Topps, the iconic trading card company, is stirring up excitement with the impending release of its highly anticipated 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. And this time, they’re throwing a curveball by featuring none other than former NFL star, Tom Brady.
Brady, who showcased his athletic prowess on the football field, also proved himself as a talented multi-sport athlete during his high school years. In a surprising twist, this unique baseball card series will showcase Brady wearing a Montreal Expos jersey. It commemorates his selection by the Expos in the 18th round of the draft, before he ultimately chose to pursue a career in football at the University of Michigan.
The collection will include a total of 81 autographed cards of Brady, adding an extra layer of excitement for collectors. To increase the anticipation, Topps has teased fans with an amusing video that offers a glimpse into what they can expect. And already, one particular card has garnered significant attention.
This standout card features Brady, humorously inscribed with a message hinting at his alternate sports path. It playfully suggests that if baseball didn’t work out, football would always be an option for him. Additionally, a French inscription pays homage to the Montreal Expos, further adding to the uniqueness of the card.
But the real highlight of this collection is an autographed card numbered 12 out of a limited edition run of 50. This number holds a special significance as it reflects Brady’s iconic jersey number. The rarity of this card has already sent shockwaves through the collecting community, with a private collector reportedly offering a jaw-dropping $500,000 for it. And that’s not all – there’s also a rare 1 of 1 SuperFractor autograph card that collectors are clamoring to get their hands on.
What makes Brady’s inclusion in this collection even more special is the fact that he holds the distinction of being the last Expos draft pick to retire from professional sports. Following the team’s relocation to Washington, D.C., and subsequent rebranding as the Nationals in 2004, Brady’s legacy as an Expos draft pick remains a unique part of his sporting history.
For avid collectors and enthusiasts, the 2023 Bowman Draft will be available in two formats: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby format offers three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo format ups the ante with a generous five autographed cards. The official release of the collection is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12th, but some lucky individuals have already managed to get their hands on early boxes, with stores like Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona even unveiling a non-signed Tom Brady card.
The excitement surrounding Tom Brady’s autographed cards is palpable, as they have already started appearing on online auction platforms like eBay. Fans and collectors alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to add these unique and historic cards to their collections. With the combination of Brady’s fame, the rare autographed cards, and the connection to a beloved baseball team, the 2023 Bowman Draft is certainly shaping up to be a must-have collection for sports card enthusiasts everywhere.
