Topps, the renowned baseball card company, has embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor by teaming up with artist and former MLB player Micah Johnson to introduce an extraordinary series of baseball cards commemorating the Negro Leagues. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the birth of the very first Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, a project that Johnson considers to be among his proudest achievements in the realm of artistry. The splendid series made its grand debut with the unveiling of a timeless Satchel Paige card in Kansas City, marking the initiation of the “Road to Rickwood” endeavor.
As the countdown to the esteemed Rickwood Classic commences, a fresh card will be revealed weekly. This much-anticipated event will culminate in a special MLB game at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024. The game, along with the card series, serves as a reverent nod to the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and the former abode of the legendary Birmingham Black Barons. In a bid to amplify the commemoration of this historic occasion, colossal 24-foot tall replicas of each card will be exhibited at various MLB ballparks across the nation, showcasing the grandeur and significance of the endeavor.
Micah Johnson, the multifaceted artist who transitioned from a career in professional baseball to a prominent figure in the art world, sets out to inspire and empower through his craft. His artistic contribution to the Topps series showcases meticulously hand-drawn portraits of iconic Negro Leagues players, harmonizing artistic finesse with a profound homage to history and heritage.
Apart from the base cards featuring revered players, collectors will have the chance to procure limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards in each print run. These unique editions include Silver Border (/99), Blue Border (/49), Purple Border (/25), Red Border (/10), Orange Border (/5), and Gold Border (/1). These distinct parallels introduce an extra layer of rarity and allure to these already prized collector’s items, adding a heightened sense of excitement to the pursuit for avid collectors.
This groundbreaking card series not only venerates the illustrious history and enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues but also offers fans and collectors a distinctive opportunity to possess a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of these baseball legends. With the promise of new releases every Thursday leading up to June 20, enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating each new addition to this remarkable and historically significant series.
