Topps, the renowned sports card company, is generating buzz in the collecting world with its upcoming release of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. This time, they have taken an unexpected twist by featuring former NFL star Tom Brady in the series. Back in his high school days, Brady showed off his talent as a multi-sport athlete, and these cards celebrate his brief foray into the world of baseball.
The highlight of this collection is the incorporation of Brady into the Montreal Expos franchise. These cards showcase Brady donning a Montreal Expos jersey, commemorating his selection by the Expos in the 18th round of the draft before ultimately choosing to pursue football at the University of Michigan.
Providing fans with a sneak peek, Topps has been sharing glimpses of the cards on social media. One card, in particular, has already garnered attention and amusement. The card features Brady with an inscription that playfully suggests that if his baseball dreams hadn’t panned out, football would have always been an option. Additionally, a French inscription pays homage to the Expos, adding an extra touch of authenticity and nostalgia.
The standout in the collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, a nod to Brady’s iconic jersey number. This card has already caught the eye of private collectors, with one enthusiast offering an astonishing $500,000 for it. In addition to this highly sought-after card, there is also a rare 1-1 SuperFractor auto card, making the collection even more enticing for collectors.
One interesting tidbit about Brady’s inclusion in this collection is that he holds the distinction of being the last Expos draft pick to retire from professional sports. After the 2004 season, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., and were rebranded as the Nationals. Brady’s presence on these cards serves as a nostalgic reminder of the team’s rich history before its relocation.
For collectors eagerly anticipating the release of the 2023 Bowman Draft, there will be two formats available: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby format offers three autographs per box, while the Jumbo format offers five autographs. The official release date is set for Tuesday, December 12, but eager collectors have already caught a glimpse of the collection. Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona unveiled a non-signed Tom Brady card, teasing collectors with what’s to come. Notably, autographed Tom Brady cards have already made their way onto eBay, adding to the excitement surrounding this unique collection.
In conclusion, Topps has taken collectors by surprise with its inclusion of Tom Brady in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. With the former NFL star donning a Montreal Expos jersey, these unique cards celebrate Brady’s potential career in baseball and offer fans and collectors an exclusive and humorous glimpse into his alternate sporting path. As the release date approaches, collectors are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to add these autographed cards to their collections.