Pete Rose, the polarizing figure in baseball history, is back in the spotlight as his cards make a surprising return in the 2024 Bowman Baseball release. Topps, the renowned producer of trading cards, has boldly included Retrofractor cards featuring Rose, causing a stir among fans and collectors alike.
Not seen in MLB-licensed products since 1989 following his banishment from baseball due to gambling controversies, Rose’s reappearance in the trading card scene is a significant moment for the hobby. Despite remaining on the baseball’s banned list, Rose’s undeniable legacy as the all-time hits leader and a three-time World Series champion cannot be ignored, making these cards a unique and valuable addition to any collection. Some of the cards even bear Rose’s autograph, adding an extra layer of rarity and desirability.
The decision to bring Rose back into the official MLB trading card realm is a notable shift from the past, where Topps refrained from using his name or likeness out of respect for the league’s rules. Over the years, MLB maintained a strict policy against featuring Rose in licensed merchandise, a stance reiterated by Matt Bourne, MLB’s vice president of business public relations, in a 2013 interview with USA Today.
While Rose is still prohibited from holding any official roles within MLB teams, the recent agreement between Fanatics- the owner of Topps- and Rose has paved the way for his inclusion in the Bowman Baseball set. The details surrounding this agreement remain undisclosed, as neither party has elaborated on the terms of their collaboration.
Beyond his trading cards, Rose has kept ties with the baseball world through various channels, including television appearances as an analyst, on-field acknowledgments at select events, and merchandise partnerships like his collaboration with Mitchell & Ness for throwback jerseys. His enduring popularity among fans has transcended his on-field controversies, making his return to trading cards a highly anticipated event.
In addition to Rose’s comeback, the 2024 Bowman collection introduces several other exciting features for collectors. The inclusion of “My 1st Bowman Auto” inscriptions and “Gladiators of the Diamond” case hits adds depth to the set, catering to diverse collecting preferences. Vintage enthusiasts will also appreciate the 1955 Bowman-styled cards, a nostalgic nod found one per case. Moreover, newcomers to the MLB scene, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee, will make their debut in the set with their first Bowman autographs, marking the start of their rookie card journey.
With a range of configurations available, the 2024 Bowman series promises to appeal to collectors of all types, blending classic aesthetics with modern trends in the hobby. The inclusion of Pete Rose’s cards adds a layer of intrigue and excitement to this year’s collection, reminding fans of his enduring impact on the sport of baseball.