In the world of sports memorabilia, collectors always crave something unique and unheard of. The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set delivers precisely that with a card that features none other than the iconic NFL quarterback, Tom Brady. Topps, the company behind this exciting release, is promoting this card as Brady’s first official baseball card. While this claim holds true when considering fully completed cards distributed in packs, it isn’t the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
Back in 2014, Topps Five Star Baseball released a series of autograph cards, among which Brady was listed. These cards were included as redemptions in packs, meaning collectors had to redeem them to receive the actual autographed card. However, even after nine years, these redemptions have yet to be fulfilled, leaving collectors in anticipation. It is worth noting that other quarterback legends like John Elway and Dan Marino, also drafted by MLB teams, were part of the original checklist.
The 2014 Topps release was particularly significant as it marked the last season Topps held the licenses for both the NFL and NFLPA before Panini obtained exclusive rights. This shift in licensing might explain the delay in fulfilling the autographed card redemptions. Nevertheless, for collectors who have been patiently waiting, the reasons behind the delay provide little consolation.
Fast forward to 2023, and Tom Brady, now retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics (the current owner of Topps), takes center stage in the highly anticipated Bowman Draft. This unique set includes a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with its own distinct version. Collectors can find coveted versions like the Gold Refractor, limited to only 50 copies, Orange Refractors with just 25 copies, Red Refractors with a mere 5 copies, and the highly sought-after one-of-one Superfractor. Some cards even feature unique inscriptions, making them even more special.
In addition to the signed versions, there is also a rare unsigned card highlighting a young Tom Brady wearing a Montreal Expos uniform. This particular card pays tribute to when Montreal selected Brady as a catcher straight out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Of course, Brady ultimately chose the path of college football, leading to his legendary NFL career. The unsigned card features the iconic 1995 Bowman Baseball design, adding a touch of nostalgia to this special release.
While collectors are thrilled with the 2023 Bowman Draft and the signed Brady cards it offers, there remains an ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Many inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding its production status. The collecting community eagerly awaits any future updates on whether these long-awaited redemptions will finally be fulfilled.
In conclusion, the release of Tom Brady’s 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball card marks an exciting milestone in his baseball card journey. While collectors await updates on the 2014 Topps Five Star redemption, they can revel in the opportunity to own a piece of history with Brady’s first officially distributed baseball card. With its various versions, inscriptions, and a nod to Brady’s baseball roots, this card truly captures the essence of his incredible sports career.