Topps, the renowned trading card company, is generating tremendous buzz with the upcoming release of its highly anticipated 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. In a surprising move, this collection will prominently feature former NFL star Tom Brady, showcasing his brief foray into the world of baseball. Before pursuing football at the University of Michigan, Brady was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the draft.
This unique series will include 81 autographed cards of Brady, adding an extra layer of excitement for collectors. Topps has also revealed glimpses of Brady’s cards on social media, with one in particular causing a stir. The card showcases Brady wearing a Montreal Expos jersey, playfully hinting at his possible career path in football if baseball didn’t work out. Adding another touch of authenticity, an inscription in French pays homage to the Expos, pleasing fans and collectors alike.
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of this collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, a direct reference to Brady’s iconic jersey number. This card has already gained significant attention, as a passionate private collector has reportedly made a jaw-dropping offer of $500,000 for it. Alongside this highly sought-after card, there will be a rare 1-1 SuperFractor auto card, adding even more exclusivity to this limited edition run.
In a unique twist of fate, Brady holds the distinction of being the last Expos draft pick to retire from professional sports. After the 2004 season, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., and were rebranded as the Nationals. The inclusion of Brady in this baseball card collection not only celebrates his incredible football career but also serves as a reminder of his roots in the world of baseball.
For passionate collectors and fans alike, the 2023 Bowman Draft will be available in two formats: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby version offers three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo version ups the ante with five autographs per box, intensifying the excitement for collectors aiming to secure their prized Tom Brady cards. The official release date is set for Tuesday, December 12, although some boxes have already surfaced, with one Arizona-based card shop named Hit Factory Sports Cards revealing a non-signed Brady card. Meanwhile, collectors eager to get their hands on Brady’s autographed cards can already find them making appearances on popular online platforms like eBay.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to mount among collectors, sports fans, and Tom Brady enthusiasts. The unique twist of featuring Brady in a baseball card collection underscores his status as one of the most versatile and iconic athletes of our time. With Topps’ clever and witty approach in celebrating Brady’s multi-sport talent, each card becomes a beautiful piece of memorabilia, adding a touch of humor and nostalgia to the collection.
In summary, Topps’ unveiling of the Tom Brady baseball card in the 2023 Bowman Draft collection has ignited a firestorm of excitement among collectors. With its playful nods to Brady’s alternate sports path and rare autographed cards, this collection promises to be a true gem for both avid collectors and die-hard fans. Prepare to dive into the world of sports memorabilia as this unique collection hits the market and secures its place in history.
