If I Ran Topps.....

I am going to take a break from the regular scheduled program and discuss something that has been on my mind.  I think Topps does a great job with their base Topps set, but I would do a few things differently.  I am going to preface this by stating that along with a baseball card collector, I consider myself a bit of a historian also.  So my ideas lean towards the historical side of the game.

One thing that really annoys me with the hobby is pointless insert sets.  Some oddly shaped or high glossy/crazy designed set that the collector suppose to chase.  For example, the 2013 Topps Cut to the Chase set or the tons of 1990s inserts in various sets.  The only redeeming value of these sets is that it gives an excuse to put a superstar in a chase set.  I want inserts to be more collectible and historical/information based.  Let me explain...

Do you realize that for the 2012 baseball season, we witnessed a perfect game(Felix Hernandez), a 4 home run game(Josh Hamilton) and a Triple Crown winner(Miguel Cabrera).   Not sure if this all occurred before in one season.  Regardless, Topps did nothing to celebrate this.  Each has been done around a dozen times before.  How about a chase set for each feat that includes all the players who previously accomplished it.  I know the average collector will not be excited for inserts of Len Barker(perfect game) or Bob Horner(4 hr game), but then again, if a person want a collection of all the players who hit four home runs in a game, this would be cool way to get it.  Plus, for example, Indian fans would probably like another Len Barker or a Rocky Colavito card in their collection.
Want more star power?  How about a chase set features each of the All Star game starters designed after the glossy all stars sets of the 1980s.  It is an appealing way to get another card of Mike Trout or Miguel Cabrera.  Or how about a gold bordered parallel of the base card of each Gold Glove winner and silver for the Silver Sluggers.  Either could be a separate insert set or even a shortprint version of the regular issue.  The last two chase sets would be great if you would go for a master set.  One can go back and easily see who did well that season and  won awards.   Speaking of which, how about jersey or auto inserts of the award winners and/or record breakers?

The movie "42" was released in theaters with much fanfare and praise.  Yet Topps, nor any other company, did nothing to commemorate this.  How about a set that feature Jackie and his 1947 Brooklyn Dodger teammmates?  or a set that showcases other Negro League players who debuted in MLB soon after Robinson.  It would allow a new generation of baseball fans and collectors learn about some players of the past.
One final thing I would do differently is for the update set.  I enjoy getting the new rookies and players who changed teams during the season as a part of the update series, but the all star subset can be overabundant and bit annoying. I would make them more collectible.  Instead of a bio on the back, I would include the player's career All Star game stats including that year's results.

I know I am probably a minority with my ideas.  But for me at least, I think each Topps set would be more collectible and uniquely different each year instead of a having an eyesore of chase set that features the same dozen or so superstars each year.  What are your thoughts? Intersesting to see if other collectors side with me.