In the world of sports memorabilia, every card holds a story. The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set has caused quite a stir with its inclusion of a unique card featuring none other than NFL icon Tom Brady, a 1995 draft pick. Topps, the company behind the set, is promoting this card as Brady’s “first official baseball card,” but is it really? Let’s dive into the details.
If we consider fully completed cards distributed in packs, then yes, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball card is indeed Tom Brady’s first official baseball card. However, this isn’t the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps. Back in 2014, the Topps Five Star Baseball set included Brady on its autograph cards. These cards, however, were only available as redemptions in packs, and nearly a decade later, collectors are still eagerly awaiting their fulfillment.
The 2014 release was significant not only because it featured Brady, but also because it marked the last season Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired the exclusive rights. It’s possible that this license shift played a role in the delay of releasing the actual autographed cards. Nevertheless, for collectors who have been patiently waiting, the reasons behind the delay offer little consolation.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set. Tom Brady, now retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics (Topps’ current owner), makes his presence known in this set. The Bowman Draft includes a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with its own unique variations. Collectors can find versions like the highly sought-after Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and even a one-of-a-kind Superfractor. Some of these cards even feature special inscriptions, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.
Among the signed cards, there’s also a rare unsigned version that pays homage to a young Brady wearing a Montreal Expos uniform. This particular card is based on the 1995 Bowman Baseball design and serves as a reminder of when Montreal selected Brady as a catcher straight out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Of course, Brady ultimately chose college football instead, leading him down the path to his legendary NFL career.
While collectors revel in the excitement surrounding the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, there’s still ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding its production status, but as of now, collectors are left waiting. Any future updates regarding the fulfillment of these redemptions will undoubtedly be eagerly shared with the collecting community.
As the world of sports memorabilia continues to evolve, the inclusion of Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set adds another layer to his already legendary status. Whether it’s his football accomplishments or his crossover into the baseball realm, Brady’s legacy continues to captivate sports fans and collectors alike. And as the hunt for the elusive 2014 redemption card persists, the anticipation only grows, leaving collectors wondering when they will finally get to hold a tangible piece of Brady’s baseball history in their hands.
