In the world of sports memorabilia, unexpected surprises are always welcomed by collectors. And in the case of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, there’s a unique card that has caught everyone’s attention – a 1995 draft pick card featuring none other than the legendary NFL icon, Tom Brady. Topps, the creator of this highly anticipated set, is proudly promoting this card as Brady’s first official baseball card. And while this claim holds true if we only consider completed cards distributed in packs, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
The first instance of Brady gracing a Topps card dates back to 2014. The release in question was the Topps Five Star Baseball, a momentous set that marked the last season Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini took over with exclusive rights. Among the cards in this collection were autographs of quarterbacks John Elway, Dan Marino, and yes, Tom Brady. These autograph cards were included as redemptions in the packs, promising collectors the chance to own a valuable piece of memorabilia. However, almost a decade later, these redemptions have yet to be fulfilled, leaving collectors in a state of eager anticipation.
It’s important to note that Brady wasn’t the only quarterback drafted by an MLB team included in the original checklist. The likes of John Elway and Dan Marino, both of whom had been drafted by MLB teams as well, were also part of this exciting lineup. However, while Elway and Marino’s autograph cards were eventually produced and distributed, the same cannot be said for Brady’s redemption card.
The delay in releasing Brady’s autographed card from the 2014 Topps Five Star set has left collectors wondering about the reasons behind it. The shift in licensing from Topps to Panini could play a role in this delay, as the change in ownership may have contributed to complications in fulfilling the autographs. Despite this, collectors have been patiently waiting for updates on the status of the long-awaited redemption card.
Fast forward to 2023, and Tom Brady, now retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, finds himself featured in the highly sought-after Bowman Draft set. This collaboration between Fanatics and Topps brings forth a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each one more precious than the last. The set includes various versions such as the exquisite Gold Refractor, limited to just 50 copies, as well as the mesmerizing Orange Refractor, limited to 25 copies. For those craving even more exclusivity, the Red Refractor comes in at only 5 copies. And for the fortunate few who manage to get their hands on it, there’s the legendary one-of-a-kind Superfractor. Some of these cards even carry unique inscriptions, adding an extra touch of personality to each piece.
Among these remarkable cards, collectors will find a rare unsigned version as well. This particular card features a young Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform, paying homage to when the Expos selected him as a catcher in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft straight out of high school. Of course, Brady’s path took a different turn as he decided to pursue college football, ultimately leading to his extraordinary NFL career.
While collectors rejoice at the arrival of Brady’s first official baseball card, the question of the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption still lingers. Inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding the production status of this redemption card, and collectors eagerly await any updates that will be shared with the collecting community. The anticipation continues as enthusiasts speculate on whether they will ever hold this elusive piece of sports memorabilia in their hands.
With a long-awaited redemption and a highly anticipated first official baseball card, Tom Brady’s presence in the world of sports memorabilia continues to captivate collectors and fans alike. Whether it’s on the football field or on a baseball card, Brady’s legendary status remains undeniable, making every piece featuring his name and image a cherished treasure.
