In the world of sports memorabilia, collectors are always on the lookout for unique and significant items. One such item that has caught the attention of football and baseball fans alike is Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card. While Topps is promoting it as Brady’s first official baseball card, it’s important to note that this claim is true only if you consider fully completed cards distributed in packs. However, this isn’t the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.
The initial appearance of Tom Brady on a Topps baseball card dates back to 2014. In the Topps Five Star Baseball set, Brady was listed among the autograph cards. These cards were included as redemptions, meaning collectors would receive a card in the future once the autographs were fulfilled. Unfortunately, nine years later, these redemptions have yet to be fulfilled, leaving collectors eagerly anticipating their arrival. It’s worth mentioning that quarterbacks John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were included in the original checklist.
The 2014 Topps release marked the last season that Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. This change in licensing may have played a role in the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards. While the reasons behind the delay may not provide much consolation to collectors who have been patiently waiting, it adds an intriguing element to the story.
Fast forward to 2023, and Tom Brady, now retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics (the current owner of Topps), finally gets his much-anticipated official baseball card in the Bowman Draft set. The set features a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with its own unique features. Collectors can find versions like the Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and a one-of-one Superfractor. Some cards even include special inscriptions from Brady himself, adding even more value to these collectibles.
One particularly rare aspect of the Bowman Draft set is an unsigned version of the card. This card showcases a young Tom Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform, paying homage to the 1995 Bowman Baseball design. It reminds collectors of the time when Brady was selected as a catcher by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Ultimately, Brady chose to pursue college football, leading to a legendary career in the NFL.
While collectors eagerly embrace Brady’s first official baseball card in the 2023 Bowman Draft set, there is still ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Brady redemption. Many inquiries have been made to Topps representatives regarding the production status of these cards, and any future updates will undoubtedly be eagerly shared with the collecting community.
In conclusion, the journey of Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card has been a long and intriguing one. From the 2014 redemption in the Topps Five Star set to finally having his own card in the 2023 Bowman Draft, Brady’s transition from football to baseball in the collecting world has been captivating. Collectors and fans alike will continue to follow the story, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of the 2014 redemptions and cherishing the newly unveiled Bowman Draft cards.
