In the world of sports memorabilia, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set has become a subject of great interest. One card, in particular, stands out among collectors—a 1995 draft pick featuring none other than NFL icon Tom Brady. Marketed as Brady’s first official baseball card by Topps, it holds true only if we consider fully completed cards distributed in packs. However, this isn’t the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
Back in 2014, Topps Five Star Baseball released a set that listed Brady among the autograph cards. These cards were tantalizingly included as redemptions in packs, sparking excitement among collectors. Yet, nine years later, these redemptions remain unfulfilled, leaving fans and collectors eagerly waiting. Notably, other quarterbacks such as John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were included in the original checklist.
The significance of the 2014 release lies in it marking the final season when Topps held both the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. This shift in licensing might explain the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards. For collectors who have patiently waited, however, the reasons behind the delay provide little consolation.
Fast forward to 2023, with Tom Brady retired from football and having an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps. Brady now features prominently in the Bowman Draft set. The set boasts a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with different versions such as the Gold Refractor (50 copies), Orange Refractors (25 copies), Red Refractors (5 copies), and an ultra-rare one-of-one Superfractor. Some cards even come with unique inscriptions, making them even more coveted by fans.
Moreover, there’s a rare unsigned version of the card that showcases a young Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform, paying homage to his draft experience. This card is based on the 1995 Bowman Baseball design, a nod to the time when Brady was selected as a catcher straight out of high school by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Ultimately, Brady chose to pursue a college football career, leading him to an unforgettable journey in the NFL.
As collectors dive into collecting the 2023 Bowman Draft set, there is an ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Many inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding the production status of the autographed cards. While resolutions to this mystery have yet to emerge, the collecting community eagerly awaits any future updates.
The 2023 Bowman Draft set marks a significant milestone for collectors and fans alike. With Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card hitting the market, enthusiasts are embracing this unique addition to their collections. As the unforgettable legacy of Tom Brady continues to captivate sports enthusiasts, these baseball cards serve as a tangible reminder of his incredible journey.
