(LOT 127)
2013 BBM 2nd Version #M7 Shohei Ohtani Rookie Memorabilia Patch (#4/20) PSA 8 NM-MT
Already known worldwide as only a senior in high school, Shohei Ohtani was one of the most sought-after ballplayers that the game has ever seen. Intent on becoming the first Japanese player to jump from high school to the Major Leagues, Ohtani has all thirty MLB teams salivating, but the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters took a long-shot gamble and landed the two-way pitcher/slugger. For five seasons, Ohtani honed his skills at the plate and on the mound for Hokkaido posting a .286 batting average with 48 homers and 166 RBIs, but he also went 42-15 with a 2.52 ERA, seven shutouts and 624 strikeouts. In 2016, Ohtani led the Ham Fighters to the Japanese Series championship and was named the Pacific League MVP. He broke into the big league in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels batting .285 with 22 homers while posting a 4-2 mound record in Anaheim. He was named 2018 AL Rookie of the Year and has since captured two AL MVP awards (2021 & '23).

Offered is a 2013 BBM 2nd Version #M7 Shohei Ohtani Rookie Memorabilia Patch (#4/20) PSA 8 NM-MT example, of which there are only a mere six issues encapsulated by PSA. This PSA 8 copy is a POP 2 with only a pair of examples graded higher. This horizontal rookie-era release of the Japanese phenom offered incredible color and imagery as Ohtani unleashes one of his 99-mph fastballs. Razor-sharp edging and corners, bright, bold colors and surfaces that remain free of flaws, this is one of the finest ever offered for auction. The "F" Fighters patch appears to originate from the left sleeve of Shohei's Hokkaido jersey with the black air-knit still intact beneath the patch. This is a truly awesome piece of baseball memorabilia that sports card enthusiasts will covet.

MIN BID $2,500
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