In the exciting world of sports memorabilia, collectors are buzzing about the latest addition to the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set – a unique card featuring a 1995 draft pick, none other than NFL icon Tom Brady. While Topps promotes this card as Brady’s first official baseball card, it’s worth noting that this isn’t his first appearance on a baseball card issued by the company.
Back in 2014, Topps Five Star Baseball included Brady’s name on its list of autograph cards. These cards were distributed as redemptions in packs, promising collectors an autographed gem from the legendary quarterback. However, nearly a decade later, these redemptions remain unfulfilled, leaving collectors eagerly waiting. It’s interesting to note that other NFL quarterbacks who were also drafted by MLB teams, such as John Elway and Dan Marino, were included in the original checklist.
The 2014 release holds significance as it marked the final season in which Topps held the licenses for both the NFL and NFLPA before Panini acquired exclusive rights. This change in licensing may explain the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards, but for collectors eagerly anticipating them, it offers little consolation.
Now, in 2023, with Tom Brady retired from football and having an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps, the football legend finally features in the Bowman Draft set. The set includes a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with its own unique version. There are cards like the Gold Refractor, limited to just 50 copies, as well as the Orange Refractor with only 25 copies produced. For the lucky few, there are even rarer versions like the Red Refractor, which has just 5 copies, and a one-of-a-kind Superfractor. Some of these cards even come with special inscriptions, adding an extra touch of excitement for collectors.
Apart from the autographed versions, collectors are also intrigued by a rare unsigned card showcasing a young Brady wearing a Montreal Expos uniform. Designed in homage to the 1995 Bowman Baseball design, this card harkens back to a time when the Montreal Expos selected Brady as a catcher straight out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Ultimately, Brady chose a path in college football, leading to a legendary NFL career. The unsigned card serves as a unique piece of memorabilia that ties Brady to his baseball roots.
Among the excitement surrounding the 2023 Bowman Draft set, there remains ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption cards. Collectors have reached out to Topps representatives to inquire about the production status of these redemption cards, and any updates regarding their availability will be eagerly shared within the collecting community.
In conclusion, the unveiling of Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card in the 2023 Bowman Draft set has sparked excitement among collectors. With various versions, including rare refractors and even a unique unsigned card, this release offers a tantalizing addition to any sports memorabilia collection. While questions still surround the 2014 Topps Five Star redemption cards, collectors eagerly await updates and find solace in the prospect of adding the legendary quarterback’s autograph to their prized collections.