Pete Rose, a figure known for his controversial past in baseball, is making a surprising comeback in the trading card world with the release of the 2024 Bowman Baseball set. This edition marks the first time since 1989, shortly after his banishment from baseball due to gambling, that Rose’s cards will be featured in MLB-licensed products.
Topps, the renowned producer of Bowman cards, has included special Retrofractor cards of Pete Rose in this latest release. These cards have garnered significant attention from fans and collectors alike, as Rose remains on baseball’s banned list despite his outstanding accomplishments as the game’s all-time hits leader and a three-time World Series champion. Some of these cards are even autographed, adding a rare and valuable collectible element to the mix.
For years, Topps refrained from incorporating Rose’s name or likeness in any MLB-licensed merchandise, adhering to the MLB’s strict policy surrounding banned individuals like Rose. This approach was in line with the league’s stance on featuring Rose in officially licensed products, as explained by Matt Bourne, MLB’s vice president of business public relations, in a 2013 interview with USA Today.
Interestingly, while Rose remains ineligible for any official MLB team roles, MLB has not prevented him from engaging in personal commercial endeavors related to baseball. This shift is evident in his inclusion in trading card products by Topps, which is the league’s official partner. However, the details of this agreement remain undisclosed, as Fanatics, the owner of Topps, has not addressed inquiries regarding the deal.
Despite his ban from baseball-related activities, Rose has continued to maintain a presence in the sport through various avenues, including roles as a television analyst, on-field recognitions at select events, and collaborative merchandise projects like the one with Mitchell & Ness for throwback jerseys.
The reintroduction of Pete Rose’s cards in the 2024 Bowman set comes alongside other non-MLB licensed appearances, such as sticker autographs and a previous appearance in a 2015 Topps WWE release. While his signatures are not necessarily scarce, they are expected to gain increased appeal and value when featured in a widely distributed MLB product like Bowman.
In addition to Rose’s cards, the 2024 Bowman collection introduces several exciting features for collectors, including unique inscriptions like “My 1st Bowman Auto” and case hits like “Gladiators of the Diamond.” Vintage enthusiasts can also look forward to 1955 Bowman-styled cards included one per case, along with the debut Bowman autographs of new Japanese players Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung-Hoo Lee, marking their rookie status in the set.
This year’s Bowman release offers a diverse range of configurations to cater to collectors of all preferences, blending nostalgia with modern collectible trends and stirring up renewed excitement in the trading card community.
