In the world of sports memorabilia, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set has generated significant buzz with the inclusion of a unique card featuring none other than NFL legend Tom Brady, the 199th pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. Topps is promoting this card as Brady’s first official baseball card, taking into account only fully completed cards distributed in packs. However, it is worth noting that this is not the first time Brady has appeared on a baseball card issued by Topps.

The initial instance of Brady on a Topps baseball card can be traced back to the 2014 Topps Five Star Baseball release, where he was featured among the autograph cards. These special cards were included as redemptions in packs, but nearly a decade later, collectors are still eagerly anticipating their fulfillment. To add to the excitement, the original checklist also included quarterbacks John Elway and Dan Marino, who were both drafted by MLB teams.

The 2014 release marked the last season in which Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. It is plausible that the shift in licensing contributed to the delay in releasing the actual autographed cards. While collectors have patiently awaited their redemption, the reasons behind the prolonged wait offer little consolation.

Now, in 2023, Tom Brady finds himself retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps. As a result, Brady’s appearance in the Bowman Draft signifies a momentous occasion. The set features a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with unique attributes. These include the Gold Refractor (limited to 50 copies), Orange Refractors (limited to 25 copies), Red Refractors (limited to 5 copies), and a one-of-a-kind Superfractor. Some of the cards even come with special inscriptions, adding to their collectibility.

Among the rare cards in the set is an unsigned version that portrays a young Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform. The design pays homage to the 1995 Bowman Baseball cards and reminds enthusiasts of a time when the Expos selected Brady as a catcher directly out of high school in the 18th round of the MLB Draft. However, Brady famously chose to pursue college football, ultimately embarking on a legendary NFL career.

While collectors revel in the excitement of Brady’s appearance in the 2023 Bowman Draft set, there remains an underlying curiosity surrounding the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Collectors have reached out to Topps representatives seeking information about the status of its production, eager for any updates that may be shared with the collecting community. The anticipation and hope for the long-awaited fulfillment of this redemption continue to drive excitement and speculation within the sports memorabilia world.

In conclusion, Tom Brady’s presence on his first official baseball card in the 2023 Bowman Draft set has sparked interest among collectors. While this may be his first fully completed and officially distributed baseball card, it is important to acknowledge his previous appearance on a Topps baseball card in the 2014 release. The ongoing saga of the 2014 redemption only adds to the intrigue surrounding Brady’s collectible items, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any updates on its eventual production.

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