The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is set to be released in mid-December and is already generating excitement among collectors and fans of the sport. This collection follows the successful releases of 2023 Bowman Baseball and Bowman Chrome, but what sets it apart is the inclusion of Tom Brady, the NFL’s legendary figure, as an insert and autograph card.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this collection is the “Dream Draft Pick” card featuring Tom Brady. Brady, who was actually a 1995 draft choice of the Montreal Expos in baseball, is celebrated in this collection as a “what if?” scenario. While no preview images are available yet, collectors can look forward to various limited Refractor parallels of Brady’s card.
The base set of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection consists of 200 cards that highlight the top draft picks and MLB prospects. Notable players like Wyatt Langford, Paul Skenes, and Ethan Salas are featured in this set, with special “1st Bowman” notations and image variations for 10 players. Additionally, Hall of Famers Josh Gibson and Carl Yastrzemski are showcased as short-printed RetroFractor cards, with Yastrzemski also having an autographed version.
The collection also offers a wide range of parallels in both paper and chrome formats. Collectors can look forward to new Aqua/Pink and Red/Green Gradient Borders, as well as hobby box exclusive Orange Borders. Chrome cards introduce several new refractors, including Lunar Glow and Fuchsia Lunar, among others.
In terms of inserts, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection pays homage to the classic 1954 Bowman baseball design. The Bowman 1954 Flag Variation inserts feature young players against their home flags, adding a nostalgic touch to the collection. Other notable inserts include the Bowman Draft Glass and Chrome Prospector’s Special Die-Cut inserts, which add depth and variety to the set. This year, the collection also debuts the Transformative Talents and Draft Picks & Prospects inserts.
The autograph selection in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is diverse and exciting. Collectors can find Chrome Prospect Autographs, Mood Ring Red Autographs, and Bowman ’54 Flag Variation Red Refractor autographs, among others. Dual signatures are showcased in Franchise Futures Dual Autographs, while the Class of 2023 Autographs highlight this year’s notable MLB draft choices.
For collectors looking for unique and rare autographs, the Class of 2023 Autographs section is a must-see. These autographs feature prominent MLB draft picks of the year and come with Green Refractor parallels, which are new to this year’s collection. Additionally, Gold, Red, and SuperFractor parallels offer a variety of options for collectors.
Of course, the inclusion of Tom Brady as a “Dream Draft Pick” adds a unique and highly desired element to the collection. Gold Refractor parallels of Brady’s card are limited to just 50 copies, making them particularly sought-after. Other Refractor parallels, such as Orange, Red, and the extremely rare SuperFractor, provide additional collectibles for fans of both football and baseball.
The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection also includes Base Set Gold Retrofractor Autographs, which are limited to 50 cards and follow the same parallel configuration as the Brady autographs. These autographs add another layer of rarity and value to the collection.
For collectors seeking even more exclusive items, the collection offers Image Variation Autograph parallel cards, numbered to 99. These cards provide a different visual take on some of the players included in the set, adding an element of surprise and diversity.
The autographed booklets in this year’s collection are particularly special and highly coveted. The “Positioned for Excellence” booklet, limited to 10 copies, and the “Picked for Excellence” Autographed booklet, limited to just 5 copies, are exceptionally rare and sought-after. Each booklet also has a Red Refractor parallel (limited to 5) and a SuperFractor (1/1), making them some of the most desirable items in the collection.
Lastly, the collection features Under Armour Game Autographed cards, which showcase autographs from some of the most promising young talents in baseball. These cards come with varied serial numbers and provide collectors with an opportunity to own a piece of the future stars of the sport.
In conclusion, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is a comprehensive and exciting release for collectors and fans alike. With a blend of MLB prospects, established stars, and the inclusion of Tom Brady, this collection offers a variety of cards, parallels, and autographs that will surely please enthusiasts of the sport.