Topps, the renowned trading card company, is set to release its highly-anticipated 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. In a surprising move, they have chosen to feature none other than former NFL star Tom Brady on these cards. Brady, known for his football prowess, was also an accomplished multi-sport athlete in high school, and this collection acknowledges his potential alternate path in baseball.
The unique series will include 81 autographed cards of Brady, each one capturing a moment of his athletic journey. To add to the excitement, Topps has teased an amusing video that is sure to provide a fun behind-the-scenes look into the making of these cards. One card, in particular, has already caught the attention of fans. It shows Brady wearing a Montreal Expos jersey, a nod to his selection by the Expos in the 18th round of the draft before he ultimately decided to pursue a career in football at the University of Michigan.
The card features an inscription that cleverly suggests that if baseball didn’t work out for Brady, football was always a viable option. This playful inscription adds an extra layer of charm to the card. Additionally, a French inscription pays homage to the Expos, giving a nod to the team’s heritage.
The highlight of this collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, a significant reference to Brady’s iconic jersey number. This card has already caused quite a stir, as a private collector reportedly offered a staggering $500,000 to acquire it. Alongside this highly sought-after piece, there will also be a rare 1-of-1 SuperFractor autographed card, a true collector’s gem.
What makes Brady’s inclusion in this collection even more intriguing is the fact that he holds the distinction of being the last player from the Expos’ draft class to retire from professional sports. Shortly after Brady’s selection, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., and underwent a rebranding, becoming the Nationals. Thus, Brady’s connection to the Expos is not only a unique part of his sports history but also a piece of the Expos’ larger legacy.
For avid collectors and fans alike, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection will be available in two formats: Hobby and Jumbo. Hobby boxes will contain three autographed cards, while Jumbo boxes will offer five autographed cards, providing collectors with multiple opportunities to add these highly coveted cards to their collections.
The official release date for the 2023 Bowman Draft collection is set for Tuesday, December 12th. However, some lucky buyers have already managed to get their hands on a few boxes, with Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona revealing a non-signed Tom Brady card from the collection. As excitement builds for the release, Brady’s autographed cards have already made appearances on popular online marketplaces, such as eBay, sparking a bidding frenzy among eager fans and collectors.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Tom Brady in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection by Topps is a unique and exciting development for both sports and trading card enthusiasts. With the release of these special cards, collectors will have the opportunity to own a piece of Brady’s multi-sport legacy, showcasing his talent and potential as a baseball player. Whether he pursued football or not, Brady’s presence in the baseball trading card world is certainly a testament to his remarkable athletic abilities and enduring popularity.
