As a kid, I wasn't that enthusiastic about sports. But I was one of the 900 million children who got a 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set from a relative for my birthday. I even remember finding the Kirby card to hold up for the camera. A little collector was born.
1989 Topps Kirby Puckett #650
The photo on this one has a "vibe," as the kids say. It's just a shoulders-up candid, with a hint of a gold chain and a fitted sitting, which I would unknowingly emulate in 2004. The 1989 front design is close to perfection in my eyes. Bold lines, simple framing, and incredible typography work.

I recently realized that Finest is my favorite modern Topps set. It has set the standard for what I love about new-era cards: premium production, manageable set size, and experimental graphics.

The 2021 set features futuristic geometry that, while trendy, I believe will age well and become nostalgic—much like the best ‘90s cards have.

And then there are the Kintsukuroi parallels...

2021 Topps Finest JAZZ CHISHOLM Rookie Variation Kintsukuroi Black Gold Refractor FRD-JC

These absolutely slapped in 2021 Rookie Variations. The juxtaposition of the old Japanese “golden joinery” concept with the modern graphics, solid concept and impressive execution.

Old meets new.

As I wait for the grail version of this card (in my grade & budget), I have found many reprints and remakes inspired by its design. Made most famous by this rookie. This is the standout.
2001 Topps Archive Reserve BOB GIBSON 1959 Chrome Refractor Auto (On-Card)
Just an incredible time capsule. Taking a first-decade Topps design and making it shiny embossed chrome. Just a hat on a hat. We really did too much after Y2K. I like to imagine a then 65-year old Bob getting these cards to sign.

One tough angle of collecting in this new era is the number of variations, parallels and sets to sift through.
2019 Topps Opening Day SHOHEI OHTANI Dugout Peeks DP-12
But looking from the other way you have these kind of (presumed) short prints in “throwaway” Opening Day. At least OD wears its heart on its sleeve. Pop 10.