Shohei Ohtani’s unparalleled dominance on the baseball field is now transcending into the realm of collectibles. The recent “Holy Grails” auction hosted in Harlem was a testament to Ohtani’s skyrocketing status, with his 2018 Topps Chrome Sapphire Autographs Superfractor rookie card stealing the show by fetching a staggering $336,000. This remarkable sale not only shattered the previous Ohtani card record of $312,000 but also showcased the exponential growth in the card’s value, having been sold for just $4,800 in 2019.
The bidding frenzy surrounding Ohtani’s card defied expectations, with Sotheby’s originally valuing it between $80,000 and $120,000. However, Ohtani’s historic achievements on the field, including hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single MLB season, propelled the final bidding price far beyond anyone’s predictions. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of collectibles, even expressed his admiration for the Ohtani card, highlighting its significance by placing it as the first lot of the evening.
The star-studded event saw the presence of renowned personalities such as NFL icon Tom Brady, who caused a stir by acquiring a Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card for $120,000. Seated next to Brady was the New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, further adding to the night’s buzz with his notable purchase.
In addition to Ohtani and Brady’s card sales, other notable transactions included the auction of a 2022 Bowman Chrome 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph Superfractor card belonging to emerging MLB talent Elly De La Cruz, which fetched an impressive $360,000, surpassing Ohtani’s record-breaking sale.
However, the pinnacle of the evening came with the sale of a rare 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 the jerseys of both iconic players, commanded a jaw-dropping $780,000, solidifying its status as the highest bid of the night.
The “Holy Grails” auction successfully curated an exceptional collection of sports memorabilia, showcasing some of the most sought-after items in the industry. Ohtani’s historic card sale set the stage for an evening filled with exhilarating bids and unforgettable acquisitions, making it a landmark event in the world of sports collectibles.
