The 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is creating a buzz among collectors and fans alike. This highly anticipated release features a blend of MLB prospects and the surprising addition of NFL legend Tom Brady.
Scheduled to be released in mid-December, this collection follows the success of 2023 Bowman Baseball and Bowman Chrome. It promises to deliver an exciting mix of cards, autographs, and parallels for collectors to enjoy.
The base set consists of 200 cards, showcasing top draft picks and rising stars in the MLB. Notable players include Wyatt Langford, Paul Skenes, and Ethan Salas. Ten players are also featured with “1st Bowman” notations and image variations for a unique twist. In addition to these prospects, the collection pays homage to baseball legends with short-printed RetroFractor cards of Josh Gibson and Carl Yastrzemski, with Yastrzemski also having an autographed version.
One of the standout features of this collection is the wide variety of parallels available in both paper and chrome formats. Collectors can look forward to new additions such as Aqua/Pink and Red/Green Gradient Borders, as well as the exclusive Orange Borders only found in hobby boxes. Chrome cards introduce several new refractors, including Lunar Glow and Fuchsia Lunar, adding depth and excitement to the collection.
The inserts in the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection draw inspiration from the classic 1954 Bowman baseball design. The Bowman 1954 Flag Variation showcases young players against their home flags, while the Bowman Draft Glass and Chrome Prospector’s Special Die-Cut inserts add a touch of elegance to the set. New inserts debuting this year include Transformative Talents and Draft Picks & Prospects, adding further excitement and collectability.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this collection is the inclusion of Tom Brady. The NFL legend, who was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1995, is celebrated as a “Dream Draft Pick” in the collection. While no preview images are available, there will be various limited Refractor parallels of Brady’s card, offering collectors a unique addition to their collection. Additionally, the set features a diverse range of autographs, including Chrome Prospect Autographs, Mood Ring Red Autographs, and Bowman ’54 Flag Variation Red Refractor autographs.
The collection also features dual signatures with Franchise Futures Dual Autographs and highlights this year’s notable MLB draft choices with the Class of 2023 Autographs. As a bonus, collectors can discover special autographed booklets and Under Armour Game Autographed cards, providing even more excitement and value to the collection.
For collectors seeking rarity and exclusivity, the Class of 2023 Autographs section offers a range of parallels, including the new Green Refractor, along with the Gold, Red, and SuperFractor parallels. Tom Brady’s “Dream Draft Pick” also comes with limited Gold Refractor parallels, Orange, Red, and the extremely rare SuperFractor, making his cards a must-have for both football and baseball fans.
The Base Set Gold Retrofractor Autographs, limited to just 50 cards, follow the same parallel configuration as the Brady autographs, further enhancing their rarity and collectability.
An exclusive aspect of this collection is the Draft Glass Autographs, numbered to 99. These autographs come with a range of parallel options, including Lava, Gold Mini-Diamond, and the hobby-exclusive Orange, Red, and SuperFractor parallels.
Collectors can also find Image Variation Autograph parallel cards, numbered to 99, offering a fresh visual perspective on some of the players included in the set, adding an element of surprise and diversity to the collection.
For those seeking the ultimate rare find, the autographed booklets in this year’s set are a true treasure. The “Positioned for Excellence” booklet, limited to just 10 copies, and the “Picked for Excellence” Autographed booklet, limited to only 5 copies, are highly sought-after items. Each booklet also has a Red Refractor parallel (limited to 5) and a SuperFractor (1/1), making them some of the most coveted items in the collection.
Lastly, the set includes Under Armour Game Autographed cards with varied serial numbers, featuring autographs from promising young talents in baseball, adding an extra element of excitement to the collection.
In conclusion, the 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball collection is a comprehensive and exciting release that caters to both collectors and fans of the sport. With its mix of top MLB prospects, the inclusion of Tom Brady as a “Dream Draft Pick,” and a wide range of autographs and parallels, this collection is a must-have for any baseball card enthusiast.
