Shohei Ohtani, the electrifying MLB superstar and newly signed Los Angeles Dodgers player, continues to dominate the world of card grading in 2023. With his record-breaking $700 million contract, Ohtani’s popularity has surged, making his cards highly sought after by collectors. Among his most coveted cards is the 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, which has become a staple in many collections. As a result, Ohtani is the most submitted athlete to PSA this year and holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani steals the spotlight, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. Collectors still flock to his iconic 1990 Fleer card, making it a favorite in the industry. The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 also include rising stars like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, and household names like Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
In addition to the top athletes, the most graded sports cards of 2023 feature several standout pieces from Shohei Ohtani’s collection. His 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards have garnered significant attention from collectors. Other notable cards include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie, which continue to hold their value and captivate enthusiasts.
The world of football card submissions also witnessed remarkable growth in 2023. Justin Fields, the dynamic quarterback for the Chicago Bears, experienced a staggering 119% increase in submissions compared to the previous year. Not far behind, Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ talented QB, saw a 98% increase in card submissions. Their promising careers and potential have clearly captured the attention of football lovers and collectors alike.
Another significant player who garnered attention was Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce’s submissions saw a noticeable surge, potentially influenced by his public relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift. Such connections between athletes and pop culture icons often create a buzz in the industry and drive trading card interest.
Rookie cards continue to dominate grading submissions in all sports. In basketball, the top rookie card submissions feature exciting prospects like Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, who have captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. Similarly, football enthusiasts have been particularly keen on rookie cards from rising stars Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy, who have shown tremendous potential. Finally, in baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman have risen to the top as the most submitted rookie cards, captivating collectors with their promising careers.
In conclusion, the world of card grading in 2023 has been shaped by the outstanding performances and significant milestones achieved by athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, Julio Rodriguez, and more. The industry has also witnessed the emergence of exciting young talents like Justin Fields, Trevor Lawrence, and promising rookies across various sports. As the year progresses, fans and collectors eagerly await the next wave of remarkable cards that will captivate their imagination and add value to their treasured collections.
