In the ever-evolving world of sports memorabilia, there is one rookie card that has become the talk of the town in the year 2024. The Tom Brady Autographed Refractor is a coveted gem that has captured the hearts of collectors and sports enthusiasts alike. What sets this particular card apart is not just its autograph or vibrant orange refractor design, but its unique distinction as the first ever graded PSA Gem Mint 10, PSA/DNA Auto 10 of its kind. Serial numbered 11/25, this card is a true rarity that stands above the rest. Collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to its exclusivity and unparalleled quality.
Topps had to get creative when making the Bowman Draft card for Brady, as there were no pictures of him in an Expos uniform from 1995. They used a headshot from his high school days and digitally placed it on a Montreal uniform from that time. The card has the iconic 1995 Bowman baseball design with a Chrome finish. To make it extra special, Brady personally signed only 81 cards, including the highly sought-after 1/1 Superfractor (Graded PSA 9), which sold for over $150,000! This particular Orange Refractor is in better condition and has a nicer signature too! It’s literally perfect!
Collectors understand the significance of owning such a card. It represents a piece of history, a tangible connection to the sports legend who has left an indelible mark on the game (of football). Its allure lies not only in its scarcity but also in the passion it ignites in collectors. It is a card that sparks the thrill of the chase, the excitement of the hunt. Collectors will stop at nothing to add this prized possession to their collection, making it an eternal pursuit for many.
Tom Brady, the celebrated quarterback of the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had an unexpected journey on his way to becoming an NFL superstar and future Hall of Famer. Before making his mark on the football field, Brady's talents were showcased in a different sport during his senior year at Serra High School in San Mateo, California. As a left-handed hitting catcher, he displayed an incredible ability to blast impressive home runs, catching the attention of scouts.
Although Brady had committed to play football at the University of Michigan, one scout, John Hughes of the Montreal Expos, saw immense potential in him as a catcher. Despite the challenges posed by Brady's football scholarship, Hughes believed in his talent and drafted him in the 18th round, knowing it would be a difficult task to persuade him to choose baseball over football. As a strong armed catcher, Brady had the potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
However, it would take nearly three decades for Brady's dream of wearing an Expos uniform to come true, thanks to the creativity of Topps. In 2023, Topps released a special Bowman Draft card featuring Brady in an alternate universe where he became a baseball superstar for the Expos. This hypothetical scenario kept the Expos in Montreal, and Brady's achievements in baseball mirrored his success in football. His 649 touchdown passes were translated into 649 home runs, and he even won seven championships, including an epic comeback.
Topps released a video accompanying the card, featuring Expos Hall of Famers Larry Walker, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., and Pedro Martínez reminiscing about how Brady never let them down, except when facing the Giants - a playful nod to Brady's Super Bowl losses. The video also depicted Brady waking up to his dream after an alarm sounded at 12:12 on December 12, 2023, which was dubbed "Brady Day" by Fanatics.
Coby Kerr, the brand manager at Topps, shared his insights on the card's design, explaining that they aimed to make it as unique as possible to capture the essence of Brady's draft era. The back of the card featured a scouting report that covered Brady's journey leading up to his draft day, before football took center stage.
While Tom Brady's decision to pursue football over baseball has undoubtedly paid off, it's fascinating to envision what his career might have been like in the major leagues. Thanks to Topps and their innovative approach, collectors and fans can catch a glimpse of this alternate reality where Brady thrived in baseball and the Expos remained a beloved team in Montreal.