Shohei Ohtani’s ascent to legendary status took another leap at the recent “Holy Grails” auction in Harlem, where his rookie card became the star of the show. The 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card of Ohtani fetched an astonishing $336,000, breaking auction records and solidifying his place in the collectibles world. This surpasses the previous record of $312,000 set in December 2021, marking a significant increase in value from its previous sales of $62,730 in October 2021 and a mere $4,800 in May 2019. The unexpected surge in the card’s price was largely driven by Ohtani’s extraordinary on-field achievements, notably being the first MLB player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
The event, a collaboration between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, attracted a star-studded audience that included the likes of Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, Logan Paul, and Meek Mill. The highlight of the night was Robert Kraft’s eye-catching purchase of a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000, adding to the allure and excitement of the auction.
While Ohtani’s card stole the spotlight, other notable sales included rising MLB star Elly De La Cruz’s 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card, which commanded an impressive $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s own record-breaking sale. The evening reached its peak with a remarkable bid of $780,000 for a unique 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring basketball icons Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This exceptional card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from the players’ jerseys, captivated bidders and exemplified the rare and prestigious items showcased at the auction.
As Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of collectibles, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card and its significance by highlighting its placement as the first lot in the auction, setting the tone for a night filled with awe-inspiring bids and iconic sports memorabilia. The “Holy Grails” auction served as a platform for some of the most sought-after sports collectibles, with Ohtani’s monumental sale paving the way for impressive transactions and moments that will be etched in the annals of sports history.
