In the bustling underground of New York City, where the subways roar and commuters hustle with caffeine-fueled determination, it’s not uncommon to find inspiration more elusive than a delayed train. Yet, for Phil Imbriano, a senior designer at Topps, the daily grind of the subway proved to be a fertile ground for creative sparks. There, amidst the unremarkable routine of his commute, a gleam of artistry emerged—a sleek, captivating red-and-silver badge caught his discerning eye. Without hesitation, he whipped out his phone and captured the moment, the first step on a journey that would lead to the creation of the 2025 Topps Series 1 baseball cards.
Back at his desk at Topps, still buzzing from that morning train ride, Imbriano began to sketch. What began as rough drafts in a notebook would soon evolve into the vibrant, captivating backdrop for perhaps the most anticipated baseball card design in recent memory. Released today, these cards are the culmination of an artistic journey that started in a subway car and travelled through the storied corridors of Topps’ history.
Imbriano’s philosophy is grounded in drawing inspiration from his surroundings. “I love drawing inspiration from everyday things,” he mused. “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.” It’s this ability to see art, where others might see only steel and rivets, that transformed a mundane commute into a beacon of creativity.
The design for the 2025 set is defined by two striking lines that sweep evocatively up the left side and across the top of each card. Astros, Dodgers, Yankees—the lines are delightfully color-matched to each team, providing a bold, vibrant continuity reminiscent of the classic 1982 Topps set. Yet, as Imbriano tells it, this was no deliberate homage. “The ’82 connection was a happy accident,” he said, chuckling. “But I think it works because it blends vintage style with a modern twist.” It’s the convergence of eras past and present that renders these cards both nostalgic and refreshingly novel.
The selection of this base design was no simple task. Internally, Topps conducts a veritable design Darwinism, a competitive gauntlet where concepts vie for selection through rounds of intense scrutiny. Imbriano’s concept emerged victorious from a pool of over 20 entries, a testament to the power of incidental subway serendipity. His winning design integrated various elements nabbed from previous non-winning designs, including a subtle field graphic that marks a player’s position—a nod to Topps’ tradition of evolution and adaptation.
From initial inspiration to polished product, the path is fraught with challenges and revisions. Imbriano recalls creating around ten different versions before finding the perfect blend of artistry and tradition. “There’s so much that goes into this process,” he noted. “I don’t think most people realize how much work happens before they ever hold the card in their hands.” And hold them they will, with much anticipation.
Once the digital designs receive their final approval, the Topps team crafts tangible prototypes, ensuring that these visions translate into physical splendor. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, elaborated, “When we’re down to the final five designs, we actually print them out and simulate opening a pack. It’s a long, competitive process, and it’s one of the biggest debates we have in the office all year.” Luraschi, with a twinkle in his eye, emphasized the importance of this tradition. “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 base design is merely the tip of the iceberg in the expansive 2025 Topps Series 1 set. Collectors will be treated to an array of enticing subsets, each with its own distinct flavor. There’s the Future Stars series for those keeping an eye on rising rookies, the All-Topps Team for annual standouts, and the Training Grounds series for fans nostalgic about Spring Training dramas. And let’s not forget the Call to the Hall subset, a homage to this year’s Baseball Hall of Fame inductees.
For those with a taste for signature style, the City Connect Swatch Collection Autographs and Heavy Lumber Autographs offer a bridge between player craftsmanship and collector treasure. Signature Tunes will delight audiophiles by pairing players with their walk-up artists, while First Pitch honors those celebrities who graced the field with ceremonial pitches last season. Dodgers aficionados are in for a particular treat, getting variations with celebratory moments, including the famed Freddie Dance—a nod to Freddie Freeman’s sideline flair.
Charmingly rounding out the set, the year’s 35th-anniversary tribute pays homage to the iconic 1990 Topps cards, replete with their vivid and audacious design. Yet, at the omnipresent heart of the 2025 collection, is Imbriano’s subway-inspired masterpiece—a testament to finding beauty in the everyday and transforming it into something extraordinary.
“I approach designing cards like I would a movie poster,” Imbriano shared with a smile. “Each card should stand out on its own, almost like a mini poster in a collector’s hands.” This guiding principle is what fuels Topps’ enduring legacy of remarkable design.
“I think Phil’s design is incredible,” Luraschi praised. “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 the destined iconic status of these 2025 cards, collectors are in for a ride as unforgettable as Phil’s own subway journey.
