In the realm of sports memorabilia, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set has caused a stir with its inclusion of a truly special card: Tom Brady’s 1995 draft pick. Marketed by Topps as Brady’s first official baseball card, this claim holds true if we consider only fully completed cards distributed in packs. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Brady has graced a Topps baseball card.
Back in 2014, Topps Five Star Baseball featured Brady’s name on the autograph card list. These cards were included as redemptions in packs, with collectors awaiting their fulfillment ever since. In an interesting twist, quarterbacks John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were part of the same card release. It’s been a long wait for collectors, and the reasons for the delay remain unclear.
The 2014 release was particularly significant because it marked the final season that Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini swooped in and acquired exclusive rights. This shift in licensing may have contributed to the hold-up in releasing the long-awaited autographed cards. While this information may provide some context, for collectors eagerly waiting, it likely offers little consolation.
Fast forward to 2023, and Tom Brady, who has since retired from football, takes his place in the Bowman Draft. Now with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps, Brady features prominently in this highly anticipated set. The Bowman Draft includes a total of 81 signed cards by Brady, each with its own unique attributes. Collectors can find versions like the coveted Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and the rare one-of-one Superfractor. Some lucky collectors might even come across cards with special inscriptions.
But the surprises don’t end there. Among the cards, there’s also a rare unsigned version that showcases a young Tom Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform. This particular card pays homage to Brady’s selection by the Montreal Expos in the 1995 MLB Draft. At the time, Brady was a talented catcher fresh out of high school, but he ultimately decided to pursue college football instead, paving the way for his legendary NFL career.
As collectors eagerly delve into the 2023 Bowman Draft set, the curiosity surrounding the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption lingers. Enquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding the production status of these cards, and any future updates will undoubtedly be shared with the passionate collecting community. Until then, collectors can revel in the excitement of owning a piece of Brady’s remarkable journey through the world of sports memorabilia.
In conclusion, Tom Brady’s appearance in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set marks a significant moment for sports memorabilia enthusiasts. While Topps promotes this card as his first official baseball card, Brady’s previous inclusion in the 2014 Topps Five Star Baseball release adds an intriguing layer to the story. With collectors still waiting for the redemption cards, the mystery surrounding their fulfillment continues. Regardless, Brady fans and collectors can now savor the unique cards featuring the NFL legend, as he leaves an indelible mark on the world of baseball cards.
