In the fast-paced world of sports, athletes rise and fall, their reputations immortalized in trading cards. As the leading sports card grading company, ISA (International Sports Authentication) takes great pride in representing the card-collecting community. With the year 2023 well underway, ISA unveils the top athlete card submissions, showcasing a dynamic mix of legendary icons and emerging talents.
At the zenith of the card submissions is none other than Major League Baseball’s superstar, Shohei Ohtani. Known for his incredible ability both on the pitcher’s mound and at the batter’s plate, Ohtani recently secured a jaw-dropping $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s no surprise that his cards have flooded ISA’s grading process, making him the most submitted athlete of 2023.
Ohtani’s dominance is evident as he claims an impressive four spots in the top ten most graded sports cards. From his explosive pitching prowess to his lightning-fast swing, his multifaceted skills have captured the attention of both seasoned collectors and enthusiastic fans alike.
While Ohtani reigns supreme in the realm of baseball, basketball legend Michael Jordan refuses to be overshadowed. Even decades after his retirement, Jordan’s cards continue to captivate collectors. As one of the most iconic figures in sports history, he holds a firm position on the list of ISA’s top athlete card submissions for 2023.
In addition to Ohtani and Jordan, other notable athletes who feature prominently in the world of card submissions include Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and the rising European basketball star, Victor Wembanyama.
Notably, Wembanyama has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in basketball, drawing comparisons to legendary players like Kevin Durant. With his extraordinary height, skill, and versatility, it comes as no surprise that his cards are highly sought after by collectors. Wembanyama’s inclusion in the list of top card submissions for 2023 is a testament to his rising prominence in the world of basketball.
While baseball and basketball take the spotlight, football also makes its mark in ISA’s top athlete card submissions for 2023. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has experienced an impressive 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year. Fields’ electrifying performances on the field have undoubtedly contributed to his surge in popularity among collectors.
Not far behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has also seen a significant 98% increase in card submissions. As a highly-touted prospect, Lawrence’s entry into the NFL garnered tremendous attention, translating into a surge of interest in his trading cards.
Adding a unique twist to the football card submissions is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. While his on-field achievements are undoubtedly remarkable, Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift has undoubtedly played a role in the increasing demand for his cards. Collectors aspire to own a piece of the Kelce-Swift connection, making the tight end’s cards a hot commodity.
It’s not just the well-established stars that attract the attention of collectors; rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. In the world of basketball, Paolo Banchero and the aforementioned Victor Wembanyama have emerged as the frontrunners in rookie card submissions, displaying the immense potential they possess.
In football, future stars like Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy have secured their place at the forefront of rookie card submissions. These rookies hold the hopes of both their respective teams and eager collectors, who seek to uncover the next breakout athlete.
Baseball also boasts a crop of rising stars, with Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman leading the charge in rookie card submissions. These young talents have ignited excitement in the baseball community, making their cards highly coveted among collectors.
ISA is thrilled to continue providing its top-notch grading services to these remarkable athletes and many more. As the world of sports continues to evolve, ISA remains at the forefront of documenting and preserving these iconic moments through the medium of sports cards.
