Topps, the leading sports trading card company, is creating a stir in the collector’s world by featuring former NFL star Tom Brady in their anticipated 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. This surprising move highlights Brady’s background as a talented multi-sport athlete, as he graces the cards donning a Montreal Expos jersey.
During his high school years, Brady showcased his skills in both football and baseball. The unique series from Topps pays homage to his alternate sports path, commemorating his selection by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the draft. Ultimately, Brady chose to pursue football and went on to achieve immense success in the NFL, but this baseball card collection showcases the path he didn’t take.
Among the 81 autographed cards of Brady in the collection, one particular card has already caused a stir. The card features Brady with an amusing inscription that hints at his decision to pursue football instead of baseball. It humorously suggests that if his baseball dreams didn’t pan out, he had football as a backup plan. To add a touch of French flair, the card also includes a French inscription in homage to the Expos.
The highlight of the collection is an autographed card numbered 12/50, paying tribute to Brady’s iconic jersey number. This limited edition card has already attracted significant attention, with a private collector offering a staggering $500,000 for it. Additionally, there is a rare 1-1 SuperFractor auto card, making the collection even more appealing to collectors.
It’s worth noting that Brady holds a unique distinction as the last Expos draft pick to retire from professional sports. After the Expos relocated to Washington, D.C., and were rebranded as the Nationals in 2004, Brady remained the final draft pick from the Expos to retire.
For collectors eagerly waiting to get their hands on the 2023 Bowman Draft, there will be two formats available: Hobby and Jumbo. The Hobby edition offers three autographed cards per box, while the Jumbo edition includes five autographed cards. The official release date for the collection is set for Tuesday, December 12. However, some boxes have already surfaced, with Hit Factory Sports Cards in Arizona unveiling a non-autographed Brady card prior to the official release.
Even before the official release, Brady’s autographed cards have made appearances on popular online marketplaces, such as eBay. This has sparked excitement among fans and collectors, who are eagerly looking to add these unique and rare pieces to their collections.
As sports memorabilia continues to capture the attention and fascination of collectors, Topps’ decision to feature Tom Brady in their 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection has certainly brought a surprising twist to the world of trading cards. With Brady’s remarkable career achievements and his connection to the Montreal Expos, these autographed cards are poised to become highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.
