Topps, the renowned trading card company, is stirring up excitement with the announcement of its 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection, featuring a surprising addition – former NFL star Tom Brady. Known for his football prowess, Brady was also a talented multi-sport athlete during his high school days, and Topps is paying tribute to his brief stint in baseball by featuring him in this unique series.
The baseball card series will showcase 81 autographed cards of Brady. Adding to the excitement, Topps has teased an amusing video that is set to be released soon. Social media has already been buzzing with glimpses of the collection, with one particular card catching the attention of fans and collectors alike. This card portrays Brady in a Montreal Expos jersey, commemorating his selection by the Expos in the 18th round of the draft, signifying his potential career in baseball before ultimately deciding to pursue football at the University of Michigan.
The standout card in this collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, paying homage to Brady’s iconic jersey number. The rarity and significance of this card have led to a private collector offering an astounding $500,000 for it. Additionally, there is a one-of-a-kind 1-1 SuperFractor autographed card, further fueling the excitement surrounding this release.
One interesting aspect of this baseball card series is that Brady holds the distinction of being the last Expos draft pick to retire from professional sports. Following the 2004 season, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., and were rebranded as the Nationals. This adds a layer of historical significance to Brady’s inclusion in the collection.
For collectors eager to get their hands on the 2023 Bowman Draft, two formats will be available: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby format includes three autographs per box, while the Jumbo format offers a more generous five autographs. The official release date for the collection is Tuesday, December 12, but some boxes have already made their way into the hands of collectors, such as Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona. Coincidentally, this early release has allowed them to unveil a non-signed Brady card, further building anticipation for the autographed versions of the card. In the meantime, Brady’s autographed cards have already started appearing on online marketplaces like eBay, igniting a frenzy among fans and collectors.
Brady’s transition from a potential baseball career to becoming one of the greatest football players of all time makes this baseball card series all the more enticing. Topps’ decision to feature Brady in his Expos jersey serves as a nostalgic reminder of what could have been for the NFL star if he had chosen to pursue baseball instead. It’s a testament to Brady’s versatility and the allure of collecting cards that transcends sports.
As the release date of the 2023 Bowman Draft collection approaches, collectors and fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to add this unique Tom Brady baseball card to their collections. With its limited availability, autographed versions, and historical significance, this card is sure to become a highly sought-after treasure for both Brady fans and card collectors alike.
