Topps Allowing Fans to Vote for No. 1 Spot in 2016 Baseball

The No. 1 slot in Topps baseball card sets is a coveted position, starting with Andy Pafko in 1952. For 2016, Topps is leaving it up to fans as to which player will lead off the set.

Voting is taking on Topps.com in the Topps Blog section starting Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. EST. Collectors and fans can choose from more than 30 players in the first round of voting, and at least one player from each team will be represented. The voting for the first round will conclude on Oct. 4, giving fans 10 days to vote and pare down the official list to just five players.

The Final Five Vote will take place from Oct. 5-11, and the winner will be announced on Oct. 12 on the Topps Blog.

“Being featured on card No. 1 in the Topps Baseball flagship has been an honor Topps has been able to bestow on baseball players for over 60 years,” said Clay Luraschi, Topps’ vice president of product development. “We have featured stars such as Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, Bryce Harper and Derek Jeter. It’s a coveted spot and we wanted our collectors to be involved in that decision.”