope you’re right. Big pressure is all I’m saying.

[@DavidGonos]

Awww man, I was on the Chourio bandwagon a couple years ago, I hope he pans out! haha

[@DavidGonos]

Brian, I love your comments, my man, I hope to see more of you around here!

[@DavidGonos]

I often see a sophomore slump in huge superstars that come up with a lot of hype -- not because they can't hit, but because all the other stuff distracts them from working. Endorsements, signings, money, shopping, new house, da ladies, all sorts of stuff takes time away from what got him there in the first place. Then you see a rebound in Year 3. Not sure if that's the case with Elly, but if he takes a step back, I'll be there ready to buy the discounted cards.

[@studfieldmouse1369]

Do you think maybe Dominguez is in series one BECAUSE of the surgery question??

[@DavidGonos]

Hmmmm, I don’t know. Good question.

[@fliplife67]

I believe there’s only 3 guys hopefully I’m wrong.

[@DavidGonos]

Hmmm, we'll see -- I'm hoping for some sleepers, too!

[@bamapaul2736]

Elly isn’t even a rookie , he was a rookie last season. But it is his first topps card

[@DavidGonos]

It’s his rookie card. Most rookie cards come after their rookie season.

[@lakechamp529]

Holy Cowser

[@DavidGonos]

Hahaha

[@blankname6629]

You totally forgot about Gavin Williams

[@DavidGonos]

Thanks for commenting, but I didn’t forget him. He’s a pitcher (not super collectable for that reason), and in the Average Rookie Card Rankings among everyone, he still only came in 10th. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4O1on-fZt-kibMsi=i7IsZnXnOO2RpS2r

[@scoobydupes6115]

No PCA

[@DavidGonos]

What’s a PCA?

[@markmaguire4727]

People sleeping on Henry Davis

[@brianeitel8431]

Seems to me he's been on card boxes for atleast the past 5 years. Was 3 years old on a box of topps chrome!

[@DavidGonos]

Yeah, he should’ve been mentioned in the video at least. Both he and Nick Gonzales! Thanks, Mark!

[@markmaguire4727]

Yeah Nick is another one. I just think Davis coming back healthy and playing his natural position of catcher will make him more comfortable. His stats from his callup are not all that impressive but many rookies struggle that first season to adjust. Elly De La Cruz cooled off a lot when they stopped throwing him fast balls.@@DavidGonos

[@DavidGonos]

@@markmaguire4727 Agreed, plus, as a catcher, they get an added bumper of hitting forgiveness once they arrive because they have much more to handle, as far as pitching and defense, at the major league level. As a result, the collectability of catchers is dampened a bit because they might not "get it" at the plate until they reach 25 or 26 years old, which is ancient for collectors, of course. I'm looking forward to seeing him develop, for sure!

[@timcarter9146]

Jackson MERRILL the best rookie in 2024.

[@DavidGonos]

Are you saying they should’ve had Jackson Merrill in Topps Series 1?

[@nickytwotimestradingcards]

*100th Like*

[@DavidGonos]

Nice, thanks for watching!

[@jsl964]

GET THEM NOW BOYS WHILE VALUE LUISANGEL ACUNA WYATT LANGFORD Both very affordable and will be all stars

[@DavidGonos]

Not in this series unfortunately

[@ericyarbrough9639]

Zack Gelof is not on this list pathetic from the Oakland A's..Wake up lol late butler .no love for the oakland A's as usual

[@DavidGonos]

Are you ok?

[@timcarter9146]

Jackson MERRILL WTH. lol.

[@DavidGonos]

Not sure what you are referring to with Merrill and what he has to do with this video.

[@CB-on8bd]

I feel like the card game is deff on the decline almost feel like 90’s mass produced! Cards aren’t holding value you look at de la Cruz rookie card base it’s a whopping two dollars

[@DavidGonos]

It’s a base card, not really expected to be in double digits.