Topps is shaking things up in the world of sports trading cards with the release of its highly anticipated 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. While baseball fans may expect to see top prospects in this collection, there’s a surprising addition that has everyone buzzing – former NFL star Tom Brady.
Before he became a household name in football, Brady was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school. He had the talent and potential to pursue a career in baseball as well. In 1995, the Montreal Expos selected Brady in the 18th round of the MLB Draft. However, Brady ultimately chose to pursue football at the University of Michigan, setting the stage for his legendary NFL career.
The 2023 Bowman Draft collection pays tribute to Brady’s alternate sports path by featuring him on unique baseball cards. One of the cards making waves on social media is a photo of Brady wearing a Montreal Expos jersey, complete with a playful inscription. The inscription hints at the idea that if baseball didn’t work out, Brady always had football as a backup plan. Additionally, a French inscription on the card pays homage to the Expos and their history.
The highlight of this collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, a nod to Brady’s iconic jersey number. Already sparking tremendous interest, a private collector has reportedly offered a staggering $500,000 for this card. It’s a testament to Brady’s popularity and the rarity of this particular item. There is also a rare 1-1 SuperFractor autographed card in the collection, further adding to its appeal and collectibility.
What makes this series even more intriguing is the fact that Brady holds the distinction of being the last player drafted by the Montreal Expos to retire from professional sports. After the 2004 season, the Expos relocated and rebranded as the Washington Nationals. This card series allows fans and collectors to celebrate the connection between Brady and the Expos, preserving a unique piece of sports history.
For avid collectors, the 2023 Bowman Draft will be available in two formats: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby format includes three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo format offers five autographed cards. The official release date for this collection is set for Tuesday, December 12. However, some boxes have already surfaced, including one revealed by Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona featuring a non-signed Brady card. Despite not being autographed, this card is still generating excitement among fans and collectors.
With the release of Brady’s autographed cards on eBay, the anticipation and demand among fans are sky-high. It’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of history that combines the worlds of football and baseball, showcasing the extraordinary talent of one of the greatest athletes of all time.
In conclusion, Topps is pioneering a new era in trading cards by featuring Tom Brady in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. With his unique connection to the Montreal Expos, Brady’s autographed cards are generating tremendous excitement among collectors. As fans eagerly await the official release date, the demand for these rare cards continues to soar.
