Topps Announces 2025 Baseball Cards Will Feature Actual Dirt from MLB Fields, Because Why Not?

 

In their never-ending quest to keep collectors on their toes (and wallets perpetually open), Topps has unveiled the gimmick for its 2025 flagship baseball card release: each pack will include cards featuring authentic MLB field dirt. Yes, that’s right—actual dirt, scraped directly from the playing surfaces of America’s most iconic ballparks, now encased in glorious cardboard form.

“People love relic cards, but we’ve already done jerseys, bats, and even bases,” said Topps spokesperson Rick Mullins during a press conference at Yankee Stadium. “So we thought, why not just throw literal dirt in there? It’s gritty, it’s earthy, and it’s 100% impossible to counterfeit. No one’s going to question where that dirt came from.”

 

The Dirt Specs: A Collector’s Dream

The 2025 release promises something for everyone, including:

• Base Dirt Variants: A modest sprinkle of dirt from each MLB stadium.
• Game-Used Dirt: Limited-edition cards featuring dirt specifically from a double-play pivot or the exact mound spot where a balk occurred.
• Autographed Dirt: Topps will carefully place a player’s autograph directly over a dirt-filled patch. Collectors can look forward to explaining to friends, “Yes, this is signed dirt.”
• 1-of-1 Mud Relics: For the hardcore enthusiasts, Topps is including a single card per stadium with mud from the exact bucket used to rub up MLB baseballs before games.

“We want collectors to feel the game,” Mullins explained. “Like, literally feel it. You know how people always say they can smell the grass and hear the crack of the bat when looking at cards? Well, now they’ll have dirt falling out of their toploaders to really drive it home.”

Collectors React

The reaction from collectors has been, as expected, a mix of excitement and baffled disbelief.

“This is genius,” said longtime hobbyist Jerry Larson. “I mean, sure, my wife thinks I’m insane for spending $500 on a hobby box filled with dirt, but she didn’t see the card I pulled with Fernando Tatis Jr.’s actual cleat print in the dirt. That’s priceless!”

Others, however, are less thrilled. “So now I’m paying extra for a glorified bag of sand?!” fumed one collector on Twitter. “What’s next, Topps Air Relics with ‘authentic dugout oxygen’ encased in acetate?”

Mullins, when asked about the criticism, smirked. “Air Relics? Interesting… we’ll have to look into that.”

The Golden Dirt Chase

For those seeking a real treasure, Topps has included a special insert series: Golden Dirt Cards. These ultra-rare pulls feature dirt infused with actual flecks of gold leaf, harvested from the warning tracks of select stadiums during postseason games. “Imagine holding a piece of history,” Mullins said. “And also a piece of gold. It’s the ultimate crossover!”

One rumored 1-of-1 card, called The Sandman, will feature a dirt relic from Yankee Stadium with Mariano Rivera’s autograph, making it an immediate Holy Grail item for collectors.

Environmental Concerns? Nah.

Some have raised questions about how sustainable this dirt-gathering operation is. “Are you just...stealing dirt from ballparks?” asked one skeptical reporter.

“We prefer the term repurposing,” Mullins clarified. “Besides, teams love the idea. It’s cheaper for them than hauling it to a landfill, and now fans get to literally own a piece of their favorite stadiums. Everyone wins!”

What’s Next for Topps?

As collectors prepare to go broke chasing dirt cards, Topps is already brainstorming ideas for 2026. Early rumors suggest a “Smell-O-Vision” set, with cards that emit the scent of ballpark staples like hot dogs, popcorn, and sweaty catchers’ gear.

Until then, collectors can look forward to 2025, where every box is guaranteed to include a little history, a little grit, and just enough absurdity to keep the hobby buzzing.

After all, nothing says, “America’s pastime” quite like paying $200 for a cardboard square filled with dirt.