In the world of sports memorabilia, collectors are always on the lookout for rare and unique items. One such item that has caught the attention of fans and collectors alike is the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, which features a truly one-of-a-kind card: a 1995 draft pick card of none other than NFL legend Tom Brady. Topps, the renowned sports card company, has been promoting this card as Brady’s first official baseball card, a claim that 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 appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
The earliest instance of Brady on a baseball card can be traced back to the 2014 Topps Five Star Baseball release. In this set, Brady was listed among the autograph cards, which were included as redemptions in packs. These redemptions allowed collectors to eventually receive an autographed card of Brady, yet, almost a decade later, these cards have yet to be fulfilled, leaving collectors in anticipation. It is important to note that other quarterbacks who were also drafted by MLB teams, such as John Elway and Dan Marino, were part of the original checklist.
The 2014 release holds additional significance as it marked the final season in which Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. The change in licensing could potentially explain the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards. Nonetheless, for collectors who have been eagerly awaiting these cards, the reasons behind the delay might provide little consolation.
Fast forward to 2023, and Tom Brady—now retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics (the current owner of Topps)—makes his appearance in the Bowman Draft. This set features a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with different versions available, including the Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and the highly coveted one-of-one Superfractor. Some of these cards even come with unique inscriptions, adding an extra layer of excitement for collectors.
In addition to the signed versions, there is also a rare unsigned version of the card that showcases a young Brady wearing a Montreal Expos uniform. This version pays homage to the time when Brady, fresh out of high school, was selected by the Expos as a catcher in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Of course, Brady ultimately chose to pursue a career in college football, which led to his legendary journey in the NFL.
Despite the excitement surrounding the 2023 Bowman Draft Brady cards, there is still ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Collectors and enthusiasts have been making inquiries to Topps representatives, hoping for any news about the production status of these long-awaited autographs. The collecting community eagerly awaits any updates on this intriguing and elusive piece of memorabilia.
In conclusion, while the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set may be touted as Tom Brady’s first official baseball card, the story surrounding his earlier appearance in the 2014 Topps Five Star release adds an intriguing layer to his collectible legacy. As collectors continue to wait for the fulfillment of the 2014 redemptions, the release of the Bowman Draft cards offers a new opportunity to celebrate Brady’s remarkable career and the unique intersection of football and baseball in his journey.
