In the realm of sports memorabilia, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set has caught the attention of collectors. One particular card has piqued interest: a 1995 draft pick card featuring none other than NFL legend Tom Brady. Topps is promoting this card as Brady’s first official baseball card, at least in terms of fully completed cards distributed in packs. However, it is worth noting that this isn’t the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
The first instance dates back to the 2014 Topps Five Star Baseball release, where Brady was listed among the autograph cards. These cards were included as redemptions in packs, offering collectors the chance to obtain a signed Tom Brady card. However, nearly a decade has passed, and these redemptions have yet to be fulfilled. Naturally, this has left collectors in a state of eager anticipation. It is interesting to mention that other NFL quarterbacks, such as John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were part of the original checklist.
The 2014 Topps Five Star release holds significance as it marked the final season during which Topps held the licenses for both the NFL and NFLPA before Panini acquired exclusive rights. This shift in licenses may offer some explanation for the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards. However, for collectors eagerly awaiting their redemption, the reasons behind the delay are likely of little consolation.
Jumping ahead to 2023, Tom Brady, now retired from football, has an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps. In the latest Bowman Draft set, Brady is prominently featured. There are a total of 81 signed Brady cards available, each with different versions. These include the highly sought-after Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), the Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), the Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and the elusive one-of-a-kind Superfractor card. Some of these cards even include unique inscriptions, adding further value for collectors.
Furthermore, an unsigned version of the card is also available. This particular card pays homage to a young Brady, donning a Montreal Expos uniform that harks back to the 1995 Bowman Baseball design. During the 1995 MLB Draft, the Montreal Expos selected Brady as a catcher straight out of high school in the 18th round. Ultimately, Brady chose the path of college football, leading to his legendary NFL career.
As for the long-awaited 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption, there is still ongoing curiosity surrounding its fate. Inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding its production status, and collectors eagerly await any future updates that may be shared within the collecting community.
In conclusion, Tom Brady’s baseball card journey has been a fascinating one. From a 2014 redemption that has yet to be fulfilled to his first ‘official’ baseball card in the 2023 Bowman Draft, collectors and fans alike eagerly await each new addition to their collections. Whether it’s the excitement surrounding the rare autographed cards or the anticipation surrounding the long-awaited redemption, the world of Tom Brady’s baseball cards continues to captivate and intrigue collectors from across the globe.
