Celebrating its 25th year since revival, the 2024 Bowman Baseball set by Topps is set to launch this spring on May 8. With a rich history dating back to 1989 in an oversized format, the modern Bowman editions, including the forthcoming 2024 set, continue to uphold the standard size introduced in 1990.
The base set of the 2024 Bowman Baseball Collection is split into veteran and rookie cards in the first 100 cards, followed by a 150-card Bowman Prospect set. Hobby boxes will contain one Chrome autographed card, while Jumbo boxes will feature three. Hobby box cases include 12 boxes, and Jumbo cases contain eight. Furthermore, there are plans for 24-pack retail boxes and eight-pack Value (blaster) boxes.
Parallels for the base set range from the Sky Blue Border (#’d to 499) to the rare Platinum Border and Printing Plates, both #’d 1-of-1, with various color-themed parallels in between. The Chrome Prospects cards add a glossy finish to the 150 prospects, boasting a range of parallels from Lunar Glow (1:12 Packs) to Red Lava Refractor (#’d to 5) and Printing Plates (#’d 1-of-1), with the introduction of the Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor Parallel (#’d to 10).
Special die-cut variations are available for 20 players, showcasing top young talents, while ‘RetroFractor’ variations of Bob Gibson and Pete Rose make their debut, a significant inclusion for Rose, absent from MLB licensed products since the early 1990s.
Exciting insert sets such as the “1955 Bowman Anime” paying homage to the original 1955 Bowman set, the Rising Infernos set highlighting hot prospects, and others like Gladiators of the Diamond and Origins of Greatness are making a return. Additionally, Bowman A.I. introduces advanced player stats to offer insights into potential future stars.
Autograph cards are a sought-after element with Chrome Prospect Autographs featuring all parallels numbered to less than 100, including retail-exclusive options. Chrome Rookie Autographs showcase players from the Topps 2024 rookie class with parallels like Green and Yellow Refractors. Paper Prospect Autographs, exclusive to retail boxes, offer various parallels from Purple Border (#’d to 250) to Platinum Border (#’d 1-of-1).
The integration of past and present through Bowman Buyback Autographs, featuring previously issued Bowman cards now autographed by players like George Brett and Ryne Sandberg, underscores Topps’ commitment to celebrating baseball’s history while embracing modern collecting.
Innovation shines through the introduction of new parallel formats like the Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor, catering to collectors with diverse preferences. The inclusion of Bowman A.I. inserts reflects a progressive approach, merging collecting artistry with baseball analytics, setting a new standard in card design.
The RetroFractor variations for Bob Gibson and Pete Rose hold special significance, offering collectors a rare chance to own pieces of baseball history. Autograph cards, particularly the Chrome Prospect Autographs, represent sought-after collectibles with limited numbers and exclusive parallels, elevating the thrill of collecting.
As the release date nears, excitement abounds in the collecting community for the 2024 Bowman Baseball set. With a blend of innovation, nostalgia, and a wide array of collecting options, this year’s edition promises to deliver a memorable and comprehensive collecting experience, honoring baseball’s past while embracing its future legends.