The 2024 Bowman Draft trading card set has just dropped, and it’s creating a buzz in both the sports card and baseball communities for an unexpected reason. Among its 200 cards featuring the hottest draft picks and top prospects, this year’s set includes a first-ever baseball card appearance from none other than John Elway—a Denver sports legend best known for his Hall of Fame NFL career with the Denver Broncos.
While Elway’s legacy is firmly rooted in football, Topps is using this special card to shine a light on his lesser-known yet intriguing baseball past, imagining what could have been had Elway chosen the diamond over the gridiron.
Elway’s Baseball Background
Long before Elway became a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and one of the most iconic players in NFL history, he was also a promising baseball talent. In 1981, Elway was selected by the New York Yankees as the No. 52 overall pick in the MLB Draft. During his time with the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate, he posted an impressive .318 batting average—a stat that highlights his athletic versatility and potential on the baseball field.Topps decided to honor this alternate path in Elway’s career by including a signed baseball card in their latest Bowman Draft set. The company described the card as “imagining what Elway’s MLB rookie card might have looked like had he stuck with baseball.”
The MLB Connection: A Career That Could Have Been
Elway’s decision to prioritize football over baseball wasn’t without drama. Drafted first overall in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, Elway famously threatened to play professional baseball instead of signing with the team. This stance was strategic, as Elway leveraged his baseball prospects to force a trade to the Denver Broncos. The bold move worked, and the rest is football history.However, the 2024 Bowman Draft card serves as a nod to the crossroads in Elway’s early career. His card prominently displays a clever inscription, "Yankees > Colts," referencing the pivotal role his baseball career played in shaping his NFL destiny.
The “Drafted Ahead of Gwynn” Twist
Adding to the card’s historical significance is another detail etched into its design: “Drafted ahead of Gwynn.” This phrase references how Elway was chosen in the MLB Draft over Tony Gwynn, a baseball legend who would go on to become one of the sport's greatest hitters and a Hall of Famer. It’s a fascinating “what if” scenario that showcases the high regard baseball scouts had for Elway’s potential as an MLB player.The story behind this selection has even been immortalized in an advertisement for the card, featuring Yankees owner George Steinbrenner arguing with a scout over drafting Elway. It’s a playful yet poignant reminder of how close Elway came to pursuing a very different career.
Bowman Draft 2024: A Celebration of Prospecting
The inclusion of John Elway in the 2024 Bowman Draft set is a testament to Topps’ creativity in bridging sports history with modern collectibles. Known for highlighting rising stars and top MLB prospects, Bowman Draft has long been a favorite among baseball card enthusiasts. This year’s 200-card set continues the tradition, but the addition of Elway adds a layer of nostalgia and intrigue that extends its appeal beyond traditional baseball fans.Collectors will find not only draft picks and top current prospects in the set but also this unique piece of crossover history. The Elway card comes in various signed and unsigned versions, with limited variations driving up the demand. Some variations are fetching prices of $500 or more, with premium editions commanding thousands of dollars.
Bowman and Elway: A Perfect Match
Bowman is no stranger to celebrating historic and iconic moments in baseball. The brand is revered for producing the first cards of future MLB stars, often referred to as “rookie cards” in the collecting world. By including Elway—a figure who blends athleticism, controversy, and a compelling narrative—Topps brings a fresh perspective to their Bowman Draft product line.Elway’s card is more than a collectible; it’s a symbol of sports history. It captures the essence of a young athlete torn between two passions, using one career to shape the trajectory of another. While Elway ultimately chose football, his presence in the Bowman Draft set reminds us of the untold stories that intersect professional sports.
Variations and Collectibility
The John Elway cards in the Bowman Draft set are not just about nostalgia—they’re also a hot commodity in the collector’s market. Variations of the card range in design and rarity, with some featuring additional inscriptions or enhanced signatures. Prices for these cards reflect their unique appeal:- Base Variations: Starting around $500.
- Signed Limited Editions: Commanding thousands of dollars.
The Legacy of Elway and Bowman
John Elway’s inclusion in the Bowman Draft set isn’t just a tribute to his athletic prowess—it’s a celebration of the crossroads in sports history where baseball and football collided. It’s a reminder of how different Elway’s story could have been and a testament to the enduring “what if” moments that make sports so compelling.For collectors and fans alike, the 2024 Bowman Draft set offers a chance to own a piece of this unique story. Whether you’re chasing the latest MLB prospects or celebrating Elway’s alternate path, this year’s set delivers a mix of history, excitement, and unparalleled value.
So, while Elway may never have worn Yankees pinstripes on the big stage, his baseball story lives on—immortalized in the 2024 Bowman Draft set, a true collector’s treasure.