In the world of sports card collecting, grading companies PSA and ISA have continued their reign in 2023. PSA recently revealed the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, showcasing the ongoing popularity of the industry. Leading the list is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose recent record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers has made him a highly sought-after figure. Ohtani, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, has become the most submitted athlete to PSA this year, propelling him to the top spot. In fact, Ohtani holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023, solidifying his dominance in the collecting world.
While Ohtani steals the spotlight, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. His iconic 1990 Fleer card continues to be a favorite among collectors, securing him the second spot on the list. Following these two powerhouses are up-and-coming athletes like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, and Tom Brady, who are continuously proving their worth in the industry. Additionally, basketball stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, along with baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. and football sensation Patrick Mahomes II, round out the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023.
As for the most graded sports cards of 2023, several of Ohtani’s cards make an appearance, including the 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285. Fans and collectors alike are eager to get their hands on these rare pieces of memorabilia. Joining Ohtani are other notable cards like the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie, showcasing the timeless appeal of certain card designs.
In the football realm, there has been a notable rise in card submissions for Chicago Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields, with a remarkable 119% increase compared to 2022. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence, who has seen a 98% rise in card submissions. These up-and-coming stars are capturing the attention of collectors and fans alike, as their potential for future success adds value to their trading cards. Furthermore, Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce has also seen significant growth in submissions, which could be attributed to his public relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, garnering him additional attention outside of the football world.
Rookie cards, as always, continue to dominate the grading submissions across sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama stand out as the top rookie card submissions, showcasing their potential as future stars of the NBA. In football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy lead the pack, with collectors hoping to get their hands on these promising players’ early cards. Finally, in baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman top the list for the most submitted rookie cards, solidifying their status as players to watch in the MLB.
As the year progresses and new stars emerge, the sports card industry continues to thrive. Collectors eagerly await the next big thing, whether it’s a record-breaking contract, a rising star, or a rare rookie card. With each submission, these trading cards become more than just pieces of cardboard – they become a valuable piece of sports history.