In the realm of sports memorabilia, collectors are always on the lookout for rare and unique items. And in 2023, Topps has shaken up the scene by unveiling Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card in the 1995 Bowman Draft Baseball set. While this card is being promoted as Brady’s first fully completed card distributed in packs, it’s not actually the first time he has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
Back in 2014, Topps released Five Star Baseball, which featured Tom Brady’s autograph card as a redemption. These redemptions were included in packs, but collectors who eagerly awaited the fulfillment of these cards were left disappointed. Nine years later, the fate of the 2014 redemption remains a mystery, leaving collectors wondering if they will ever see this sought-after card in their collections. It’s worth noting that other NFL quarterbacks like John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were part of the original checklist.
The delay in releasing the autographed cards from the 2014 set can be attributed to the significant shift that occurred after its release. This marked the last season that Topps held the licenses for both the NFL and NFLPA before Panini acquired exclusive rights. With this change, it’s possible that the production and fulfillment of the cards were put on hold. While the reasons behind the delay may not provide much consolation to collectors, it does offer some insight into the situation.
Now, in 2023, Tom Brady, having retired from football, takes his place in the Bowman Draft Baseball set. With an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps, Brady’s presence is felt with 81 total signed cards in the set. This includes various versions like the Gold Refractor, Orange Refractors, Red Refractors, and the highly coveted one-of-one Superfractor. Some of these cards even feature unique inscriptions, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.
Aside from the autographed cards, there is also a rare unsigned version showcasing a young Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform. This particular card pays homage to the time when Brady was selected by the Expos as a catcher straight out of high school in the 1995 MLB Draft. However, as we all know, Brady ultimately chose college football, leading to an illustrious career in the NFL.
While collectors celebrate the arrival of Brady’s first “official” baseball card in the Bowman Draft set, questions still linger about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star redemption. Fans and collectors have reached out to Topps representatives, seeking updates on the production status of these long-awaited cards. As of now, there is no definitive answer, but the collecting community eagerly anticipates any future updates that may shed light on the situation.
Only time will tell if the 2014 redemption cards will ever see the light of day. In the meantime, collectors can revel in the joy of owning Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card and continue to keep a watchful eye for any new developments regarding the 2014 Topps Five Star redemption.