Topps, the renowned sports card company, is set to release its highly anticipated 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. In a surprising move, they have decided to feature former NFL star, Tom Brady, on a unique series of cards. Known as a talented multi-sport athlete during his high school years, Brady will be showcased in a Montreal Expos jersey, paying tribute to his brief selection by the Expos in the 18th round of the draft before pursuing a football career at the University of Michigan.
One of the highlights of this collection is the inclusion of 81 autographed cards of Brady. Topps has been teasing fans and collectors with glimpses of these cards on social media, generating significant excitement. One card, in particular, has already made waves. It depicts Brady with an inscription that humorously suggests his alternative sports path, mentioning that if baseball didn’t work out, football was always an option. This playful nod to Brady’s athletic versatility has been well-received by fans. Furthermore, a French inscription on the card pays homage to the Montreal Expos.
The most sought-after card in the collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, which is a direct reference to Brady’s iconic jersey number. This card has already created a frenzy in the sports collectibles market, with a private collector offering an astounding $500,000 for it. Apart from this highly desired card, there will also be a rare 1-1 SuperFractor autographed card.
Adding to the excitement surrounding Brady’s inclusion in the 2023 Bowman Draft collection is the fact that he holds the distinction of being the final draft pick by the Montreal Expos to retire from professional sports. After the team relocated to Washington, D.C., and rebranded as the Nationals in 2004, Brady’s draft selection became a unique part of sports history.
For collectors eager to get their hands on the 2023 Bowman Draft, there will be two formats available: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby version will include three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo version will offer five autographed cards. The official release date for these boxes is set for Tuesday, December 12th. However, some boxes have already surfaced before the official release, with Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona unveiling a non-signed Tom Brady card. This early appearance of Brady’s cards has only fueled the excitement among fans and collectors.
Brady’s autographed cards have also started to make appearances on online platforms like eBay. This has given fans and collectors the opportunity to acquire these highly sought-after cards before the official release. The appearance of these cards on the online marketplace has further increased the anticipation and desire among avid collectors.
In conclusion, Topps’ decision to feature Tom Brady in its 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and collectors. The unique cards depicting Brady wearing a Montreal Expos jersey pay homage to his alternative sports path and commemorate his draft selection. With autographed cards already attracting significant interest and offering a rare glimpse into Brady’s multi-sport background, this collection promises to be a memorable addition to the world of sports collectibles.