Topps, the renowned trading 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 in this collection. Known for his astounding achievements in football, Brady was also a talented multi-sport athlete during his high school years, and Topps aims to commemorate his alternate sports path.
The unique series of cards will showcase Brady wearing a Montreal Expos jersey. This jersey represents the team that selected Brady in the 18th round of the draft before he eventually chose to pursue football at the University of Michigan. The decision to showcase Brady in an Expos jersey adds an intriguing twist to the collection, highlighting the different direction his career could have taken.
Among the various cards in this collection, one has already caught the attention of fans and collectors. This particular card features Brady with an inscription that playfully hints at his alternate sports journey. It humorously suggests that if his baseball career didn’t pan out, he would have had football as a reliable option. Additionally, a French inscription on the card pays homage to the Expos, adding a touch of authenticity and nostalgia.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of this collection is the autographed card numbered 12/50. This number holds great significance as it represents Brady’s iconic jersey number. Already creating a frenzy among collectors, this card has garnered a staggering offer of $500,000 from a private collector. Its rarity and connection to Brady’s career make it a truly special piece for any football or baseball enthusiast. Furthermore, there is a one-of-a-kind SuperFractor auto card, making it an even more prized possession for collectors.
What makes this collection even more historic is the fact that Brady holds the distinction of being the last player drafted by the Expos to retire from professional sports. After the 2004 season, the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., and were rebranded as the Nationals. Thus, this collection not only celebrates Brady’s career but also preserves a significant era in the history of the Expos franchise.
For avid collectors and enthusiasts, the 2023 Bowman Draft collection will be available in two formats: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby format offers three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo format provides five autographed cards. Both formats promise an exciting array of cards, giving fans and collectors an opportunity to add these unique pieces to their collections.
The official release of the 2023 Bowman Draft collection is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12. However, some boxes have already made their way into the market. Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona, for instance, revealed a non-signed Tom Brady card, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from this highly anticipated collection.
In the meantime, Brady’s autographed cards have already begun surfacing on eBay, generating tremendous excitement among fans and collectors. These cards offer a unique blend of sports history and crossover appeal, making them an irresistible addition to any memorabilia collection.
With Tom Brady’s inclusion in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection, Topps has once again pushed the boundaries of trading card innovation. This collection not only celebrates Brady’s versatile athletic abilities but also captures a fascinating “what if” scenario, showcasing the alternate career path he could have pursued. As anticipation builds and collectors eagerly await the official release, the excitement surrounding these unique cards continues to grow.