Topps, the renowned baseball card company, has made waves in the sports memorabilia world by announcing a groundbreaking collaboration with artist and former MLB player Micah Johnson. Together, they are introducing the first-ever Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, honoring the legendary players of the Negro Leagues in a unique and artistic way. This partnership marks a significant moment for baseball history and the legacy of these often-overlooked athletes.
The unveiling of the inaugural card featuring the iconic Satchel Paige took place in Kansas City, coinciding with the “Road to Rickwood” initiative. As part of this special project, a new card will be released weekly leading up to the highly anticipated Rickwood Classic, scheduled for June 20, 2024. The Rickwood Classic, a celebrated event, will include a special MLB game at Rickwood Field, the historic home of the Birmingham Black Barons, honoring the oldest professional ballpark in the United States.
To commemorate the significance of this series and the legacy of the Negro Leagues, massive 24-foot tall replicas of each card will be prominently displayed at various MLB ballparks across the country. These larger-than-life representations serve as a striking tribute to the groundbreaking impact these players had on the world of baseball and beyond.
Micah Johnson, the talented artist behind this historic card series, has seamlessly transitioned from his career in professional baseball to a notable artist with a profound mission to inspire and empower through his art. Johnson’s hand-drawn portraits showcase meticulous detail and reverence for the legendary Negro Leagues players, blending artistic mastery with a deep appreciation for history and heritage.
In addition to the base cards featuring these revered players, collectors have the opportunity to acquire limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards in each print run, adding an exciting element of rarity and exclusivity to the collection. These special parallel cards come in various editions, including the Silver Border (/99), Blue Border (/49), Purple Border (/25), Red Border (/10), Orange Border (/5), and the highly coveted Gold Border (/1), ensuring that collectors have a chance to own a truly unique piece of baseball history.
The Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Series not only celebrates the extraordinary athletes and rich legacy of the Negro Leagues but also offers fans, historians, and collectors a tangible connection to this vital piece of baseball history. With new cards being released every Thursday leading up to the Rickwood Classic, anticipation and excitement are building as enthusiasts eagerly await each addition to this historically significant and artistically striking series.
