Topps, the renowned baseball card company, has embarked on a groundbreaking venture in partnership with artist and former Major League Baseball player Micah Johnson. Together, they have introduced an extraordinary series of baseball cards dedicated to honoring the influential legacy of the Negro Leagues. The result of this unprecedented collaboration is the inaugural Topps Negro Leagues Baseball Card Set, a project that holds special significance for Johnson as one of his proudest accomplishments in his artistic career.
The highly anticipated series made its grand debut with the unveiling of a Satchel Paige card in Kansas City, marking the beginning of the “Road to Rickwood” campaign. Leading up to the revered Rickwood Classic, a new card will be revealed every week, with the climax set to coincide with a special Major League Baseball game at Rickwood Field on June 20, 2024. This momentous occasion not only pays homage to the oldest professional ballpark in the United States but also commemorates the former home of the legendary Birmingham Black Barons. To amplify the celebration, gigantic 24-foot tall replicas of each card will be prominently showcased at various MLB ballparks across the nation.
Micah Johnson, the artist behind this exceptional series, has seamlessly transitioned from his professional baseball career to establish himself as a notable artist with a clear mission to inspire and empower through his work. His intricate, hand-drawn portraits of esteemed Negro Leagues players featured in the Topps series exemplify a harmonious blend of artistic craftsmanship and historical reverence.
Apart from the standard base cards, collectors have the exciting opportunity to acquire limited edition Numbered Parallel Cards in each print run, adding a layer of exclusivity and allure to these valuable collectibles. The various versions of these parallel cards include the Silver Border (/99), Blue Border (/49), Purple Border (/25), Red Border (/10), Orange Border (/5), and the ultra-rare Gold Border (/1), intensifying the thrill of the hunt for collectors seeking these unique pieces.
The Topps Negro Leagues card series not only serves as a platform to celebrate the profound history and enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues but also offers fans and collectors a rare chance to possess artistic renditions that encapsulate the essence of these revered baseball icons. With fresh releases scheduled every Thursday leading up to June 20, aficionados eagerly await each new addition to this historic and culturally significant series.