
Shohei Ohtani, the MLB sensation known for his dual-threat prowess on the field, has now extended his dominance to the realm of collectibles. The recent “Holy Grails” auction, a collaboration between Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, witnessed Ohtani’s rookie card smashing records and rewriting the history books.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Ohtani’s distinct 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card, which fetched a jaw-dropping $336,000. This astonishing sale obliterated the previous record for an Ohtani card set at $312,000 back in December 2021. The exponential surge in the card’s value is evident when comparing it to past sales, with the same card commanding a mere $4,800 in May 2019 and a noteworthy $62,730 in October 2021. Sotheby’s initial estimates of the card’s worth, ranging between $80,000 and $120,000, were blown out of the water, thanks to Ohtani’s exceptional on-field achievements, including a historic 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of collectibles, expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card, labeling it as the highlight of the auction. The card’s placement as lot one further underscored its significance and allure to collectors and enthusiasts present at the event.
The prestigious gathering at Harlem Parish, a repurposed church turned into an elegant venue, saw the presence of notable personalities like NFL icon Tom Brady, alongside New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, YouTube sensation Logan Paul, and hip-hop artist Meek Mill. Kraft’s notable purchase of a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000 added to the evening’s excitement and headlines.
Beyond Ohtani’s card, the auction also witnessed significant sales, including Elly De La Cruz’s 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card, which commanded a substantial $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s record-setting figure.
However, the pinnacle of the evening arrived with the auction of a 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring basketball legends Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This unique card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from both icons’ jerseys, garnered an astonishing $780,000, marking the highest bid of the night.
The “Holy Grails” auction served as a congregation of some of the rarest and most coveted sports memorabilia, with Ohtani’s groundbreaking sale setting the stage for an evening brimming with unparalleled bids and iconic items that captivated both collectors and sports enthusiasts alike.