Topps, the renowned trading card company, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey by joining forces with the talented artist and former MLB player, Micah Johnson. Their collaboration has birthed a remarkable series of baseball cards dedicated to celebrating the iconic players of the Negro Leagues. This unprecedented venture has resulted in the creation of the inaugural Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, a project that holds a special place in Johnson’s heart, marking it as one of his most cherished achievements.
The series was officially launched with the introduction of a Satchel Paige card in Kansas City, as part of the “Road to Rickwood” initiative. As the countdown begins to the highly anticipated Rickwood Classic, a new card from the series will be unveiled each week, leading up to a special MLB game scheduled at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024. This significant game, along with the card series, serves as a tribute to the historic significance of the oldest professional ballpark in the United States and the former home of the notable Birmingham Black Barons.
To elevate the commemoration of this monumental event, monumental 24-foot tall replicas of each card will be showcased at various MLB ballparks across the nation. This grand gesture aims to amplify the recognition and appreciation of the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the profound impact they have had on the sport of baseball.
Micah Johnson, the artist behind this exceptional series, has seamlessly transitioned from his professional baseball career to a prominent figure in the art world, driven by a mission to inspire and empower through his creations. Johnson’s meticulous hand-drawn portraits of legendary Negro Leagues players exemplify a harmonious blend of artistic finesse and historical reverence, capturing the essence and spirit of these revered baseball icons.
Aside from the base cards featuring these iconic players, collectors will have the exciting opportunity to acquire limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards in each print run. These exclusive parallels 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 varying border editions add an extra layer of rarity and allure to the already prized collector’s items, heightening the thrill of the hunt for avid collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The release of this extraordinary card series not only commemorates the rich history and enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues but also offers fans and collectors a unique chance to own a piece of art that encapsulates the essence and greatness of these baseball legends. With the anticipation building up for the weekly releases culminating on June 20, 2024, enthusiasts and aficionados of the sport are eagerly awaiting each new addition to this historic and culturally significant series.
