In the ever-growing world of sports memorabilia, there is often great anticipation and excitement surrounding the release of trading cards featuring beloved athletes. One such instance in the world of baseball cards involves none other than NFL legend Tom Brady. While Topps is promoting a 2023 card as Brady’s “official” first baseball card, collectors know that there is much more to the story.
To understand the significance of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set card, we must first look back to 2014. In that year, Topps released their Five Star Baseball series, and to collectors’ astonishment, Tom Brady made an appearance among the autograph cards. These cards were included as redemptions in packs, promising lucky collectors a valuable piece of memorabilia. However, even after nine years, these redemptions remain unfulfilled, adding to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding Brady’s baseball cards.
The presence of Brady in the 2014 release was particularly notable as it marked the final season in which Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini secured exclusive rights. This change in licensing may provide some explanation for the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards. Nevertheless, for collectors eagerly waiting to add this unique piece of the Brady legacy to their collections, the reasons behind the delay may offer little consolation.
Now, jumping ahead to 2023, with Tom Brady retired from football and an exclusive autograph deal signed with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps, the anticipation surrounding Brady’s baseball cards reaches a fever pitch. The Bowman Draft set features a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each offering a different version and rarity. Some notable versions include the Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and the truly one-of-a-kind Superfractor. These cards are not just plain signatures; some even come with unique inscriptions, making them even more special for collectors.
One fascinating addition to the set is a rare unsigned version showcasing a young Tom Brady in a Montreal Expos uniform. This card pays homage to Brady’s past when he was selected by the Montreal Expos as a catcher straight out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Of course, we know that Brady ultimately chose a different path, pursuing a career in college football that culminated in his legendary success in the NFL.
While collectors marvel at the uniqueness and rarity of the 2023 Bowman Draft Tom Brady cards, there remains ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star redemption. Dedicated collectors have inquired with Topps representatives, eager for any updates on the production status of these elusive cards. The curiosity surrounding the 2014 redemption only adds to the allure and excitement of Tom Brady’s baseball cards, creating a fervor within the collecting community.
As collectors eagerly await the fulfillment of the 2014 redemption and the availability of the 2023 Bowman Draft cards, the legacy of Tom Brady in the world of baseball cards continues to grow. From a young draft pick in 1995 to an NFL icon with a storied career, Brady’s presence in the realm of sports memorabilia captivates fans and collectors alike. Whether it be the unique unsigned card in a Montreal Expos uniform, the various signed versions, or the long-awaited fulfillment of the 2014 redemption, Tom Brady’s baseball cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this legendary athlete.
