In the vibrant, ever-moving heart of New York City, where subways rumble beneath the streets carrying millions to their destinations, it’s easy to overlook the mundane details that fill the daily grind. Yet, for Topps senior designer Phil Imbriano, it was the ordinary and overlooked that sparked an extraordinary revelation. During one of his routine subway rides, as city lights flickered past, his gaze settled on a modest red-and-silver badge nestled in the corner of a train car. His designer’s eye caught more than most, perceiving sleek lines and fluid curves where others saw a mere static sign.
In that fleeting moment of visual intrigue, Imbriano’s phone camera clicked, capturing this unassuming muse. By the time he reached his desk at the creative hive that is Topps, nestled in the iconic metropolis, the seeds of inspiration had already begun to germinate, sprouting into new sketches filled with potential.
This moment on the subway was no minor distraction; it became the cornerstone of a creative journey that culminated in the base design for the 2025 Topps Series 1 baseball cards. The striking design officially makes its debut, ready to capture the imaginations of collectors and aficionados alike.
“I find inspiration in everyday life,” Imbriano shared, encapsulating the ethos that drives a designer’s eye. “It could be a building, a sign—anything that catches my attention. I often take pictures to revisit them later. You never know when something seemingly simple could blossom into something significant.”
For the 2025 cards, Imbriano unveiled a design where two bold lines gracefully arch up the left side and sweep across the top. To the seasoned collector, there may be a sense of familiarity. This design evokes the aesthetic of the beloved 1982 Topps set, albeit with a twist—the lines are now team-color matched, offering a personalized nod to the modern era. Interestingly, this nostalgic link was not part of the original plan. Imbriano’s primary influence was the woodgrain charm of the 1962 and 1987 editions. The connection to ’82 was a serendipitous discovery, one that blended the essence of vintage styles with contemporary flair.
Imbriano’s journey from concept to card is emblematic of Topps’s rigorous creative process. Designers within the company engage in a competitive, multi-round selection process, submitting their own visions and battling through layers of review. Out of more than 20 candidates, Imbriano’s design emerged victorious. Elements of non-winning designs often find new life in future sets, ensuring innovation is a constant at Topps.
From the spark of inspiration on the subway to the tangible card, Imbriano’s path involved creating ten different iterations before settling on the final design. “People may not realize how much time and effort is invested in creating a card before it ever reaches a collector’s hands,” he reflected.
To transform digital plans into physical reality, Topps fashion prototypes, vital in assessing tactile quality along with visual aesthetics. This hands-on phase is crucial, explained Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product. “In the final stages, we print the designs and emulate the experience of opening a pack. It’s a highly competitive and detailed process.”
Since the inception of Topps cards—virtually crafted at the kitchen table of company pioneer Sy Berger—to today’s high-tech rigmarole, the enduring legacy of Topps is a testament to the passionate individuals who strive to uphold tradition while embracing innovation.
Beyond its iconic base design, the 2025 Topps Series 1 boasts a plethora of beloved subsets. Highlights include Future Stars, All-Topps Team, and newcomers like Training Grounds, which spotlights spring training antics. Call to the Hall celebrates new Hall of Fame honorees, while City Connect Swatch Collection and Heavy Lumber Autographs provide fresh collectible tangents.
Signature Tunes, a fan-favorite for pairing players with their musical walk-up talent, and First Pitch, highlighting celebrity ceremonial first pitchers, return to the delight of fans. A special nod goes to LA Dodgers aficionados, as unique base-card variations showcase memorable moments like Freddie Freeman’s dance after reaching base.
The current edition also pays tribute to the 1990 Topps set’s vibrant and daring styles, delivered through this year’s 35th-anniversary nod. At the heart of these offerings resides Imbriano’s electrifying new base design.
“I perceive card design much like I would approach a movie poster,” said Imbriano. “Each card should make its own statement, like a pocket-sized poster for collectors.”
Such visionary thinking lies at the core of Topps’s design philosophy. “Phil’s design is remarkable,” emphasized Luraschi. “Our designs should be instantly recognizable, echoing their specific era even fifty years from now. This one captures that notion beautifully.”
In the dance of design, from a subway ride to a collector’s album, the 2025 Topps Series 1 cards encapsulate the harmony of inspiration, invention, and heritage that keeps this tradition alive.
