2018 Topps Triple Threads Autograph Relics Shohei Ohtani Up for Auction
Fresh off his second World Series win and headed to what will likely be his fourth MVP award, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani is atop the world of baseball. The success of Ohtani on the mound and at the plate has translated beyond the diamond for collectors.
Holding key cards of the international phenomenon is worth big money, and one lucky collector is selling a rare, autographed relic at Goldin Auctions.
After being a five-time All-Star and Pacific League MVP in Nippon Professional Baseball, in 2018 Ohtani began his assault on Major League Baseball. Signing with the Los Angeles Angels, the California ballclub quickly put all Ohtani’s talents to use, which led to American League Rookie of the Year honors.
In 2018, Ohtani hit .285 with 22 home runs and had 61 RBI. Starting 10 games on the mound, Ohtani pitched 51.2 innings, producing a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA.
As Ohtani was winning over American baseball fans, Topps jumped on the superstar, releasing high-end cards. In the 263-card 2018 Topps Triple Threads Autograph Relics set, nine different short print cards were released, each with a relic. The various relic parallels included Wood, Sapphire, Ruby, Printing Plates Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black; all but the Sapphire (/3) are 1-of-1s.
During a Goldin Auctions event on Aug. 10, a 2018 Topps Triple Threads Autograph Relics Sapphire #TTARSO1 Shohei Ohtani /3 BGS 9.5 sold for $23,241 after 45 bids with a buyer’s premium.
Ending Thursday, November 6, at 10 PM ET, collectors have a chance to bring home a 2018 Topps Triple Threads Autograph Relics #TTAR-SO1 Shohei Ohtani Rookie Card SN 10/18 BGS Gem Mint 9.5. Bidders have run the value up to $11,300 thus far.
Buyers can skip to the front of the line to own their own 2018 Topps Triple Threads Autograph Relics #TTAR-SO1 Shohei Ohtani 7/10 BGS 9.5 via eBay. The seller has the card listed for $23,000.
Man i remember the good old days when topps actually cared about the esthetics of the sticker autographs they used. These cards don’t look terrible like fanatics/topps current sticker autographs.