Topps, the renowned sports card company, is creating a buzz with the upcoming release of its 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. In a surprising move, they have chosen to feature former NFL star Tom Brady in this collection. Known for his exceptional talent in multiple sports during his high school years, Brady will be seen on these cards wearing a Montreal Expos jersey, commemorating his selection by the Expos in the 18th round of the draft before he ultimately pursued a football career at the University of Michigan.
To add more excitement to the release, Topps plans to unveil an amusing video soon. Several glimpses have already been shared on social media, with one particular card catching everyone’s attention. This card showcases Brady with an inscription that hints at his alternate sports path, humorously suggesting that if baseball didn’t work out, there was always football. Additionally, an inscription in French pays tribute to the Expos.
The highlight of the collection is a special autographed card numbered 12/50, a nod to Brady’s iconic jersey number. Even before its official release, this card has received a lot of attention, with a private collector offering an impressive $500,000 to acquire it. Apart from this high-value card, there is also a rare 1-1 SuperFractor autographed card, which adds another layer of excitement for collectors.
One interesting fact about this collection is that Brady holds the distinction of being the last Expos draft pick to retire from professional sports. Following the team’s relocation to Washington, D.C., and subsequent rebranding as the Nationals in 2004, Brady’s selection by the Expos serves as a nostalgic reminder of the team’s past.
For avid collectors, the 2023 Bowman Draft collection will be available in two formats: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby version offers three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo version offers five. The official release is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12th. However, some lucky individuals have already stumbled upon boxes, with one card shop in Arizona, called Hit Factory Sports Cards, revealing a non-signed Brady card. Meanwhile, Brady’s autographed cards are beginning to appear on online marketplaces like eBay, generating immense excitement among fans and collectors.
With Brady’s illustrious career in football and his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, his appearance on a baseball card is truly a unique and fascinating addition to the sports card world. Topps’ decision to feature him in the 2023 Bowman Draft collection has sparked much interest and anticipation among fans, creating a new wave of excitement for collectors everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of Brady, a collector of sports cards, or simply intrigued by the convergence of two sports legends, this collection is sure to give you a delightful surprise when it hits the shelves.
