Celebrating its 25th year since the revival of the brand, the 2024 Bowman Baseball set by Topps is highly anticipated this coming spring, set to be released on May 8. With roots tracing back to 1989 in an oversized format, the modern Bowman editions, including the upcoming 2024 set, maintain the standard size introduced in 1990.
The base set is divided into veteran and rookie cards in the initial 100 cards, followed by a 150-card Bowman Prospect set. Hobby boxes will boast one Chrome autographed card, while Jumbo boxes will feature three. Cases for Hobby boxes contain 12 boxes, and Jumbo cases have eight. Additionally, retail boxes of 24 packs and Value (blaster) boxes of eight packs are in the plans.
Parallels for the base set span from Sky Blue Border (#’d to 499) to the exceedingly rare Platinum Border and Printing Plates, both numbered 1-of-1, with various color-themed parallels in between.
Chrome Prospects cards elevate the 150 prospects with a glossy finish, featuring parallels from Lunar Glow (1:12 Packs) to Red Lava Refractor (#’d to 5) and Printing Plates (#’d 1-of-1). A new addition is the Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor Parallel (#’d to 10).
A special die-cut variation is available for 20 players, highlighting top young talents in the industry. ‘RetroFractor’ variations of Bob Gibson and Pete Rose denote a notable inclusion, especially for Rose, absent from MLB licensed products since the early 1990s.
Insert highlights encompass the “1955 Bowman Anime” set, paying tribute to the 1955 original Bowman set with 15 players. The Rising Infernos set features 20 hot prospects, alongside other inserts like Gladiators of the Diamond and Origins of Greatness. Bowman A.I. introduces advanced player stats, offering insights into potential future stars.
Autograph cards, including Chrome Prospect Autographs and Chrome Rookie Autographs with various parallel options, remain a sought-after element in the collection. Paper Prospect Autographs, exclusive to retail boxes, offer a range of parallels from Purple Border (#’d to 250) to Platinum Border (#’d 1-of-1). Bowman Ultimate introduces book cards, enhancing the set with autographed insert cards.
The integration of past offerings with present elements showcases Topps’ commitment to celebrating baseball’s rich history while embracing modern innovations in card design and manufacturing. The 2024 Bowman Baseball collection is a mosaic of baseball’s present and future stars, adorned with cutting-edge technology in card production.
Innovations such as the Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor and the Bowman A.I. inserts testify to Topps’ dedication to innovation and offering collectors a diverse array of collecting options. The RetroFractor variations for Bob Gibson and Pete Rose add a historic touch, particularly Rose’s inclusion after a long absence from MLB licensed products.
Collectors can look forward to the thrill of seeking autograph cards, especially the Chrome Prospect Autographs with limited numbering and diverse parallels. The Bowman Ultimate book cards and Bowman Buyback Autographs provide unique additions that bridge generations of players and collectors, enriching the collection with exclusivity and value.
As the release date nears, excitement surges within the collecting community for the 2024 Bowman Baseball set, promising not only high-quality cards but a comprehensive collecting experience that pays tribute to baseball’s legacy while embracing its future stars. With a blend of innovation, nostalgia, and an array of collecting options, this edition is set to set a new standard in the baseball card collecting realm.
