In the world of sports card collecting, 2023 has been an exciting year, with PSA and ISA continuing to dominate the industry. Recently, PSA unveiled the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions, and leading the list is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Fresh off signing a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani’s cards have become highly sought after, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card. As a result, he tops the charts as the most submitted athlete to PSA this year, securing four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani takes the lead, basketball legend Michael Jordan is still a prominent figure in card submissions. His 1990 Fleer card remains a favorite among collectors. The top 10 athletes in card submissions for the year also include Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
When it comes to the most graded sports cards of 2023, Ohtani continues to dominate. Alongside his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, his 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards have also garnered significant attention. Other notable cards in the top 10 list include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz card and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card.
In the football card submissions, it’s been an exciting year for young quarterbacks. Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields has experienced a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to 2022, followed closely by Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence with a 98% increase. The popularity of these rising stars has propelled them to the forefront of the sports card collecting world. Additionally, Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce has also seen a significant growth in card submissions, which might be influenced by his public relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. In the basketball realm, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the way as the most submitted rookie cards. In football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy claim the top spots, showcasing the excitement surrounding these young talents. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman are the top names among the most submitted rookie cards.
As the sports card industry continues to thrive, it’s no surprise that athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, and the rising stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence are in high demand among collectors. Whether it’s the legacy of established legends or the anticipation of promising rookies, the world of trading cards remains a captivating and fast-paced pursuit for enthusiasts worldwide.
