Long before he was known as the legendary quarterback of the Denver Broncos, John Elway was making waves in a different arena—baseball. Drafted by the New York Yankees in 1981, Elway showcased his skills on the diamond with an impressive batting average and caught the eye of scouts as a dual-sport athlete with immense potential.
In a delightful turn of events, the 2024 Bowman Draft set by Topps pays homage to Elway’s lesser-known baseball career by imagining what his MLB rookie card could have looked like. With his autograph and witty inscriptions, the card captures a moment in sports history where the lines between football and baseball blurred in Elway’s journey.
Elway strategically used his baseball career as a bargaining chip in his football destiny. The No. 1 overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, he threatened to opt for baseball over football. This gamble paid off as he secured a trade to the Denver Broncos, setting the stage for a stellar NFL career. The Bowman Draft card playfully nods to this turning point with the inscription: “Yankees > Colts.”
One of the quirky twists in Elway’s MLB tale is being drafted ahead of the legendary Tony Gwynn in 1981. This tidbit is etched in a card variation, igniting a conversation about what could have been. Even Topps joined in on the fun by creating an ad featuring Yankees owner George Steinbrenner vehemently advocating for selecting Elway over Gwynn—a whimsical nod to a different path Elway’s career could have taken.
The 2024 Bowman Draft set is a treasure trove for baseball card enthusiasts, spotlighting the emerging MLB talent. With a focus on prospects and draft picks, the set embodies anticipation and promise, making it a favorite in the collector’s world. Elway’s card brings an unexpected historical touch to the collection, appealing to a broader audience beyond traditional baseball fans and adding a layer of nostalgia to the set.
Elway’s card in the Bowman Draft set comes in various versions, from base cards to coveted signed editions. The signed cards, adorned with unique inscriptions like “Yankees > Colts,” are quickly becoming coveted items in the sports memorabilia market. From base versions starting at $500 to signed limited editions fetching thousands, these cards not only honor Elway’s legacy but also promise a significant investment for collectors.
The inclusion of John Elway in the Bowman Draft set goes beyond being a mere novelty; it is a celebration of a pivotal moment in sports history. Elway’s journey serves as a testament to bold decisions, exceptional talent, and the ability to excel in multiple arenas. It encapsulates a whimsical blend of Topps’ tradition of spotlighting future stars and a nod to an alternate reality where Elway could have been a baseball star instead of a football legend.
Bowman Draft and Elway’s partnership align seamlessly, with the set’s focus on potential perfectly mirroring Elway’s dual-sport prowess. The card symbolizes his athletic brilliance and serves as a reminder of how one of football’s finest briefly flirted with baseball stardom. It adds depth to both Elway’s legacy and the Bowman Draft set, making it a standout collectible for sports enthusiasts.
With the 2024 Bowman Draft set creating a buzz among collectors, Elway’s card has heightened the anticipation. Whether you’re a baseball card aficionado, a Denver Broncos aficionado, or a sports memorabilia collector, this card offers a chance to own a slice of sports history. From base cards to limited signed editions, Elway’s Bowman card promises to be one of the year’s most iconic releases—an ode to what might have been and a commemoration of a sports icon’s versatile talents.
