In the world of sports memorabilia, the release of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set has caught the attention of collectors and fans alike. Among the various cards featured in this set, there is a unique gem that stands out – a 1995 draft pick card of NFL icon and Super Bowl legend, Tom Brady. Topps, the well-known sports card manufacturer, is promoting this card as Brady’s first official baseball card, a claim that holds true if considering only fully completed cards distributed in packs. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first instance of Brady appearing on a baseball card issued by Topps.
Cast your memory back to the year 2014 and the release of Topps Five Star Baseball. In this set, Brady was listed among the autograph cards, creating quite a buzz among collectors. However, these autograph cards were included as redemptions in packs, meaning collectors had to send in these redemption cards to receive their autographed Tom Brady card. Surprisingly, nine years later, these redemptions have not been fulfilled, leaving collectors eagerly awaiting their prized possession. It’s interesting to mention that other NFL quarterbacks drafted by MLB teams, like John Elway and Dan Marino, were also part of the original checklist.
The release of the 2014 Topps Five Star Baseball set was significant in another regard – it marked one of the last seasons Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. This shift in licensing agreements might explain the delay in releasing the actual autographed Tom Brady cards. However, for collectors who have been patiently waiting, the reasons behind the delay are of little consolation.
Now let’s fast forward to 2023, where Tom Brady, retired from football, finds himself featured in the Bowman Draft Baseball set. Thanks to his exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps, Brady’s signature graces 81 total cards in the set. These cards come in various versions, such as the highly sought-after Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and the ultra-rare Superfractor, of which there is only one in existence. Some of these cards even feature unique inscriptions, adding an extra layer of collectability.
What makes the Bowman Draft Baseball set even more intriguing is the inclusion of a rare unsigned version of the Tom Brady card. This particular card showcases a young Brady wearing a Montreal Expos uniform, paying homage to when the Expos selected him as a catcher straight out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Of course, Brady ultimately chose the path of college football, leading him to a legendary career in the NFL.
With the release of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set and the buzz surrounding Tom Brady’s first ‘official’ baseball card, collectors and fans can’t help but wonder about the fate of the long-awaited 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding its production status, and collectors eagerly await any future updates that will be shared with the passionate collecting community.
In conclusion, the story behind Tom Brady’s first ‘official’ baseball card is a fascinating one. From the delayed release of the 2014 redemption cards to the inclusion of Brady’s signed and unsigned cards in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, collectors are captivated by this unique piece of sports memorabilia. Whether it’s the thrill of owning the elusive autographed card or the nostalgia of seeing a young Brady in a Montreal Expos uniform, Brady’s baseball card journey adds an exciting chapter to his illustrious career.
