Welcome to the latest column from RIPPED news editor/senior writer Greg Bates. Each month, he examines The Hobby’s current and emerging trends and offers expert opinions on all things collecting.
Shohei Ohtani just capped off one of the best individual seasons in MLB history.
The Japanese sensation did the unthinkable in his first year in Dodger Blue, becoming the first player in the game’s 150-year history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. He followed up his ridiculous regular season with a postseason to remember, paving the way for the Dodgers to win their eighth World Series title — Ohtani’s first championship as a pro.
Just like how Babe Ruth captivated baseball fans in the 1920s and ’30s, Ohtani has revolutionized the game around the globe.
Nothing better exemplifies Ohtani’s worldwide appeal than the recent sale of his historic 50th home run baseball that made him the inaugural member of the 50-50 club. The ball sold at auction through Goldin for $4.392 million; that is a record price for a ball from any sport. The baseball was purchased by the Taiwan-based company UC Capital Ltd. Goldin CEO and founder Ken Goldin told me the day after the sale that there were bidders from four countries. Ohtani’s international appeal is incredible.
Along with game-used memorabilia, interest in Ohtani cards is at an all-time high. According to Will Stern with cllct Media, third-party grading giants PSA has graded 150,000 Ohtani cards in 2024. That is up from 11,000 Ohtani graded cards in 2021. The 2018 Bowman base card (No. 49) is Ohtani’s most graded card by PSA at 27,700. Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Update (No. US1) has been slabbed 23,500 by PSA.
PSA also told cllct that Ohtani cards have increased in value by a whopping 840% since ’21. Boy, I wish I could turn back the clock three years to pick up some big Ohtani cards. But collectors in the U.S. and overseas snatched those up long ago.
There’s a prevailing thought with collectors that the best time to buy a player’s cards is during their sport’s offseason — or if they are injured. Prices will have settled and a player’s on-field play won’t dictate their cards values. However, with Ohtani, I don’t think there will be a slow point with his cards. There are too many collectors spanning the globe constantly picking up items of the face of baseball.
If you are looking to buy, act fast and choose wisely between so many great Ohtani Topps and Bowman circulating in The Hobby.
Jayden is The Man
The legend of Jayden Daniels keeps growing every time he steps onto the football field.
What happened last weekend has spurred the Washington quarterback into rare air. In a battle of the top two picks from last April’s draft, Daniels outlasted No. 1 overall selection Caleb Williams thanks to an improbable converted Hail Mary.
Down by three points to visiting Chicago, just a few seconds left on the clock, and on its side of the 50-yard line, Washington needed a miracle. With four receivers set up near the end zone, Daniels flung a pass 63 yards in the air. (Remembering playing the game 500 during recess in middle school? It was very similar to that.) As a Chicago player back-tapped the ball at the 2, Washington wide receiver Noah Brown waited in the end zone to nab the deflection. Bedlam ensued at the stadium.
Just a few days before Washington’s most memorable victory in decades, I spoke with a number of hobby shop owners about the collecting hype surrounding Daniels. Shops in the D.C. area have been getting slammed with requests for Daniels cards and autographs. I can’t imagine the hysteria and water cooler chatter on Monday after the Hail Mary heard round the league.
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, appears to be the real deal. Washington collectors can rejoice that the franchise made the right decision in selecting the LSU superstar.
Mr. Daniels Goes to Washington has been the best show halfway into this season. But just wait for Daniels’ next act. I’m sure it’s going to be just as electrifying.
Drop me a line at gbates@collectfanatics.com and let me know your thoughts on Ohtani and Daniels cards. I’ll share some collectors’ thoughts in my column next month.
RIPPED news editor/senior writer Greg Bates writes a monthly column exploring the trends of The Hobby. Prior to joining Fanatics, Bates was a freelance writer for 10 years for Sports Collectors Digest.
