Topps Now was game-changer in first year for MLB cardboard

Real cards in real time — or at least the next day. It was a simple idea that became Topps Now that has helped in some ways transform collecting beginning on April 3, 2016.

Need proof?

There are 1,184 different Now cards now for MLB alone — some with autographs and game-used memorabilia from the games that are depicted on the card. There are also Topps Now cards for last year’s election and presidential debates, Now cards for WWE and for UFC and even real-time cardboard releases from AMC‘s Preacher and the Garbage Pail Kids taking on real-time scandals and viral curiosities. Oh, and there are other companies in on the real-time card business now for the other leagues, too.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the highlights from last year’s MLB releases before the 2017 Topps Now cards — with a new look and numbering — start soon and some basic info on every single one of the 2016 releases.

How do we knew there’s a new look? Buzz checked the mailbox and found something inside. Keep reading for a first look at 2017 Topps Now.

Futures Game standouts’ gamers hit market via MLB Auctions, including items from MVP Yoan Moncada

The SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game has come and gone, but a number of memorabilia pieces used by top stars in the showcase game are now on the auction block via MLB Auctions.

Among them are items used by game MVP Yoan Moncada, Alex Bregman, Dansby Swanson, Clint Frazier, Andrew Benintendi and Carson Fulmer to name a few.

Futures Game MVP Yoan Moncada gets Topps Now tribute for 24 hours

Houston Astros prospect Alex Bregman stole the show early in the All-Star Futures Game Sunday night in San Diego, but Boston Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada stole the show.

And to the victor go the spoils — the MVP award and the Topps Now card appearance.