The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is creating a buzz among fans and collectors alike. This highly anticipated release brings together a blend of MLB prospects and the legendary Tom Brady, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of both baseball and football.
Scheduled for mid-December, the collection follows the success of the 2023 Bowman Baseball and Bowman Chrome sets. It showcases notable prospects like Wyatt Langford, Paul Skenes, and Ethan Salas, who are expected to make a significant impact in the MLB in the near future.
The base set features 200 cards, highlighting top draft picks and MLB prospects. Notably, it includes special “1st Bowman” notations and image variations for 10 players. Additionally, there are short-printed RetroFractor cards featuring Hall of Famers Josh Gibson and Carl Yastrzemski, with Yastrzemski also having an autographed version.
One of the highlights of the collection is the variety of parallels available. Both paper and chrome formats introduce new options, such as Aqua/Pink and Red/Green Gradient Borders, as well as hobby box exclusive Orange Borders. Chrome cards also offer various refractors, including Lunar Glow and Fuchsia Lunar.
Taking inspiration from the 1954 Bowman baseball design, the inserts in this year’s set pay homage to the past. The Bowman 1954 Flag Variation showcases young players against their home flags, while the Bowman Draft Glass and Chrome Prospector’s Special Die-Cut inserts add a unique touch to the collection. New inserts for 2023 include Transformative Talents and Draft Picks & Prospects.
However, the most intriguing addition to the collection is the presence of Tom Brady, the NFL’s legendary figure. Although no preview images are available, Brady is featured as an insert and autograph card, labeled as a “Dream Draft Pick.” Collectors will find limited refractor parallels of Brady’s card, including Gold, Orange, Red, and SuperFractor, providing a unique collectible for fans of both football and baseball.
Autograph collectors will have plenty to look forward to as well. The collection offers a diverse range of autographs, such as Chrome Prospect Autographs, Mood Ring Red Autographs, and Bowman ’54 Flag Variation Red Refractor autographs. Dual signatures can be found in Franchise Futures Dual Autographs, while the Class of 2023 Autographs highlight this year’s notable MLB draft choices.
The set also features autographed booklets that are exceptional in their rarity and demand. The “Positioned for Excellence” booklet is limited to just 10 copies, while the “Picked for Excellence” Autographed booklet is even rarer with only 5 copies available. Each booklet has a Red Refractor parallel (limited to 5) and a SuperFractor (1/1), making them highly coveted items for collectors.
Furthermore, the set includes Under Armour Game Autographed cards, providing an opportunity to own autographs from some of the most promising young talents in baseball. With varied serial numbers, these cards add an extra layer of exclusivity to the collection.
In conclusion, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is set to be a comprehensive and exciting release for collectors and fans alike. With a mix of MLB prospects, established stars, and the unique inclusion of Tom Brady, this collection has something for everyone. Get ready to add these cards to your collection and celebrate the future of baseball.