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The $300 What-If: Everything You Need To Know About The Tom Brady Montreal Expos Jersey

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The Tom Brady Montreal Expos jersey is one of the most fascinating "what-if" pieces of sports memorabilia in history, symbolizing a career path that nearly saw the greatest quarterback of all time trade his helmet for a catcher's mitt. As of December 22, 2025, the story behind this iconic jersey remains a popular topic, especially among collectors and fans who love to dive into the deep cuts of sports esoterica. This deep-dive explores the true story of how the seven-time Super Bowl champion was drafted by a Major League Baseball team, what happened to that franchise, and how you can acquire the coveted Expos jersey today.

The jersey itself—a replica of the uniform Brady would have worn—is a tangible link to a parallel universe where Tom Terrific became a baseball star instead of an NFL icon. Its popularity has surged since his retirement, solidifying its place as a must-have item that celebrates one of the most improbable draft stories in modern sports history.

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.: A Brief Biography and Baseball Profile

Tom Brady's NFL dominance is legendary, but his early life was equally defined by his prowess on the baseball diamond, a fact central to the Expos jersey's mystique. The following entities provide a quick profile of the man who nearly played for the Montreal franchise:

  • Full Name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.
  • Born: August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California.
  • High School: Junipero Serra High School (San Mateo, CA).
  • College: University of Michigan (1995–1999).
  • NFL Draft: 2000 NFL Draft, 6th Round, 199th Overall (New England Patriots).
  • MLB Draft: 1995 MLB Draft, 18th Round, 507th Overall (Montreal Expos).
  • MLB Position: Catcher.
  • Key Baseball Stats (High School): Hit .311 with eight home runs in two varsity seasons.
  • NFL Career Highlights: 7x Super Bowl Champion, 5x Super Bowl MVP, 3x NFL MVP.
  • Retirement Status: Retired from the NFL in 2023.

Brady was a highly-touted baseball prospect, known for his left-handed power and strong arm behind the plate. The Montreal Expos organization was serious about drafting him, with then-General Manager Kevin Malone even stating that Brady had the potential to be one of the greatest catchers in MLB history.

The Shocking Story of the 1995 MLB Draft and the Expos

The connection between Tom Brady and the Montreal Expos is not a myth; it is a documented moment in sports history that highlights the thin line between two legendary careers. This is the timeline and the key players involved in the draft pick that almost changed everything:

The Expos’ Bold Decision

On June 2, 1995, the Montreal Expos selected Tom Brady, a high school catcher from California, in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. The Expos' scout, John Hughes, was instrumental in the decision, seeing tremendous potential in the young athlete. Hughes was impressed by Brady's power and competitive fire, believing he was a future All-Star. The pick came just a few rounds after the Expos selected Michael Barrett in the first round, another catcher who would go on to have a respectable MLB career.

Brady faced a monumental decision: accept the Expos' offer and begin his minor league career, or attend the University of Michigan on a football scholarship. Ultimately, Brady chose to play quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, a decision that cemented the future of the NFL and left the Expos with one of the greatest unfulfilled draft picks in baseball history.

The Last Active Expos Draft Pick

The Expos franchise itself is another layer of historical intrigue. Founded in 1969, the team was the first MLB franchise in Canada. However, after years of financial struggles and low attendance, the team relocated after the 2004 season, becoming the Washington Nationals.

When Tom Brady finally retired from the NFL in 2023, he earned a unique distinction: he became the last active player drafted by the Montreal Expos to retire from professional sports. This incredible fact, spanning nearly three decades and two different sports, highlights the longevity and rarity of Brady's career and adds significant topical authority to the Expos jersey.

Acquiring the Tom Brady Expos Jersey: Value and Availability

Since Brady never played a game for the Expos, there is no "game-worn" jersey. Instead, the popular items on the market are high-quality, officially licensed replica jerseys, which are highly sought after by collectors of unique sports memorabilia.

Current Market Value and Retailers

The most common and popular version of the Tom Brady Expos jersey is manufactured by Mitchell & Ness, a brand specializing in vintage and throwback apparel. These jerseys are available in several styles, including a silver authentic version and a gray button-down, both featuring the classic Expos logo.

  • Mitchell & Ness Authentic Replica: As of late 2025, a non-autographed, authentic replica Mitchell & Ness jersey typically retails for approximately $300. These are often produced in limited edition runs, leading to occasional restocks and high demand.
  • Autographed Jerseys: For the serious collector, autographed versions are available through licensed retailers like Fanatics Authentic. These can command a significantly higher price, often ranging from $1,500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the authentication and framing.
  • Trading Cards and Esoterica: The jersey's popularity has led to other memorabilia, such as recent Topps trading card campaigns that humorously reimagine Brady's baseball career, further fueling interest in the "Expos Catcher" narrative.

Why the Jersey is a Collector's Item

The Tom Brady Expos jersey is more than just a piece of apparel; it is a conversation starter and a symbol of a pivotal moment in sports history. Its value is driven by several key factors:

  1. The "What-If" Factor: It represents the greatest counterfactual in modern sports. Had Brady chosen baseball, the entire landscape of the NFL—and potentially MLB—would be unrecognizable.
  2. The Expos Legacy: It connects the NFL's GOAT to a beloved, defunct MLB franchise, appealing to fans of both the New England Patriots and the history of the Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals.
  3. Rarity and Exclusivity: While replicas are available, they are often produced in limited batches by premium brands like Mitchell & Ness, maintaining their value and desirability on the secondary market.

Whether you're a devoted fan of the New England dynasty, a collector of unique baseball history, or simply someone who appreciates a great sports story, the Tom Brady Expos jersey stands as a powerful, tangible reminder of the career that almost was.

tom brady expos jersey
tom brady expos jersey

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