Shohei Ohtani’s star continues to shine not just on the baseball field, but also in the realm of rare collectibles. At the groundbreaking “Holy Grails” auction hosted by Fanatics Collect and Sotheby’s, Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card stole the show by fetching an impressive $336,000. This sale shattered previous records and highlighted Ohtani’s skyrocketing popularity in the sports collectibles market.
The remarkable journey of Ohtani’s card saw it evolve from a $4,800 purchase in May 2019 to a staggering $336,000 sale in the recent auction. Sotheby’s initial estimate of $80,000 to $120,000 paled in comparison to the final hammer price, a testament to Ohtani’s outstanding on-field success, including his historic 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one MLB season.
Among the star-studded audience at the converted Harlem Parish event space were notable figures like Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, Logan Paul, and Meek Mill. In a headline-grabbing moment, Robert Kraft made waves by acquiring a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for a cool $120,000, showcasing his passion for sports memorabilia.
The auction also witnessed significant sales beyond Ohtani’s record-breaking card. A 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card of up-and-coming MLB talent Elly De La Cruz commanded an impressive $360,000, surpassing even Ohtani’s notable sale.
However, the pinnacle of the evening came with the jaw-dropping bid for the 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring basketball icons Michael Jordan and Julius Erving. This exclusive card, adorned with game-used NBA logo patches from both legends’ jerseys, sold for a staggering $780,000, solidifying its status as a true sports memorabilia gem.
The “Holy Grails” auction provided a platform for some of the rarest and most sought-after sports collectibles to exchange hands, with Ohtani’s record-setting sale marking a sensational start to the event. Shohei Ohtani’s card, along with Robert Kraft’s notable acquisition, added excitement and glamour to a night filled with iconic items and remarkable bids, further emphasizing the enduring allure of sports memorabilia in the world of auctions.
