Pete Rose Featured in 2024 Bowman Baseball Cards, Ending Long MLB Hiatus
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Pete Rose, once banned from Major League Baseball, is set to appear in 2024 Bowman Baseball packs, marking his first inclusion in MLB-licensed products since 1989. The series will showcase Retrofractor cards, including autographed versions of the legendary player.
In a notable shift in Major League Baseball's stance, Pete Rose's image and signature are set to grace MLB-licensed products once again with the release of 2024 Bowman Baseball. This reintroduction marks the end of a long absence that began shortly after Rose was banned from baseball for betting on games in 1989.
Topps, the producer behind Bowman Baseball, is highlighting the inclusion of Retrofractor cards of Rose, who despite remaining on MLB’s banned list, is celebrated as baseball’s all-time hits leader and a three-time World Series champion. The collection will feature several Rose cards, some of which are autographed, adding a layer of rarity and appeal for collectors.
For decades, MLB policies restricted any official products from featuring Rose, aligning with his banishment from formal baseball activities. However, MLB does not restrict Rose’s personal business ventures, which now includes his return to the trading card scene. Although specific details of how this agreement was facilitated remain undisclosed, the move has been greeted with enthusiasm in the sports memorabilia community.
While Rose cannot hold any formal positions within MLB teams, he has remained connected to the sport. He has served as a studio analyst for MLB games and participated in various baseball-related public events. Rose’s memorabilia, including his autographs in non-MLB licensed products and his featured appearance on a 2015 Topps WWE release, have continued to circulate among fans.
With his inclusion in 2024 Bowman, Rose's autographs are anticipated to become more valuable, particularly those limited editions found within MLB products, such as the 1/1 autographed SuperFractor. This redemption card was notably pulled on release day, indicating strong interest among collectors.
The 2024 Bowman set not only brings back Pete Rose but also introduces new features like "My 1st Bowman Auto" inscriptions, "Gladiators of the Diamond" case hits, and vintage-inspired 1955 Bowman-styled cards. Additionally, new Japanese signings Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee will have their first Bowman autographs, highlighting their rookie status.
This year's Bowman is available in various configurations, offering collectors diverse options to engage with baseball history and its modern-day stars.
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