"My 1st Bowman Auto": The Rare Baseball Card Inscription
For avid sports collectors like me, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of hunting down the 1st Bowman Rookie Cards of baseball’s up and coming rising stars and top draft picks, however there's a certain inscription, that, to me, carries an umatched rarity and one that's even more elusive than that of a superfractor.
A player's "1st Bowman" card doesn’t just represent a player's entry into the world of professional baseball, it represents the foundation behind what will eventually be a player's legacy throughout the hobby we all know and love. With the release of 2024 Bowman Draft, Topps has added a captivating new twist that makes this year’s set even more special: select players have autographed cards with an inscription that reads "My 1st Bowman Auto".
𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Jac Caglianone’s first pro baseball card that he EVER signed.
— Topps (@Topps) December 11, 2024
When MLB Prospects do their first Bowman baseball card signing, they inscribe “My 1st Bowman Auto” on ONLY their first card that they sign – making the card a truly one-of-a-kind collectible. pic.twitter.com/cDC3LZoouQ
This unique feature has collectors buzzing because it only appears on one single card for each player, creating an instant grail for those lucky enough to land it. The perfect blend of scarcity, personalization, and player potential makes these cards the ultimate prize for collectors who are chasing such autographs throughout 2024 Bowman Draft.
Leading the charge in this groundbreaking set is Kansas City Royals phenom Jac Caglianone, one of the most exciting prospects in baseball today. Known for his towering power at the plate and his standout performances at the University of Florida, Caglianone has the makings of a future star. His inclusion in the 2024 Bowman Draft set is enough to get collectors excited, but it’s his inscribed auto that’s truly turning heads.
Caglianone’s "My 1st Bowman Auto" inscription is found on a Blue Parallel serial-numbered 001/150. The combination of the inscription, low serial number, and his status as a top prospect makes this card a centerpiece for any serious collector. The vivid blue parallel design perfectly complements the Royals’ team colors, adding an extra layer of aesthetic appeal.
The 1st Bowman card has always been the gold standard for prospect collectors, and Caglianone’s inscribed auto raises the stakes even higher. Here’s why:
1. Unmatched Rarity: With only one inscribed auto per player, this card represents a level of scarcity that even some superfractors can’t match.
2. Personal Connection: The handwritten inscription isn’t just a rarity marker, it’s a piece of the player’s personality. Knowing that Caglianone took the time to pen "My 1st Bowman Auto" makes the card feel like a direct connection to his journey.
3. Future Potential: Caglianone’s combination of raw talent and marketability positions him as a potential superstar. If his career takes off, this card’s value and significance will soar.
For collectors, the chase for a card like this is part of the magic. Whether you’re ripping open packs, bidding in auctions, or hunting through card shows, the dream of uncovering that elusive inscribed auto keeps the hobby vibrant.
Topps has done something extraordinary with the 2024 Bowman Draft, giving collectors a fresh reason to fall in love with the 1st Bowman brand all over again. As someone who thrives on discovering tomorrow’s stars, the allure of chasing Jac Caglianone’s Blue 001/150 "My 1st Bowman Auto" is impossible to resist.
Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com