There has been a mad rush of collectors and dealers looking for Shohei Ohtani baseball cards since he revealed himself to the world of MLB. His performance is that of a major league unicorn from Japan who has sent baseball historians racing to the record books. Owing to his ability to be both a pitcher and batter, he brings back Babe Ruth days for Major League fans. With that also come priceless rookie cards. 

A rookie card’s worth is based on a number of variables, including the player’s popularity and success. Another factor is the card’s rarity and its condition. This one in particular that has caught the attention of the internet amounts to a fortune. Could this mean something amid a historic free agency?

Why Does This Rare Artifact Costs So Much?

Earlier today, @ericwhiteback tweeted an Ohtani artifact that has stirred up the internet. The nuances of this are iconic, and also exorbitantly priced. It is the sole copy of Shohei Ohtani’s rookie Bowman Chrome card adorned with a Kanji signature that is currently in circulation. The estimated value of the card is $250,000. The price does justice to the card considering its value. 

There are only a few folks in the history of sport whose rookie cards have made it to the list of most expensive ones. Shohei Ohtani’s might just be getting there yet again. As per a 2022 article by Bleacher Report, some names already on the list were Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman and San Francisco Giants’ Buster Posey. In the 2nd position stood the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way-phenom alongside Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mike Trout. With that now, fans are eyeing this Bowman Chrome card with drooling mouths. 

Shohei Ohtani’s Rookie Card Stirred Up The Internet

While some fans feel this is overpriced, some are adamant that it stands a value much higher than the estimate. No matter which side the truth leans on, this rookie card is one of a kind. Not only is the internet abuzz with the iconic photo but also the literary marvel, a Kanji signature. 

As the 29-year-old is the most talked about player across two continents, his prowess spreads way beyond the diamond. Here’s what the fans had to say.

One fan commented about Ohtani’s autograph describing it as “Really nice.”

Another fan remarked on the estimated price shown in the tweet. 

Some fans even pushed it a notch up to a million. 

There was also one fan who described that card as a “Dream card.”

While some fans ridiculed people paying so much, one fan called it beautiful. 

Given that there are already so many valuable Shohei rookie cards available in the market, one can’t help but merely conjecture the valuation. 

Read More: Angels ‘Legend’ Who Made Way for Shohei Ohtani Sees Surprising Career Revival Half a Decade Later

In the thick of approaching a historic free agency, the interest people have shown in this rookie card is proof that Ohtani is no common lad yet again!

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