Shohei Ohtani continues to dominate the sports card industry in 2023 with his record-breaking success on and off the field. The MLB superstar, who recently signed a historic $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has also claimed the top spot in grading submissions for this year. Ohtani’s popularity is evident in the high demand for his cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, making him the most submitted athlete to grading companies PSA and ISA.
Not far behind Ohtani is the iconic Michael Jordan, whose presence remains strong in the world of trading cards. Collectors still rave about Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card, ensuring his place in the top 10 athletes with the most grading submissions for 2023.
The full list of the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 includes an exciting mix of sporting legends and rising stars:
1. Shohei Ohtani
2. Michael Jordan
3. Julio Rodriguez
4. Trevor Lawrence
5. Joe Burrow
6. Tom Brady
7. Kobe Bryant
8. LeBron James
9. Ken Griffey Jr.
10. Patrick Mahomes II
Unsurprisingly, Ohtani also dominates the most graded sports cards of 2023, claiming four spots in the top 10. His 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards continue to be highly sought after. Joining Ohtani in the top 10 are cards like the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the legendary 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.
In the realm of football card submissions, the standout performers are Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields and Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. Fields has experienced a remarkable 119% increase in grading submissions compared to the previous year, showcasing his growing popularity among collectors. Following closely behind is Lawrence, with a notable 98% increase in submissions.
Interestingly, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also seen a significant rise in card submissions. This surge could potentially be influenced by his public relationship with renowned artist and musician, Taylor Swift, fostering a connection between music and sports enthusiasts.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack, representing the exciting future of the NBA. In football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy are the rookies making waves among collectors. For baseball enthusiasts, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman stand out as the most submitted rookie cards.
As the sports card industry continues to thrive, these grading submissions reflect the ever-changing landscape of popular athletes and rookie sensations. With Shohei Ohtani at the forefront and newcomers like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence gaining momentum, the world of trading cards remains an exciting realm for collectors and fans alike.
