
The world of sports trading cards continues to thrive in 2023, with card-grading companies PSA and ISA maintaining their dominance. PSA has recently announced the top 10 athletes and cards based on the submissions they received throughout the year. Topping the list is none other than Major League Baseball (MLB) superstar Shohei Ohtani, who made headlines with his record-breaking $700 million contract signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, have become highly sought after among collectors, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. Remarkably, Ohtani holds four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023, solidifying his status as a trading card icon.
While Ohtani takes the lead, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. His 1990 Fleer card continues to be a favorite among collectors and has secured him a spot in the top 10 athletes for 2023. Joining them on the list are Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II. These athletes have all made significant contributions to their respective sports, making their cards highly coveted by fans and collectors alike.
The most graded sports cards of 2023 showcase some of Ohtani’s remarkable cards, including the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Other notable cards that have garnered attention include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 featuring Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card. These cards represent iconic moments and players in the sports world, making them valuable additions to any trading card collection.
In the realm of football card submissions, two rising stars have caught the attention of collectors. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has seen a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to the previous year, highlighting his growing popularity among fans. Following closely behind Fields is Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback, whose submissions have seen a significant 98% increase. Both Fields and Lawrence have captured the imagination of football fans, and their cards have become highly sought after among collectors.
Surprisingly, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also experienced a surge in card submissions, which could be attributed to his publicized relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. Kelce’s popularity both on and off the field has contributed to the growing interest in his trading cards.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama’s rookie cards have made a splash, attracting the attention of collectors. For football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy are leading in rookie card submissions, showcasing the rising stars’ potential in the NFL. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman have emerged as top choices for collectors seeking rookie cards. These young athletes represent the future of their respective sports, and their rookie cards hold great potential for investment and enjoyment.
As the trading card industry continues to flourish, athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence have become prominent figures, capturing the hearts of fans and the eyes of collectors. Whether it’s the legendary status of Michael Jordan or the buzz surrounding new rookie sensations, these athletes and their trading cards showcase the ongoing fascination with sports memorabilia. So, keep an eye out for the next big thing in the world of trading cards, as the industry shows no signs of slowing down.