Celebrating its 25th year since being revived, the 2024 Bowman Baseball set by Topps is generating excitement as it prepares for its release this spring on May 8. This set, rooted in 1989 with an oversize format, has evolved over the years to maintain its standard size introduced in 1990, including the upcoming 2024 edition.
The base set of the 2024 Bowman Baseball collection features veteran and rookie cards in the first 100 cards, followed by a 150-card Bowman Prospect set. Hobby boxes will include one Chrome autographed card, while Jumbo boxes will contain three. Hobby boxes come in cases of 12, and Jumbo boxes are part of cases with eight boxes. Additionally, retail boxes with 24 packs and Value (blaster) boxes with eight packs are planned for release.
Various parallels are available for the base set, ranging from the Sky Blue Border (#’d to 499) to the rare Platinum Border and Printing Plates, both #’d 1-of-1, with different color-themed parallels in between. The Chrome Prospects cards add a glossy finish to the 150 prospects, offering parallels from Lunar Glow (1:12 Packs) to Red Lava Refractor (#’d to 5) and Printing Plates (#’d 1-of-1), including the debut of a Rose Gold Mini-Diamond Refractor Parallel (#’d to 10).
A unique die-cut variation is available for 20 players, highlighting top young talents in the league. The set also introduces ‘RetroFractor’ variations of Bob Gibson and Pete Rose, with Pete Rose making a significant return after being absent from MLB licensed products since the early 1990s.
Insert highlights in the collection include the “1955 Bowman Anime” set paying homage to the 1955 Bowman set, the Rising Infernos set featuring 20 hot prospects, and other inserts like Gladiators of the Diamond and Origins of Greatness. The Bowman A.I. introduces advanced player stats, giving collectors a glimpse into potential future stars.
Autograph cards are a sought-after element in the collection, with Chrome Prospect Autographs remaining popular, featuring all parallels numbered to less than 100, along with some retail-exclusive options. Chrome Rookie Autographs showcase players from the Topps 2024 rookie class, with parallels like Green and Yellow Refractors. Retail-exclusive Paper Prospect Autographs come with a range of parallels from Purple Border (#’d to 250) to Platinum Border (#’d 1-of-1). Bowman Ultimate book cards and autographed insert cards are also anticipated.
The integration of past and present offerings in the collection showcases Topps’ commitment to celebrating baseball’s rich history while incorporating modern innovations in card design and manufacturing. The focus on diverse collecting options and technological advancements reflects the evolving landscape of baseball card collecting.
The 2024 Bowman Baseball set promises collectors a comprehensive experience that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a wide array of collecting options. With its high-quality cards and a mix of modern and classic elements, this edition is anticipated to raise the bar in the realm of baseball card collecting.
