Topps, the renowned trading card company, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey in partnership with artist and former Major League Baseball player Micah Johnson. Together, they have introduced an extraordinary series of baseball cards paying homage to the illustrious Negro Leagues. This collaboration marks the inception of the inaugural Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, a project that Micah Johnson considers a moment of immense pride. The series made its debut with the unveiling of a striking Satchel Paige card in Kansas City, marking the commencement of the “Road to Rickwood” initiative.
Leading up to the highly anticipated Rickwood Classic, a revered event in baseball’s calendar, a fresh card will be revealed each week. The grand finale is set to take place during a special Major League Baseball game at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024. This game, alongside the card series, serves as a tribute to the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and the former stomping grounds of the legendary Birmingham Black Barons. In honor of this historic occasion, towering 24-foot replicas of every card will be showcased at various MLB ballparks across the country.
Micah Johnson, the multifaceted artist, has seamlessly transitioned from his athletic career to an acclaimed figure in the art world, driven by a mission to inspire and empower. His intricate artwork for the Topps series showcases finely detailed, hand-drawn portraits of iconic Negro Leagues players, blending artistic finesse with a profound sense of historical reverence.
Alongside the base cards in the series, collectors will have the thrilling opportunity to discover limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards across each print run. These exclusive variants include the Silver Border (/99), Blue Border (/49), Purple Border (/25), Red Border (/10), Orange Border (/5), and the ultra-rare Gold Border (/1). These parallel cards add an extra layer of scarcity and allure to these coveted collectibles, elevating the excitement of the hunt for passionate collectors.
This remarkable card series not only commemorates the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues but also grants fans and collectors a unique chance to possess a piece of art that encapsulates the spirit of these baseball luminaries. With the promise of fresh releases every Thursday leading up to June 20, 2024, aficionados are eagerly awaiting each new addition to this historic and culturally significant series.
