Pete Rose, a figure both celebrated and shunned in the baseball world, is making a triumphant return to MLB trading cards in the 2024 Bowman Baseball collection. This milestone marks the first time since 1989, following his banishment from baseball due to gambling allegations, that collectors will find Pete Rose cards in officially licensed MLB products.
Topps, the renowned producer of Bowman cards, has included Retrofractor cards featuring Pete Rose in this latest set. Noteworthy is the fact that Rose remains on baseball’s banned list, despite holding the title of the game’s all-time hits leader and boasting three World Series championships to his name. Adding to the allure, some of these cards are adorned with Rose’s autograph, making them a rare and coveted item for fans and collectors alike.
For years, Topps refrained from associating with Pete Rose in any MLB-licensed merchandise, aligning with the league’s policy that prohibited featuring Rose’s name or likeness. This stance was corroborated by MLB’s vice president of business public relations, Matt Bourne, in a 2013 interview with USA Today. However, this exclusion did not extend to personal commercial ventures related to baseball, paving the way for Rose’s inclusion in trading card products through a partnership with Fanatics-owned Topps, the league’s official card producer. The specifics of this agreement remain undisclosed as inquiries into the deal have not garnered responses from the involved parties.
Despite his ineligibility for formal MLB roles, Pete Rose has remained a prominent figure in the baseball scene. From serving as a television analyst to receiving on-field accolades at select events, Rose has continued to engage with the sport that defined his legacy. His collaborations on merchandise, like the partnership with Mitchell & Ness for nostalgic throwback jerseys, have further solidified his enduring connection to baseball and its fanbase.
The reintroduction of Pete Rose’s cards into the collectibles market coincides with his appearances in non-MLB licensed products, including sticker autographs and a cameo in a 2015 Topps WWE release. While his autographs may not be scarce, their value is expected to surge with their inclusion in a widely circulated MLB product like Bowman.
In addition to the much-anticipated return of Pete Rose, the 2024 Bowman collection boasts a range of intriguing features. Notable highlights include “My 1st Bowman Auto” inscriptions, “Gladiators of the Diamond” case hits, and vintage-themed 1955 Bowman-styled cards, dispersed one per case. Furthermore, fans can anticipate the debut Bowman autographs of Japanese players Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee, marking their entry into the realm of collectible rookie cards.
With various configurations catering to diverse collector preferences, the 2024 Bowman release promises to blend elements of nostalgia with contemporary trends in the ever-evolving world of sports memorabilia.
