The history of Topps dates back to 1938, when Topps opened its doors as a gum manufacturer. In 1947 things started to change with the hiring of Sy Berger. By 1951 Topps was on its way to trading card history. In 1952 the first set of the modern age of trading cards was born, along with the 1952 Mickey Mantle card. To this day, it is still the most cherished and sought-after set (and card) in the industry, and it has become an industry icon.

As baseball has changed, so have Topps baseball cards. Topps purchased the Bowman Company in 1956 and soon after established the standard 2 ½ x 3 ½ card dimensions the industry uses today. The introduction of Stadium Club in 1992 and Finest in 1993 continued Topps dominant position in baseball and the card category as a whole.

By 1957, Topps was producing cards in all four major sports.