Topps, in an unprecedented move, has teamed up with artist and former MLB player Micah Johnson to launch an extraordinary series of baseball cards honoring the trailblazing Negro Leagues. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the creation of the inaugural Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, a project cherished by Johnson as one of his proudest achievements. The series commenced with the grand reveal of a Satchel Paige card in Kansas City, marking the beginning of the “Road to Rickwood” campaign.
Leading up to the illustrious Rickwood Classic, a highly anticipated event, a new card will be unveiled each week, culminating in a special MLB game at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024. The game and card series are a heartfelt tribute to the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. and the former home of the illustrious Birmingham Black Barons. In further homage to this historic occasion, towering 24-foot tall replicas of each card will be exhibited at various MLB ballparks across the nation.
Renowned Artist: Micah Johnson, transitioning seamlessly from professional baseball to a celebrated artist, carries a profound mission to inspire and empower through his art. His masterful illustrations for the Topps series showcase intricately hand-drawn portraits of legendary Negro Leagues players, seamlessly blending artistic finesse with historical reverence.
Collectible Highlights: Beyond the base cards, collectors are in for a treat with the opportunity to discover limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards in each print run, adding an element of exclusivity. These include the Silver Border (/99), Blue Border (/49), Purple Border (/25), Red Border (/10), Orange Border (/5), and the ultra-rare Gold Border (/1). These parallel editions elevate the rarity and allure of these collector’s items, heightening the excitement for enthusiasts hunting for these prized possessions.
This card series not only commemorates the storied history and enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues but also provides fans and collectors with a distinctive chance to own a captivating piece of art immortalizing these baseball icons. With fresh releases scheduled every Thursday leading up to June 20, avid followers eagerly await each new addition to this monumental series.
