In a world where sports memorabilia holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, the mention of Tom Brady’s name brings undeniable excitement. With his legendary career in the NFL, Brady has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. However, it seems that his talents extend beyond football, as he has also found his way onto baseball cards.
Enter the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, where an unexpected gem awaits collectors. Among the various cards in this collection, there lies a 1995 draft pick card featuring none other than Tom Brady. This card is being promoted as Brady’s first official baseball card, and while this claim may hold true for fully completed cards distributed in packs, it is not his first appearance on a baseball card issued by Topps.
In 2014, Topps Five Star Baseball marked the first instance of Brady’s presence on a baseball card. He was listed among the autograph cards, adding a touch of rarity and excitement to the set. These autograph cards were included as redemptions in packs, enticing collectors with the promise of obtaining a valuable piece of memorabilia. However, despite the passage of nine years, these redemptions have yet to be fulfilled, leaving collectors eagerly anticipating their arrival. It is worth mentioning that notable quarterbacks such as John Elway and Dan Marino, who were also drafted by MLB teams, were part of the original checklist.
The delay in the fulfillment of the 2014 Topps Five Star Brady redemptions may be attributed to the shift that occurred in the world of trading cards. This particular release marked the last season Topps held the NFL and NFLPA licenses before Panini acquired exclusive rights. As a result, the release of the actual autographed cards was likely hampered by this transition. While this explanation may provide some context, for collectors who have been patiently waiting, it offers little consolation.
Fast forward to 2023, where Tom Brady, now retired from football, finds himself making another appearance on baseball cards. With an exclusive autograph deal with Fanatics, the current owner of Topps, Brady features prominently in the Bowman Draft set. This collection boasts an impressive 81 signed Brady cards, including various versions such as the Gold Refractor, Orange Refractors, Red Refractors, and the highly coveted one-of-one Superfractor. Some cards even come with unique inscriptions, adding an extra layer of intrigue for collectors.
Among the diverse range of cards in the collection, there is also a rare unsigned version showcasing a young Brady donning a Montreal Expos uniform. This particular card pays homage to the time when Brady was drafted as a catcher by the Expos straight out of high school in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Ultimately, Brady made the monumental decision to pursue a college football career, setting the stage for his legendary path in the NFL.
While collectors revel in the excitement surrounding the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball set, there remains an ongoing curiosity about the fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star Tom Brady redemption. Enthusiasts have reached out to Topps representatives in hopes of uncovering any updates on its production status. The collecting community eagerly awaits news on whether these long-awaited cards will finally see the light of day, adding another chapter to the fascinating story of Tom Brady’s baseball card journey.
In conclusion, Tom Brady’s journey in the world of baseball cards has been a captivating one. From redemptions in 2014 to his retirement from football in 2023, Brady’s presence has left collectors eagerly awaiting each new release. As the story continues to unfold, the hope remains that the mysterious fate of the 2014 Topps Five Star redemption will finally be revealed, offering collectors the chance to complete their collections and celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest athletes of our time.
