Topps has made baseball card history by teaming up with artist and former MLB player Micah Johnson to introduce a groundbreaking series paying tribute to the legendary Negro Leagues. This collaboration marks the birth of the inaugural Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, a project that stands as a proud achievement for Johnson as he showcases his artistic talent and reverence for these historical baseball icons.
The series commenced with the introduction of a Satchel Paige card in Kansas City, marking the beginning of the “Road to Rickwood” initiative. Over the upcoming weeks leading to the esteemed Rickwood Classic, a new card will be revealed weekly. The culmination is set to take place during a special MLB game at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024. This event not only celebrates the esteemed history of the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. but also pays homage to the former home of the Birmingham Black Barons, showcasing the pivotal role played by the Negro Leagues in shaping baseball’s narrative.
To amplify the significance of this historic endeavor, towering 24-foot tall replicas of each card will be prominently showcased at various MLB ballparks across the nation, allowing fans and enthusiasts to marvel at the artistic renditions and the stories behind each player immortalized in the Topps series.
Micah Johnson, an artist on a mission to inspire and empower through his work, has meticulously crafted detailed hand-drawn portraits of the legendary Negro Leagues players featured in the Topps series. His blend of artistic finesse and historical reverence breathes life into these collectible cards, capturing the essence of a bygone era in baseball history.
Aside from the base cards, collectors can revel in the excitement of discovering limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards in every print run. These exclusive variations include Silver Border (/99), Blue Border (/49), Purple Border (/25), Red Border (/10), Orange Border (/5), and the rarest of them all, the Gold Border (/1). These distinct parallels add an element of rarity and allure to the cards, elevating their value and appeal among avid collectors who cherish the thrill of the chase.
Beyond being valuable collector’s items, this card series serves as a poignant homage to the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues and offers fans an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of art that encapsulates the essence and spirit of these revered baseball figures. With a promise of new releases every Thursday leading up to the grand finale on June 20, enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly awaiting each addition to this historic and culturally significant series.
