Celebrating its 25th year since its revival, the 2024 Bowman Baseball set by Topps is set to thrill collectors this spring. Rooted back to 1989 in an oversize format, this year’s edition maintains the standard size introduced in 1990, with a release date scheduled for May 8.
The base set is divided into veteran and rookie cards in the first 100 cards, followed by a 150-card Bowman Prospect set. Hobby boxes will contain one Chrome autographed card, while Jumbo boxes will boast three. Hobby cases consist of 12 boxes, and Jumbo cases contain eight. Retail options with 24-pack boxes and eight-pack Value boxes are also in the works.
Parallels for the base set range from Sky Blue Border (#’d to 499) to the incredibly rare Platinum Border and Printing Plates, both #’d 1-of-1, with various color-themed parallels in between. Chrome Prospects cards add a glossy finish to the 150 prospects, offering parallels from Lunar Glow (1:12 Packs) to Red Lava Refractor (#’d to 5) and exclusive Printing Plates, including the debut of a Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor Parallel (#’d to 10).
A special die-cut variation is available for 20 players, focusing on top young talents. ‘RetroFractor’ variations of Bob Gibson and Pete Rose bring a nostalgic touch, with Rose making a notable appearance after decades absent from MLB licensed products.
Various insert sets like the “1955 Bowman Anime,” Rising Infernos, Gladiators of the Diamond, and Bowman A.I. offer a mix of homage to the past and insights into potential future stars through advanced player stats. Returning favorites such as Bowman Scout’s Top 100 and Rookie of the Year Favorites accompany new additions like Bowman Ultimate book cards and autographed insert cards across the set.
Autograph cards are a highlight of the collection, with Chrome Prospect Autographs remaining in high demand, including all parallels numbered to under 100. Chrome Rookie Autographs highlight players from the 2024 rookie class, with colorful parallels like Green and Yellow Refractors. Exclusive Paper Prospect Autographs in retail boxes offer various parallels, from Purple Border (#’d to 250) to the exclusive Platinum Border (#’d 1-of-1). Bowman Buyback Autographs add an element of nostalgia by bringing back previously issued Bowman cards, now autographed by legends like George Brett and Ryne Sandberg.
The integration of past and present inclusions underlines Topps’ commitment to celebrating baseball’s history while embracing modern collecting trends. The 2024 Bowman Baseball collection not only offers a set of cards but also weaves together baseball’s present and future stars with cutting-edge advancements in card design.
With new parallel formats like the Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor and Bowman A.I. inserts featuring advanced analytics, Topps showcases innovation while nodding to nostalgia with RetroFractor variations of iconic players like Bob Gibson and Pete Rose, making this year’s collection a well-rounded mix of tradition and modernity.
As collectors eagerly await the release, the 2024 Bowman Baseball set promises a rich collecting experience that pays homage to the sport’s legacy and propels it forward with a blend of innovation, nostalgia, and a wide range of collecting options.
