The Tale of Tom Brady’s Baseball Cards

In the world of sports memorabilia, collectors are always on the lookout for unique and special items. One such item that has caught the attention of fans and collectors alike is Tom Brady’s first “official” baseball card. The card is part of the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, and while Topps is promoting it as Brady’s first official baseball card, there is some history behind it.

The first time Tom Brady appeared on a baseball card was in 2014, with the release of Topps Five Star Baseball. However, these cards were not readily available to collectors. Instead, they were included as redemptions in packs, with collectors having to wait for their cards to be fulfilled. Nine years later, these redemptions have yet to be fulfilled, leaving collectors eagerly awaiting their arrival. It’s worth noting that fellow quarterbacks John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were part of the original checklist as well.

The delay in releasing these autographed cards can be attributed to the shift in licensing rights. The 2014 release was Topps’ last season holding the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. This change may have disrupted the production and fulfillment of these cards, leading to the long wait for collectors.

Now, in 2023, Tom Brady finds himself retired from football and with an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps. This collaboration has paved the way for Brady’s inclusion in the Bowman Draft Baseball set. The set features a total of 81 signed Brady cards, each with its own uniqueness. Collectors can find cards like the Gold Refractor, with only 50 copies available, the Orange Refractor with 25 copies, the Red Refractor with just 5 copies, and the highly sought-after one-of-a-kind Superfractor.

What makes these cards even more special is the inclusion of unique inscriptions. Brady has added personal touches to some of the cards, making them even more valuable to collectors. It’s a true celebration of Brady’s career and his impact on the sport.

In addition to the signed versions, there is also a rare unsigned version of the card that showcases a young Brady in a Montreal Expos uniform. This throwback design is a nod to the time when Montreal selected Brady as a catcher in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Of course, we all know that Brady chose to pursue college football instead, leading to his legendary NFL career.

While collectors eagerly await the fulfillment of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption, there is ongoing curiosity about its production status. Inquiries have been made to Topps representatives, and collectors are hopeful for any updates that may be shared with the collecting community. The anticipation for this long-awaited card continues to grow, and collectors are excited to finally add it to their collection.

Tom Brady’s journey into the world of baseball cards has been an interesting one. From the redemption of the 2014 Topps Five Star card to the exclusive release in the 2023 Bowman Draft, his presence in the baseball card world is sure to leave a lasting impact. Collectors are eager to get their hands on these cards and cherish the legacy of one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks in history.

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