The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is sure to excite enthusiasts of MLB draft picks and rising stars. Set to release in mid-December, this collection follows the success of 2023 Bowman Baseball and Bowman Chrome. What sets this collection apart is the addition of Tom Brady, the legendary figure of the NFL, who is featured as an insert and autograph card. Brady, a 1995 draft choice of the Montreal Expos, is celebrated in the collection as a “Dream Draft Pick,” offering fans a unique crossover between football and baseball.
The base set of 200 cards highlights top draft picks and MLB prospects. Notably, 10 players have “1st Bowman” notations and image variations. The collection also includes short-printed RetroFractor cards featuring Hall of Famers Josh Gibson and Carl Yastrzemski. Yastrzemski even has an autographed version of his RetroFractor card, adding to its desirability.
In addition to the base set, the collection boasts an array of parallels in both paper and chrome formats. New additions include Aqua/Pink and Red/Green Gradient Borders, as well as the hobby box exclusive Orange Borders. Chrome cards introduce several new refractors, such as Lunar Glow and Fuchsia Lunar, offering collectors a visually stunning selection.
Inserts in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection pay homage to the classic 1954 Bowman baseball design. The Bowman 1954 Flag Variation inserts showcase young players against their respective home flags, while the Bowman Draft Glass and Chrome Prospector’s Special Die-Cut inserts add a touch of elegance. Two new inserts make their debut this year: the Transformative Talents and Draft Picks & Prospects inserts, bringing even more excitement to the collection.
The inclusion of Tom Brady’s Dream Draft Picks card raises the intriguing “What if?” question. Collectors can find various limited Refractor parallels of this card, adding to its collectability. Autograph enthusiasts will also find a diverse range of autographs in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection. From Chrome Prospect Autographs to Mood Ring Red Autographs and Bowman ’54 Flag Variation Red Refractor autographs, there is something for everyone.
Highlights of the autograph section include Franchise Futures Dual Autographs and the Class of 2023 Autographs, which shine a spotlight on this year’s notable MLB draft choices. The set is further enhanced by special autographed booklets and Under Armour Game Autographed cards, offering collectors the opportunity to find unique and rare autographs.
The Class of 2023 Autographs section stands out as it features the most prominent MLB draft picks of the year. Collectors will be thrilled to discover the new Green Refractor parallels, along with the existing Gold, Red, and SuperFractor parallels. This wide range of options allows collectors to curate a collection that suits their preferences.
Tom Brady’s inclusion as a “Dream Draft Pick” adds another layer of excitement to the collection. With Gold Refractor parallels limited to just 50 cards, collectors will be eager to add this rare piece to their collections. Other Refractor parallels of Brady’s card, including Orange, Red, and SuperFractor, offer unique collectibles that bridge the gap between football and baseball fandom.
The set also features Base Set Gold Retrofractor Autographs, limited to 50 cards, which follow the same parallel configuration as the Brady autographs. These autographs provide an additional layer of rarity and value for collectors.
The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection presents another exclusive aspect with Draft Glass Autographs. Numbered to 99, these autographs come with a range of parallels, including Lava, Gold Mini-Diamond, hobby-exclusive Orange, Red, and SuperFractor. These unique autographs will surely become prized possessions for lucky collectors.
For those seeking even more unique items, the Image Variation Autograph parallel cards offer a different visual take on some of the players included in the set. Numbered to 99, these cards add an element of surprise and diversity to the collection.
The autographed booklets in this year’s set are particularly special and highly sought-after. Limited to just 10 copies, the “Positioned for Excellence” booklet, and the “Picked for Excellence” Autographed booklet, limited to 5 copies, are exceptionally rare. Each of these booklets also has Red Refractor parallels, limited to 5, and SuperFractors, which are one-of-a-kind. These booklets are among the most coveted items in the collection.
Finally, the inclusion of Under Armour Game Autographed cards adds further excitement. With varied serial numbers and autographs from promising young talents in baseball, these cards are a thrilling find for collectors.
Overall, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is a comprehensive and exciting offering for collectors and fans of the sport. From new prospects to established stars, and even a legendary football figure, this collection has something for everyone. With its variety of cards, parallels, and autographs, it promises to be a highly anticipated release that will delight collectors and enthusiasts alike.
